Insights from the Field: Paul King on Unity, Collaboration, and Innovation Within the Industry

BCAG sat down with Board Member and KenDor Textiles President Paul King to discuss his experiences at two major industry events: Première Vision Montréal and the Debrand Basecamp Summit.

At these gatherings, industry professionals and associations from across the country came together to address the current state and innovations in apparel and gear.

We spoke with Paul to hear what stood out, what BC-based companies can take away, and how the Canadian apparel industry is showing signs of unity amid the ongoing tariff situation.

Première Vision Montréal

Paul describes Première Vision Montréal as a “fantastic fabric and trim show,” featuring mills and suppliers from Europe, Korea, India, China, and Canada. The event is well-curated, showcasing Canadian fabric and trim companies alongside Quebec garment factories.

While Paul was busy working the show, a few sessions stood out:

  • PV Colour Trends: A captivating journey where colours, textures, and trends redefine the aesthetics of tomorrow.

  • Artsthread Presentation: Alex Brownless, co-founder of Artsthread, introduced their platform, helping fashion students protect and showcase their designs. Paul plans to connect Alex with BCAG to involve B.C. schools.

  • Emerging Tech and AI: This talk, presented in part by Julie Evans from Sustalytics, explored how AI can streamline workflows and enhance creativity.

Paul also participated in a well-received panel alongside Bob Kirke (Canadian Apparel Federation) and Mathieu St-Arnaud (mmode), emphasizing a “Canada Strong” ethos and the power of collaboration: “Working together, we go further!”

Canadian Industry Collaboration

Another highlight of PV Montréal was a meeting organized by mmode between Canadian fashion and textile associations, where Paul represented BCAG alongside The Canadian Craft Association, The Conseil des Métiers d’Art (Quebec Craft Council), Canadian Textile Industry Association, CAF, the Fur Council of Canada, and mmode.

“We discussed a combined lobby group to the Federal government to protect our existing interests within CUSMA.” Paul explains.

The preliminary meetings between the Canadian delegation and their U.S. cohorts showed intent on both sides to protect the industry within CUSMA/USMCA. Paul also noted Bob Kirke has strong links with his opposites in the U.S. and Mexico, and it’s felt that this area will hopefully remain untouched.

Debrand Basecamp Summit

The Debrand Basecamp Summit brought together major brands, charities, second-hand retailers, recyclers, municipal leaders, and many others. The goal was to accelerate collaboration and spark collective action toward a truly circular textile economy in North America

Paul noted the impressive diversity of participants and the spirit of collaboration that emerged during small group brainstorming sessions, which generated a wide range of ideas.

The Debrand report on the summit included seven common themes:

  • The importance of pre-competition

  • Misaligned incentives and economic viability

  • C-suite and consumer buy-in gaps

  • Underdeveloped infrastructures

  • Material access and feedstock limitations

  • Stakeholder collaboration for effective policy

  • Transparency fatigue and greenwashing risks

Paul emphasized that collaboration across all levels and collective action stood out as approaches BC apparel and gear businesses could adopt to further circularity and sustainability.

Download the full Debrand Basecamp Summit Report here: Insights Summary Report 2025

Key Takeaways for BC Companies

While tariffs dominated much of the conversation at the events, Paul noted growing advances around circularity and sustainability innovation. With a Liberal federal government remaining in place, he expects continued movement on a plastics registry and PFAS legislation through Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

He emphasized the need for stronger national coordination:

“The bottom line is removing borders between our associations and working groups across the country. One unified voice to our government… the more we unite as a cross-Canadian industry, the healthier we will all be.”

Paul sees associations like BCAG as a crucial link between companies and policy:

“We must keep sharing knowledge with members and the broader industry.”

One idea discussed at the shows: a BCAG-led group booth at Première Vision or other international events to raise the profile of BC brands and encourage cross-border collaboration.

As for opportunities for BC companies to collaborate more effectively with other Canadian or international players based on his experiences, Paul says yes. Hopefully, starting with the presence of B.C. companies at future events. BCAG looks forward to helping make this happen through our network. 

What’s Next

Paul outlined a few areas where BC companies can focus their attention:

  • Next-level manufacturing: Embrace automation and robotics, following the lead of companies like B.C. based Six Seasons.

  • New markets: Look beyond the U.S. and explore European opportunities.

  • Trade missions: Leverage federal trade missions through partners like CAF and mmode.

  • Stay plugged in: Stay on top of emerging trends by attending events like: 

BCAG is dedicated to keeping BC apparel and gear businesses informed, representing our unique perspective, and building a stronger, united community through our participation at events like these. Your involvement helps amplify our impact and ensures BC’s industry continues to evolve and lead with purpose.

As global trade tensions continue to shift, BC-based apparel and gear businesses are paying close attention to U.S. tariff changes. These changes can impact supply chains, raise costs, and make it harder for local brands to compete. In response, the Province of British Columbia has launched a comprehensive support strategy to help businesses adapt, grow, and stay resilient.

Whether you’re designing technical gear, manufacturing apparel locally, or exporting BC-made products, the provincial response includes programs that can directly support your operations, reduce risk, and unlock new opportunities.

What’s in BC’s Tariff Response?

British Columbia’s and Canada’s Response to U.S. Tariffs includes a coordinated three-point plan:

Respond
Appealing directly to American decision-makers and staying united with Canada to respond through nationally coordinated retaliation if required.

Strengthen
Fast-tracking major projects that create good-paying jobs and increase local economic resilience.

Diversify
Finding new markets for B.C. goods and reducing trade barriers within Canada to lower our reliance on U.S. trade.

Key Supports for BC Apparel and Gear Companies

The Province is spotlighting programs and resources designed to help local businesses, including apparel brands, manufacturers, and gear companies, stay competitive, scale up, and innovate, even in times of trade uncertainty:

Export Navigator

Get one-on-one support to explore new markets for your apparel or gear business. Whether you’re targeting Asia, Europe, or new regions across Canada, this program sets you up with the resources and support you need to export.

Who is eligible: All businesses located in B.C.

Trade Accelerator Program (TAP)

Perfect for growing apparel brands, TAP offers essential strategies, resources, and mentorship to help businesses scale and develop effective export plans. This proven program equips small and medium-sized enterprises with the tools needed to expand internationally, providing hands-on support to tap into new markets and achieve measurable results in global trade.

Who is eligible: Available to all businesses in B.C.

Trade and Invest BC

Trade and Invest BC can help your businesses expand globally by connecting you with international buyers, distributors, and suppliers. With a network across markets like China, Japan, and Europe, they provide resources to grow sales, broaden opportunities, and boost competitiveness.

BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund

The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund supports manufacturing companies with funding for capital projects that drive innovation and growth. The program helps businesses modernize operations, adopt new technologies, and enhance competitiveness. 

Note: While the fund is closed, stay tuned for future opportunities to elevate your apparel and gear manufacturing capabilities.

Who is eligible: Businesses, for-profit organizations, entities with for-profit manufacturing operations, including First Nations and Indigenous- and First Nation-owned enterprises.

CleanBC Programs

CleanBC offers funding to help B.C. businesses reduce emissions, adopt clean technologies, and improve energy efficiency. See rebates and incentives page for what is currently available.

Who is eligible: See program pages for eligibility.

Innovate BC – Integrated Marketplace

This initiative can help apparel and gear businesses test innovative technologies in real-world settings through approved testbeds. Projects must support decarbonization, productivity, competitiveness, or health and safety. IM offers a pathway to generate performance data, secure a major reference customer, and support scale-up and export growth.

Who is eligible: Eligible companies operating within the three approved testbeds may submit a project proposal to the IM program upon agreeing to IM’s program conditions.

👉 Browse the full list of provincial support programs here.

Why It Matters to Our Industry

The BC apparel and gear sector is uniquely positioned. We create locally, compete globally, and lead with innovation and sustainability. Tariff shifts can affect everything from raw material costs to sales strategy. These supports can help you:

  • Offset increased costs through innovation and modernization

  • Access new markets beyond the U.S.

  • Strengthen local supply chains and production capabilities

  • Future-proof your operations and stay competitive

Add Your Voice

The Province is actively engaging with BC businesses to shape a meaningful response. If you’re experiencing challenges or have insights from your work in the apparel and gear space, your input is welcomed.

📬 Submit your feedback here.

Stay Connected

By planning ahead and making the most of available support, BC apparel and gear companies can stay resilient and ready for whatever comes next. The provincial approach is clear: respond strategically, build locally, and grow globally.

Together, we can shape a resilient future for BC’s apparel and gear industry.

With talks of new tariffs on the horizon, many in the B.C. apparel industry are wondering what this means for day-to-day business. We’ve been chatting with our industry friends and want to share some thoughts on how tariffs might affect us and what we can do to stay ahead.

Tariffs: What Are They and What Is Happening?

Tariffs are additional taxes imposed on goods when they cross borders. While specific figures are not yet available, industry experts predict that new tariffs would raise the cost of materials and finished products. This would lead to higher prices for consumers, which may affect demand, especially as people are already dealing with inflation in areas like food and everyday items.

Key Things to Know:

  • 25% Tariff on Canadian-Made Goods: If implemented, anything labeled "Made in Canada" could face a 25% tariff when exported to the U.S.

  • Changes to De Minimis Rule (Section 321): Currently, shipments under $800 to the U.S. are exempt from duties and tariffs. However, Canada might be excluded from this exemption if tariffs are introduced, impacting businesses that rely on small cross-border shipments.

How Could This Impact B.C. Apparel & Gear Professionals?

New tariffs could lead to higher costs on inbound raw materials, finished products, and transportation. For B.C. apparel and gear professionals, this could mean:

  • Increased Costs: Businesses may need to raise prices, which could reduce consumer demand.

  • Small Business Challenges: Balancing price adjustments while maintaining product quality will be crucial.

  • Larger Business Pressures: Larger businesses may absorb some costs, but margin pressures will still be a concern.

  • Shifting Supply Chains: Companies may need to explore alternative suppliers or sourcing strategies to reduce the impact.

What You Can Do to Prepare

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, staying informed, flexible, and proactive will be crucial. Here are some steps to consider:

  • Focus on Local and Canadian-Made

  • Strengthen partnerships with domestic manufacturers and suppliers.

  • Advocate for tax breaks or benefits for Canadian-made products to support domestic purchasing.

  • Explore New Markets

  • Expand into regions outside of the U.S., such as the EU and Asia, where consumer demand remains strong.

  • Diversifying your customer base can help offset potential losses due to tariffs.

  • Be Strategic About Pricing

  • Gradual price increases may be necessary, but businesses should be mindful of customer sensitivity.

  • Consider bundling or subscription-based models to add value while maintaining margins.

  • Look for Government Grants & Support

  • Explore available federal grants and funding programs that could offset financial strain.

  • Stay updated on potential incentives for Canadian-made products or changes in tax policies (e.g., possible exemptions from GST/PST).

  • Monitor Government Actions & Industry Advocacy

  • The Canadian government is considering retaliatory measures, and changes could happen quickly.

  • Keep an eye on trade discussions, as potential renegotiations of CUSMA/USMCA may influence the future of tariffs.

  • BCAG is in active discussions with Federal industry groups to ensure that apparel and gear professionals in B.C. have representation at the table.

  • Stay Connected and Collaborate

  • Networking and sharing insights within the industry can help businesses navigate these challenges together.

  • Participate in forums, industry events, and associations to stay informed and contribute to the collective response.

What’s Next?

In these uncertain times, the best way to move forward is together. Whether you’re an apparel designer, brand, manufacturer, or retailer, we’re all in this together. It’s more important than ever to support Canadian-made products, build strong local supply chains, and continue innovating to keep our industry resilient.

As a community, we can navigate these challenges and keep B.C.’s apparel and gear industry thriving. 


Subscribe to our newsletter below to stay informed on important industry news.

Why are we passionate about our community?

The BCAG is excited to host our Spring Get Together event on April 13th, 2023.

This event will bring together individuals, organizations and business from across our community who are passionate about creating a future that supports all our growth and sustainability goals. 

As our board prepares to welcome our friends, associates and peers we reflected on some of the things that drive and inspire us about this community.

What is your favorite BCAG event memory?

“My favorite BCAG event memory was the launch event at Emily Carr in early 2020. There was so much excitement and ambition in the room. We had stakeholders and players from across the industry and I felt like I was part of something really important that was going to fuel collaboration and holistically elevate the cachet of our industry here in BC.” – Max Feldman

What is your favourite part of the BCAG community?

“What I like about the BCAG community is that it’s welcoming to people and businesses at all stages. Whether you’re new to the industry, a small business just starting out or you’re an established professional with 20+ years experience, the association is here to support you in your business growth and career. I always like meeting new people whenever I’m at one of their events.” – Glynis Tao

What have you seen evolve in the past few years that gets you excited about our path forward?

“The most exciting evolution within our industry in the past few years has been the amazingly altruistic development of Pre-Competitive Collaboration! Watching our local Educators group form and reach out to us at BCAG to work together and seeing Industry leaders come forward to share and collude for the future and betterment of our BC Industry is fantastic! I am excited to see our Association and Industry grow and work together for a Sustainable future.” – Paul King

Layoffs and Leadership

Article headquarters, Vancouver, BC

August was a dismal month for several, well known BC companies who cumulatively laid off over 600 staff. First it was Unbounce, a Vancouver-based tech company who shed 20% of its workforce - nearly 50 people. Shortly after, came trendy, direct-to-consumer furniture supplier Article who said goodby to 216 of their staff. Finally, Hootsuite, another tech firm specialising in social media engagement solutions, cut nearly a full third of its workforce - 350 people. 

Layoffs have been a common story since the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic, which saw a dramatic spike in companies - especially those in industries which relied upon physical customers - cutting staff in an effort to stay in business. At the beginning of the pandemic, from February to June 2020, 12.4% of Canadian paid workers to be laid off. This figure is 4 - 5x higher than in other periods of downturn per Canadian government stats. While the figures are no longer as dramatic two years later, the lingering pandemic, rising inflation, the war in Ukraine and threat of recession are adding additional pressure for many companies.

What seems to be unique about these recent layoffs  is not the volume or sequence of the dismissals but rather the role that companies are playing in supporting their departing staff. While it was common for companies to provide generous severance packages and discreet job search support to outgoing staff, these recent layoffs show leaders and CEOs actively working to help folks land on their feet. 

Unbounce’s CEO, Felicia Bochiccio was very active on LinkedIn, working to (successfully) place her talented staff into new roles. Bochiccio’s company put together a google doc with all active job seekers and Bochiccio made a point to respond to every comment on her LinkedIn posts regarding the layoffs. 

Similarly, Article’s leadership team put together a comprehensive google doc of all outgoing staff in an effort to help soften the transition. CEO Aamir Baig published a public business update showing both empathy and action by extending laid off employee’s benefits, allowing them to keep their equipment, supporting their job searches and offering to speak personally to each outgoing individual. 

In a fine example from our industry, BCAG’s own Alexandra Plante recently stepped up to offer her network, support and guidance to recently laid off and furloughed employees. 

While layoffs are common in most business contexts, they are not essential when times are tough and exemplary leaders often have many tools in their kit to avoid such a dramatic approach. However, like other periods of significant disruption, letting go of staff may be the only available option to ensure business sustainability. When unavoidable, a new model of empathetic leadership, coupled with powerful engagement tools can ease the burden and support laid off workers in the process. While a seemingly simple approach, some leaders don’t always get it right…

We are always looking for inspiring stories from our member community. If you would like to share an example of exemplary leadership within the BC Apparel and Gear community, please send us a note. 

Member Spotlight - Simply Merino

Alex Moret, Shannon Dixon and their kids

Owners/Operators - Simply Merino

We had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Shannon Dixon and Alex Moret, the dynamic team behind the success of Simply Merino. Simply Merino was born out of the desire to create a product that was better for their family and better for the planet. After a casual chat with a friend who no longer had a desire to run her business, Shannon and Alex decided to take the plunge to purchase the business and over the past 7 years have built it into the success it is today.

Can you tell us the origins of your business?

Shannon - I was working as a teacher and a friend with a small kids apparel business decided she no longer had a desire to run it. I said to Alex ‘Do we want to do this?’ and our journey began. We had two small children at the time, and being aware of the materials used in kids' sleepwear, and knowing that fire retardant chemicals are added to the materials, acquiring Simply Merino was a natural decision. 

What is your vision for SImply Merino?

Our mission is to produce well made, beautiful, and functional garments made only from 100% Merino wool. We have a zero-waste goal for everything that we produce. 

Read more...

June 23rd 2022 Networking Event

In celebration of the summer, as a thank you to our members, please join us for an evening of reconnecting...in person!

The BC Apparel and Gear would like to invite its members (and invite soon to be members), to an evening of reconnecting and making new industry connections! As the 2nd ever in-person event put on by the BC Apparel and Gear Association, it is high time, we celebrate this amazing industry.

The board will give an update on its many exciting projects that will invest in developing and attracting world-class talent and scaling the growth and achieve sustainable global competitiveness of our industry.

Refreshments will be served.

REGISTRATION LINK HERE

June 23rd 2022

5pm - 7pm

Unit 340 - 1275 Venables St.

Vancouver, BC, V6A 2C9

Member Spotlight

Norm Bishop - EdwardsX

Can you tell us about the origins of your business?

Our journey with EdwardsX started in 1997 when we bought the company from Orbit Intl. At that time, we were known as Symax, which is a portmanteau of Syd & Max Ipshits, the original owners who founded the company in the 1940s.

My wife Carolyn and I knew that we wanted to own our own business and we had some experience with fashion and sales. While we didn’t set out to buy a clothing company, we were interested in the industry and Symax seemed like a great fit. For us, ownership was less about building something huge and more about having something of our own and a lifestyle that worked for our growing family.

What was your vision in creating EdwardsX?

I don’t think we had a clear vision for what we could create. Rather, it was all about doing something interesting that we could call our own. Carolyn, a CPA by trade would handle the finances while I would use my consumer-packaged goods expertise to handle the product and sales side. Read more...

The BC Apparel and Gear Association 2022 AGM: March 16th 2022

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

  • 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

The BC Apparel and Gear Association AGM will be held via zoom call on
March 16th, 2022
5:00pm - 6:30pm

Motion to approve agenda
2022 Board Nominations
Approve minutes from 2021
Update from the board
Financial Report
New Business

Introduce our NEW Executive Director!

with special guest speaker, Lina Gomez from Debrand Services

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bcag-agm-2022-march-16-2022-registration-275846994787