COVID-19: CME welcomes industrial strategy to ramp up medical device production

OTTAWA (March 20, 2020) – Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) applauds the government’s industrial strategy aimed at supporting manufacturers to ramp up their production of critical supplies for diagnosing, treating and preventing COVID-19.

Through its plan to mobilize the industry, the government will assist manufacturers who are already producing critical medical supplies and those who want to re-tool their production line to help.

CME, as part of its policy recommendations to help the economy cope with COVID-19 had suggested the government financially supports manufacturers producing or scaling up production of medical devices.

“Canadian manufacturers want to play a critical role in supporting Canada’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. They can and want to contribute to flattening the outbreak curve,” said Dennis Darby, President & CEO of CME. “We are pleased the government is adopting CME’s recommendation of helping to scale-up businesses that are already part of the supply chain, which will enable a rapid response from businesses.”

Added Darby, “CME stands ready to help connect the government agencies responsible for these new measures with its members and to assist businesses with the application process.”

 

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, PLEASE CONTACT

Stefi Proulx
Director of Communications
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
C:  613-292-6070 | stefi.proulx@cme-mec.ca | @CME_MEC