Federal budget may have support for manufacturers

A new report suggests Thursday’s federal budget will have support for Canada’s manufacturing sector.

According to the Toronto Star, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has confirmed the budget will contain measures to improve the manufacturing sector, although he did not provide the paper with a dollar amount.

The Star says companies have asked Ottawa for such measures as income tax breaks for purchasing processing machinery and equipment, implementing a buy-Canada policy for defence and aerospace and giving funding for investments in major projects.

The budget is also expected to establish skilled trades training as a priority.

Flaherty and the federal Conservatives will release the budget on Thursday.