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TORONTO, ON December 22, 2020 - The Canadian Carwash Association (CCA) continues to monitor the most recent developments surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As a result of COVID-19, carwash operators and vehicle detail service providers have faced an enormous challenge navigating the Federal, Provincial/Territory and Municipal requirements set upon them.
Our operators are constantly questioning their ability to provide each specific service while struggling to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of rules, regulations and interpretations from each level of government.
December 21, 2020 both Automated and Self-Serve Car Washes have now been listed as businesses permitted to open. We welcome this news, but it still does not cover vital vehicle sanitation (all exterior and interior service) which has yet to be listed as an essential service in official government documentation. This would include, but not limited to:
- All forms of professional exterior washing
- All forms of professional interior cleaning, including:
- Detailing; and
- Sanitization
Being formally recognized under the retailer category, (Automotive) for both full-range exterior and interior cleaning, would ensure that both our operators and the general public had clarity when it relates to vehicle sanitizing services.
The CCA has been advocating on behalf of all Canadian operators on this issue. However, as Canada begins to lockdown again this winter it is imperative our industry as a whole be formally recognized as ESSENTIAL. All Car wash and detailing operators provide a basic and sanitizing service that is essential to the health and safety of all Canadians. There is a continuing need for automotive owners to keep their vehicles clean and safe. Police, Utility, Uber, and Lyft drivers have a continuing need to keep their vehicles clean and safe. People transporting the elderly; people assisting as volunteers or paid staff for non-profits offering essential services; people delivering goods and food need to maintain a safe environment. Car washes are just as important as gas stations or automotive repair centers during this critical time.
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| What you can do to support, act now!
Premier’s Office – Email: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca Municipal Mayor Listing – Please search your municipal website for direct contact information Sample Social Post: "The Carwash and Interior sanitization industry provides an essential service to our Canadian communities! Keep us OPEN and available to those who rely on our services to stay safe through COVID-19 lockdowns. @canadiancarwash @cfib #weareessential" |
No matter where you are in the world, you’re being impacted by COVID-19. The Canadian Carwash Association (CCA) recognizes that this is an uneasy time for Canadians and for small business owners. We know that there are a lot of unanswered questions and that this situation is evolving by the hour, which is leading to confusion and uncertainty.
What the CCA is doing:
Power in numbers – We’ve engaged with our partner, the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) to gain clarity on what is an essential service during this time. Since the types of carwashes in Canada vary (full-serve, self-serve, hybrid etc.) and our Members are spread out in different provinces, we’re seeking clarity on the issue and the specifics to your region. We will be updating the website frequently as information is received.
Resources to help you – As always, Members have access to a library of resources through the CCA and CFIB partnership. We’ll be gathering information from different sources and populating this page with direct links to information that will help you operate and stay informed at 416-239-0339 ext 323 or office@canadiancarwash.ca.
We’d like to also acknowledge and thank all workers who are on the front lines of this pandemic. Without them, our health and safety be compromised.
Resources:
- Emergency preparedness checklist
- Small business dealing with COVID-19 FAQ’s etc.
- Provincial and Federal relief measures: Federal, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador