The Canadian Paint and Coatings Association’s (CPCA) 106th Annual Conference and AGM was held at the Sutton Place Hotel in Vancouver, BC May 23-24, 2019.  Members met at this event to discuss current issues and trends in Canada’s coatings industry, and celebrate this year’s industry award recipients.
This year’s theme was “Canada’s Coatings Industry: Vision 20-20 Beyond 2020,” looking at the economic, environmental and social trends of importance to the industry. There will be more challenges for the industry as the government seeks to re-assess chemicals already in commerce as well as new uses of existing chemicals already assessed. Other issues on the agenda were ongoing restrictions coming for biocides, paint waste management and stewardship, new and innovative approaches to sustainability in the industry, and more. 
The business sessions addressed some of the challenges faced by the industry today and look in the crystal ball as to what is on the horizon for tomorrow. From ongoing regulatory challenges for coatings products to impressive innovations in the industry and what the coatings industry is doing to ensure products meet the highest standards of performance while respecting human health and the environment.  

Highlights included presentations “Economic Update: Trends,Trials and Tribulations” by Dan Murad, President & CEOChemQuest; “Advancing the Interests of Coatings in the UK” by Tania Morrill, marketing director for the British Coatings Federation; and “Global Initiatives – Local Challenges” by Steve Sides, VP, global affairs and chief science officer at the American Coatings Association.


The AGM approved reappointment of four current members to the CPCA Board of Directors. The full Board slate for 2019–20 is as follows:
• André Buisson (Société Laurentide)
• Bruce Clatworthy (Dominion Color Lansco)
• Doug Crabb (Duha Group)
• Andy Doyle (American Coatings Association)
• Mark Huisman (BASF Canada)
• Brent Jamieson (Axalta Coating Systems)
• Curt Kaucher (Sherwin-Williams)
• Sharon Kelly (KelCoatings)
• Darrin Nobel (Home-Hardware Beauti-Tone)
• Vince Rea (PPG Canada)
• Jeff Snyder (AkzoNobel)
• Jean-Francois Tanguay (IMCD Canada)
• Richard Tremblay (Benjamin Moore)
• Fred Veghelyi (OPC Polymers Canada)
• Tim Vogel (Board Chair, Cloverdale Paint)

“The CPCA Board of Directors were reaffirmed at the most recent Annual General Meeting and we are pleased they will continue to provide good governance for the association,” commented Benjamin Moore’s Richard Tremblay, the newly elected Board Chair. Mr. Tremblay went on to say that, “The entire Board of Directors were pleased to recognize the tremendous contribution made by Tim Vogel who served as CPCA’s Chair over the past four years and we are happy to say he remains on the board as Director.” CPCA continues to focus on new programs and services for members to add value to their respective businesses in Canada.

The 2019 annual Industry Awards Dinner was held at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club recognizing individual contributions to the Canadian paint and coatings industry. CPCA’s highest honor, the Roy Kennedy Outstanding Achievement Award, was presented to Lysane Lavoie, CPCA Director of Regulatory Affairs and Management Information.
The Industry Achievement Award was presented to Fred Veghelyi, OPC Polymers and CPCA Board member and Mannie Cheung, Vice-President, Product Care Association.
The Industry Distinction Award was presented to outstanding individuals who are retiring or recently retired but have made a significant contribution to their companies and the industry generally. These were Mike Lynch (Cloverdale Paint), Luc Pepin (PPG Paints), Steve Wolinsky (Rustoleum), Claude Brosseau (PPG Paints), and Kamlaish Mudhar (Univar).  CPCA also recognized important milestone anniversaries of several members as follows: Hero (50 years), Schwartz Chemical (50 years) and Product Care Recycling (25 years).

CPCA’s President and CEO, Gary LeRoux commented that: “It was a great conference with important business sessions and the awards dinner held at one of the best locations in Canada, the scenic Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, to honour the achievements of several in our industry.” CPCA would like to thank its Board members, all conference attendees and its sponsors for making the 106th annual conference and AGM a tremendous success.