Manufacturers urge leaders to start addressing economic growth

OTTAWA (October 7, 2019)

Ahead of the English leaders debate tonight, Canadian manufacturers are concerned that so far this election, there has not been a real conversation on where the Canadian economy is going.

On behalf of the 1.7 million Canadians they employ, Canadian manufacturers are urging political party leaders to discuss plans to grow the economy.

“While much has been said about affordability and the ability make ends meet, none of the parties have shared specifics on how they plan to boost the economy, so that all Canadians are better off. The manufacturing sector, which provides rewarding jobs that pay 10 per cent more than the national average needs to be part of the solution. There are currently 500,000 vacant manufacturing jobs in Canada. Canadians want to know how the parties will connect workers with those available jobs,” Dennis Darby, President and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters said.

CME is calling on political parties to increase funding for work-integrated-learning so that current workers can develop the skills employers are looking for. Manufacturers are also urging the next government to explore policy solutions to increase youth engagement in skilled trades jobs to build the workforce of the future.

“Canadians need more than boutique tax cuts, they need a comprehensive plan to accelerate growth in the sector and increase prosperity for all,” Darby said.

CME released a list of 10 recommendations to help grow the economy. According to our survey, 82 per cent of Canadians say they will consider the manufacturing sector in their voting decision after learning more about its economic contributions.

ABOUT CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) advocates for and represents 2,500 leading manufacturers that operate across Canada. Manufacturing moves Canada and is the engine of the economy. Canadian manufacturers collectively employ 1.7 million Canadians and is responsible for two-thirds of Canada’s export sales. The sector is growing rapidly. In 2018, the sector reached a new all-time high of $685 billion in sales. CME advocates policies that will allow Canadian manufacturers to compete effectively in the global economy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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