CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS (CME) APPLAUDS NEW TAX CREDIT AND TRAINING EXPENDITURES

VICTORIA, February 17, 2026 – “There are some really positive measures in this budget, particularly the 15% manufacturing investment tax credit,” said Andrew Wynn-Williams, Divisional Vice President for BC of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. “This is the type of broad-based investment support we have been seeking for some time. Our industry has faced a really difficult period, and government is acknowledging that.”

CME also identified a commitment to expanded and targeted training as a positive measure in the budget. Shortages of skilled labour have been challenging for manufacturers.

“These training measures seem to address issues we have identified around skills,” explained Mr. Wynn-Williams. “We particularly like the intent to promote collaboration between industry and post secondary and drive at specific, targeted shortages.”

Although CME is concerned about the significant increases in debt and deficit, it supports the measures because that are a direct response to its landmark report Manufacturing BC’s Future, which identified a pending crisis in the industry. Manufacturing’s contribution to BCs GDP has declined from over $18 billion to less than $16 billion over the past ten years. This means the manufacturing share of GDP is now at a record low of only 5% compared to 9.6% twenty-five years ago.

“CME sounded the alarm on this decline over a year ago so we are pleased that government has seen the urgency of the issue and is taking some positive steps,” said Andrew Wynn-Williams. “Training, support for investment, and support for market diversification are all key elements we have asked government to act on.

About Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is Canada’s largest trade and industry association, and the voice of manufacturing and global business in Canada.

CME directly represents more than 10,000 leading companies nationwide. More than 85 per cent of CME’s members are small and medium-sized enterprises. As Canada’s leading business network, CME – through various initiatives, including the establishment of the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition – touches more than 100,000 companies from coast to coast, engaged in manufacturing, global business, and service-related industries. CME’s membership network accounts for an estimated 82 per cent of Canadian manufacturing production and 90 per cent of all goods and services exports.