CME STATEMENT ON SUPPORTS FOR ONTARIO MANUFACTURERS IN 2025 BUDGET
A key pre-budget ask from CME, the enhancement of the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit – which raises the credit rate from 10% to 15% and expands eligibility to include non-Canadian-controlled private corporations – along with the introduction of the Ontario Together Trade Fund, represent a timely and targeted approach to help manufacturers invest. "These flexible incentives and grants will help businesses buy crucial equipment and tools when they need it most, supporting their pivot to new opportunities," said Dennis Darby, President and CEO of CME.
CME also welcomes the creation of the Trade Impacted Communities Program, which will equip ecosystem partners as they seek to create supportive business conditions and safeguard the manufacturing jobs Ontarians rely on.
As highlighted in CME's latest report, Keep Calm and Keep Training, workforce development remains an urgent priority for the manufacturing sector. CME commends the province for its continued commitment to building a stronger workforce, including a $1 billion boost to the Skills Development Fund for industry, and $750 million in funding for STEM programs at post-secondary institutions.
"These historic commitments mark a turning point. By working together, we can build on Ontario's strong industrial foundation to usher in an Ontario Made economic revolution - one that champions homegrown innovation, drives global competitiveness, and secures long-term prosperity for all Ontarians," concluded Darby.
ABOUT CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS (CME)
Since 1871, CME has made a difference for Canada's manufacturing and exporting communities. Fighting for their future. Saving them money. Helping manufacturers grow. The association directly represents manufacturers large and small, across all subsectors, from automotive, aerospace and food to the materials, technology and energy that support them. More than 85 percent of CME's members are small and medium-sized enterprises. CME's membership network accounts for an estimated 82 percent of total manufacturing production and 90 percent of Canada's exports.
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Published Aug 05, 2025 • 3 minute read A truck with vehicles crosses the Blue Water Bridge border crossing into the United States from Sarnia on April 3. Photo by GEOFF ROBINS / AFP/Getty Images OTTAWA — Canadian exporters did more business with the United States in June even as tariffs ramped up, Statistics Canada said Tuesday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The agency said exports to the U.S. rose 3.1% in June compared with the prior month, but were still down 12.5% on a year-over-year basis. Canada's trade surplus with the U.S. expanded to $3.9 billion in June, from $3.6 billion in May as imports rose less than exports. Overall, Canada's merchandise trade deficit with the world widened to $5.9 billion in June, up from $5.5 billion in May. The June figures close a volatile first half of the year that saw on-again, off-again tariffs from the United States skew Canadian trade volumes. StatCan said total exports were up modestly for the second month in a row in June, coming off the biggest drop in nearly five years in April as early tariffs took full effect. 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