“Ontario Made” program launched to support Canadian manufacturers and exporters

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

As the province safely and gradually reopens, the Ontario government is focusing on growth, renewal and economic recovery with the Ontario Made program from Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME).

This new program will promote the many world-class goods that are made across the province by helping consumers easily identify, access and purchase local products.

Details were provided last week by Premier Doug Ford at Artistic Skylight in Vaughan.

“Ontario has always been Canada’s workshop, and our products are recognized as the gold standard across the country and around the world,” said Premier Ford.

“Our government is proud to support Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters’ Ontario Made program. Promoting locally made products will be essential to building a strong, self-sufficient province and key to our economic recovery.”

Funding for Ontario Made is through the $50 million Ontario Together Fund launched on April 1, 2020. This funding will be used to help retailers and consumers identify local products by:

  • Creating a new Ontario Made logo that manufacturers can use to help consumers identify their made-in-Ontario products. CME will also meet with major retailers to promote Ontario Made products in-store and increase visibility for customers;
  • Launching a new SupportOntarioMade.ca website that will connect consumers and supply chain partners to manufacturers of made-in-Ontario products through one directory;
  • Promoting Ontario Made through a digital newsletter to raise awareness of Ontario goods and products online and through social media.

“Over the past few months, plants and factories across the province retooled their operations to provide the front lines with the essential equipment needed in the fight against COVID-19, including PPE,” said Labour Minister Vic Fedeli.

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“As the province reopens and the economy recovers, it is now more important than ever to support and promote Ontario’s world-class manufacturing sector and get people back to work. By supporting Ontario manufacturing, consumers are buying quality, locally made products.”

In March, the government launched the Ontario Together web portal to encourage companies to submit innovative ideas and ways to provide medical supplies, PPE and other essential equipment. To date, more than 27,000 submissions have been received and 18,000 leads have been converted into more than $658 million in purchases of emergency supplies.

“Ontario manufacturers have a long and proud history of making some of the most innovative products in the world. As consumers increasingly want to buy local, it’s important that we help them make informed decisions and find local manufacturers,” said Dennis Darby, President and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. “We want to encourage Ontario manufacturers to proudly wave the flag by labeling their products and buying local where possible. Ontario Made will help raise awareness of what is manufactured right here by our neighbours, friends, and families and support local manufacturing.”

The Ontario government is investing $500,000 from the Ontario Together Fund into the Ontario Made program.

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