Province Proudly Promoting Ontario-Made Products to Spur Economic Recovery

CME Program Helps Consumers Support Local Business and Manufacturing Jobs

The Voice of Canada News:

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), with the support of the Ontario government, is launching a new Ontario Made Consumer Directory. This guide will make it easier for shoppers to find made-in-Ontario products while supporting local businesses and manufacturers. By promoting Ontario-made products, this initiative will support good-paying jobs and set the province down the path to further growth, renewal and long-term economic recovery.

The announcement was made by Premier Doug Ford, Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Dennis Darby, President & CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, at Napoleon, in Barrie.

“As local manufacturers have proven time and time again during this pandemic, they can make anything. Ontario-made products are second to none in quality and excellence,” said Premier Ford. “That’s why I’m proud to support this new CME campaign to encourage Ontarians to look for the ‘Ontario Made’ label when shopping. Our manufacturers were there for us during the pandemic, whether it was making PPE or keeping supply chains strong. Let’s all support them in turn and shop local.”

Ontario’s manufacturing sector is the economic engine of Canada, directly accounting for over 12 per cent of the province’s economy, with nearly $300 billion in annual shipments and $200 billion in exports. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturers across the province stepped up to innovate by ramping up or shifting their production lines to produce more food, personal protective equipment, and other essential supplies. In September alone, an increase of 51,700 jobs pushed Ontario’s manufacturing employment 17,000 jobs above pre-COVID levels.

In a recent CME survey, 73 per cent of Ontarians said they already try to purchase Canadian-made products and 56 per cent said they would try more often to purchase domestic goods. Since launching in July 2020, CME’s SupportOntarioMade.ca website has registered over 4,600 products from over 1,200 local manufacturers. Over 150 retailers are also participating in the program. Products with the Ontario Made logo range from baby wipes to barbecues, and cosmetics to cars.

Consumers can easily find these made-in-Ontario goods in the new online, searchable directory at SupportOntarioMade.ca. This includes products that are made in local communities, participating retailers and company profiles.

“When you support our homegrown manufacturers, you are doing more than simply shopping — you are supporting Ontario jobs, Ontario businesses and Ontario families,” said Minister Fedeli. “We all have a role to play in our economic recovery. By purchasing the quality products that are synonymous with Ontario Made, you are supporting your family, friends and neighbours and accelerating our economic revival today and into the future.”

The Ontario Made program is helping the province’s manufacturing base regain and recover revenues lost due to COVID-19. Manufacturers and producers are encouraged to register and promote their products on the SupportOntarioMade.ca website and use the Ontario Made logo. Regional webinars where manufacturers can learn more about the program will be hosted by CME to increase the volume and variety of registered Ontario Made products for consumers.

Building on Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19, the province’s $30 billion response to the global pandemic, the government remains committed to providing necessary resources to protect people’s health and support people, families, workers and business owners. Ontario will release the 2020 Budget and the next phase of Ontario’s Action Plan on November 5, 2020.

Quick Facts

• Funding for Ontario Made is made possible through the $50 million Ontario Together Fund.
• Since its launch, the SupportOntarioMade.ca website received over 25,000 visits and over 3,800 subscriptions to the Ontario Made newsletter.
• Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is a national organization representing over 30 sector manufacturing associations.

Quotes

“There has never been a better time to support our local communities by consciously choosing to purchase Ontario-made goods. Through the launch of the Ontario Made searchable consumer database, we are raising awareness of the incredible and innovative products that are made right here. The database is an important step to help consumers easily identify, access and purchase local products. When Ontarians see the Ontario Made logo, there is an assurance of quality and they can be confident knowing they are supporting local jobs and the provincial economy.”- Dennis Darby, President & CEO, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

“Napoleon is known for stunning, quality fireplaces and iconic BBQs, however our fastest growing product segment is ultra-high efficiency furnaces and air conditioners. We proudly manufacture in Barrie, Ontario with a workforce of over 1,100 committed associates. As we lean into 2021, we are increasing production and have hired over 200 new full-time positions since June to meet the need of our customers. Napoleon fully supports the Ontario government and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters ‘Ontario Made’ initiative. Ontario Made is a fantastic way for consumers to become aware of products made in their own backyards.”-– Chris Schroeter, Co-CEO, Napoleon