The Canadian International Nail Artists and Beauty Association, a non-profit group incorporated in April 1986, was created to promote skill recognition and professional standards for nail technicians in Canada.

The association has 220 members in Canada and has written their standards of excellence and professionalism into a constitution and an exam. The exam plus a medical certificate are qualifications for membership.

CINABA members are kept informed of news in their field, and will be organizing their own trade shows and competitions. The annual fee of $36 provides an optional dental plan and insurance, along with other bonuses. It also features guest speakers at the quarterly meetings, and an annual competition is planned for the western Canadian region.

President of CINABA is Sandra Fayad, founder of the Imperial Nails Academy, which has locations in Victoria, Vancouver and Coquitlam.

According to Sandra, a major first undertaking of the association is securing government protection and recognition of the title of Professional Nail Technician. “A government policy on occupational titles was created to replace most legislation for licensing,” Sandra explained. “Legislation for licensing may ultimately be obtained, but it is a lengthy process that will require data and documentation to show that it is needed to protect the public interest. The association is working hard to make sure that the nail industry has a firm foundation to grow on for success in the future,” said Sandra.

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