Marwood has announced the addition of Brad Bedard as the new regional sales manager in the Ontario region for Cape Cod Finished Wood Siding and Cape Cod Engineered Wood Siding.

Bedard brings over 20 years of direct industry experience and in-depth product knowledge to the role. Marwood added in a statement that Bedard is highly respected in his previous position as territory manager at Nicholson and Cates Ltd., where he built a strong reputation for excellence and customer commitment.

The latest edition of Hardlines Dealer News lands in inboxes tomorrow. In this issue, we look at Princess Auto’s latest store, Orgill’s response to tariffs, and Home Hardware’s new chair. Hardlines Dealer News is monthly and it’s free: click here to subscribe now!

JLS Building Materials, an independent with two locations in Bryson and Mansfield, Que., has transferred the business to the next generation. Taking over from founders Jean-Guy and Connie Gutoskie LaSalle are the couple’s son and daughter-in-law, Patrick Lasalle and Ashley Pasch Lasalle. The latter duo have been part of the management team for the past ten years. JLS was honoured by the industry in 2018, when they won the Outstanding Retailer Award for Best Building Supply over 15,000 square feet. (Pictured at the ORA ceremony is Patrick Lasalle, Ashley Pasch Lasalle, Connie Gutoskie Lasalle, and Jean-Guy Lasalle).

Walmart Canada is introducing smart lockers in its more than 400 stores nationwide. The initiative, in collaboration with ARC (Asset Recharge Center), will provide storage to manage and protect handheld devices critical to Walmart Canada store operations. The ARC locker system combines smart charging lockers with advanced proprietary device management software, ensuring devices are charged, not missing, and fully functional.

The latest round of tariffs targeting Canadian steel and aluminum is drawing ire from across the industry. At a rate of $1,349.50 per metric ton, the tariff effectively makes Canadian exports to the U.S. economically unviable, according to a statement from the Aluminium Association of Canada (which uses the international spelling for the metal). 

“A 50 percent tariff on Canadian aluminium will suppress demand across the continent, whether the metal is produced in Canada or the U.S.,” said Jean Simard, president and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada. “It will impact workers on both sides of the border and disrupt key sectors including defence, construction, and automotive.”

The organization added that the tariffs will force the industry to diversify trade toward the European Union. Currently there are 9,500 aluminum workers producing metal that is transformed by more than 700,000 American manufacturing workers into essential products, which the association states contributes a binational value of more than $228 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

RONA inc., is once again lending a helping hand to communities affected by forest fires in Western Canada.

Until June 30, 2025, RONA+ and RONA corporate stores in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan will be collecting donations for victims of the forest fires that have been raging in these provinces over the past few days. The RONA Foundation will then donate these funds to the Canadian Red Cross, which provides immediate and ongoing assistance to Canadians in need.

Those who wish to make a donation for victims of the forest fires can do so on the Canadian Red Cross website or in a RONA+ or RONA corporate store in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Castle Building Centres Group has announced its 13th annual Academic and Trade Scholarship Program, for the 2025/2026 school year. Academic scholarships will be awarded to students from the Castle community enrolled in a study program at a recognized Canadian university or college. Trade scholarships will be offered to students of an eligible skilled trade program at a Canadian trade college.

The Retail Council of Canada presented its Excellence in Retailing Awards earlier this week at a gala dinner during its annual conference. Among the winners was a retailer from this industry. RONA inc. was awarded the “E-Commerce Experience” for its leadership in digital retail, and in particular for the launch of an AI-powered search tool on rona.ca.

As part of its digital transformation strategy, RONA launched a brand-new online search tool last fall that was integrated to its transactional website for an enhanced customer experience. A result of countless efforts and major investments, the new search engine relies on a powerful algorithm to provide each customer with personalized search results.

(Shown l-r: Mélanie Lussier, head of communications, public affairs and sustainable development; Elizabeth Thompson, advisor, corporate communications; Marie-Hélène Cusson, senior director, digital merchandising and analytics; Marie-Ève Dubé, manager, digital category experience; and Craig Arseneau, manager, digital product management, RONA inc.)

At the closing of day one of the Retail Council of Canada’s annual convention this week, the industry gave a standing ovation to Diane Brisebois, who has helmed the association for the past 30 years. Testimonials shared by video for Brisebois recalled her traits of determination, passion, and leadership.

“Diane’s unwavering commitment and tireless leadership have elevated the retail sector to new heights,” said Santo Ligotti, VP marketing and membership at RCC. “Her legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of retail leaders across the country.”