December Voice

HPBA Canada Voice

December 2012

Travis Industries

Remembering Tom Pugh

By now you will have heard of the passing of Tom Pugh on Friday, December 14th. I don't imagine there is anyone in this industry who has not met or at the very least heard of Tom. His loss will be felt for years. There was no one more tireless, devoted and passionate about the welfare of the hearth industry.

For the past several years Tom served on the HPBA Canada Board of Directors as well as the Board of the HPBAC Western Chapter. He chaired the HPBAC Reorganization Task Force where he was instrumental in bringing about a new accord between HPBAC and APC. He served on the national and Western Chapter Government Affairs committees. All of this was in addition to his volunteer work with HPBA and the Northwest HPBA.

Many of you will have attended seminars written and delivered by Tom. He was always willing to share his considerable business acumen and experience to benefit his fellow members and the industry as a whole.

Tom was also instrumental in the creation of HPBA's Government Affairs Academy. He believed passionately that "all politics is local" and that as an industry we needed members in all geographical areas who were trained to deal with regulators and media. Many HPBA Canada members and staff have graduated from the Academy.

Tom's legacy to the industry is simply immense and the void he now leaves, immeasurable. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends he leaves behind.

We will all miss him greatly,

Paul Hebert
President, HPBA Canada

And the winners are...

On Monday, December 17th the HPBAC draw for gift cards was held at the offices of the association's accountants - BDO Dunwoody, in Huntsville, Ontario.

Peter Schwarzl of BDO drew the five ballots.

The lucky winners are:
Okanagan Rockworld, Kelowna, BC
Enchanted Chimney Services, Hamilton, ON
Service Experts, Calgary, AB
Kastle Fireplaces, Scarborough, ON
The Stove Parlour, Tiverton, ON

Each of the winners will receive a $100 gift card from their choice of the following businesses:

Hudsons Bay Company
Staples
ESSO
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Future Shop
Bon Appetit

Congratulations to all of the winners.

Group Insurance - Taxable Benefits

Did you know that Employer-paid premiums for Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Critical Illness become Taxable Benefits effective January 1, 2013?

The Canadian Federal Budget tabled on March 29, 2012 proposed that employer-paid premiums for Group Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance and for Group Critical Illness (CI) Insurance are to be included in an employee's income and thus become a taxable benefit. The proposal passed final reading in the House of Commons on December 5, 2012, with an implementation date of January 1, 2013.

For more information and answers to some common questions please click here to view a Communiqué from EBS Associates, HPBAC`s group benefits program partner.

Focus Canada at EXPO in 2013

Coming to Orlando for EXPO in March?

Don't miss Focus Canada and the HPBAC Annual General Meeting on Thursday, March 14th at 7:00 am in Room N320A-D of the Orange County Convention Center. Register now.

This is your opportunity to meet other Canadian members and to learn about issues across Canada and the US that may affect your business.

Delicious hot breakfast will be brought
to you by our sponsors