News and Events

2008 Guide to Vehicle Costs and Policies
What are the current amounts paid to sales reps and managers under their employer's vehicle allowance programs? Are your business-related vehicular expenses "fully off-set" by your employer's program? Need to calculate how much it costs to operate your vehicle?

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This handy guide enables you to keep abreast of current trends. You will also find information on:

• Detailed breakdowns of amounts paid for business vehicle allowances, cents per kilometre, fuel/maintenance expenses and non-standard allowance programs for sales reps and managers;
• How employers compensate their sales personnel for fluctuations in fuel prices;
• Operating costs for a full- and mid-size vehicles;
• Which type of business vehicle allowance program offers the best coverage of vehicle expenses;
• Vehicle preferences and equipment;
• Company-supplied vehicles and employer practices for personal use;
• Trends in corporate fleet management;
• Automobile deduction limits and expense benefit rates; and,
• Taxation of automobile benefits, company vehicles and much more

To order, call 1-888-267-2772. The Guide is available in CD-ROM and electronic PDF transmittal formats. Cost for members is $55.00 and non-member $95.00 plus applicable taxes.

To view information on other CPSA publications click here.

A Chance to Win an Exotic $10,000 Trip!

Simply get a home or auto quote and you’ll be entered in a contest to win one of 10 great exotic trips valued at $10,000 each.

No time to travel? Take the cash and spend it your way.

For your quote, contest entry and contest details, take yourself on a quick visit to www.pottruffsmith.com/cpsa and click on PS Quote Me. (Quoting and contest applies where provincial regulations allow.)

Contact Pottruff & Smith Insurance Brokers Inc., the endorsed administrator for the CPSA member insurance program, at1.888.281.2772 for Ontario inquiries or the CPSA Program Network Broker in your local area (www.pottruffsmith.com/cpsa/cpsateam.html)

2008 Sales Compensation and Benefits Report
Are you heading into a performance or salary review? Creating a new position? Reviewing your company's sales compensation plan for competitiveness?

View Table of Contents
Discover the latest benchmarks in salaries, bonuses, commissions and benefits for sales and management personnel. NEW for 2008 is a regional comparison of base salaries, extensive information about inside sales compensation and year-over-year comparisons and trend information along with a breakdown of performance indicators qualifying sales and management personnel for bonus payments.

CPSA's 2007/2008 Sales Compensation and Benefits Report contains the current averages on the total cash compensation (including bonuses and commissions) paid to nineteen benchmark positions.

Click here for 2008 Highlight of Sales Compensation Ranges

Also included are insightful articles on the trends in sales compensation design, how to communicate changes about compensation, cost containment strategies for group benefit plans and much, much more.

Call the CPSA at 1-888-267-2772 ext. 222 to purchase your copy of the 2007/2008 Sales Compensation and Benefits Report. Cost is $160.00 for members plus applicable taxes and shipping. Available in CD-ROM and electronic PDF formats. To view information on other CPSA publications http://www.cpsa.com/src/publications.aspx

Constructive Dismissal Proves Costly for Employer
In a recent New Brunswick Court of Appeal decision involving a senior sales executive who increased sales by 400% for a New Brunswick manufacturer, the court upheld an award for damages for constructive dismissal. After a major company reorganization the executive’s status and authority were gradually eroded to the point where feeling humiliated, and unable to carry on, the executive left his employer. The court found that the cumulative reductions to the executive’s job were, in effect, tantamount to his dismissal.

Nova Scotia Bans Handheld Cell Phones While Driving
In an effort to eliminate driver distractions and make its roads safer, the Nova Scotia government has amended its Motor Vehicle Act to prohibit drivers from using handheld cell phones and text messaging while driving. Drivers who fail to abide by the new laws will be subject to fines. The legislation came into force in January 2008.

Canadian Work Ethic Remains Strong
Most Canadians (82%) would still continue to work even if they had enough money to retire. However, it appears that the nature of that work would likely change, with a majority (53%) of Canadians indicating that they would work part-time or occasional hours as opposed to continuing to work full time (29%). Just 18 per cent of Canadians would immediately retire if they had enough money to do so.

Source: Ipsos-Reid survey, January 2008.

Chase Paymentech to Change Rates
We have been informed by Chase Paymentech that Visa Canada will be implementing a new Canadian interchange rate structure. More specifically, Visa Canada has introduced different rates based on the type of credit card used and how the transaction is processed. In addition, MasterCard is changing its assessment fee structure. In response to these changes by the Credit Card Associations, Chase Paymentech will be announcing changes to CPSA members preferred rates. A letter will be sent to each member signed up on the program starting February 28th.

Source: Ipsos-Reid survey, January 2008.

Importing a Vehicle from the United States?
The Canadian dollar’s increase has prompted cross-border shopping on large ticket items such as automobiles. In response, the Government of Canada amended the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations to make it easier for Canadians to import vehicles from the United States, built on or after September 1, 2007, that are already equipped with an electronic immobilization system (anti-theft) or that can be fitted with one.

Before buying a vehicle in the U.S., Canadians should check with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles about the rules and process for importing vehicles (www.riv.ca). Transport Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles program verifies that new vehicles sold at the retail level in the U.S. and imported for use in Canada meet Canadian safety requirements. Imported vehicles may have to be modified to meet requirements for daytime running lights, child tether anchorage systems, and anti-theft immobilization devices.

Questions about duties and taxes on imported goods, including vehicles, should be directed to the Canada Border Services Agency at 1.800.461.9999 (in Canada) or 1.506.636.5064 (outside Canada).

Where does insurance fit in? You’ll arrange for insurance as you would here in Canada. When the vehicle delivery date is established, simply call your Broker at Pottruff & Smith with the VIN number, year, make, and model. Once the ownership of the vehicle is taken, the insurance coverage is in place for a period of 14 days. For most provinces, the vehicle must be registered within those 14 days; after that, the insurance is no longer valid until the registration occurs. Check for specific registration requirements in your province.

Contact Pottruff & Smith Insurance Brokers Inc., the endorsed administrator for the CPSA member insurance program, at1.888.281.2772 for Ontario inquiries or the CPSA Program Network Broker in your local area (www.pottruffsmith.com/cpsa/cpsateam.html)

2008 Travel Services Directory Maps Are Now Downloadable!
You have spoken and we have listened! Maps for the hotels in the 2008 Travel Services Directory are now posted online. You will find maps for the CPSA approved hotels in the major cities in Canada in a PDF format. To access the link, please log in as a Member and click on Membership Savings, then Travel Services, then Hotel Directory.

2008 Vehicle Deduction Limits Announced
On December 24, 2007 the Department of Finance announced the following changes to the vehicle expense deduction limits for the year 2008.*

• If you bought a vehicle after 2007, the maximum capital cost eligible for tax depreciation claims is $30,000 (plus applicable federal and provincial taxes).
• For individuals who have entered into a vehicle leasing arrangement after 2007, the maximum amount you can deduct every month will remain at $800 (plus applicable federal and provincial taxes).
• The maximum allowable interest deduction relating to borrowed funds used to purchase a vehicle will remain at $300 per month.
• The limit on deductible tax-exempt allowances paid by employers will rise by 2 cents to 52 cents for the first 5,000 business kilometre travelled and 46 cents per km for each additional business kilometre travelled thereafter.
• For the Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the tax-exempt allowance will rise by 2 cents to 56 cents for the first 5,000 kilometres driven and 50 cents for each additional kilometre.
• The general prescribed rate used to determine the taxable benefit relating to the personal portion of automobile operating expenses paid by employers for 2008 will increase by 2 cents to 24 cents per kilometre. For individuals engaged in the sales or lease of automobiles the rate will increase by 2 cents to 21 cents per kilometre.

*Limits are subject to change at any time.

For more information visit http://www.fin.gc.ca/news07

Canadian Citizens Traveling to the United States by Land or Water

As of January 31, 2008, if you travel to the U.S. by land or water, a U.S. law will require you to present:

• a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence; And
• a birth certificate or a citizenship card; Or
• For youth under 16, a birth certificate; Or
• A valid passport.

Canadian citizens flying to or through the U.S. must present a valid Canadian passport.

The Government of Canada will keep Canadians informed as the U.S. makes further changes to its entry requirements.

For more information: please visit www.canada.gc.ca

Members Save Up to 50% on SIRIUS Radios

SIRIUS Canada and the CPSA have teamed up to offer you can’t miss savings on SIRIUS radios. Wherever your job takes you, enjoy the best in audio entertainment from Canada’s favourite satellite radio provider.

110 CHANNELS OF PURE LISTENING ENJOYMENT SIRIUS is radio just the way you like it, where you like it and when you like it. There’s simply no better way to listen to radio.

With SIRIUS you get:

• 100% commercial-free music: With 11 different genres to choose from, you can listen to pretty much whatever you want 24/7.
• Coast-to-coast coverage: Enjoy our best-in-class digital quality signal anywhere in Canada and the United States.
• Exclusive content: Whether its music, sports, comedy or news, SIRIUS offers the biggest names that are truly one-of-a-kind.
• Free online listening: As a subscriber, listen to all our commercial-free music and more streamed online content at no additional cost.

GET SIRIUS TODAY
SIRIUS, in partnership with the CPSA, is pleased to provide you with an exciting offer so that you can discover the benefits of satellite radio. CPSA members are eligible to receive major discounts on SIRIUS radios including:

Business Travel Costs Predicted To Rise

If you travel to the US to see clients or conduct business, be prepared to pay more for airfares, hotels and car rentals.

According to American Express, hotel prices in the United States are expected to jump as much as 14% in key cities in 2008.

"In 2008, we expect a domestic trip inclusive of airfare, car rental and hotel stay will increase 6%, or $63, bringing the average trip cost to a total of approximately $1,110," said Mike Streit, vice president and global leader at American Express Business Travel Advisory Services. Furthermore American Express is predicting a sharp increase in hotel rates which they are expecting to jump by as much as 14% in key cities in 2008.

The reasons being cited for the cost increases include sophisticated airline pricing technology and premium prices for certain airline seats, such as flat beds and seats with more legroom. For hotels, demand still outpaces supply in key markets. Prices will also be pushed up by improved yield-management practices which maximize profits.

Car-rental prices are also expected to rise, mainly on taxes and fees.

Source: American Express’ Global Business Travel Forecast, October 2007.

Promotional Products Association of Canada Changes Name

As of November 1, 2007 the Promotional Products Association of Canada (PPAC) will be changing its name to the Promotional Product Professionals of Canada/Professionels en produits promotionnels du Canada (PPPC).

The name change is only the first step in building a totally new brand image of the association, which will include new directions in publications and a new approach to industry participation.

For more information, visit http://www.promocan.com/Default.htm

High Price Tag Does Not Guarantee Safety

Considering that 9% of CPSA members drive luxury vehicles, safety is an important consideration. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's recent side crash testing of luxury vehicles, the Institute found that the best performers in this category class were the Acura RL, Kia Amanti, and Volvo S80 ( 2007 models). The S80 also earned the Institute's top safety pick award for superior overall crash protection. The 2007 Cadillac STS and Mercedes E class earned acceptable ratings in the latest round of side tests. The worst performer was the 2008 BMW 5 series, which earned the second lowest rating of marginal for side impact protection. All 6 cars are equipped with standard side airbags that protect the heads of people in front and rear seats.

To find out more information about how your business or personal vehicle is rated visit http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx

Go West For The Money

A total of 370,791 people or approximately 1.14 percent of all Canadians migrated between provinces in 2006. Not surprisingly the booming economy especially in Alberta has driven 2006 salary increases in Calgary to an all-time high of 5.3% per cent and those projected for 2007 to 5.2% per cent. These numbers are well above the national average of 3.6 per cent for 2006 and 3.7 per cent for 2007.

Hewitt's Canada Salary Increase Survey cited increases in other major Canadian centres were as follows: 3.7 per cent in Vancouver, 3.4 per cent in Montreal and 3.3 per cent in Toronto. Projected salary increases for 2007 will meet the national average, at best. In Vancouver employers predict salary increases of 3.7 per cent, while Montreal and Toronto report projected increases of 3.5 per cent and 3.4 per cent, respectively.

What does this mean for employers? In order to retain top performers, employers will need to implement variable pay plans—performance-related rewards that must be re-earned each year and do not increase base salary—in addition to other business incentives, individual performance and special recognition awards.

For more details about the Hewitt's study visit https://was7.hewitt.com/TCC/home/select_site.jsp

Hottest Colour Trends Are....

The Colour Marketing Group has predicted that pink will be "the" hottest colour trend for summer. The impetus behind the prediction is the power of cause-related marketing for critical health issues from breast cancer to AIDS awareness. CMG has also predicted that will be a big resurgence of luminescent white. Other trends to watch out for are organic looking finishes -- brushed metals, colors that look like metals and, pearlescent finishes. CMG's predictions have been remarkably accurate over previous 40 years and impact upon everything from apparel, consumer packaging and to automotive finishes.

For more information visit http://www.colormarketing.org/

Cell Phone User's New Lease on Life
Are you stuck in long-term contract with a wireless provider that no longer works for you? Cellswappers.com seeks to link up people looking to get out of their cellular contract with ones willing the take it on. The main benefit is that you avoid having to pay an early-termination penalty, which can range from $150 to $400 depending on the carrier and the length of the contract.

How it works is that once you've registered as a user, you offer to turn over your own plan to someone who needs one on a short-term basis or browse for a new one to acquire yourself. Many users offer incentives—the old phone, accessories, cash—to make their offers more attractive. You can post your plan for free and pay a $14.95 transfer fee, or pay $9.95 upfront and get more prominent placement for your ad. If you take over a plan that was posted here, you get a 25% refund. (Some carriers require a visit to a store to complete a transfer; others will do it over the phone. Be sure you tell the carrier before transferring if you want to keep your number.) The average time it takes to find a buyer, according to the site, is three days.

For more details Canadian customers can visit http://ca.cellswapper.com/

Passport Renewal Process Simplified
As of August 15, 2007, Canadians who qualify will be able to renew their passport through the simplified renewal program. Under the new program, Canadians who meet certain criteria will be able to renew their passports without having to submit proof of citizenship, supporting documents and a guaranter declaration. They will only need to complete a short application form and submit two new passport photos along with their last passport and pay an application fee.

To take advantage of this new process, you must currently reside in Canada and have resided in the country at the time of your previous application, be over 16 years of age, be in possession of a valid passport issued under your current name and issued no later than January 2002. Furthermore your passport cannot have been damaged or been reported as lost or stolen.

For more information and to obtain an application form, visit www.ppt.gc.ca

Canadian Employers Investing Less in Employee Training
The Conference Board of Canada's Learning and Development Outlook 2007 found that Canadian company respondents spent 1.8 per cent of their payroll on training, learning and development (TLD) with works out to about $852 per employee on average. Employers also provided 25 hours of training annually per employee, which is a 10 per cent decline compared to the previous survey two years earlier. Measured in terms of per-employee expenditure and hours of TLD provided, Canada's commitment to TLD is falling behind that of the United States.

The explanation behind this lack of investment is that "Canadian organizations are under increasing pressure, due to a tight labour market and competitive demands, to renew and upgrade workers' skills. Building workers skills through training, learning and development is one way for organizations to compete. Yet, TLD spending in Canada is stagnant," said Michael Bloom, Vice-President, Organizational Effectiveness and Learning.

"Organizations appear unable to evaluate the effectiveness of formal training on business performance. As a result, they may see it as a cost to be minimized, instead of an investment that will yield a financial return."

For more information or to order a copy of this report, call 1-866-711-2262 or email publications@conferenceboard.ca.

A Guide to Local Number Portability from Rogers Wireless
As of March 14, 2007, cellphone users can keep the same phone number when changing service providers or carriers. CPSA members wishing to initiate a number transfer to our Rogers program can confirm eligibility and obtain more information through:

• Rogers Account Manager (Joe Winkfein – Jwinkfein@getconnected.ca)
• Online at rogers.com ( www.rogers.com/lnp)
• Corporately-reimbursed customers will need to contact their manager who will contact the Rogers Account Manager

Local Number Portability Checklist
Do not cancel your current wireless service – only active numbers can be transferred.
Review your existing wireless service agreement to determine contractual obligations to your service provider.
For ease and efficiency, have the following information available to facilitate the transfer:

Wireless Numbers

• Your current wireless phone number(s), plus one of the following:
• A most recent monthly bill or your account number or your password/PIN or your handset’s ESN/MEID (Electronic Serial Number/Mobile Equipment Identifier).

Wireline (Landline) Numbers

• Your current wireline phone number(s), plus:
• A recent monthly bill, as we will require your business name and address as it appears on your bill.