Ontario moves forward with skills training initiatives championed by CME

Toronto, April 27, 2017

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) welcomes the investments that will strengthen Ontario manufacturing sector announced in the 2017 provincial budget. We were pleased that the government responded to our calls for measures to support skills training and development including work integrated and experiential learning. “There is no innovation or economic growth without skilled workers,” said Ian Howcroft, Vice President, CME Ontario. “The measures taken today by the Government of Ontario to enhance support for skills training and development will allow manufacturers to compete across borders and grow the middle class in Ontario.”

In addition, CME has been calling for reforms to define benefit pension plan regulation including the move away from solvency funding to a single, going concern valuation. We were pleased to see a commitment to follow through with reforms and a specific timeline for implementation beginning in the spring. We look forward to working with the government on the implementation of this key initiative as we move towards a final resolution.

CME was, however, disappointed with the lack of significant new measures to offset electricity rates. “This is a missed opportunity. CME continues to advocate for new and concrete measures to address rising electricity costs to help support and sustain jobs in Ontario,” said Howcroft.

The manufacturing sector represents over $300 billion in output and 750,000 direct jobs and supports another 1.5 million indirect service jobs through vast supply-chains. As the leading voice of manufacturers and exporters in Ontario, CME has played a leadership role in advocating for its members to the Ontario government. We will continue to work with the government and other stakeholders on a manufacturing action plan for Ontario and to develop innovative solutions that reflect manufacturers’ essential role in the prosperity of the middle-class.

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