PrairiesCan Partnership
Strengthening Manufacturing Competitiveness Across the Prairies
Canadian manufacturers are navigating increasing trade uncertainty, tariff pressures, and evolving global markets. To help businesses adapt and grow, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is expanding access to training, industry events, and competitiveness supports across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
With support from Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), CME is delivering practical programming designed to help manufacturers improve productivity, develop leadership capacity, and build long-term operational resilience.
Get Started
Explore upcoming training sessions and events available in your region.
Who should participate
This initiative is designed for:
- Small and medium-sized manufacturers
- Operations and production leaders
- Supervisors and emerging leaders
- Companies looking to improve productivity and competitiveness
- Organizations navigating trade or market changes
More than 400 Prairie SMEs are expected to benefit from programming delivered between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2028.
Why Participate
CME programs are built by manufacturers, for manufacturers. Participants gain practical skills, proven operational tools, and connections that support measurable improvements in performance and growth.
Whether you are strengthening leadership capability, improving operational efficiency, or preparing for new markets, this initiative provides accessible support to help your business move forward with confidence.
What This Initiative Provides
Through this investment, manufacturers across the Prairies will gain access to hands-on programs and expert support focused on operational excellence and market competitiveness.
Operational Excellence Training
Build foundational capabilities through CME’s 101-level training programs, including:
- Lean 101
- Supervisory Leadership 101
- AI 101
- HR 101
- Safety 101
- Additional operational and workforce development training
Programs are designed to deliver practical tools that can be applied immediately on the shop floor and within leadership teams.
Competitive Assessments
Participating companies can access company-specific assessments that identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen operations, and support sustainable growth.
Operational Excellence Conference & Advanced Manufacturing Summit Series
Connect with industry leaders and peers through regional events focused on innovation, productivity, and the future of manufacturing in Canada.
Export Readiness & Market Diversification Support
Access guidance and programming designed to help manufacturers respond to changing trade conditions, explore new markets, and strengthen export readiness.
Expert Consultations & Networking Opportunities
Work directly with industry experts and connect with manufacturers across the Prairie region to share knowledge and best practices.
PrairiesCan-Supported Pricing
To expand access for manufacturers, programming delivered through this initiative will be offered at reduced cost:
- Free for CME Members
- $75 for Non-Member Manufacturers
- $200 for Service Organizations
This pricing only applies to eligible 101-level training (Lean 101 MLD 101, HR 101, etc.) delivered under the program. Other programming will be event-specific
Facilitators
Have questions? Feel free to contact the facilitator in your region for more information.
Program Director
Eileen Santos
Director – Programs
eileen.santos@cme-mec.ca