Canada’s manufacturers conclude successful annual meeting

Ottawa, October 25, 2017

Canada’s manufacturers met this week in Ottawa to set an agenda for sustained growth and innovation in one of the country’s largest sectors by jobs, GDP and exports.

Today’s annual general meeting of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) follows the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition’s advocacy day on Parliament Hill yesterday. Manufacturers are discussing opportunities for unprecedented growth in Canada’s economy through a greater focus on innovation, competitiveness, and skills.

“In today’s global context, Canada’s economy needs to become more innovative and competitive, and manufacturers are stepping forward to provide practical leadership,” said CME President & CEO Dennis Darby. “By working collaboratively with our members, partners and governments, we can ensure we have the skills required to respond to today’s markets and build the economy of tomorrow in Canada.”

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains seized on CME’s focus on innovation in his message to manufacturers yesterday evening, and delegates are looking forward to exchanging with International Trade Minister François on the state of trade in Canada.

“Manufacturing is Canada’s largest sector in NAFTA and any other trade deal, and our members are at the forefront of generating the economic growth that benefits workers and communities,” said Darby.

CME is also launching its action plan to promote and inspire women to pursue careers in manufacturing and strengthen the manufacturing workforce at the meeting. Led by the chair of CME’s Women in Manufacturing Working Group Elise Maheu and National Board of Directors Chair Rhonda Barnet, the action plan will showcase the vast and untapped opportunities manufacturing offers for women to build fulfilling careers. The launch will feature a roundtable discussion hosted by the Toronto Star columnist Susan Delacourt.