Mr. Prime Minister: The manufacturing sector is calling

The seeds of modern democracy were first sowed by the lawmakers/orators Solon, Cleisthenes, and Ephialtes in ancient Greece around the sixth century BC. In fact, the word democracy itself comes from the ancient Greek words demos, which means “people,” and kratos, which means “rule.”

While Athens typically gets credit for this societal advancement, many city-states of the time actually had some form of “democracy” in place.

Last month Canadians went to the polls to choose our members of Parliament and, therefore, the leading party and the official opposition. Now that pandering season is over, it’s time for the rhetoric to stop and the work to begin.

While some ridings changed hands, the national picture remains much the same with another minority government in place. Another election likely will take place within the next two years.

The Canadian manufacturing sector -- in decline for more than two decades thanks in part to neglect by a series of governments that don’t understand the industry -- represents more than 90,000 businesses and 1.7 million employees.

Among the many challenges facing the sector, some stand out. If the newly formed government has a plan for manufacturing, it should involve these five needs:

1. Solve labour shortages.
2. Drive investment in technology.
3. Reduce the costs of doing business.
4. Increase exports.
5. Create a feasible carbon strategy.

According to Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), more than 60 per cent of Canadian manufacturers are facing difficulty recruiting new employees. Quebec, British Columbia, and Ontario are particularly affected, followed closely by Atlantic Canada and the Prairies. Tens of thousands of positions are still open due to lack of labour.

“CME urges the new government, armed with a fresh mandate, to prioritize the manufacturing sector, and cement its place as a pillar of the Canadian economy. Impressed by the outsized role manufacturing played during the pandemic, each party in this election made promises to manufacturers to help their businesses grow and thrive. Now it is time to turn that talk into action. Our sector stands ready to work with the prime minister, cabinet, and all elected officials in this new parliament to achieve that end,” said Dennis Darby, president/CEO of CME.

Electric vehicle production is poised to join a manufacturing sector that already has strong automotive roots. A recent Nanos Research public opinion poll revealed that a majority of Canadians view aerospace as an important national industry, with nine in 10 respondents supporting government action to help keep our aerospace industry competitive in the global marketplace. Medical device manufacturing, and its use of advanced technologies like additive manufacturing, is poised for growth.

The election is over; let’s get to work.