INDU Committee Report

NDP SUPPLEMENTARY OPINION

Brian Masse M.P.

Windsor West

NDP Innovation, Science and Economic Development Critic

SECTOR INITIATIVES

In the past decade alone, thousands of jobs have disappeared from the Canadian manufacturing landscape in all sectors.  Despite the numerous reasons for these losses, it is vital to address that each manufacturing sector in Canada plays an important role in keeping the economy vibrant nationally and at the local level.  We agree that an overall manufacturing strategy is good for Canada.  However, some sectors require their own strategy immediately for growth opportunities to maximize potential in the emergency of new technologies and disruptor challenges.  The NDP fully supports any and all actions to help make Canadian manufacturing dynamic again and therefore, the NDP recommends,

That the Government of Canada develop sector based strategies for the manufacturing sector where specific industry concerns and challenges are addressed collaboratively with representatives including the businesses, provinces, municipalities, labour, academia and all other stakeholders specific to each sector. 

For example, a National Automotive Strategy would allow the automotive sector including tool and mold and parts manufacturers, to move forward with innovation, research, funding, import/ export and tax initiatives discussed and considered by all stakeholders to ensuring the best possible plan is devised specific to this sector. By engaging all of the stakeholders in one sector, the Government could then properly take action on the most important items to the stakeholders.

Further, regularly meeting and collaborating with the sector stakeholders would allow for beneficial changes to be made during economic uncertainty or when other factors affecting the sector pose a threat.

SECURING – MAINTAINING INVESTMENTS AND A PATH TO GREEN FIELD INVESTMENT

Witnesses testified that Export Development Canada (EDC) did not have the tools to recruit and retain investment within Canada.  Concerns about Government red tape that potential manufacturing investors face when looking at facility investments has hindered growth and has lost potential investments to other nations. 

Furthermore, in 2014 Mexico attracted and secured 366 green field investments by offering competitive concessions to prospective investors.[1] In April 2015 Toyota announced their green field investment of $1.5 billion in one manufacturing hub in Mexico. 

The NDP therefore recommends,

That the Government of Canada develops investment incentives that are efficient, competitive and that allow for effective tax policies that can compete with other nations vying for similar investments. And, further, that Export Development Canada (EDC), in a manner consistent with its arms-length commercial status, is given a stronger mandate to recruit and retain investments in Canadian manufacturing. And, that the Government of Canada begins promoting green field investment opportunities to remain competitive with especially Mexico and the United States. 

SUPPORTING INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS

This report links the importance of post-secondary education to the manufacturing sector in a variety of ways but does not specifically recommend the need to continue funding the Centres of Excellence that were established over the last decade.  Many of these programs, including AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence based out of the University of Windsor, researched and worked directly with manufacturers to bring  innovative products to the Canadian and global market.  These research centres attracted the top talent, created work for Canadian researchers, skilled trades and students, and provided innovative products through networks of established researchers, businesses and manufacturers across the country.[2] The NDP recommends,

That the Government of Canada continue funding the Network Centres of Excellence, and provide more funding for the manufacturing sector Centres.  And, that the Government promote these Centres of Excellence to prospective investors to highlight the innovation and talent that Canada provides to its manufacturing sector via these Network Centres of Excellence.

CREATING FIRM TIMELINES AND MEASUREMENT

The NDP recommends,

That the Government of Canada creates firm timelines, with a goal of immediate action, on the recommendations in this report including the supplementary recommendations provided here. And that the Government further devise an annual measurement system for each manufacturing sector in Canada with a focus on, but not limited to, employment, skills training, investment and innovation.  And that the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development table the findings in the House of Commons.