ALBERTA MANUFACTURING STRATEGY: POLICY RECOMMENDATION TO SPUR MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT, INNOVATION AND JOB CREATION

Alberta Manufacturing Strategy: Policy Recommendation to Spur Manufacturing Investment, Innovation and Job Creation was launched today by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME).

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Growing Alberta’s Manufacturing Market Share

• Collaborate with industry launch an “Alberta Made” campaign to promote local manufacturing and supply chains, in a manner that builds on the “Made in Alberta Labelling Program.”
• Adopt a comprehensive approach to supporting Alberta’s strategic and emerging manufacturing sectors, including petrochemicals, food processing, fabricated metals, wood products, mineral value chains and machinery and electronic equipment.
• Invite the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association to participate as a member of the Alberta Procurement Council to support competitive local procurement practices to drive provincial innovation, investment and job creation.

2. Encouraging Investment

• Introduce an “Alberta Made” matching investment tax credit or grant program to assist companies with plant expansion, upgrades, technology adoption, onshoring, re-tooling, improving environmental performance, and exporting.
• Implement a Patent Box tax exemption system to reward commercialization and production of goods and advanced technologies in Alberta.

3. A Manufacturing Labour Force Strategy

• Support CME members in expanding efforts to attract underrepresented groups to manufacturing through training and grant programs.
• Support manufacturers in encouraging Alberta’s education system to connect youth to manufacturing careers.
• Work with Alberta’s manufacturers to strengthen immigration programs to meet the labour market needs of industry.