Manufacturing must be top priority in next Ontario budget: CME

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), Canada’s largest trade and industry association, is applauding today’s speech from the throne for its renewed focus on productivity improvement and affordable energy, but is disappointed Ontario manufacturing was not more prominently outlined in the government’s vision for the future.

“A resurgent manufacturing sector is our clearest path forward out of the province’s current fiscal dilemma,” CME Ontario vice president, Ian Howcroft, said in a statement. “It is important the government works alongside industry to address the wide range of issues restraining private sector growth and nurture investment.”

CME also commended newly appointed Premier Kathleen Wynne on announcing additional measures to assist the growth of small and medium-sized businesses, including the launch of a $300 million venture capital fund, strengthened employment services for individuals with disabilities, and a commitment to explore the possibility of increasing the employer tax exemption.

Howcroft, however, stressed that manufacturers must be front and centre in developing these policies to ensure they align with business needs.

“If we are going to successfully navigate through this very challenging period in our economic history, we need a partner in government to help address our challenges and capitalize on unprecedented opportunity, both here at home and abroad,” said Howcroft. “That starts with the next budget.”

CME recently announced it will be launching the Ontario Council of Manufacturing Executives (oCME) in April 2013. As a precursor to this initiative, CME is currently meeting with stakeholders across the province to develop a manufacturing strategy and action plan for Ontario, which will be highlighted at the 16th annual Queen’s Park Reception on March 27.

For more information, visit www.ontariomanufacturing.ca.