TORONTO – Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is calling for the government to create a national manufacturing strategy, launching a “Made in Canada” campaign and introducing consumer spending incentives for Canadian goods.

In a letter to William Morneau, the Canadian minister of finance, Dennis Darby, president & CEO of CME, outlined the association’s vision “to grow our essential sector for the benefits of all Canadians.”

Darby’s letter outlines CME’s three-point plan for a national manufacturing strategy. It includes:

“1. Respond: Governments must continue to refine and expand support programs to ensure stability in the sector, extend tax deferral and duty programs, and introduce consumer spending incentives to drive demand for manufactured goods.

“2. Recover: Additional actions will be needed over the course of the next year to stabilize the economic recovery and increase focus on domestic capacity and capabilities. This must include improving government procurement, supporting business investment, and launching a ‘Made in Canada’ campaign that celebrates goods made here.

“3. Prosper: Strategic long-term growth will come through a modern industrial strategy that focuses on strengthening Canada’s business competitiveness. Focus must be placed on addressing historical challenges, including reducing the cost of doing business, improving regional value-chains, and leveraging our natural assets for economic development at home and abroad.”

The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) is monitoring the government’s response to the CME’s letter. The CKCA launched a "Buy Canadian Built Kitchen Cabinets" promotion at the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Show last October in Mississauga.