CME launches "Manufacturing Matters"

The Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) have launched a campaign called “Manufacturing Matters” to highlight the importance of manufacturing in Ontario communities. The campaign includes a look at manufacturing in the creation of skilled jobs and innovation. The campaign highlights that the manufacturing sector is directly and indirectly responsible for nearly 30 percent of all employment or 1 in 4 jobs. The CME identifies that Ontario needs a manufacturing strategy that is strong, coordinated, and will bring sustained growth and prosperity for our businesses and our communities. As such the CME has set the following goals: 1. Increase investment in manufacturing in Ontario 2. Increase the number of people working in manufacturing in Ontario 3. Increase the amount of products being created and made in Ontario The following recommendations developed by the CME are designed to suggest a way forward for next Ontario government. 1. Create a competitive business environment that reduces the cost of doing business in Ontario to encourage growth and production through tax and regulatory reform and lower electricity costs. 2. Introduce globally-competitive investment support programs to assist companies with plant expansion, technology adoption, and product innovation and commercialization. 3. Improve technical skills training of youth and increase support for industry-led training and skills-development initiatives.