Positioning East Coast companies for success in a competitive global marketplace
News Release
Government of Canada invests in increased productivity, creating opportunities for growth in 32 small- and medium-sized Nova Scotia enterprises
November 23, 2017 – Amherst, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Ensuring Canadian businesses succeed in global markets is key to generating growth, creating jobs and strengthening Canada’s middle class. To support local Nova Scotia businesses, the Government of Canada is investing $951,516 in Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. This money will provide training and mentorship to improve the competitiveness of up to 32 small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) over a three-year program.
Participating companies will learn how to implement sustainable LEAN manufacturing methods, meaning significant productivity and quality gains. These continuous improvements to the manufacturing process allow companies to add value for customers by producing higher-quality, lower-cost products in shorter times.
The funding was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland – Colchester.
The investment is being made through ACOA’s Business Development Program, which supports SMEs and not-for-profit organizations that provide support to Atlantic businesses. Other funding partners include the Government of Nova Scotia’s Department of Labour and Advanced Education as well as participating SMEs.
Today’s investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which supports strategic investments in initiatives that build on the region’s competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential, growing innovation ecosystem, and skilled workforce.
Quotes
“We know that innovation is the key to business success in Canada. Industry associations, such as CME, play a key role in helping high-growth firms reach, and exceed, their potential. CME represents countless SMEs that are the backbone of Canada’s economy and the engine for new job creation. Our government is proud to support the work being done by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters to promote best practices among its members that benefit our entire economy.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Science, Innovation and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Continuous improvement to increase efficiency and performance is critical for Nova Scotia companies to remain competitive in the global marketplace. The Government of Canada is helping SMEs improve productivity so they can grow and create more middle-class jobs for Canadians.”
- Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester
“Nova Scotia is pleased to provide a productivity training investment in Nova Scotia's manufacturing sector. This investment will help Nova Scotia businesses, particularly in rural areas, improve efficiencies and services in their facilities in the most cost-effective manner. The province is committed to working with Nova Scotia businesses by supporting training that will enhance innovation and continuous improvement.”
- The Honourable Labi Kousoulis, Nova Scotia Minister of Labour and Advanced Education
“Productivity improvement has been identified as one of the key opportunities needed for our manufacturing sector to expand and compete in global markets. Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Nova Scotia Division is excited to offer the Manufacturing Productivity Program in response to this need.”
- Michel Raymond, Nova Scotia Division Vice-President, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Quick Facts
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Since 1871, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters has been helping manufacturers grow at home and thrive around the world.
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Manufacturers and processors are major contributors to the Canadian economy, as they account for over 1.7 million jobs and more than 10 percent of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
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The Canadian manufacturing sector covers 21 industry groups that produce goods for both industrial and consumer use.
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Lisa Jarrett
Media Relations Advisor
Communications Nova Scotia
902-424-0281 / 902-717-4199 (cell)
E-mail: Lisa.jarrett@novascotia.ca
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
E-mail: ic.mediarelations-mediarelations.ic@cananda.ca
Michel Raymond
Nova Scotia Division Vice President
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
902-802-2662 (cell)
E-mail: michel.raymond@cme-mec.ca