This summer we heard that CSA had engaged advisors with the intent of finding a buyer for the TIC (Testing, Inspection & Certification) business.  After some consideration CSA chose to sell the TIC business to Kiwa Group allowing CSA to focus on Standards activities.

Kiwa Group is privately held by SVH Family of Companies (a family owned, Dutch company) that does business internationally.

The deal is that Kiwa will pay CSA $2.1B which will be placed under the management of CSA Continuity Corp.  CSA Continuity Corp is a new legal entity that will have its own board of directors separate from CSA.  They will be responsible for investing and managing the funds to support CSA’s long-term sustainability.  Standards will continue to self-fund operations through the sale of Standards and services, with CSA Continuity Corp funding their continued operation as required.

On October 8^th, the CSA Board of Directors announced that the association’s members had voted overwhelmingly to sell the TIC business to Kiwa. The sale is subject to some regulatory approvals, and it is expected that the transaction will close at the end of November.

We don’t know the transition plan or what this means for staff or office locations.

When we heard of the pending decision to sell, we reached out to our Human Resources contacts to clarify the impact on retirees.  We knew our pensions were secured by law.  In addition, in those cases where pensions are paid out through an annuity such as with iA Financial Group, the annuity has sole responsibility. 

But there was concern about our benefits.  We have been reassured that our retiree benefits remain unchanged and will continue to be held by Canadian Standards Association.

Your CSA Retiree’s Club’s Executive team will continue to work with CSA to communicate information on the sale and any impact to retirees as it becomes available.

Here`s a screen capture of the Retirees Club Executive during one of our Zoom meetings. Do you recognize everyone? Across the top is Terri Smith, Susan Morley and Brian McCran. That’s Mel Doig, Chiu Wong and Daniel Barbini on the next line with Kris Jones on the bottom.

At our Annual General Meeting on October 25,2021, Tom Tabor and Sue Pearse stepped down, Brian McCran was elected for a second term as president, and Chiu Wong and Kris Jones were elected as directors. Thanks to Tom and Sue for being part of the executive.

In 2022 Terri, Susan, Mel and Daniel came up for re-election and during the October 27, 2022 AGM were unanimously re-elected for another 2 year term.

On October 23, 2023, Brian stepped down as President and Terri Smith was appointed President of the CSA Retirees’ Club.

Interbrand, an independent Canadian marketing firm, identified 150 iconic Canadian Brands in a recently published report.

The introduction states:  “In honour of Canada 150, we are proud to share “The Interbrand 150: Iconic Canadian Brands Report—Our time to grow.” This report showcases the influence and impact of Canadian brands, and celebrates 150 companies, organizations and institutions that make us authentically Canadian, some of which pre-date our country’s 1867 confederation.”

You can download the report from the Interbrand website or view the 150 history time-line.  You’ll recognize many names like Kraft Dinner, Tim Horton’s, Bombardier, Seagram’s, HBC,  Cirque du Soleil, and CSA Group!

The report says… “CSA Group has been helping build our nation—and keep us safer—since 1919 through standards and testing that span almost every facet of Canadian life, from the railways that bring us together, to the helmets that help protect hockey players, to the healthcare we hold dear, and much more.”

How wonderful that we can say we’ve been part of an iconic Canadian brand.

HAPPY CANADA DAY

On November 10th, the Board of Directors of CSA Group announced the appointment of David Weinstein as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 11, 2015.

For more on Mr. Weinstein, read the press release on the CSA Group site.