Canadian manufacturers unveil blueprint to strengthen industry amid U.S. trade threats

OTTAWA, ON, April 16, 2025 /CNW/ - As Canadian manufacturers face unprecedented challenges from unjustified U.S. tariffs, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) is calling on the next federal government to take bold and immediate action to protect and grow Canada's industrial economy.

In its newly released Blueprint to Strengthen Canadian Manufacturing, CME outlines a clear path forward to address long-overdue structural economic reforms to restore Canada's competitiveness, investment and long-term resilience.

"The economic threats from the U.S are a wake-up call," said Dennis Darby, President and CEO of CME. "The next federal government must act decisively to reposition Canada's economy - rapidly and meaningfully – with bold policies that support manufacturers and workers by making it easier to invest, build, and grow."

The blueprint includes 17 measures to reinvigorate the Canadian economy by:

• Breaking the regulatory gridlock that is stifling our economy by reducing red tape, improving regulatory development, breaking down interprovincial trade barriers and fast-tracking project approvals.
• Accelerating innovation, investment and the adoption of advanced technologies by enhancing Canada's tax competitiveness, reforming federal procurement, stimulating new research and development activity and investing in trade and transportation infrastructure.
• Expanding and upskilling the manufacturing workforce by increasing training and development support, better aligning immigration policy with manufacturers' needs and delivering short-term support for in-demand occupations.
• Realizing Canada's energy potential and reduce global emissions by streamlining energy project approvals, strengthening government-industry collaboration on climate and energy policy and helping small and medium-sized manufacturers lower their environmental impact.

"The very foundation of Canada's manufacturing sector is at risk and it is essential that policymakers take bold action so that we can better control our own economic destiny. Canadian manufacturers will be working urgently with the incoming federal government to advance these practical measures to create a supportive environment that encourages investment, innovation, and job growth," Darby concluded.

You can read the full report Blueprint to Strengthen Canadian Manufacturing.

About Canadian Manufacturers a Exporters

From the first industrial boom in Canada, CME has advocated for and represented member interests. More than 150 years strong, CME has earned an extensive and effective track record of working for and with 2,500 leading companies nationwide. More than 85 per cent of CME's members are SMEs and collectively account for an estimated 82 per cent of total manufacturing production and 90 per cent of Canada's exports.

SOURCE Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

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