Discussions are ongoing with the Nova Scotia Dept. of Environment, concerning the salvage yards. The latest meeting was Feb 10, 2005. Initially they wanted to try to reach the smaller salvage yards and approached ARAAC with the intent that we bring the smaller yards in and discuss the development of yard closure plans. After their initial meeting they went away to think again about what they want, realizing that many of the yards they want to reach are not association members and that our industry is far more sophisticated than they realized.

Twice they have come to our meetings and spoke about their intentions and also in depth about yard inspections and how they now work. What was quickly realized is that maybe they should be looking at best management practices. They are now looking at the whole program-salvage yard guidelines (making a few edits), how they are dealing with this industry and how they do things. They are talking about implementing some form of training program, best management practices and closure plans. At the most recent meeting they made an attempt to engage the regions inspectors in discussions and most welcome was Mark Victor, Dept of Environment from PEI who participated by way of teleconference.

These discussions are not something new to this industry. British Columbia has a Certification Program, Steve Fletcher of ARC is proposing a national certification of recyclers. Florida has one of the most sophisticated certification programs developed by them in conjunction with their environmental counterparts.

We are currently waiting once again for the Dept. of Environment to tell us how it is that we can assist them. This should be food for though in Newfoundland and New Brunswick. If this goes forth it would be worth while that as an association ARAAC does this together.

The Clean Air Foundation has two programs they have been discussing with ARAAC for the last two years:

1. Mercury Switch Out Program. Two years ago these people attended our annual meeting and at that time we distributed containers to commence removal of mercury switches. These containers were accompanied by a information booklet and a CD. As a reminder, if your containers are full, bring them to Maritime Auto Salvage, which has been set up a temporary drop off point. Currently the Mercury Switch Out folks are still trying to formalize this program in Nova Scotia first and than the other regions. The Resource S P R I N G 2 0 0 5 Recovery Board of Nova Scotia is waiting for the opportunity to table this initiative and request funding for it. Most of the funds will go to shipping of the mercury switches and final costs for the actual disposal of them. Today we are still doing this because ARAAC sees it as an environmentally responsible initiative to do. At some point in time they are going to collect our containers back and issue new ones. This will provide them with information on how well we are doing and how serious we are taking this program.

2. Car Heaven Program. Again, this program has been discussed for the last two years. At our most recent ARAAC meeting we reviewed whether we are interested in participation. The answer is yes, but will be at the discretion of each member to sign up for this program and to determine what geographical area you’d be interested in. This vehicle collection program will be run in conjunction with the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) and they have agreed to locally manage the Car Heaven program. This included the programs administration, contacting the recyclers for the pick-up of vehicles and the responsibility of invoicing the recyclers at the end of each month for payment of all cars collected. They are also the main point of contact for the public. General Motors has offered a significant incentive for eligible Car Heaven cars – $1,000 off the purchase of a new vehicle. There are also other incentives offered to the public.

At our most recent ARAAC meeting we sent back the following comments – that we would entertain vehicles 9-11 years old with proof of insurance within 1 year of signing up with the Car Heaven program; that we be willing to pay $50 per vehicle. Also that in taking these vehicles off the road we feel it inappropriate that we resell such parts as catalytic converters, engines, carburetor as the intent of this program is to reduce emissions in the air. All vehicles should be complete and easily accessible. We are currently waiting to review an updated proposal, but so far three yards have shown interest in participating. If you are interested contact Lana MacDonald. The Clean Air Foundation is attempting to find out how many yards are interested.

Steer Clean Program – This program is organized by the Ecology Action Center and is up and running in New Brunswick. It, like Car Heaven is aimed at improving air quality and alleviating climate change by removing, older, high emission vehicles from the road. This program was tabled at our ARAAC meeting and currently further discussions are taking place. They are looking at vehicles 1994 and older, and offering incentives to retire these cars. Initially they were to focus on the Halifax Regional Municipality, but now it is understood they would retire vehicles in other areas of Nova Scotia. This is sure to be on our agenda at our next meeting.

Both Car Heaven and the Ecology Action Centre have been approached to discuss their similarities with each other to ensure whether their initiatives should be brought together.

Derek Covey is still working on the branding issue here in Nova Scotia. Graham Conrad has agreed to attend the next meeting hopefully to help resolve the issue over only having I-CAR Certified Inspection facilities.

Skills NS for next year will be holding Olympic style competitions centered at the Metro Centre in Halifax (expecting 1200- 1400 participants). The recyclers have been approached to compete against each other in dismantling of an automobile. ARAAC has shown interest in this and it is intended to invite Michelle Bussie to the annual meeting.

Ed MacDonald, Maritime Auto Salvage is working with Philip Fugere of LeCavalier Automotive Parts on the Parts and Material Committee of the Canadian Collision Industry Form (CCIF). Glen Hickey of Auto Parts Network has just recently competed a term as President of the CCIF. Ed is also the Co-Chair of ARC and Director of Public Relations for ATA. We have some very direct involvement in these associations and are thankful to those who are out there working for the automotive recycling industry.

Lana MacDonald, AARAC