CHHMA - EYE ON OUR INDUSTRY
Volume 10, Issue 44, November 10, 2010
Association News
New Look for "Eye On Our Industry" Newsletter
As you can see, we have made a change to the “Eye On Our Industry” newsletter. In addition to the new look, articles are now organized by news categories and appear in shorter synopsis format with a link to the full article (if applicable) on the CHHMA website. The shorter version will make it easier to browse the weekly news, especially if viewing on a blackberry or other hand-held device and allow readers to then pick and choose the full articles they would like to read. Read More >>
Member News
SPG International Celebrates 50 Years of Manufacturing Excellence in Canada
November 2010 marks the 50th anniversary for CHHMA member company, SPG International of Drummondville, Quebec. In 1960, the company started with a short line of “Classic” toolboxes and the product line has grown to include more than 300 tool storage and job site products for the DIY, contractor, automotive and industrial professional. It also includes shop storage systems for the home owner garage, work shop and maintenance shop. With over 1 million square feet of manufacturing facility, SPG International is one of the largest tool storage manufacturers in the world today. Read More >>
Industry News
"Innovation for Sustainability" Program to Help Small Manufacturers
The Home Depot Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (OMEDT) have partnered to launch “Innovation for Sustainability” – a first of its kind project to enable qualified small manufacturers to bring innovative, environmentally-preferred home improvement products to market. Any small or medium-sized Ontario manufacturer has up until November 19, 2010, to submit information about its innovative home improvement product or technology at www.homedepot.ca/innovationforsustainability. After reviewing entries, the merchandising team at The Home Depot Canada will invite prospects with potential to the first of four “Meet the Buyer” events on December 13, 2010 in London, Ontario. Following this first event, selected products will be stocked by The Home Depot in three London area stores and assessed for expanded distribution to the Canadian market. Read More >>
Bill 168, Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (Violence and Harassment in the Workplace)
Bill 168, An Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace and other matters, came into effect June 15, 2010. Workplaces in Ontario are now required to have the necessary policies, programs, measures and procedures in place. That means that now, safety trumps any privacy laws. Bill 168 poses unique challenges that most employers will need help with in terms of understanding the requirements; realizing the far-reaching implications; and devising strategies for compliance. Read More >>
Economic News
Housing Starts Drop in October
On Monday, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) reported that housing starts fell more than expected in October, the third consecutive monthly decline. The seasonally adjusted annual rate of 167,900 starts in October was down 9.2% from 185,000 in September. Read More >>
Canadian Real Estate Association Lowers Home Sales Forecast
Last Friday, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) lowered its resale home forecast, saying activity will decline this year and next. National sales activity is now expected to fall 4.9% this year to 442,200 units and sales will tumble another 9% to 402,500 units next year. Prices, however, are expected to hold up better ending this year 3.1% higher than they started before falling 1.3% next year.
Read More >>
Building Permits Rise in September
Statistics Canada reported last Friday that the value of building permits increased 15.3% to $6.6 billion in September, rebounding from previous monthly declines, as both residential and non-residential sectors saw strong gains. Most economists had expected permits to rise only 2.5% during the month. Read More >>
Canadian Job Growth Little Changed in October
The Canadian economy eked out 3,000 jobs in October, less than economists had expected and the second month in a row of little change. Statistics Canada reported last Friday that Canada’s jobless rate dropped to 7.9% in October from 8% the month before, as more people left the labour force. The rate has remained around the 8% mark for the seven past months and is well above its pre-recession level of 6.2%. That said, details of the latest jobs data were actually better than the headline number would suggest. Read More >>
U.S. Adds 151,000 Jobs in October
In the U.S., meantime, job growth increased by a better than expected 151,000 non-farm payrolls in October, the first increase since May, while the jobless rate held steady at 9.6%. Read More >>
CHHMA Events For 2010
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Industry Cocktail
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Tuesday, November 30
Montreal Casino,
Montreal, QC
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To register for all events visit our website at www.chhma.ca or call Pam Winter at (416) 282-0022 ext.21.
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"Eye On Our Industry" is published by the CHHMA as an information resource for our members. Member input regarding content and format is welcomed. Please contact Michael Jorgenson by email: mjorgenson@chhma.ca, or call at (416) 282-0022, ext. 34. CHHMA is located at 1335 Morningside Ave., Suite 101, Scarborough, ON, M1B 5M4 www.chhma.ca