CME and Ontario government launch program to promote local manufacturing

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is launching Ontario Made, a new program to promote goods made across the province by helping consumers easily identify, access and purchase local products.

The program, announced today at Artistic Skylight, a manufacturer in Vaughan, Ontario, is being supported by the Ontario government with an investment of $500,000.

“Ontario has always been Canada’s workshop, and our products are recognized as the gold standard across the country and around the world,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Promoting locally made products will be essential to building a strong, self-sufficient province and key to our economic recovery.”

Funding for Ontario Made is coming from the government’s $50-million Ontario Together Fund, which launched on April 1, 2020.

It will be used to create a new Ontario Made logo that manufacturers can use to help consumers identify their made-in-Ontario products, launch a new SupportOntarioMade.ca website that will connect consumers and supply chain partners to manufacturers of made-in-Ontario products through one directory, and promote Ontario Made through a digital newsletter to raise awareness of Ontario products.

CME will also meet with major retailers to promote Ontario Made products in-store and increase visibility for customers.

In March, the government launched the Ontario Together web portal to encourage companies to submit innovative ideas and ways to provide medical supplies, PPE and other essential equipment.

To date, more than 27,000 submissions have been received since the launch of the web portal and 18,000 leads have been converted into more than $658 million in purchases of emergency supplies.

In April, the government launched the $50-million Ontario Together Fund to support the development of proposals submitted by businesses and individuals through the Ontario Together web portal and help businesses retool their operations or deliver innovative solutions in response to COVID-19.

“As consumers increasingly want to buy local, it’s important that we help them make informed decisions and find local manufacturers,” said Dennis Darby, president of the CME.

“We want to encourage Ontario manufacturers to proudly wave the flag by labeling their products and buying local where possible. Ontario Made will help raise awareness of what is manufactured right here by our neighbours, friends, and families and support local manufacturing.”