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Above: CAIC/CCIF was a sellout. Photo: Rene Young Below, photos: David Ribeiro
Like many, it had been a while since I last attended a Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) in person. This was one of my last COVID-related reluctances, and I ended up going beyond simply attending, having been accepted as a member of the CCIF steering committee for the next two years.
Why am I doing this? I am doing this simply because I’ve always believed in the value of being involved and getting exposure (not to germs, but to the vast knowledge that this type of venue attracts). Not only is there value in the presentations, but also in the wealth of expertise from industry attendees from across North America.
Collision Quarterly, Summer 2025
“Do you have financial reporting?
If you don’t, I guarantee you’re bleeding profit.”
The presentations began by reminding everyone of the importance of understanding your financial puzzle. Jim Bethune of Bethune Consulting Services hit home with how a lack of organization can result in leaving money on the table. For those who know me, that’s my main driver. I’ve repeated this mantra so many times that it’s part of all I do. After all, industry doesn’t work for free, and you are all entitled to fair compensation. Do you have financial reporting? If you don’t, I guarantee you are bleeding profit. The sad truth is, if you don’t have the measuring capability to find out, you probably don’t even know that you’re bleeding profit.
Next, we moved to the Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers (SAAR) tag team, Smith vs. Bissonnette (Ryan and Tom), who demonstrated that through common ground and communication, both sides can achieve results. Ryan spoke about how a mutually beneficial relationship with SAAR allowed them to realize improvements to operational concerns, not just technical issues. Although SGI has experienced increased rates, they know that the drivers of Saskatchewan have benefited from obtaining safe, quality repairs. I would call this match a draw, or more appropriately, a win-win—as both SGI and SAAR recognize that trust is the key. As trust increases, costs go down.
CCIF attendees had the option to attend two of three breakout sessions. I chose one entitled Building the Future—The Next Generation of Collision Repair Technicians. Mary Mahoney, VP, Replacement and Leisure Division with Enterprise Mobility, spoke of a Collision Engineering Career Alliance, developed in the USA in 2020. It’s a pathway to help solve the technician shortage. The program is sound and built for geographic areas that don’t have formal apprenticeship programs.
When you factor in our harmonized Red Seal Program, many in Canada are well positioned to receive consistently trained, high quality apprentices.
The other breakout session involved Ryan Mandell, Director of Claims Performance with Mitchell International. Many recognize Ryan for his expertise around the industry within Canada, not just in the collision sector but in other facets that impact industry.
Ryan provided a snapshot of the factors influencing the 5.5% severity increases in the past year. The number of sensors in a vehicle is certainly a contributing factor, as is the 18% increased labour hours due to the increase in operations necessary to return vehicles to their pre-accident condition. There’s more on the horizon, with a two-time anticipated increase in vehicle systems by 2028. Couple this with a substantial increase in the number of faults identified in scans, and you will recognize the need for a deeper understanding of scan and calibration requirements.
I-CAR (AIA’s) Stuart Klien provided an overview of changes anticipated within the I-CAR world. From I-CAR’s beginning in 1979 (providing insight into a course on unibody design), programs have evolved in conjunction with the skills necessary for handling OE position statements. The ARA is working with Stu to review how we can improve the product and service, as it is the foundation of the ARA’s Certified Collision Repair (CCR) program, now offered in both British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
Stu also discussed changes anticipated in welding, with yet to be incorporated mixed alternative methods for welding (2026). He highlighted the fact that OEs such as Honda have identified 14 unique welds for the floor replacement alone. Stay tuned for more info for our B.C. members. We’ll have Stu provide added detail in a planned webinar.
“It’s all about reinforcing customer experience by adding value.”
How better to finish off a conference than to bring out our AI guru from the ARA’s Members Retreat and Gala Fundraiser (held in Whistler last year). Ryan Taylor of Bodyshop Booster affirmed that even with all we’re hearing about AI, we’re still only at the early adoption stage.
Ryan presented three secrets of AI, and first was Getting Customers to the Door. AI will impact all areas where repairs are obtained, with the administration burden growing to one and a half admin person to one tech. Again, we were shown how AI is way ahead in terms of demonstrating empathy with respect to customer interaction while doing a great job of promoting the service environment.
Ryan then presented the second secret, AI Can be Used to Train Your Staff. Here, he demonstrated how AI can help the 63% of staff members who are afraid to ask for help. When you add in the 56% capture rate for customers, the value is obvious.
And that is what CCIF was all about—adding value to the Canadian collision sector. Soon, CCIF will be in neighbouring Calgary (Sept 17-18, 2025). Be sure to save the date as we hope to bring a large B.C. contingent. If you have suggestions for discussion topics at CCIF, send me a note. crd@ara.bc.ca.
Showcasing Excellence: CCIF Exhibitors
Driving Canada's Collision Repair Industry
Middle row: CWB Group, Color Compass, Hertz, Specialty Product Sales
Bottom row: Sherwin-Williams, Pro Spot, Solera<
Photos: Carol McNeil-Gardner