A Message from David Druker, President of The UPS Store Canada, and Chair of the CFA Board of Directors

Representing the 13^th largest sector of the Canadian economy, the franchising industry contributes more than $117 billion per year to the national economy and creates jobs for nearly 2 million Canadians. As you may already know, continually advocating on behalf of this industry is one of the key pillars of the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA). This is why the association celebrates the month of June as Franchise Awareness Month. During this month, we work extensively with our members and key industry stakeholders to help protect the franchise business model and ensure its continued success in Canada.

Franchise Awareness Month, and the CFA’s advocacy work throughout the year, endeavour to foster the continued growth of franchising in Canada while also working to protect the very existence of this business model for future generations. Unfortunately, government officials all too often confuse the fundamental concept and benefits of “being in business for yourself, but not by yourself” with simply another form of employment and control for the benefit of big business. Those involved in the franchise business model – ranging from franchisees to franchisors to franchise support system suppliers – know that nothing could be further from the truth. It is our collective responsibility to enhance support, recognition, and understanding of our business model at all levels of local, provincial, and federal government.

In the 1992 film A Few Good Men, Jack Nicholson delivered the famous line: “You want me on that wall. You need me on that wall.” Today, that movie would probably be called A Few Good People. The truth is that with different political parties and interests pushing for changes such as common employer legislation, today that wall for our community is advocacy.  We need more than a few members to help us protect the franchising industry from becoming a great memory.

To be clear, threats to our industry are not unavoidable and it is never too late to act. Backed by the CFA and its advocacy resources, we have the time and ability to continue to spread the knowledge that will help politicians and legislators understand why franchising matters to Canadians, the economy, and voters.  It is critical that we remain vigilant and not take for granted our collaborative business model.

Another famous person said, “If you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem.” Let’s work together to provide the solution before it becomes a problem by sharing all that is wonderful about franchising with all who will listen.

Together we can ensure that the CFA continues to amplify the understanding and power of franchising in Canada!

David Druker

President of The UPS Store Canada
and Chair of the CFA Board of Directors