CME calls for reciprocity in government procurement practices

Dennis Darby, President & CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exports issued today the following statement regarding government procurement practices in Canada:

“With respect to the recent call by the Government of Quebec that Canada implements local content requirements for government procurement projects, CME has written to the federal Minister of Global Affairs, expressing our support for an initiative in that regard. CME’s position is that trade reciprocity is fundamental to free trade and, we urge the government to demand reciprocal procurement market access and to continue prioritizing clearly defined open procurement rules in any new free trade agreement. We believe that governments can and should play a strong supportive role in the development and commercialization of new products, new production, and the scale-up of new companies through the use of its purchasing power, something that is not possible if there is no reciprocity.”

ABOUT CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS

Since 1871, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters has been helping manufacturers grow at home and, compete around the world. Our focus is to ensure manufacturers are recognized as engines for growth in the economy, with Canada acknowledged as both a global leader and innovator in advanced manufacturing and a global leader in exporting. CME is a member-driven association that directly represents more than 2,500 leading companies who account for an estimated 82 per cent of manufacturing output and 90 per cent of Canada’s exports.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Stefi Proulx

Director of Communications & Branding

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

(613) 292-6070

stefi.proulx@cme-mec.ca