Reports & Presentations
Scorecard for Manufacturers – 2025 Ontario Election
HOW WERE THE PARTIES EVALUATED?
CME submitted an in-depth questionnaire to all political parties asking them to outline how their party plans to deal with tariffs and deliver a long-term manufacturing strategy for Ontario if elected.
Answers were scored using the following criteria, with absence of a submissions and public commitments receiving a grade of F, and a perfect score of 60 equalling an A+.
In good submissions, proposals will be:
- Covering the full scope of government action – 10 points
- Helping manufacturers of all sizes and all subsectors – 10 points
- Reducing net costs for manufacturers to operate in Ontario – 10 points
- Improving incentives to locate manufacturing investments in Ontario – 10 points
- Responsive to short-term needs (including the prospect of tariffs) – 10 points
- Providing a framework for long-term stability (i.e. – a strategy for 2035) – 10 points
Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario - Grade: A
Scored high on all criteria established in CME’s questionnaire and offers the most balanced blueprint to build resilience amidst trade uncertainty. They are the only party formally committed to a long-term, whole government manufacturing plan. There is room for improvement when it comes to establishing more predictable investment incentives that can be used by all manufacturers with a footprint in Ontario.
New Democratic Party of Ontario - Grade: B+
A comprehensive set of manufacturing commitments with a strong focus on balancing workforce development, paired with the most generous long-term investment incentives – a broadened, ten-year manufacturing investment tax credit. However, their commitment to reducing costs for manufacturers is vague and the party’s weakest point.
Liberal Party of Ontario - Grade: B
Most improved party since their 2022 election platform, with a focused approach on workforce training, investment attraction and lowering business costs. The tax break for employers to hire apprentices and co-op students deserves special mention as a helpful measure supporting the sector’s future, if it is properly resourced. Their lack of commitment to a longer-term manufacturing plan hampered their overall effort.
Green Party of Ontario - Grade: F
No response to CME’s questionnaire was submitted. Their platform language suggests Inflation Reduction Act-style incentives focused on low emitting industries, raising costs for others. Commitment to Buy Local seems sincere, but lack of specifics for many measures raises concerns about implementation.