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My term as president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) is drawing to a close, and this will be my final column for Wheels. It’s been a pleasure and an honour serving the TADA and its 1,100 members over the past two years and sharing my views on the automotive industry with readers.

To say that 2020 was a challenging year for our industry would be a huge understatement. Although no dealerships could have prepared for Covid-19, the quickness with which they responded and adapted to new health and safety protocols is truly remarkable.

Early in the pandemic, the provincial government deemed car dealerships an essential service, and so service departments were allowed to remain open. Keeping them open ensured that essential workers could get their vehicles repaired/serviced, and helped to maintain municipal fleets, police cruisers, ambulances and hydro trucks. In May 2020, new car showrooms were also given the green light to re-open, by appointment only.

Inasmuch as the pandemic has negatively affected businesses, communities and individuals, there are positive developments in the retail auto industry.

One positive development is the digitization of the car buying process. Video conferencing tools, such as Zoom and DocuSign, have given customers the option of purchasing online, if they prefer. Dealer websites have become more advanced with more functionality.

Another positive development is the investments being made in the auto manufacturing sector. In the past four months, Ford of Canada, GM Canada and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles have announced investment deals in their respective Ontario assembly plants worth $6 billion collectively to produce fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-158212" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wh-TADColumn-Cliff-1_HS-April3.jpg" alt="Cliff Lafreniere" width="1280" height="1920" />

In December, the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario announced that they will invest $5 million each in a mining company that produces battery-grade cobalt sulfate, a required element needed to produce long-range electric vehicles.

Ontario, as a whole, will benefit from this investment, as the province evolves to become a bigger player in electric vehicle parts and battery manufacturing supply chain.

A strong domestic supply chain for essential resources needed to produce EV batteries is critical to the long-term success of the Canadian auto industry.

The ongoing collaboration between all levels of government, industry and labour will be essential as we work towards economic recovery and build for the future.

Increased consumer interest in electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids is another bright light for the auto industry in Canada.

Sales of these vehicles have been steadily increasing since 2015, range anxiety has been reduced with more charging stations and charging outlets being installed across the country, and, according to a study by Simon Fraser University, more Canadians than ever (eight million) have indicated that they are open to the idea of potentially purchasing a plug-in electric vehicle.

Automakers are ramping up the number of models available in the electric and electric plug-in categories, as more than 100 new models are expected to be unveiled in North America.

The pandemic has prompted the retail auto industry to reinvent itself in many ways, and I’m excited to see where today’s changes will take us tomorrow.

Michael Eatson (Dealer Principal at Peterborough Volkswagen) is the incoming President of the TADA. Michael will discuss many of these changes in this column, starting next month. Good Luck, Michael!

Cliff Lafreniere is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) and is president of Pinewood Park Motors (Ford) in Kirkland Lake. This column represents the views and values of the TADA. Write to president@tada.ca or go to tada.ca. For information about automotive trends and careers, visit carsandjobs.com.

A fond farewell, and a look ahead

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Ontario car dealers have a long history of giving back to their communities. I’m happy to acknowledge an industry whose leadership and generosity have been unwavering these past two months.

Here is a list of the generous contributions made by members of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association, in no particular order:

- Ray Lavoie is general manager at Forbes GM Collision in Kitchener. His 17-year-old son, Nathan, has been 3D-printing ear guards for surgical masks to increase the comfort of face masks when worn over a long period.

- The Setay Automotive Group launched a campaign to raise money for food banks in Hamilton and Guelph. The company has a loyalty program that gives back to its customers and allows them to earn points in a multitude of ways.

- Seven View Chrysler donated $20,000 to Hospice Vaughan, which provides compassionate support to individuals facing a life-limiting illness or the loss of a loved one through in-home volunteers, grief counselling and bereavement support.

- Achilles Mazda has offered all nurses, doctors and paramedics who live in Acton, Georgetown or Milton the installation of seasonal tires at no charge.

- Willowdale Subaru &amp; Volkswagen Villa are offering free tire and wheel swap for the first 50 medical workers, police officers, firefighters and paramedics.

- Erin Park Lexus, Erin Park Toyota and Belleville Toyota donated $20,000 to the Mississauga Food Bank and $6,000 to the Gleaners Food Bank in Belleville.

- Midland Toyota donated $8,000 to the local hospital and $2,000 to Feed Ontario.

- Subaru of Mississauga (and Subaru Canada) donated $17,000 to Family Services of Peel for expanded counselling services in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

- Mississauga Toyota donated $5,000 to the Trillium Health Partners towards the purchase of medical equipment, to help hospital staff obtain updates for screening and to obtain protective equipment in response to COVID-19.

- Rose City Chrysler Dodge Jeep bought Swiss Chalet lunch for all the staff at Seasons First Avenue Retirement Home.

- Mike Jackson GM in Collingwood is offering its service loaner fleet of cars to local restaurants that offer takeout food delivery services.

- Direct Nissan has assisted the Mississauga Food Bank and the Eden Food For Change. The dealership has made special accommodations for its neighbourhood’s front-line workers for any and all service issues to keep them mobile.

- Lake Huron Chrysler has sponsored a van and driver and shopper and is delivering groceries for free in Bayfield.

- Gallinger Ford provided 200 boxed catered lunches for all of the staff at Milton District Hospital, in support of its front-line workers.

- Pfaff Automotive Partners will donate 10,000 KN95 masks to hospitals within the GTA, help to distribute Meals on Wheels in downtown Toronto four times per week, and help Chats meal delivery for front-line workers (and matching donations to Chats).

- Heffner Lexus/Heffner Toyota (with Toyota Canada) donated $10,000 to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region and $20,000 to the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation’s fund set up specifically to purchase PPE for local hospitals (St Mary’s, Grand River Hospital).

- Superior Hyundai and Lakehead Motors offered its shuttle buses and the services of its drivers to pick up and deliver food to and from the regional food bank. It also purchased 40 iPads and donated them to the local hospital for patients who are in isolation.

- Listowel Ford and Bustard Chrysler have offered no-charge vehicle sanitizing to all local health-care workers.

- Burlington Toyota contributed $10,000 to the Joseph Brant Hospital, and the company has lined its property with all blue vehicles in support of the hospitals and the front-line medical workers.

- Hogan Chevrolet Buick GMC has partnered with C.D. Farquharson Junior Public School, to fundraise for the Scarborough Health Network. Students are asked to do a drawing that recognizes the efforts of front-line workers, and for each drawing, Hogan will make a donation to the SHN Foundation.

- Orillia Hyundai has provided complimentary vehicles to medical staff in need at Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital and Georgian Bay General Hospital in Midland.

- The Peterborough new car dealers donated 5,000 N95 masks, helped to fundraise in support of Peterborough’s Youth Emergency Shelter, providing auto repairs at no charge for local health-care workers, and provided its senior/or logistically challenged customers with complimentary service.

- Newmarket Hyundai delivered 25 vehicles (free of charge) to front-line medical workers in need at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket.

- The Trillium Automobile Dealers Foundation, in partnership with Conquer COVID-19 and Hayley Wickenheiser, delivered 50,000 examination-grade gloves to the Province of Ontario on behalf of Consolidated Dealers Inc.

- NHL legend Wendel Clark personally assisted in the delivery of masks while Weins Canada and Mercedes-Benz Barrie donated a Sprinter van to help deliver essential items into the hands of Ontarians.

- Premier Doug Ford was on hand to help deliver 32,000 masks donated by Ontario’s New Car Dealers to help the province protect its front-line workers against COVID-19.

- The Owasco Group offered up to 70 RVs and trailers to the Oshawa and Ajax Hospitals to support first responders who need ways to get to home and work.

- The Drive Muskoka dealerships in Huntsville has provided much needed medical supplies to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.

This column represents the views and values of the TADA. Write to <a href="mailto:president@tada.ca">president@tada.ca</a> or go to tada.ca. Cliff Lafreniere is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and is president of Pinewood Park Motors (Ford) in Kirkland Lake. For information about automotive trends and careers, visit carsandjobs.com

Dealers Voice: Ontario Car Dealers give back during COVID-19 Pandemic

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The provincial government has given the green light for registered new-car dealerships in Ontario to reopen their sales, leasing and other departments to the public by appointment only.

The reopening of dealerships is welcome news to employees and customers across the province.

At the early stages of the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/wheels-tags/covid-19/">COVID-19 pandemic</a>, the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) introduced sweeping health and safety guidelines aimed at protecting service staff and customers.

The TADA released a comprehensive set of guidelines for the safe reopening of sales and other areas within a dealership. These guidelines were created in consultation with the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association and other provincial auto associations.

Each dealership will follow strict health and safety protocols for each department.

For sales departments, the following guidelines have been issued to all registered new-car dealerships in Ontario to ensure maximum safety for dealership employees and customers (these are highlights of the guidelines only):

• All vehicle surfaces touched by the customer during a demo or test drive, including keys, door handles, steering wheel, gearshift, touchscreen, accessories and trunk handle, will be disinfected. When cleaning is complete, the vehicle will be locked and recorded as disinfected.
• A stringent appointment system to control customer flow will be implemented.
• Each dealership will install signage indicating where customers are to proceed upon arrival.
• When confirming appointments by phone, customers will be advised to not visit the dealership if they are exhibiting any symptoms associated with COVID-19. Upon arrival at the dealership, customers will also be advised of the safety measures in place to protect them, as well as staff. These may include restricted access to the showroom floor, the presence of hand-sanitizer stations, limited washroom access, etc.
• Dealership staff at reception will be safely distanced from customers and have access to appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Customers will be directed to sanitize their hands upon arrival, prior to meeting with any dealership staff.
• A staff member will unlock a vehicle and keep the key on their person at all times.
• Digital records will be kept of each vehicle presented to customers, including name, contact information, date, duration of entry and staff-member name.
• All vehicles will be locked after each presentation and the key to the staff member responsible for cleaning and disinfecting keys.
• All vehicle surfaces touched by the customer during the presentation will be disinfected, including keys, door handles, steering wheel, gearshift, touchscreen, seatbelt buckles, accessories and trunk handle.
• Any employee(s) carrying out the evaluation of vehicles for potential trade will wear protective gloves throughout the process and observe proper handwashing protocols immediately upon completion of the evaluation.
• For test drives, a series of protocols have been suggested for all salespeople which include, among other things, washing his/her hands prior to departing, advising the customer to do the same, taking a photo of the customer’s driver’s licence without touching the physical licence and choosing a disinfected vehicle OR ensuring the customer’s selected vehicle is properly disinfected prior to departing. Dealers will be following provincial social-distancing guidelines while they remain in place
• Delivery of purchased vehicles will be done at the physical dealership, preferably in an outdoor location designated for this specific purpose. Dealership staff will ensure full sanitization of the vehicle interior, including steering wheel, gearshift, touchscreen, seatbelt buckles, accessories, as well as all door and trunk handles, prior to providing the customer with the keys. Keys will also be fully disinfected before presentation.
• Dealership staff will maintain the recommended two-metre distance from the customer during the delivery process and must not enter the vehicle with the customer. A full demonstration of the vehicle’s features can be provided virtually, i.e. through online video, FaceTime, etc.

New-car dealers can access this information at <a href="http://tada.ca">tada.ca</a>.

This column represents the views and values of the TADA. Write to <a href="mailto:president@tada.ca">president@tada.ca</a> or go to tada.ca. Cliff Lafreniere is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and is president of Pinewood Park Motors (Ford) in Kirkland Lake. For information about automotive trends and careers, visit <a href="http://carsandjobs.com">carsandjobs.com</a>.

Health and Safety Guidelines for Reopening of Dealerships

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There is an old expression that truth is the first casualty of war.

I was thinking about that expression and how it applies to the COVID-19 crisis, as rumours have been flying about police stopping and ticketing people just for driving.

As our understanding of COVID-19 to evolves, the internet has been a great source of information and connecting with others, but it is also a breeding ground for misinformation.

To help set the record straight, I asked Sgt. Kerry Schmidt of the highway safety division of the Ontario Provincial Police to provide clarity on these rumours.

Schmidt says that although road traffic volume has been greatly reduced in the past month, far too many drivers are taking advantage of the open roads to drive recklessly, which puts themselves, other motorists and the police at risk.

Reckless driving leads to more collisions and injuries and puts additional strain on hospitals that are already managing an influx of patients related to COVID-19.

Last weekend alone, 30 drivers in the GTA were stopped and their vehicles impounded and licences suspended for street racing and/or stunt driving. On average, 10 vehicles per day in Ontario are taken off the roads for speeding or stunt driving.

In Toronto, from March 15 to 30, police issued 35 per cent more speeding tickets than during the same two-week period last year. In York Region, tickets issued for stunt driving were up 60 per cent in March, compared to March 2019.

The message that Schmidt wants to share with the public is that drivers need to obey all traffic laws and public health guidelines. That means “slowing down and driving responsibly.” Schmidt stressed that the OPP will not take a break from enforcing public safety and traffic laws.

During this COVID-19 crisis, police (like everyone else) are trying to limit close contact with the public, which explains why police stations in Ontario are closed indefinitely (stations are accessible through phone and website). Police do not want to be a source of transmission of this disease or to be in contact with someone who may have COVID-19.

One of the most persistent rumours is that police are stopping drivers randomly and asking them where they live and to explain where they are going, and why, and ticketing vehicles that are carrying too many people.

According to Schmidt, that’s not true. At this time, there are no travel restrictions in place anywhere in the province, and no checkpoints. Nor are police ticketing cars with multiple passengers under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

However, Schmidt suggests that drivers listen to the recommendations of Public Health. but ignoring their recommendations is not an offence. He reiterated that Public Health has specific recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Drivers should understand that not only speeding and stunt driving are dangerous on the roads, but all types of reckless driving, including driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and distracted driving.

If there is a central message that Schmidt needs the public to understand, it is this: please slow down and use common sense. He says Ontario is still under a state of emergency and all citizens need to do their part to help flatten the curve.

“The job of the highway traffic division is to ensure the safety, security and protection of all Ontario citizens who are using the roadways,” Schmidt says. “It’s everyone’s job to obey the rules of the road and to follow the guidelines of health officials.”

This column represents the views and values of the TADA. Write to <a href="mailto:president@tada.ca">president@tada.ca</a> or go to tada.ca. Cliff Lafreniere is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and is president of Pinewood Park Motors (Ford) in Kirkland Lake. For information about automotive trends and careers, visit carsandjobs.com.

Dealers Voice: Staying Safe also Means Driving Safe

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In recent weeks, the media has hailed the efforts of front-line workers who are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic — the doctors, the nurses, the first responders, the retail employees, among others.

What is like to work on the front lines of this health crisis?

I recently asked Natalia Kusendova that very question. Kusendova is the MPP for the riding of Mississauga Centre, and the youngest female member of provincial Parliament.

Several weeks ago, she added the extra duties of her previous career and has taken up a role as a registered nurse in the emergency department at Etobicoke General Hospital, while continuing her duties as an MPP.

As Kusendova explains, returning to nursing at this time is no different than her reasoning for getting into politics: “I wanted to impact my community in a positive way,” she says.

Working in an emergency room during this health crisis does not strike fear into Kusendova’s heart. On the contrary, she is motivated and energized by the high level of professionalism and organization at her hospital, by the levels of co-operation among various levels of government, and by the support from individuals and businesses.

Hospitals like Etobicoke General have introduced safety measures and protocols to ensure that doctors, nurses, staff members and patients are protected and safeguarded at all times. The stream of COVID-19 patients (as opposed to potential surges) has not overtaxed the system and led to panic situations.

Kusendova realizes that people might be fearful about going to a hospital during the COVID-19 crisis, and she wants to reassure the public that hospitals are safe environments. There is currently an adequate supply of intensive-care beds and ventilators to accommodate the health-care needs of the public.

Kusendova believes that the province’s state of emergency (declared on March 16) has been a significant factor in limiting the number of COVID-19 cases. It bans people from gathering in public spaces and it outlaws events with gatherings of more than five people.

She reiterates that if you are having mild symptoms and suspect COVID-19, please call Telehealth first at 1-866-797-0000. If you are having moderate to severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or chest pain, please visit to an emergency room right away. People are urged not to visit an assessment centre unless they have been referred by a health-care professional.

Kusendova is also encouraged by the actions of citizens to self-isolate at home and obey the guidelines from public health officials. “These preventative actions by Ontarians have helped to thwart a surge in COVID-19 cases,” she says. “We are apart, but we are all in this together.”

She understands that people are anxious, stressed and fearful, but says it’s important to keep going and not give up. She advises people at home to utilize online tools and platforms to communicate with friends and loved ones.

Indeed, many Ontarians may be experiencing mental health issues in dealing with the isolation and uncertainties of their personal circumstances, in which case Kusendova recommends contacting health-care professionals for help (visit 211Ontario.ca).

Kusendova commends the province in providing emergency funding of up to $12 million to immediately expand online and virtual mental health supports, and $2.6 million to hire new psychologists and other mental health workers to support Ontario Provincial Police personnel.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/afwFordCaucus08.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-151519" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/afwFordCaucus08.jpg" alt="Natalia Kusendova" width="1280" height="1343" /></a>

Kusendova is also encouraged by the level of support from businesses and individuals across the province. The provincial government recently launched the $50-million Ontario Together Fund, to help willing businesses provide essential medical supplies and equipment.

So far, the program, through its website, has received more than 14,000 submissions from local businesses to provide everything from gowns, coveralls and masks to face shields, testing equipment and other products/services.

On behalf of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association, and all Ontarians, I applaud Kusendova and all of the front-line workers who are putting themselves at risk to keep us safe and to minimize the spread of this deadly disease.

This column represents the views and values of the TADA. Write to <a href="mailto:president@tada.ca">president@tada.ca</a> or go to tada.ca. Cliff Lafreniere is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and is president of Pinewood Park Motors (Ford) in Kirkland Lake. For information about automotive trends and careers, visit carsandjobs.com.

Dealers Voice: A View from the Front Lines

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In seeking to better understand the challenges that we are all facing, and looking for wisdom to cope with a strange new reality, I turned to someone who has lived through difficult times before.

Who better to proffer words of wisdom than Norris McDonald, editor emeritus of the Toronto Star’s Wheels section, and the first journalist ever to be inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame?

I spoke with Norris recently about the COVID-19 crisis and asked him to share any stories or wisdom that might be a benefit to readers.

If you know Norris at all, you know that he’s a great storyteller who is rarely at a loss for words. He is also an award-winning journalist who shows no signs of slowing down.

Norris recounted a story from his days working at the Kingston Whig-Standard.

It was the early 1980s, and Canada was in a deep recession. The owner/publisher of the Whig-Standard, Michael Davies, faced a crisis at the paper. Many newspapers and media companies were laying off staff left, right and centre.

Davies wanted to avoid layoffs, and so he called a meeting with his entire staff from all departments (sales, circulation, reporters, editors, pressmen).

More than 100 staff gathered at the Grand Theatre in Kingston. There, Davies told his staff that the paper needed to boost circulation by 1,000 in order to avoid layoffs. He asked everyone to pitch in.

It was an audacious goal.

The Whig-Standard was ridiculed by staff on some of the larger newspapers. Imagine asking reporters and pressman to knock on doors to sell subscriptions? Unheard of!

When staff finished their shifts at the paper, they would go home, change, and go out canvassing for subscriptions. They did what they had to do and, within two months, the Whig-Standard had reached its goal of 1,000 new subscribers. Layoffs were avoided.

This story sent a chill down my spine. An entire company understood the dire predicament the paper was in, and knew what was at stake. As Norris said, “We had to work together back then to save jobs; now we have to work together to save lives.”

A global pandemic is a far cry from an economic recession, but there is a lesson to be learned in Norris’s story of yesteryear that applies to the COVID-19 crisis today.

We all need to do our part to get through these difficult and stressful times.

The “stay home” message has been broadcast on every media platform for weeks now, and yet some people are still playing fast and loose with the laws. They are congregating in groups, visiting parks and shopping in person for non-essential items. In doing so, they are putting themselves and others at risk.

I am the first to admit that self-isolation is tough. Being alone, at home, is a huge imposition, and many people are struggling with it. But please — do your part to minimize the risk of spreading this awful disease. Just stay home.

On behalf of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association, I would like to acknowledge the recent passing of Rod Campbell, a legend in the automotive world.

Norris wrote a moving tribute to Campbell in last week’s Toronto Star.

Early in his career, Campbell covered racing events and sold advertising for radio before launching his own motorsports marketing and event planning company. He sold his company in 1999.

Throughout his career, Campbell befriended many motorsports drivers and industry giants, including Jackie Stewart, Roger Penske and Walter Hayes.

He was known for his tireless work ethic, his infection enthusiasm and his boundless confidence.

Campbell was also a champion of auto shows around the world, especially the Canadian International AutoShow (Campbell’s nephew, Jason, is the general manager of the CIAS.)

Campbell left an impressive mark on the automotive world and on those who knew him personally or professionally. He will be missed by many.

This column represents the views and values of the TADA. Write to <a href="mailto:president@tada.ca">president@tada.ca</a> or go to tada.ca. Cliff Lafreniere is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and is president of Pinewood Park Motors (Ford) in Kirkland Lake. For information about automotive trends and careers, visit carsandjobs.com.

Dealers Voice: A Story of Teamwork, and a Lesson for Us All

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I am sure that all readers share my sense of dread and disbelief over the spread of COVID-19 over the past few weeks. A disease that began in central China in December has, in just three months, affected more than 170 countries and territories around the world.

Every day, new cases of the disease and related developments are reported. Governments, hospitals, schools, businesses, organizations and individuals everywhere are scrambling to cope with this unprecedented health crisis.

First off, on behalf of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) and its 1,100 members across Ontario, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the people in Canada working on the front lines of this global pandemic.

In particular, I’m referring to the health-care professionals — the doctors, nurses. paramedics and volunteers — who are putting themselves in harm’s way to assess and treat victims of COVID-19. These unsung heroes deserve our recognition and thanks.

When I think about our health-care professionals, I am reminded of the famous Winston Churchill quote from the Second World War: “Never was so much owed by so many to so few.”

Secondly, I would like to thank all federal, provincial and municipal government officials for their efforts in managing the crisis so far. They are doing an incredible job, under immense pressure, to ensure the public’s health and well-being.

It should be noted that governments, organizations and businesses are not operating from a standard playbook here. They are gathering information and making decisions “on the fly” and information is changing all the time.

Thirdly, I would like to thank the TADA’s executive director, Todd Bourgon, for his inspired leadership during this crisis, along with the board of directors and the TADA staff, who are providing important advice and resources to our dealer network.

In the past few weeks, I have spoken to many fellow dealers across the province, in an effort to better understand this evolving crisis and to share best practices. All dealerships are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for their employees and customers.

During this crisis, dealerships are committed to keeping people moving in their communities, providing repairs on vehicles that provide essential services such as transporting patients to hospitals and medical facilities, delivering meals and getting people to work.

My best advice to car owners is to contact your new car dealership to inquire about hours of operation and how to obtain the service that you require.

At my Ford dealership in Kirkland Lake, if a customer would rather not visit us in person, we will pick their vehicle up at their home and bring it to our store for service or repair work. Other dealers are doing the same.

If you suspect that you might have contracted COVID-19, please do not visit a dealership or any other public space, whether it’s a grocery store, a restaurant, government office or business. Seek professional advice on the best course of action, and minimize your contact with others.

In times of crisis, a country is defined by how well it cares for its most vulnerable citizens. Canada is a kind and generous country, and I am encouraged by the many random acts of kindness that have been reported in the media of late. If you can help a friend, a neighbour or a loved one in their time of need, please do so.

Finally, there are some basic protective measures everyone can take against COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization. These include:

• wash your hands frequently;
• maintain social distancing;
• avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth;
• practice respiratory hygiene;
• if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early;
• stay informed and follow advice given by your health-care provider.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the <a href="https://www.who.int/">World Health Organization</a> website or <a href="https://www.publichealthontario.ca/">Public Health Ontario</a> .

This column represents the views and values of the TADA. Write to <a href="mailto:president@tada.ca">president@tada.ca</a> or go to tada.ca. Cliff Lafreniere is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and is president of Pinewood Park Motors (Ford) in Kirkland Lake. For information about automotive trends and careers, visit carsandjobs.com.

Dealers Voice: Dealerships Aim to Keep People Moving

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At the time of this writing, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten Canadians from coast to coast.

Despite the increase in the number of cases, it is reassuring to see that citizens and businesses are complying with the rules of law and heeding the advice from doctors and health-care professionals.

Amidst this uncertain and fearful time, I am encouraged by the actions that some people and companies are taking to provide additional assistance to those in need.

Most new-car dealerships have reduced their hours of operation and are offering essential service and virtual sales. Some dealers have closed their doors altogether until it is safe to open them again. If you want to know your dealership’s policies and procedures with regard to COVID-19, and how to address your automotive needs, visit their website.

Automotive manufacturers have also posted messages on their websites for their dealer networks and for the public. The message from Pierre Boutin, president and CEO of Volkswagen Canada, I found particularly inspiring in light of all the daily updates.

Boutin writes: “Please follow the recommendations of our health authorities, and do what you can to minimize risk. And remember, finding the time to smile is a powerful tool in moments like these.”

Boutin’s message underscores the importance of everyone doing his/her part in fighting this pandemic, and also remembering that we are all human and need to connect with our families, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

This is a defining time for Canadians. We are all in this crisis together, and together, we will fight it and emerge stronger as a country when it’s over.

Across the province, new-car dealerships are helping their communities by providing vehicles, health supplies and other resources.

The Owasco Group generously offered up to 70 RVs and trailers to the Oshawa and Ajax hospitals to support first responders who need ways to get to home and work. The group has a volunteer team to come in and help with this as soon as the call comes in.

The Drive Muskoka dealerships in Huntsville provided much-needed medical supplies to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.

During this health crisis, many people may feel that their life has spun out of control, which could lead to anxiety and depression. This could be the result of a lack of structure in their lives — the normal, day-to-day activities that we need to feel fulfilled — as people are wondering what to do with their time.

Here are some suggestions for making the most of your spare time:

• If you have health-related questions or are looking for health services, contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

• If you have a friend or family member who is feeling down, call them up and try to buoy their spirits. You could put a smile on someone’s face who really needs it. Make use of free online conferencing services, such as Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or Google Hangouts. (It’s the next best thing to being with a person.)

• Enrol in a free online course. Khan Academy (<a href="http://khanacademy.org">khanacademy.org</a>) offers free videos on math, economics, computer programming and other topics, for all levels. Coursera (<a href="http://coursera.org">coursera.org</a>) is an online learning platform that is offering a selection of free courses for a limited time.

• Stay fit and healthy. Establish a fitness schedule to improve your physical and mental health. A resource that offers great online programs is Radix Performance Centre (<a href="http://radixperformance.com">radixperformance.com</a>).

If you have a personal story to share about coping with this health crisis, or about someone who is making a positive difference in the community, I would love to hear about it. Please email me your stories, and I’ll share a few in a future column (names will not be published).

This column represents the views and values of the TADA. Write to <a href="mailto:president@tada.ca">president@tada.ca</a> or go to tada.ca. Cliff Lafreniere is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and is president of Pinewood Park Motors (Ford) in Kirkland Lake. For information about automotive trends and careers, visit carsandjobs.com.

Dealers Voice: Finding a Different Gear Amid the COVID-19 Crisis

corner_house_bistro_1

It’s incredible how rapidly and profoundly our world has changed in just two weeks.

In mid-March, many Canadians defined themselves by their professional or academic status (retailer, hairstylist, lawyer, carpenter, student), but today those labels have all but disappeared as we are all Canadians first, trying to stay safe and healthy, and helping others do the same.

As a country, we are redefining what it means to be Canadian. Canada has a proud history of helping other countries in times of need (wars, famines, natural disasters). These days, we are helping our fellow citizens, and it is inspiring to see how individuals and companies have stepped up during this hour of need.

In last week’s column, I referenced the many random acts of kindness that Canadians have demonstrated early on during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m pleased to report that random acts of kindness have been multiplying by leaps and bounds across the country.

At Pettenuzzo’s Your Independent Grocer (a division of Loblaw Companies Limited) in Kirkland Lake, the store has chosen to open an hour earlier than usual to accommodate seniors. (Many grocery stores and pharmacies across Canada have taken similar measures.)

The co-owner of Your Independent Grocer, Jamie Pettenuzzo, shared with me some other steps his store has taken to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19, including limiting the number of customers allowed inside the store, installing a portable hand sanitizer sink at the store’s entrance, placing social distance decals on the floor of the store and offering online shopping.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/corner_house_bistro_1-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-150794" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/corner_house_bistro_1-1.jpg" alt="Caremongering" width="605" height="807" /></a>

In Keswick, Alan and Vincenza (Vee) Palenchuk, co-owners of the Corner House Bistro, prepared a large quantity of soup and donated it to the Sandgate Women’s Shelter, Georgina Hospice and to local families. It is perfect comfort food in a time of discomfort. Vincenza and Alan plan on repeating this gesture in the near future.

A towing company near London offered to use some of the company’s trucks to provide free pickups and deliveries to seniors who are unable to go the store and for people who are in self-isolation.

Canada Goose recently announced it will use its manufacturing facilities to produce necessary medical gear for front-line health-care workers and patients across Canada in the fight against COVID-19.

Many Canadian and international recording artists have been live streaming mini-concerts from their homes on Facebook and other social media sites as a way of providing some enjoyment (and diversion) for their fans.

In the past week alone, Burton Cummings, Jann Arden, Garth Brooks, Neil Diamond, John Legend and Chris Martin have live-streamed their music, and fans appreciate these spontaneous acts of giving.

Caremongering groups have sprung up across the country. CTV News reported that 35 such groups now exist across Canada. Some of these groups are providing services over and above their regular driving and pickup services, such as offering computer advice for those setting up home offices, and video tutorials for those coping with addictions.

If you want to help others, I encourage you to contact your local non-profit organizations and see how you can be of assistance.

If you are self-isolating at home, there are things you can still do to help others. Why not do a live chat with friend or relative who lives alone? Participate in online gaming?

Once again, I must again commend the front-line workers who are dealing directly with the public during this crisis.

I’m talking about the doctors, nurses and health-care professionals, the retail staff at grocery stores and other retail outlets that are deemed an essential service.

On behalf of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association, I commend all individuals and companies that have put their lives at risk in order to make us safe.

This column represents the views and values of the TADA. Write to <a href="mailto:president@tada.ca">president@tada.ca</a> or go to tada.ca. Cliff Lafreniere is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and is president of Pinewood Park Motors (Ford) in Kirkland Lake. For information about automotive trends and careers, visit carsandjobs.com.

Dealers Voice: Canadians caring for one another in the age of COVID-19

Car crash

Many drivers don’t know the full details of their auto insurance coverage or how it works until they have an accident.

Today, I would like to provide an overview of the current insurance system in Ontario (known as no-fault). No-fault insurance has its supporters and detractors, and I am not advocating for either side.

In 1990, the provincial government introduced the no-fault insurance system for automobile collisions. This was to speed up the claims process and prevent injured people from suing motorists who caused their accidents.

The no-fault system was a more efficient method of dealing with the increasing number of auto accidents and the sharp increase in auto insurance premiums, prior to 1990.

Since then, various governments have introduced changes to no-fault insurance in an attempt to make it fairer for insurance providers and insured motorists.

The name “no-fault” insurance implies that nobody is at fault when an accident occurs. But that’s not true. The term means that when an accident happens, each party involved reports the accident to their own insurance company, regardless of who is at fault.

A motorist’s insurance company will pay for the damages and entitled benefits, even if the accident was the fault of the other driver. If you are entirely at fault, your insurance company will pay for your damages and entitled benefits, and you will likely be subjected to an increase in future premiums.

To determine who is at fault or responsible for the purposes of direct compensation and property damage, insurance companies will often refer to the Ontario Fault Determination Rules. These rules apply to most collision scenarios, regardless of weather conditions, point of impact on the vehicle or the involvement of pedestrians.

The circumstances of an accident could show that more than one driver was negligent. If so, each insurance company could get involved in the settlement, depending on the degree of responsibility attributed to each driver. In cases where a dispute arises about responsibility, the courts may be called upon to intervene.

Under the current insurance system, accident victims can still sue a driver who caused an accident. This is known as a “tort” action, and in certain situations, accident victims could sue for non-economic losses, in addition to any damages or benefits that their insurance provider paid out.

One of the big differences between the tort system and current insurance is that the latter does not cover non-economic losses, which include items such as pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Unlike in the tort-based system prior to 1990, nobody except the most severely injured receives pain-and-suffering compensation under the current no-fault system.

For motorists involved in an automobile accident, it’s critical that they report the accident to their insurance company as soon as possible (and to the police if the damages exceed $2,000 for both vehicles). Failure to notify your insurance company could result in losing some benefits and any monetary damages that you are entitled to.

Anyone injured in an automobile accident in Ontario is entitled to benefits from their insurance company, regardless of who was at fault. The Ontario Insurance Act stipulates that accident benefits coverages are mandatory for all auto insurance policies.

Under the current insurance system, motorists involved in an auto accident may qualify for several types of accident benefits, regardless of who is at fault. These benefits are included in the following categories:
<ul>
 	<li>Medial / rehabilitative</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 	<li>Income replacement</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 	<li>Caregiver</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 	<li>Housekeeping / home maintenance</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 	<li>Attendant care</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 	<li>Funeral expenses and death benefits</li>
</ul>
Thirty years after it was introduced in Ontario, the current insurance system continues to evolve. For more information, visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s website (ibc.ca).

This column represents the views and values of the TADA. Write to <a href="mailto:president@tada.ca">president@tada.ca</a> or go to tada.ca. Cliff Lafreniere is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and is president of Pinewood Park Motors (Ford) in Kirkland Lake. For information about automotive trends and careers, visit carsandjobs.com.

Cliff Lafreniere

Articles by Cliff Lafreniere