Bodyworx 7#2

SPECIAL EDITION OF

THE RISE OF MIXED MATERIALS

BODYWORX THE VOICE OF COLLISION REPAIR TECHS & PAINTERS

PROFESSIONAL

All Canadian

Concept

APMA’s Project Arrow design finalists revealed

ENDLESS

Enhancement Lovens Kenley Toussaint is prepared to be an autobody encyclopedia

Let’s Talk

Layoffs Understanding the law is a must in crisis

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CONTENTS

06

>>>

DRIVEN AND DEVOTED For Lovens Kenley Toussaint, bodywork is pure passion

SPECIAL EDITION OF

15

THE RISE OF MIXED MATERIALS

BODYWORX

24

THE VOICE OF COLLISION REPAIR TECHS & PAINTERS

PROFESSIONAL

All Canadian

Concept

APMA’s Project Arrow design finalists revealed

ENDLESS

Enhancement Lovens Kenley Toussaint is prepared to be an autobody encyclopedia

Let’s Talk

Layoffs Understanding the law is a must in crisis

+Plus PAINTING PERFECT GRAPHIC FLAMES | SYA’S SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS | ONTARIO’S NEWEST TOOL GRANT AND MUCH, MUCH MORE! Visit bodyworxmag.com Summer 2020 l $7.95 l Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40841632 l 86 John Street, Thornhill, ON L3T 1Y2

ON THE COVER Lovens Kenley Toussaint, a technician for CARSTAR’s MW Group

18

REGULARS 04 PUBLISHER’S PAGE

By Darryl Simmons

24 LABOUR, LAYOFFS AND THE LAW

By Ronald Snyder

28 TRAINING

By Ben Hart

30 FINAL DETAIL

15 PRAIRIE PRIDE

Winners of this year’s SYA trades scholarship!

18 ALL CANADIAN CONCEPT

See the three blueprints selected for APMA’s Project Arrow design!

By Allison Rogers

SUMMER 2020 | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL 3

>>>

PUBLISHER’S PAGE

BODYWORX THE VOICE OF COLLISION REPAIR TECHS & PAINTERS

PROFESSIONAL

POSITIONED TO THRIVE

PUBLISHER Darryl Simmons 647.409.7070 publisher@collisionrepairmag.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Allison Rogers allison@mediamatters.ca

The collision sector’s endless optimism will prevail

BY DARRYL SIMMONS

STAFF WRITERS Maddy Kylie maddy@mediamatters.ca Sophie Price sophie@mediamatters.ca ART DIRECTOR Yvonne Corvers yvonne@mediamatters.ca

I

t is all too easy to succumb to pessimism in crisis—yet the collision repair sector has never once let its optimism falter.

Seeing the collision repairers weather this storm has been nothing short of inspiring.

Where much of the public sees a spiraling crisis, this industry has found opportunity.

Each corner of the industry has been working hard to ensure we emerge stronger than ever— and those on the repairing front lines have been integral to these operations.

Every change has been taken in stride. As facility owners implemented social-distance procedures like virtual claims and photo estimation processes, employees have adjusted without hesitation.

Even as slowdowns cascaded upon the country, collision repairers remained optimistic.

Technicians were more than ready to hit the books, and countless dedicated professionals have taken the time to brush up on their skills and ensure post-pandemic success. Similarly, organizations from virtually every repair vertical have stormed the internet with informative webinars and training opportunities.

Those in the bodyshop are the ones serving on the collision front lines; the ones tasked with following the ever-changing bevy of protocols tossed their direction; the ones ensuring Canadian drivers see their vehicles restored to pre-accident conditions and stay safe and healthy in the process.

After this is all over—whenever that may be—collision repair will be forever changed.

The industry has been forced to create spurof-the-moment solutions that could follow us in the years, or decades to come.

Each corner of the industry has been working hard to ensure we emerge stronger than ever— and those on the repairing front lines have been integral to these operations.

The sector will not only survive; it will thrive. If this pandemic has proven anything, it has been the passion for the collision repair trade—and that, combined with pride in providing quality repairs, is the Bodyworx Professional recipe for skill.

I commend every repairer serving the Canadian public amid the pandemic. Your passion for bodywork is unmistakably apparent and will never go unnoticed by this magazine.

You are all everyday heroes.

44 BODYWORXMAG.COM BODYWORXMAG.COM || BODYWORX BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL

VP OF INDUSTRY RELATIONS & ADVERTISING Gloria Mann 647.998.5677 advertising@collisionrepairmag.com DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS SOLUTIONS Ellen Smith 416.312.7446 ellen@mediamatters.ca DIGITAL OPERATIONS MANAGER Cassie Doyle cassie@mediamatters.ca CONTRIBUTORS Cecile Bukmeier, Ben Hart, Kelly Roberts, Ronald M. Snyder

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Bodyworx Professional ™ is published quarterly, and is

dedicated to serving the professionals of the collision repair industry. It is published by Media Matters Inc. Material in Bodyworx Professional ™ may not be reproduced in any form without written consent from the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising and disclaims all responsibilities for claims or statements made by its advertisers or independent columnists. All facts, opinions, statements appearing in this publication are those of the writers and editors themselves, and are in no way to be construed as statements, positions or endorsements by the publisher.

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>>> ON THE COVER

BETTER AND BETTER Perseverance and passion are what drive Lovens Kenley Toussaint

From left to right: Maxime Waked, owner of the CARSTAR MW Group, Lovens and Pierre luc Tremblay, co-owner of CARSTAR Marche, one of the group’s three facilities.

“I personally love challenges—I see them as hurdles. I believe it’s all about taking the time to adjust and learn what really needs to be done to complete a job properly.”

BY ALLISON ROGERS

I

n collision repair, the combination of passion, hard work and skill will position you for success.

Lovens Kenley Toussaint, a technician for CARSTAR’s MW Group, is living proof of this sentiment.

A lifelong auto enthusiast, Lovens originally embarked on a career in automotive engineering. Eager to begin his path, he began studying bodywork in school.

6 BODYWORXMAG.COM | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

“I thought the fastest way to get where I wanted to be was to start learning about bodywork and mechanics—you know, understand all the basics first,” Lovens told Bodyworx Professional. “But I ended up absolutely loving bodywork and I’ve never looked back.”

Now seven years into his automotive career, Lovens is a highly devoted bodyman.

He’s worked for a variety of bodyshops in the Montreal area, carefully developing his

ON THE COVER

>>>

Lovens Kenley Toussaint is fiercely dedicated when it comes to improving his craft; he says every challenge he faces is merely a hurdle to greater success.

“I thought the fastest way to get where I wanted to be was to start learning about bodywork and mechanics—you know, understand all the basics first.

But I ended up absolutely loving bodywork once I started school.”

craft and tackling every new opportunity with a smile on his face.

The self-motivated bodyman, who has spent the last two years working with the CARSTAR MW Group in Montreal, is firmly focused on improving his skills and being the absolute best technician he can be.

Despite his optimism and contagious positivity, Lovens says he hasn’t always been the favourite on the shop floor. Like many other technicians, he’s had to work hard to demonstrate his skills in the industry.

“I really had to prove my passion when I first started out,” he said. “I wasn’t ‘the loved one’ off that bat—but once I got the chance to prove my skills and show that I was eager to learn more, I was able to pave my way in the industry.”

Lovens has continued proving his talent. He says every problem thrown his way is merely a hurdle along the track to greater success.

“I personally love challenges,” he said. “I believe it’s all about taking the time to adjust

Lovens has worked for a variety of bodyshops in the Montreal area, and has spent the last two years with Montreal’s CARSTAR MW Group.

SUMMER 2020 | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL 7

>>> ON THE COVER

“I want to be an encyclopedia when it comes to my trade.”

and learn what really needs to be done to complete the job properly. Take what’s happening right now—nobody is used to working in a pandemic situation. We’re constantly washing our hands, maintaining two metres apart on the floor and whatnot. It’s new, and it can be a bit hard to keep track of everything, but we don’t have a choice. We always have to adjust and move forward.”

While Lovens feels he’s laid a solid framework for his career thus far, the humble tech says he’s always finding ways to improve his craft.

“I’m pretty good at what I do, but I know I can always be better. I’ve been spending some pandemic down time practicing my welding, but I’m really focused on broadening my range of skills. Especially learning more about paint, and mechanics. I want to be an encyclopedia when it comes to my trade.”

And he’s prepared to be an open book for his more inexperienced coworkers.

“I want to be able to share what I’ve learned and help others achieve everything I’ve been able to thus far,” he said. “To be someone they can turn to for support and assistance when they’re facing a challenge.”

For his fellow techs weathering this crisis, Lovens says determination is key.

“Stay motivated. In this industry, so many people try and run to finish things as quickly as possible. Take the time to learn the basics and build from there—once you nail those, you’ll be able to do everything a bit more quickly. And, of course—never give up.”

8 BODYWORXMAG.COM | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

The dedicated CARSTAR tech initially embarked for a career in automotive engineering but fell in love with bodywork after starting school.

>>>

IN THE HEADLIGHTS

INDUSTRY DONATIONS BY DESIGN Fiat Centro Stile design studio has launched a new charity project supporting Italian children affected by the coronavirus. The company is selling 136 different high-resolution sketches of Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat Professional, Jeep and Lancia models at roughly CAD$22, with proceeds going toward Save the Children, a global charity dedicated to bettering the lives of today’s youth. The campaign will provide materials, education, opportunities and hope to 100,000 Italian children affected by the illness. The Alfa Romeo designs available range from a 1958 Alfetta 158 racer to Giulia GTA and also the GTV 6 and the 75 1.8 Turbo TCC racer. Fiat designs are the Abarth Fiat, and Fiat Professional, as well as the 1972 Abarth 124 Spyder and 900E van. The Jeep designs are the 1942 Willys MB and the 1956 Jeep Forward Control. The Lancia designs have the Stratos and Delta Integrale, as well as the Aurelia B20 GT and a Fulvia GT. Sketches can be purchased from the e-commerce merchandising platform of each respective brand.

NOT ENOUGH PPE

OEMS ON GLASS

Since the onset of the pandemic healthcare workers have struggled with shortages of personal protective equipment, and now the automotive industry has run into the same problem. A survey conducted by Collision Repair, found that 50 percent of shops said they were struggling due to a lack of PPE resulting in minor business disruptions, 33.3 percent of shops were reusing some types of PPE but were able to operate as normal and 16.6 percent of shops had no problem finding PPE. Many shops have reverted to using fabric and dust masks to protect themselves—similar to those used by the general public. Additionally, several shops have had to replace certain products that could be harmful to eliminate the risk.

Ford has reiterated its position on the use of aftermarket auto glass, stating it “does not approve” of its use in repairs. In a recent statement, Ford maintained that “the quality, performance and safety of aftermarket replacement windshields and side glass may not meet Ford Motor Company’s specifications and can result in safety features not working properly.” For these reasons, it says “only…Ford Original Equipment Carlite replacement glass can assure the fit, function, safety and structural integrity of the repair.”

FLYING HOODS For the fourth time, Nissan recalled a massive amount of Altima sedans in both Canada and the United States to fix a latch problem that may cause the hood to fly open while vehicles are in motion.

This recall will include nearly 1.9 million vehicles, reported the Associated Press. The previous recalls covered Altima sedans from the 2013- 2015 model years, and while they’re once again part of the recall, the automaker expanded the campaign to cover 2016-2018 models as well. The problem is said to originate in a secondary hood latch that can lose the integrity of its coating over time. If the coating deteriorates, it will leave nothing but metal, which can rust and as a consequence the latch may pop open.

Should the main latch not close properly, the secondary latch won’t do its job and the hood could fly open while driving.

MILLIONS MADE Toyota Canada says it “takes pride in every vehicle built,” but, on May 27, a very special vehicle rolled off of the Cambridge, Ontario assembly line. The vehicle—a Lexus RX 450h hybrid luxury SUV—is the nine millionth build assembled by Toyota Canada, marking a milestone in the automaker’s 30-year history in Canada. Since 1988, Toyota Canada has grown as a major employer in Southwestern Ontario, with two lines in Cambridge and a third line in Woodstock, employing more than 8,500 hourly workers throughout the facilities.

On May 27, 2020 TMMC executives and Team Members pose next to the nine millionth vehicle produced–a 2020 Lexus RX 450h hybrid luxury SUV–in Cambridge, Ontario.

A GLIMMER OF HOPE DesRosiers Automotive Consultants says Canadian auto sales dropped by 44 percent in May, an improvement from the estimated 74.6 percent decline in April. An estimated 113,224 new light vehicles were sold in May, up from 45,833 sold in April. April was the largest single-month decrease in new vehicle sales on record—the lowest sales total seen in April since 1951, says DAC.

Nissan recalls 2016-2018 models of Altima Sedans due to a pesky latch that may cause hoods to fly open while driving.

10 BODYWORXMAG.COM | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

>>> FINAL DETAIL

IN THE HEADLIGHTS

TRAINING ELYSSA’S ENDOWMENT

Elyssa Wilson of Liscomb, Nova Scotia was the only Canadian the receive the WIN 2020 scholarship.

LEADING LIGHTS The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) has announced its 2020 scholarship recipients. Of this year’s 11 recipients, WIN awarded a $1,000 scholarship to one Canadian student enrolled in the Motor Vehicle Body Repair program at Nova Scotia Community College—Elyssa Wilson. Elyssa began her career in collision repair in May 2019 at Highway 7 Collision Centre in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, where she developed based skills and an understanding of the process and tradeAfter working at Highway 7, Elyssa decided to pursue a collision repair education through Nova Scotia Community College’s Motor Vehicle Body Repair program. Currently, her plan is to complete each apprenticeship level and pass her Red Seal certification exam. She also looks forward to being a role model for other young women that want to work in traditionally male-dominated trades.

The International Bodyshop Industry Symposium (IBIS) has unveiled a new series of leadership-based webcasts to be shared for free online. The series, entitled Leading Lights, will focus on the many different coping strategies for business leaders being proposed amid the pandemic. Each episode will feature a speaker tackling the issues, present solutions and galvanized action around a topic or set of topics relevant to all sectors of the industry, said IBIS in an online release. The first two episodes, now available for free on the IBIS website, feature Federik Bisbjerg, chief strategy and business acceleration officer at Noor Takaful, who discusses the impact the pandemic has had on both insurance companies and bodyshops, and Eric Devos, president of GiPA, who covers COVID consequences for the automotive aftermarket based on GiPA survey data.

BETAG IN THE CLOUDS Betag North America is now offering technicians, managers and business owners the opportunity to meet with its trainers online. The company’s full program of traditional, instructor-led training classes will be available again at 22 regional training centers across the USA and Canada as soon as the current COVID-19 situation allows, BETAG said in a press release. The new Ask our BETAG Trainers service is designed to accommodate the needs of businesses during the coronavirus pandemic era. Trainers will offer industry figures information on an array of topics, including damage analysis, repair methods and equipment set-up. The company says it plans to use live video to enhance the quality of the interactions. Members of the industry interested in participating in the program should email hello@betagnorthamerica.com.

BETAG North America has begun offering online training amid the pandemic.

RETURN TO PROSPERITY

ENSURING ONLINE AUTHENTICITY

Dave Flockhart, chief operating officer of BETAG says facilities could significantly boost their productivity and gross profit margins by embracing a ‘repair first’ mindset post-pandemic. During an Elite Body Shop webinar in May, Flockhart, alongside Dave Luehr, president of Elite Body Shop Solutions, discussed the benefits of embracing a ‘repair first’ mindset in post-pandemic operations. Flockhart said, as the percentage of both total loss vehicles and non-structural repairs continues to increase, business owners should take a look at their staff’s skillsets to ensure they align with their work volumes.

He says business owners often see a concentration of skills when it comes to dealing with total loss and structural damages, but see shortages in other areas. With non-structural repair frequency increasing, Flockhart says business owners should focus on training well-rounded technicians to align themselves for the future. “Look at your current data—your team’s touch times, your work mix, revenues—and understand where you need to be,” he said. “To quote Wayne Gretzky, we want to ‘skate to where the puck is going to be.’”

Most counterfeit parts sales occur online, says Teena Bohi, senior brand protection analyst at Toyota North America. On June 11, Guild 21 hosted a webinar featuring Bohi, Abe Jardines, special agent and national program manager for the U.S. Homeland Security; William “Andy” Forsythe, brand protection and dealer parts loyalty manager for Nissan North America and John Lancaster, national wholesale parts manager for Subaru of America. During the online event Bohi warned viewers that the digital market introduces more hiding places for shady parts sellers. “There’s a lot of things you can hide behind online,” she told the audience. “We see a lot of cases where these sellers are assembling these assorted parts and pieces—sometimes in their homes or garages.” Lancaster reiterated that every part can be counterfeited—from windshield glass to key fobs. The best way body shops can both ensure a part’s authenticity and curb the spread of counterfeit components is to “know your source,” says Lancaster, and report any counterfeit parts to the Automotive Anti-Counterfeit Council.

SUMMER 2020 | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL 11

>>>

IN THE HEADLIGHTS

TECH TRENDS REFINISHING RESPONSE Tesla has introduced a solution for its peeling paint problems just hours after news broke of a Quebec man’s class-action lawsuit against the company.

The Model 3 All-Weather Protection Kit is said to protect vehicles from salt, sand and small debris. The company introduced the product less than 24 hours after a class-action lawsuit against the company had been reported in Quebec; Tesla Model 3 owner Jean-François Bellerose had noticed the black paint peeling on the bottom of doors and rocker panels on his 2019 Model 3 after only six months of use. He contacted Tesla to fix the problem, but Tesla allegedly told Bellerose that the damage is not covered under warranty. The class-action lawsuit filing stipulated that it would cost $4,738 to repair the plaintiff’s Tesla Model 3. Tesla’s peeling paint issue has been long-standing, according to Drive Tesla Canada. Late last year the automaker offered free mud flaps and splash guards to Canadian Tesla owners to prevent and protect against paint chipping.

WORKING TOGETHER

SUPPORTING ONGOING TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS The automotive aftermarket services industry is more technologically advanced than ever before.

During these changing times we are proud to support the ongoing development of talented technicians.

By helping our shops pursue certifications and training, we help ensure their teams have the expertise and skill to repair today’s modern vehicles.

As an essential service we’ve adapted and as a network we will come out stronger together.

On June 10, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen AG signed agreements to work together to meet the needs of their respective customers by leveraging complementary strengths in midsize pickup trucks, commercial vehicles and electric vehicles. The partnership also granted Ford access to use Volkswagen’s electric vehicle architecture and Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB), which will allow them to design and build at least one high-volume fully electric vehicle—available to European customers in 2023.

Volkswagen CEO Dr. Herbert Diess and Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett on July 12, 2019 announce a strategic expansion of the global alliance between their organizations to include electric and autonomous vehicles.

TOO MUCH LIKE HUMANS Conventional thinking suggests self-driving vehicles could one day make car accidents a thing of the past.

However, in reality it is not that simple. According to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), if automated systems drive too much like people—prioritizing speed over safety—they may only prevent around a third of all crashes. To avoid the other two thirds of accidents cars would have to be programmed to drive at lower speeds, making them less convenient to passengers.

12 BODYWORXMAG.COM | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

>>> FINAL DETAIL

IN THE HEADLIGHTS

TECH TRENDS LARGE AND (IN) CHARGED

STRIKING DEALS

The German government has announced that it will require gas stations to offer electric car charging stations. This move may provide a significant boost to EV demand as part of a broader COVID-19 stimulus plan, which includes taxes to penalize owners of large polluting combustion-engine vehicles and a $6,000-euro subsidy toward the cost of an electric vehicle. As part of the government stimulus, 2.5 billion euros will be spent on battery cell production and charging infrastructure.

Tesla has struck a deal to buy cobalt from Glencore, the world’s largest cobalt mining company. The deal stems from Tesla attempting to avoid a future supply squeeze on the key battery material. The material will help to supply Tesla’s new plants in China and Germany. Although cobalt is relatively easy to come by at the moment, in the coming years it is expected to be in high demand with Volkswagen AG and BMW AG producing many electric vehicles. This deal could mean 6,000 tons of metal a year going to Tesla for lithium-ion batteries to use in their electric cars. With cobalt remaining a key part in Tesla’s future expansion it is important the company has a dependent supply of the metal. Tesla’s China plant is expected to manufacture 1,000 to 3,000 cars per a week which is roughly 1,2000 tons of cobalt annually and the Germany plant is expected to produce 500,000 vehicles a year.

PLAN FOR ELECTRIC VAN? General Motors is said to be developing an electric van targeted at business users.

According to the report, sources familiar with the plans said the EV is expected to start production in late 2021. GM has yet to announce whether or not they are developing an electric van, however, the automaker has confirmed plans to introduce at least 20 new all-electric vehicles by 2023.

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SUMMER 2020 | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL 13

>>>

IN THE HEADLIGHTS

BELIEVE IT OR NOT SURPRISE GUEST

MYSTERY CLIMBER

On May 30, Timmins, Ontario mallgoers had a surprise visit from an unwelcome guest—a large pickup truck. Reports say, an 86-year-old man jumped the curb and crashed through the Porcupine Mall’s brick wall. The driver and his female passenger had to be extricated from the truck by Timmins Fire Department and were treated for minor injuries. No one in the mall was injured in the incident.

On June 8, a deer was spotted on-top of the roof of a 15-foot-high autobody shop in Hamilton, Ontario. Reports say shop owners were especially confused by the incident because the building has no outdoor stairs or ledges. By the time animal services arrived on scene, the deer disappeared just as inexplicitly as it appeared.

Residents were surprised to see a deer on the roof of an auto body shop in central Hamilton.

SPILLIN’ THE TEA

A pickup truck crashed through the wall of the Porcupine Mall near Giant Tiger.

JEEP CATFISH When the Mahindra Roxor side-by-side was first announced, many people were quick to link its design to the Jeep Wrangler—and for good reason, as the two did look extremely similar. However, Jeep parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) also noticed this, and filed a complaint against the Indian company—as an attempt to prevent the vehicle from being sold in the US. Now, two years later, it seems as though FCA has gotten its way. On June 11, the US International Trade Commission issued a limited exclusion order against Mahindra and its North American counterpart in favor of FCA. This order blocks the importation of the Roxor, its parts and components over concerns that it infringes on FCA’s design trademarks, specifically with regards to the Jeep Wrangler. Mahindra has since redesigned its Jeep-ish off-road-use-only SUV with hopes that sales can continue in the U.S. It’s hard to deny Mahindra Roxor’s similarity to the Jeep Wrangler. Photo provided by carversal.

Tribunal finds that spilling tea while stopped at a red light is not considered an automobile accident. In M.P. vs. Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, 2020, the applicant sought benefits arising from an alleged automobile accident, involving a hot spill. According to the applicant, she purchased hot tea via the drive-through of a fast food restaurant. She had driven off and had stopped at a red light when she noticed that the lid of the cup had not been securely placed. She attempted to secure the lid before transferring the cup to the cupholder. At this point, the tea was spilled. The respondent insurer argued that it was not the use of the vehicle that had caused the applicant’s injuries, siding with the insurer and ruling against the applicants alleged automobile accident. “Nothing about the vehicle caused her to spill the tea,” wrote Thérèse Reilly, adjudicator for the tribunal. “The fact that she was in a vehicle was simply incidental.”

POOL PARTY Don’t you hate when guests show up unannounced? Well, a Florida family was certainly left frustrated in mid-May when they received a surprise visit from a guest who presumably did not call first. According to reports a driver lost control and swerved into the family’s backyard—first crashing through the fence and then nose diving into their swimming pool. Thanks to the rainy day, no one in the family was injured.

UNRULY TIRE While most people prepare for crazy drivers when embarking on a highway drive— though most don’t expect to witness a loose tire zooming down the road by itself. An unruly tire shocked drivers on New Jersey Route 440, jumping the median and crashing into oncoming traffic. Thankfully, reports indicate that the passengers in the vehicle were not seriously injured.

14 BODYWORXMAG.COM | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

STELLAR STUDENTS

>>>

AWARDING APPRENTICES Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) scholarship recipients announced

O

n June 25, the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) announced the recipients for the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) scholarship program.

The $1,000 redeemable scholarships were awarded to 100 graduating high school students in 72 communities across the province.

“The skilled trades are essential to our province’s economic growth,” said Immigration and Career Training Minister, Jeremy Harrison.

“The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes how important it is to build a diverse skilled trades workforce, one that is responsive to industry’s needs. Congratulations to the scholarship winners. We wish you all the best as you embark on your career paths.”

Simon Wolfe, a high school student from Carlyle was one of this year’s SYA Industry scholarship recipients.

Wolfe is pursuing a career as an autobody and collision technician, however, due to

COVID-19 curveballs he is unsure as to where he will complete his apprenticeship training.

His passion for collision repair was initially sparked while working at Regal Autobody for work experience in grade 10.

“I wanted to go into Autobody because I enjoy working on vehicles, and I thought what

BY MADDY KYLIE

would be better than making a vehicle look brand new again?”

Wolfe said he was very excited to receive the scholarship and it made him feel a little more relaxed about entering this next stage of life.

The SYA Industry Scholarships act as an incentive for students to continue pursuing a career in the skilled trades. The scholarships are not automatically awarded up front, students can redeem them by demonstrating they’re actively pursuing a career in the skilled trades within two years of graduation— either by registering as an apprentice and completing Level 1 training or by completing a recognized pre-employment program.

“On behalf of everyone at the SATCC, congratulations to the 2019-20 SYA Industry Scholarship winners! We’re so pleased you’ve decided to pursue careers in the skilled trades.

Best wishes to all of you,” Chelsea Coupal, Director of Communications and Marketing, SATCC told Bodyworx Professional.

SUMMER 2020 | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL 15

DROP & GO

>>> EVERYDAY HEROES

ASSURING APPRENTICES Carl Mohammed Jr. and Here Assuredare support Tropicana students 4 contact-free options for getting an estimate

or repair without having to walk into one of our shops: “At the end of the day, a lot of these students have a passion for cars, but don’t have a lot of experience in the industry. That’s where I can come Estimate Appointments Curbside 2 Contact-Free 1 Scheduled in and help them answer questions about what it’s like working a collision • Make appointment • Visit repairfor center repair facility. opportunity to be able to interact withprovides them • Repairs The are completed • Estimator estimate while you and influence a potential beneficial • Vehicle is cleaned career in the industry is really stay in vehicle delivered for and both the students and Assured, in the long run.”

• Estimate delivered electronically

C

arl Mohammed Jr., Assured AutomoCarl said the session became highly inter3 tive’s Business Development Manager active once the students warmed up to its 4 has proved his everyday hero status online format.

• Submit photos using in the industry after stepping up to support “Online sessions are new to a lot of people, online form • Schedule pick-up of vehicle Tropicana Community Centre’s Auto Body but once the students got adjusted to the students. we started to dive into more intimate • Appointmentformat is made • Pick-up and repairs are made Assured Automotive is an active partner with and personal questions about working in • Repairs are completed • Vehicle is cleaned and delivered both Tropicana and Centennial, which offers this industry.” and vehicle delivered the community centre’s autobody program.

Assured currently has just under 70 auto In typical circumstances, apprentices would body apprentices working within its facilities meet Carl at in-person recruitment events to across Ontario. The company takes a very ask their questions about the trade and ap- personal approach when matching apprentices Boyd Autobody & Glass and Assured Automotive’s top priority is the health and safety of our cus prenticeship placement with Assured—though with the proper certified technician, ensuring andthis team members.the That’s why arewith providing the pandemic has proved challenging. student is we paired someoneDrop both & Go Services that allow you flexible solutio meet a variety of contact-free and social distancing needs.

On May 14, Carl hosted a virtual session skilled and supportive. via Google Hangouts for the current class “No one likes being slowed down by someWe realize that this is a very challenging time for everyone and we’re here to help. of Tropicana autobody students, where one who doesn’t know how to do something he answered their most pressing questions properly—but often the reason they aren’t about the trade and opened up about his doing it properly is because they haven’t experience and knowledge on the subject to been taught how. We’re looking for people the students. that are both willing to learn and share their “At the end of the day, a lot of these students knowledge, but we always pay close attention have a passion for cars, but don’t have a lot of to how two personalities will work together.” experience in the industry,” Carl told Bodyworx Assured has also been focusing on training Professional. “That’s where I can come in and current technicians and other team members help them answer questions about what it’s amid the pandemic. When slowdowns hit, Carl like working for a collision repair facility. The says Assured’s techs were ready to hit the opportunity to be able to interact with them books and brush up on their knowledge—and and influence a potential career in the industry that includes everything from welding certifiis really beneficial for both the students and cations, to professional conduct and Health Assured, in the long run.” and Safety.

Online Estimates

Home Pick-Up & Delivery (if available)

For more information visit us online: boydautobody.com • assuredauto.ca

16 BODYWORXMAG.COM | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

DROP & GO Here are 4 contact-free options for getting an estimate or repair without having to walk into one of our shops: 1 Scheduled Appointments

2 Contact-Free Curbside Estimates

• Make appointment

• Visit repair center

• Repairs are completed

• Estimator provides estimate while you stay in vehicle

• Vehicle is cleaned and delivered

• Estimate delivered electronically

3 Online Estimates

4 Home Pick-Up & Delivery

• Submit photos using online form

(if available)

• Appointment is made

• Pick-up and repairs are made

• Repairs are completed and vehicle delivered

• Vehicle is cleaned and delivered

• Schedule pick-up of vehicle

Boyd Autobody & Glass and Assured Automotive’s top priority is the health and safety of our customers and team members. That’s why we are providing Drop & Go Services that allow you flexible solutions that meet a variety of contact-free and social distancing needs.

We realize that this is a very challenging time for everyone and we’re here to help.

For more information visit us online: boydautobody.com • assuredauto.ca

>>> EV CORNER

DESIGN DOWN Phase 1 of Project Arrow complete

BY SOPHIE PRICE

Project Arrow is the APMA’s response to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s call-to-action for a net-zero emission economy by 2050.

Envisioned as an all-Canadian, zero-emissions, lightweight, concept vehicle to debut in 2022, it was unveiled at CES2020 in Las Vegas, and will serve to highlight Canada’s automotive technology cluster.

T

he first phase of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association (APMA)’s Project Arrow competition has ended, and the organization has named three finalists in the design phase of its all-Canadian electric vehicle project. The trio of finalists was selected from nine submissions made in the spring and selected by a panel of global leaders in automotive design, some of Canada’s most respected auto champions, alternative propulsions advocates and influential cultural creators.

The finalists will now move forward to Phase 2 of the competition: engineering.

SEA TO SKY ELECTRIC’S E-NOVA Submitted by Marie-Pier Alary and Bailee van Rikxoort of the Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Richmond, B.C. The car has impressive ground clearance, a wrap-around windshield and seems to be similar to a SUV style.

ARCHER Submitted by Stephen Bykowy of Humber College’s Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Toronto. Not much is known about the exterior of the car, however, the interior shows all the seats facing each other assuming the car is driving itself.

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TRAINING

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The judging panel for Project Arrow consists of: • Ralph Gilles, Head of Design at FCA • Sarah Houde, CEO of Propulsion Quebec • Ray Tanguay, President of Toyota Canada • D anny Stillion (Partner & Executive Design Director of IDEO • G race Quan, President & CEO of Hydrogen in Motion Inc TRACTION Submitted by Kaj Hallgrimsson, Jun-Won Kim, Mina Morcos and Matthew Schuetz at Carleton University in Ottawa. The design for this vehicle appears to also be similar to a SUV with headlights similar to that of a Tesla Cybertruck.

• M ichael Hainsworth, TV, Radio, Internet presenter • Flavio Volpe, President of APMA • T homas Heermann, AVP, Automotive and Conceptual Design, Autodesk • C olin Singh Dhillon, Jurist, Eyes on Design Competition, NAIAS, CTO, APMA

TIPS TO BUILD YOUR CAREER IN THE COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY As skilled technicians become increasingly in demand, it is becoming a job seeker’s market for collision repairers. If you do decide to enter the industry, here are some quick tips to help build a long-lasting career: • Ask for training in as many roles as your employer allows • Be open to learning new roles, even if you do not think you will like it • Surround yourself with people whose skills you admire and listen to the feedback they give you • Stay professional by keeping a positive attitude, being personable and always presenting yourself well Having collision repair experience and being open to various roles and training also improves your skillset, but better positions you for future opportunity.

CARSTAR.ca Untitled-13 1

2020-06-23 11:24:32 AM

SUMMER 2020 | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL 19

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TRAINING

APPRENTICES FIXED WITH NEW SUPPORT Ontario announces $2.5 million grant for apprentices

BY MADDY KYLIE

L

isten up, Ontario apprentices—the Government of Canada has launched a tool grant to help you regain your footing post-pandemic.

The Ontario Tools Grant will provide apprentices with a total of $2.5 million in 2020-21 and $7.5 million in 2021-22, and will assist apprentices in the purchase of tools, protective equipment, manuals and clothing required for their trades.

The government also announced that they are forgiving more than $10 million in outstanding loans owed by apprentices for tool purchases

made at the beginning of their careers.

“Our skilled tradespeople have been among those hit hardest by this pandemic. These new programs will ensure they’re ready to get back on the job and play an important role in our economic recovery,” said Premier Doug Ford in an online release.

So far, the Loans for Tools Program has enabled thousands of new apprentices to buy tools, equipment, clothing, manuals and code books required for their trade. Roughly 19,000 apprentices who participated in the program owed, on average, $495.

OTHER GRANTS FOR APPRENTICES: Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women, introduced by the federal government in 2018, is a taxable cash grant of $3,000 per year/level (or equivalent) up to a maximum amount of $6,000 per person.

To be eligible, you must: • be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person; • not be a high school student; • self-identify as a woman; • have the required AIG-W supporting documents; • b e registered with your provincial/territorial apprenticeship authority as an apprentice in a designated Red Seal trade having low female representation; • have progressed in your training in designated Red Seal trades on or after April 1, 2018; and • provide proof that you have successfully completed either the 1st and/or 2nd year/level (or equivalent) of apprenticeship.

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FUNDING: The funding amounts for the Ontario Tools Grant program will be distributed as follows: • $1,000 for those in motive power sector trades; • $600 for those in construction and industrial sector trades; • $400 for those in-service sector trades.

TRAINING

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“Our skilled tradespeople have been among those hit hardest by this pandemic. These new programs will ensure they’re ready to get back on the job.”

Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year or level, for a lifetime maximum amount of $2,000 per person.

To be eligible for the AIG, you must: • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person; • not be a high school student; • have the required AIG supporting documents; • be registered with your provincial/territorial apprenticeship authority as an apprentice in a designated Red Seal trade; and • provide proof that you have successfully completed either the 1st and/or 2nd year or level (or equivalent) in a designated Red Seal trade.

Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a one-time taxable cash grant lifetime amount of $2,000 per person for registered apprentices who complete their apprenticeship training and obtain their journeyperson certification.

To be eligible for the ACG, you must: • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person; • not be a high school student; • have the required ACG supporting documents; • show that you have completed an apprenticeship program as a registered apprentice in a designated Red Seal trade; and • provide proof of your journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade.

If you progressed training levels on or after January 1, 2019, your deadline is 12 months following your date of progression.

IBISConnect Africa Thursday 23 July

IBISConnect

IBISConnect simulcasts: the immersive, virtual event experience To register free of charge and explore sponsorship opportunities, email suzie@ibisworldwide.com

IBISConnect South America Thursday 10 September IBISConnect Turkey Wednesday 7 October IBIS – the global platform for thought leadership, knowledge sharing, business development and peer-to-peer networking for the leaders of the collision repair industry.

SUMMER 2020 | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL 21

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TRAINING

DISCOVERY DAY Tropicana’s annual event goes digital

BY ALLISON ROGERS

More than 30 students were locked into the Discovery Day presentations, and all were actively asking questions throughout the presentations.

W

hile the pandemic has been wreaking havoc on 2020 aftermarket events, Tropicana Community Services couldn’t let its class miss out on its extra-informative annual Discovery Day. Tropicana hosted its annual Discovery Day for its Auto Body Collision and Damage Repair Pre-Apprenticeship class of 2020 in early April, which featured nearly three hours of thoughtful information and presentations from industry experts at 3M, AkzoNobel and CARSTAR. This year, given the current COVID circumstances, the event was hosted online.

Representatives from AkzoNobel, 3M Canada and CARSTAR Canada joined Suad Dualeh,

Tropicana’s pre-apprenticeship program coordinator, to host engaging presentations for the 20-strong class of 2020.

AkzoNobel, which helped organize the online event, kicked off the day with a tour of its offices. Led by Randy Hearn technical consultant, Dave Woolley account manager and Pat Ryan service consultant. The tour showed students the company’s office space, its coveted paint swatch wall and gave a closer look at products like 3M’s colour-matching Sun Gun. “We cannot see colour the same way this does,” Hearn told the class, holding the product up for them to see. “It uses light refraction.

You just place it on the panel, and it seals off all the surrounding light, it measures the

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colour at three different angles and tells you the paint’s attributes. It takes your eyes out of the equation and strictly uses science to match.”

Following AkzoNobel’s presentation, 3M Account Manager Peter Wrong took over to outline 3M’s footprint in the aftermarket industry and teach the students about the importance of proper PPE in the body shop.

At Tropicana’s Discovery Day, students will typically be fitted for and receive their own 3M respirators. While in-person interactions are not possible at the moment, Wrong said each student would receive a respirator when the pandemic has passed, and the students can be properly fitted for PPE.

TRAINING

TROPICANA would like to thank the following participants for their role in making Discovery Day a success: •

Saad Ouaddahou, AkzoNobel

•

David Woolley, AkzoNobel

•

Randy Hearn, AkzoNobel

•

Fred Daoust, AkzoNobel

•

Romehl Capcap, AkzoNobel

•

Marty Smith, CARSTAR

•

Collin Welsh, CARSTAR

•

Michel Caron, Audatex

•

Peter Wrong, 3M Canada

THANK YOU

“That means you’ll have to shave that beard to get a proper fit,” joked Wrong, referring to one of the students participating and his impressive facial hair.

Following the safety talk, CARSTAR National Performance Zone Director Marty Smith began his presentation on blueprinting and estimation in the body shop, outlining the importance of diagnostic scanning and methods of blueprinting a vehicle for the students.

Following his presentation, the class had a few questions for Smith.

“What’s the most important quality in a body technician?” asked one student.

“Nowadays, it’s really the ability to constantly improve and show that you want to learn more,” said Smith.

“The industry is rapidly changing and we’re always adapting, so proving your passion is important.”

Tropicana was thrilled with the success of its digital event, and thanks all those involved for their participation.

“On behalf of Tropicana, we wanted to thank everyone that made today possible and taking time out of your busy schedule to organize today’s virtual session,” said the organization. “We are so grateful to be part of an amazing community, thank you for inspiring our students by sharing your personal journey in the collision industry and your presentation insights to the industry.”

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SUMMER 2020 | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL 23

>>>

LEGAL

LABOUR, LAYOFFS AND THE PANDEMIC

Certified Specialist by the Law Society of Ontario

Clearing up pandemic labour laws

BY RONALD M. SNYDER

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has impacted businesses across the industry spectrum in a manner not previously seen in a generation. Its collateral effect upon employees is nothing short of devastating.

In response, both the Canadian federal and provincial governments have issued an array of support measures and guidelines that are continually being revised to address ever-evolving considerations.

Based on client inquiries I have received in recent weeks; the following some of the more recurrent employee-related questions being raised by employers.

WHAT ARE THE REPERCUSSIONS EMPLOYEE LAYOFFS? A layoff that is not managed properly can expose an employer to unanticipated financial consequences.

In a unionized environment, the parties’ relevant collective agreement will typically address how and in what manner lay-offs are to occur and the monetary and non-monetary ramifications that will arise.

In a non-unionized environment, a unilateral layoff by an employer can, absent an agreement with the employee to the contrary, constitute a constructive dismissal, which essentially is a deemed termination of the employee. A constructive dismissal occurs where there has been a substantial or fundamental change to the employee’s employment. An employer has no right to impose a unilateral layoff either by statute or common law, unless that right is specifically agreed upon in the employee’s contract of employment. The fact that a layoff may be conducted in accordance with a provincial employment standards act will typically be regarded as irrelevant to the question of whether a constructive dismissal has occurred.

Should a lay-off thus become an unintended constructive dismissal, the employer will then be required to pay the affected employee

compensation equivalent to, at minimum, the appropriate working notice and severance pay to which that employee would be entitled under the Employment Standards Act. In the case where the dismissed employee has an employment contract or is otherwise entitled to common law damages, the compensation to be paid out could be even more substantial.

It is to be noted that the subject matter of lay-offs is typically addressed in a province’s employment standards legislation, some of which set out the conditions when lay-offs will be viewed as permanent dismissals, to which financial consequences will also attract.

For example, in Ontario and British Columbia, the provinces’ respective Employment Standards Acts provide that an employer is deemed to have terminated an employee if the employee is laid-off for a period longer than a “temporary lay-off”, which is a defined phrase under these Acts. In Ontario, it means: •A lay-off of not more than 13 weeks in a period of 20 consecutive weeks; or • a lay-off of more than 13 weeks in a period of 20 consecutive weeks where the layoff is less than 35 weeks in 52 consecutive week period, and, other certain listed conditions in the Act must exist.

An Ontario employee who has been laid off without having been provided a recall date will be deemed to have been dismissed if the laid-off period exceeds the period of the ‘temporary lay-off.’ Notwithstanding above, on May 29, the Ontario government provided some relief to employers who have been laid off staff due to COVID-19 by introducing a new regulation enacted pursuant to the Employment Standards Act (Infectious Disease Emergency Leave), altering how layoffs are handled during the pandemic.

Generally, an employee who has been laid off for reasons related to COVID-19 beginning March 1, 2020 and onwards, and whose leave continues for six weeks after the day that Ontario’s current State of Emergency has been declared terminated, is deemed to be on ‘Infectious Disease Emergency Leave.’ In

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other words, a reduction or elimination of an employee’s hours will not trigger a temporary layoff.

Consequently, an employee’s claim filed under the ESA of having been terminated or otherwise constructively dismissed as a result of a layoff during this period is now significantly curtailed. One such exception is where a deemed termination under the ESA has occurred prior to May 29, 2020, as a result of a temporary layoff. Essentially, an employee lapsed is considered to be on an unpaid leave of absence and has a right to return to the job when the leave ends, should the job still exist. During this period of leave, all normal rules associated with statutory leaves under the ESA continue to apply.

It is of importance to note that this new regulation does not preclude a laid-off employee from pursuing a civil action constructive dismissal claim against the employer.

To the extent that many employers are currently experiencing severe cash flow shortages, the financial consequences of mismanaging a lay-off could be particularly onerous. Employers should consult with a labour and employment law professional to ensure that all of the necessary steps and precautions are being taken to manage layoffs in a manner that minimizes their financial exposure.

WHAT TYPE OF UNEMPLOYMENT SUBSIDIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR EMPLOYEES? The Government of Canada has introduced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to address those individuals who find themselves unemployed as a direct result of COVID-19. This program provides a taxable benefit of up to $500 per week for up to 16 weeks.

The qualifying criteria to secure this benefit are as follows: • Must be a resident of Canada and at least 15 years old;

LEGAL

>>>

Virtually all provincial governments and the Government of Canada have passed or shortly will pass legislation to protect employees who are absent from work due to COVID-19.

A labour and employment lawyer for Ottawa’s Folger & Rubinoff, Ronald M. Snyder is also certified as a ‘specialist in labour law’ by the Law Society of Upper Canada. He can be reached at rsnyder@foglers.com.

• Unemployment must be a direct result of COVID-19, and the individual did not voluntarily quit their job or are eligible for unemployment insurance or sickness benefits; • Had a minimum income of $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and • Will not have employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial 4-week period, and for subsequent benefit periods, the individual expects to have no employment or self-employment income; This criterion was recently expanded on April 15 to permit applications where an individual earns up to $1000 per month while collecting the benefit. Further, the CERB is available to individuals who have exhausted their Employment Insurance (EI) regular benefits and are unable to secure work due to COVID-19.

It is to be noted that EI benefits and CERB cannot be paid for the same period of unemployment.

Some provinces have elected to provide assistance in addition to the CERB. British Columbia, for example, has provided an Emergency Benefit for Workers that will provide a one-time $1,000 payment to individuals who lost employment income because of COVID-19.

Eligibility for this payment exists even if EI or CERB has or is being received. Individuals are thus encouraged to investigate whether such similar additional support is available in their province.

UNDER WHAT SCENARIO CAN AN EMPLOYEE CLAIM SICK BENEFITS DUE TO ILLNESS? Where an individual is incapable of working due to quarantine, injury or illness, EI sick benefits can provide up to 15 weeks of income replacement.

The benefit is limited to 55 percent of one’s earnings, to a maximum of $573 per week.

An individual claiming the benefit due to quarantine will not have to provide a medical certificate and the standard 1-week waiting period will be waived.

WHAT TYPE OF LEAVE PROTECTIONS ARE ACCORDED TO EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ABSENT DUE TO COVID-19?

Virtually all provincial governments and the Government of Canada have passed or shortly will pass legislation to protect employees who are absent from work due to COVID-19. For example, on March 19, the Government of Ontario passed the Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020 that prohibits employers from threatening, firing or penalizing an employee because the employee took or plans to take emergency ‘infectious disease leave.’ At this time, COVID-19 is the only disease for which infectious disease emergency leave may be taken.

This protection is retroactive to January 25, 2020. Thus, if an employee was fired on or after this date because of an absence due to COVID-19, the employer will be obliged to reinstate the employee to the position the employee most recently held, if it still exists, or to a comparable position if it does not, as of March 19, 2020.

The legislation sets out a list of circumstances in which the job-protected leave will apply and includes protections for employees who are in quarantine, isolation (voluntary or involuntary) or are providing care or support for family members due to a matter related to COVID-19. The latter may include, for example,

employees having to care for a child whose school or day care was closed because of COVID-19 and those who are directly affected by travel restrictions such that they cannot reasonably be expected to travel back to Ontario.

An Ontario employer may ask an employee to provide “evidence reasonable in the circumstances at a time that is reasonable in the circumstances” to justify the employee’s absence from work due to a COVID-19 concern, but it cannot request the production of a certificate from a physician or nurse as evidence. However, medical notes can be demanded in the context of issues such as return-to-work situations or for accommodation purposes.

There is no specified limit to the number of days an Ontario employee can be absent from work under this legislation. The employee may remain absent for as long as the event lasts that triggered the entitlement to the leave. Further, COVID-19 leave absences do not have to be taken consecutively, but rather may be taken in part days, full days or periods of more than one day. If the employee must absent themselves from a shift for a brief period to address a COVID-19 related concern, such as delivering urgently needed COVID-19 medication to a family member, the employer must permit the employee to return to work for the remainder of the employee’s shift and to pay the employee for that portion of the shift worked.

Similar legislation passed or to be passed by other provinces to protect employees’ jobs due to COVID-19 related absences generally mirror the protections provided by the Government of Ontario. Those employers who operate in more than one province should therefore familiarize themselves with the applicable scope of protections accorded their employees in those respective jurisdictions.

SUMMER 2020 | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL 25

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PAINTER’S CORNER

COMING IN HOT How to paint graphic flames

BY CECILE BUKMEIER Cecile’s final product.

H

ave you ever wondered about the process of painting old school graphic flames—the kind that you see laid out across hot rods at classic car shows and on the covers of magazines?

The main goal of any flame job is to accentuate the build-style of the hot rod—to give it a “wow” factor.

A flame paint job is only as good as its design. It should have almost a natural flow across the body of the vehicle; selecting and understanding contrasting colours is crucial to making the flames really stand out. There is no perfect way to design and paint flames, it is important to be open to experimentation.

The best way to learn is to fail a few times-that way, you will understand what will work for you and what won’t.

First, you need to start out with a suitable ground coat. It is important to consider what you are working on. Is this a bare substrate; steel, aluminum, plastic? Is there existing paint on the surface? Has it been painted by a professional or a manufacturer? If so, what type of paint is it? Is it in good condition? It is important to be able to identify the overall condition and any defects in the paint surface.

The paint that you apply will only be as good as the underlying layer.

There are many different starting points you can face when you begin a flame paint job. I would like to stress the importance of technical data sheets. They are your instructions on how to properly prepare panels and apply the paint coatings. It is important to understand and follow these recommendations because if you are going to do all the work to paint the flames, you will want the job to last!

Selecting a flame style and flow can take a few hours and a lot of taping and re-taping.

Without a beautiful design, a time-consuming paint job will be wasted. Flow of the flames is an important concept to understand—they should have a sense of motion, similar to the spontaneous nature of fire. Flames are meant to enhance the appearance of a vehicle. It is important to spend as much time and tape needed to get the design and layout you want.

Several other factors combined with the placement of the flame licks, work together to produce an eye-catching design. The thickness of the tips, length, rate of taper and the direction of the flames all play an important role in designing. The ends can pass through or around trim components and overlap each other. There are endless variations to graphic flames; practice and inspiration are key to producing a successful design.

Vinyl tape is used to mask off the initial design of the flames you have decided to produce. Vinyl tape is flexible and sticks to irregular surfaces with less distortion than traditional crepe making tape. Creating a good flame design takes more than a few rolls of tape, so make sure to grab more than you think you will need.

During the initial taping layout, try not to press the tape down too much—just enough to have it stick, so it can be easily repositioned if needed. Repositioning the tape once or twice will be fine, but more than a few times could end up with the tape lifting while you are spraying, which could cause a blow-through, so use caution. While you are masking, it is common to have a lead of tape several inches from where you are placing the design. This will help with a smooth, continuous motion throughout the flame pattern.

Once the initial design is laid out, stand back and evaluate your work. Be sure to look at the

26 BODYWORXMAG.COM | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

inside of the masking tape, do not get thrown off by looking at the outer edges—remember you are only painting the inside of the design.

Look at the spacing of the flame licks and the inner curves of the flames. It should all look fairly even and flow together. It is common to do both symmetrical and asymmetrical flames across the body of a vehicle. If you want to achieve a symmetrical flame job, you will need to trace out one side and mirror it to the other. I like to use white masking paper; I place the paper over the flame design and tape it down, ensuring that folds and wrinkles in the paper are virtually non-existent.

Mark out reference points of the vehicle on the masking paper with chalk. Then trace out the inside of the flame licks with chalk.

Unmask carefully and flip the paper inside-out.

Match the reference points you created on the paper to the other side of the vehicle and secure the paper in place. Trace out the flames.

Once you lift the paper you will see the flame design in chalk on the vehicle. Follow the design with fine line tape to finish off the symmetrical flame look. Once you are happy with the vinyl tape design, it is time to mask off the flames and the rest of the vehicle with masking paper and crepe tape. Transfer tape is also available in small to large rolls to place over the entire flame job and then cut with a razor blade or X-ACTO knife along the vinyl tape lines.

It is important to avoid over and under taping and wrinkles or pockets in the masking paper. Pockets can trap overspray and dust and when you pass air over them, the debris could land in the wet paint job. Make sure that every other part of the vehicle is also masked tightly to prevent getting paint overspray on any areas other than the flames.

PAINTER’S CORNER

Now that the flames are ready to be sprayed. Depending on the color you selected, you may want to give a ground coat of an opaque color.

Vinyl tape is used to mask off the initial design of the flames you have decided to produce.

Now that the flames are ready to be sprayed.

Depending on the color you selected, you may want to give a ground coat of an opaque color. In my example, I chose yellow, orange and red—which are very transparent colors—and gave the flames a white ground coat first, so I didn’t have to coat the flames 10 times with yellow to get complete coverage. After drying the white ground coat, I coated the flames in a yellow base coat and dried them. Then I loaded a mini spray gun with an orange base and reduced my spray pattern to about three-inch-length. I also turned down my fluid delivery knob on the paint gun, so I didn’t pile on the paint.

I traced along the edges of my flame curves to give them some depth. I try to leave the bottom of the flames in a light-yellow colour to give them a cool fade. After drying the orange base coat, I went in with a red colour.

I reduced my spray pattern even more, so it was about one inch. I traced the outer edges and licks of the flame again, keeping the red inside the orange base. Once I am satisfied with the look and fade of the colors inside the flames, I let the paint dry for about 20 minutes before beginning to unmask them.

Unmasking is just as important as masking the flames. All that hard work can easily be ruined by carelessly pulling off tape and paper.

Make sure you remove the paper carefully, so it doesn’t stick to the fresh paint and when it comes time to lift the fine line, pay extra attention. If any paint has bridged over the

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vinyl tape, you may need to cut the edge so it doesn’t peel the paint when you lift the tape.

Once all the masking is removed, check for any imperfections or paint blow-throughs.

Now is the time to catch any mistakes and fix them by using masking paper to make a shield over completed areas and spraying base coat at very low pressures—or through an airbrush—to cover any paint blow-throughs.

Some painters will finish off the job by outlining the flames with a contrasting pinstriping paint color, to make the flames really stand out. In the example, I outlined my flames with a light blue One-Shot paint.

When you are ready to finish, select a quality clear within the same paint line as the basecoat. Give the vehicle two to three coats of clear coat, following the data sheets.

It is common to sand the entire vehicle again after the clear has cured and give it another coat or two of clear coat. This is known as a ‘flow-coat’ and helps to minimize texture from the paint lines in the clear and will give the job an extra wet-look. Any dust nibs or runs can be sanded out after the clear has cured and then polished out to give the job a flawless, show-car finish.

A quality flame paint job can be difficult to achieve, especially if you are new to it. Look online, in magazines and take photos at car shows to get ideas on different styles and executions of a flame paint job. With some practice you can create a wonderful piece yourself!

Unmasking is just as important as masking the flames.

When you are ready to finish, select a quality clear within the same paint line as the basecoat.

Cecile Bukmeier is an autobody instructor at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. She can be reached at CecileB@nait.ca.

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SUMMER 2020 | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL 27

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TRAINING

THE POST COVID-19 CLASSROOM What to expect from post-secondary education

BY BEN HART

The days of coming to school or work when you’re a little bit sick—but too stubborn to stay home—are gone. Gestures and behaviors that were once socially acceptable, such as a handshake may become taboo.

A

s I sit here and write this, I long for the days of normality; in fact, I haven’t even seen a classroom in months.

This COVID-19 world we are experiencing has created more questions than answers and the same can be said for the future of post-secondary training. At this point, most institutions have moved current classes to a distance education format and temporarily suspended upcoming in person classes.

Training should resume in the fall, but how will that look? Every school has been exploring potential options. Some have already made the cautionary decision to only offer online education in the fall, although others are taking a pause to figure out their approach before deciding.

While some courses may be easily transitioned to online education, others are much more difficult. The theory portion of the uto Body and Refinishing trades can be adapted to online training while successfully fulfilling their outcomes. However, the difficulty lies in

practical training. How can practical training be molded to a world where human contact must be limited?

One option is that personal contact is eliminated, at least temporarily. This requires critical thinking of the individual schools and educators to determine the best alternatives to practical education, such as video recordings of learners demonstrating the practical skills. Another option is to teach as much subject matter as possible online, then have the learners resume practical training when it is considered safe to do so. Alternatively, social distancing measures where class sizes are smaller, and individual classes may run at different hours of the day and evening could be utilized, particularly when PPE is mandated.

All of these scenarios are easily met with criticism. There are many possible solutions, but it will all come down to a balance of safety, learning value and expense.

In any case, all of the above are short term measures. The next question is, what

will the long-term repercussions of COVID-19 be? Will we ever return to “normal”? No one has a definitive answer to those questions, but I do believe we will resume to some level of normality. I can see a greater inclusion of distance education software in the conventional classroom. I also see a greater need for cleaning and respecting health concerns.

The days of coming to school or work when you’re a little bit sick—but too stubborn to stay home—are gone. Gestures and behaviors that were once socially acceptable, such as a handshake may become taboo.

2020 is a year of learning and adapting to these new normality’s, fraught with unprecedented change. Post-secondary education is in the process of adapting and evolving.

Any school worth its weight will equally place safety and education at the forefront of their priorities when evaluating operational measures; however, I am optimistic that dedicated institutions and educators will be the catalysts for positive resolutions.

Ben Hart is a Red Seal certified autobody technician and refinisher with more than two decades of experience in the industry. For the past two years he has instructed apprenticeship programs at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. He can be reached at ben.hart@sait.ca.

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PRODUCTS

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EASING ESTIMATION Photo-based solutions are here to stay

A

s restrictions are lifted and Canadians get back to their adjusted everyday lives, the industry is preparing to shift into its ‘new normal.’ Insurers say photo-estimation will be a survival staple—but is your facility ready to make the switch? While the technology may not be 100 percent perfect, it offers a safe alternative for completing estimates amid social distancing protocols. Insurers have even said they are more likely to work with facilities implementing the service.

Moreover, it’s being touted as a way to accelerate claims as a fully digital claims environment comes to fruition, and some facilities believe post-pandemic photo estimation could help open doors for further business opportunities, such as 24-hour vehicle drop-off and delivery.

Check out some of the solutions that could help speed cycles along in your facility on the following pages.

E-SHEETS

esheets.ca

E-Sheets is a new automotive virtual appraisal company that can employ a remote-workflow with a focus on bodyshop efficiency. While they currently handle some regional insurance claims their focus is as a remoteappraiser for best-in-class collision repair facilities. E-Sheets creates the appraisals inside your estimating systems under a separate ID that you assign. Your team then sends the picture-sets through CosmosSync.

Based in Ottawa, E-Sheets is led by Steve Wade with 40+ years of insurance and collision experience and supported operationally and corporately by Doug Best and Bing Wong from Canadian Hail Repair.

MITCHELL INTELLIGENT ESTIMATING

mitchell.com

Mitchell International says this data and cloud-based estimating system has the power to turn damaged vehicle images into component-level estimating lines. Images can be submitted to the program via carrier mobile apps or repair facility photo capturing tools. Vehicle images are submitted to the program and then Mitchell Intelligent Damage Analysis uses computer vision to identify damages and needed repairs. After estimate lines are created, they are converted to BMS files, enabling a fast and convenient estimate that allows the repair process to be initiated faster, according to Mitchell.

PROGI PHOTO

progi.com

ProgiSync, an online appointment planning program now allows access to ProgiPhoto. ProgiPhoto allows repair shops to receive photo assignments from participating insurance agencies and allows them to request photos from clients so estimates can be completed remotely. Being able to get an estimate online allows for proper social distancing as well as a consistent workflow for shops. Progi is well known for developing digital solution for insurers, body shops as well as parts sales markets.

SOLERA

solera.com

Solera’s automotive claims workflow solution is powered by artificial intelligence and is said to have the ability to detect damaged parts, determine the type and severity of damage, define vehicle manufacturer repair operations and create an estimate based on these repair operations. The product’s AI is a combination of repairer science technology, 300 million claims, one billion historical images and 50 years of experience, says Solera, and this data feeds enhanced machine learning algorithms to drive efficiency and increase accuracy.

TRACTABLE PHOTO ESTIMATION

Tractable’s photo estimation tool is powered by AI technology and designed create a repair estimate within minutes. The company’s platform can handle almost every vehicle year, make, model and can process a wide range of photo quality levels, says Tractable. The program is cloud-based and therefore integration and implementation are not time or resource intensive. Interested shops and insurers can get in contact with Tractable at tractable.ai/contact. tractable.ai SUMMER 2020 | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL 29

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FINAL DETAIL

THE WINDING ROAD AHEAD Shaken, stirred and ready for success

BY ALLISON ROGERS

The world has never seen a crisis like this, and much of the public have put their lives on hold in fear of COVID-19. Only the best, brightest and most driven of students will be brave enough to embark on an educational endeavour in a global crisis and survive the process. Their passion will be apparent.

W

elcome to our new normal. The world has been put through the wringer the last five months, with not an end in sight. It’s no secret the inner workings of the industry have seen acrossthe-board changes, and these changes will shape the sector for decades to come.

We’ve seen a flurry of webinars fill the shoes of postponed or cancelled industry events, and even more virtual events introduced by industry companies and leaders. Of course, the online webinar format has proved useful amid the current situation, but what will happen come September?

Collision repair students will see a different version of the classroom this fall, and the way apprentices are trained will be significantly altered. Many post-secondary institutions plan to implement a combination of online and limited in-class courses, though nothing is confirmed in these unprecedented times.

Some have even shifted to online formats entirely.

While speculations of widespread shifts towards digital innovations and online learning were already circulating pre-pandemic, there is still much controversy surrounding the topic. Many industry members agree that the fundamentals of collision repair are not something that can be learned through a screen.

You may be thinking such circumstances will result in lower-quality education or inexperienced apprentices—but give it some thought. The world has never seen a crisis like this, and much of the public have put their lives on hold in fear of COVID-19. Only the best, brightest and most driven of students will be brave enough to embark on an educational endeavour in a global crisis and survive the process. Their passion will be apparent.

The collision repair industry has a gift for seeing this crisis as a chance for new oppor tunity. These are unprecedented times but remember—the most sparkling of diamonds are born under pressure.

30 BODYWORXMAG.COM | BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

Allison Rogers is the editor of Bodyworx Professional.

She can be reached at allison@mediamatters.ca, or 905-370-0101.

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