Canada's industrial strategy for COVID-19 helps ramp up medical device manufacturing

The federal government has announced an industrial strategy aimed at supporting manufacturers to ramp up their production of critical supplies for diagnosing, treating and preventing COVID-19.

Through this strategy, the government will assist manufacturers who are already producing critical medical supplies and those who want to re-tool their production line to help.

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) applauds this effort to mobilize the industry. As part of its policy recommendations to help the economy cope with COVID-19, CME suggested the government financially supports manufacturers producing or scaling up production of medical devices.

“Canadian manufacturers want to play a critical role in supporting Canada’s response to the COVID-19 crisis," said Dennis Darby, president and CEO of CME. "We are pleased the government is adopting CME’s recommendation of helping to scale-up businesses that are already part of the supply chain, which will enable a rapid response from businesses.”