CTMA’s team brought forward issues affecting CTMA members and members of the industry during Manufacturing Day at Queen’s Park. From left: Ray Buxton, Robert Cattle, Premier Doug Ford, Chris Hergott. CTMA photo.
(CTMA, Dec. 7, 2022) The CTMA met with ministers and MPPs during Manufacturing Day in Queen’s Park on December 7, 2022, to discuss how government and industry can work together to drive investment in manufacturing and grow the sector.
CTMA president Chris Hergott, government relations chair Ray Buxton, and executive director Robert Cattle, met with Charmaine Williams, Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, the Hon. Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development; Premier Doug Ford, and many other ministers and MPPs to raise awareness of issues affecting CTMA members and members of the industry.
“We must keep manufacturing alive and well throughout Canada,” said Cattle. “Events like these are put in place so that we can continue to communicate this message.”
CTMA’s team covered many relevant topics, including labour shortages, the cost of doing business in Ontario and reduction of red tape.
“After spending the day in meetings with several Ministers and MPPs at Queen’s Park, we had a good feeling that they understood the importance of manufacturing in Ontario,” said Hergott. “They were very impressed with all the initiatives the CTMA has put in place to support high school manufacturing classes and apprenticeships for youth. There is no doubt we are making great connections provincially with members of government.”
In addition, 26 representatives from manufacturing associations held 33 meetings with MPPs and ministers to discuss why manufacturing is vital to their constituencies/portfolios and how we can support its growth within Ontario.
“Our team was very pleased to update Premier Doug Ford and Minister Monte McNaughton on CTMA’s initiatives, including purchasing new high-tech equipment for high schools through our Career-Ready with CTMA: Expanding Opportunities program.”
“We thank Premier Ford, Monte McNaughton and all the MPPS and ministers that took the time to listen to us during Manufacturing Day,” said Buxton.
The CTMA is a member of the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition, which is comprised of more than 30 industry associations representing all sectors of the Canadian industrial economy. Collectively, CTMA associations represent roughly 100,000 companies and 1.8 million workers, coast-to-coast, the majority of which are Ontario-based and focused.
