The importance of manufacturing and the $13.8 billion it contributes to the province’s economy are just two of the reasons why the B.C. government today proclaimed October 12 - 18, 2014, as Manufacturing Week in B.C.

The announcement was made today by Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour and Greg Kyllo, Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan with an official presentation of the proclamation to board members from the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) industry association.

Manufacturing is a cross-sector area of the economy identified as a strategic priority in the BC Jobs Plan 3-Year Progress Update. By proclaiming a Manufacturing Week the B.C. government is demonstrating a commitment to work with manufacturing companies to help build success.

Throughout October, the CME is scheduling special events and manufacturing plant tours in partnership with communities, Chambers of Commerce, the B.C. government and others - bringing together manufacturers, communities, students and others interested in innovative manufacturing practices.

Through the BC Jobs Plan, the provincial government is taking action to support the growth of manufacturers which will include promoting B.C. products in international markets and exploring export opportunities. Since the BC Jobs Plan was launched there have been more that 50,000 net new jobs and $7.2 billion in economic growth.

The B.C. government is working with the CME throughout October, which is known nationally as Manufacturing Month.

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters is a trade and industry association serving 10,000 Canadian manufacturing companies focusing on improving business competitiveness.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

“Manufacturing helps drive the B.C. economy by providing growth and employment in every region of the province. It transcends all sectors of the BC Jobs Plan. We are really excited to name Oct. 12 - 18, 2014, Manufacturing Week. By supporting the industry through events like Manufacturing Week, and through long-term action items in the BC Jobs Plan, the B.C. government is helping companies in B.C. create secure job opportunities now and for the future.”

Greg Kyllo, Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan -

“Manufacturing has a key role to play in creating jobs and fostering community-building investments - which is why we it’s a strategic priority in the recently released BC Jobs Plan 3-Year Update. Manufacturing Week helps raise awareness of how important manufacturing is to the B.C. economy - and helping to lay the foundation for high-paying job opportunities for generations to come.”

Marcus Ewert-Johns, regional vice-president, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters BC -

“The manufacturing community is pleased the B.C. government is naming Oct. 12 - 18, 2014, Manufacturing Week across our industrious province. We all recognize how important this sector is to our economy and welcome this recognition provided by the B.C. Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training. B.C. manufacturers look forward to working together closely with government to ensure a strong economic future.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2013, manufacturing contributed $13.8 billion to the B.C. economy.
• There are 12,000 manufacturing companies in British Columbia.
• There are 163,500 direct manufacturing jobs B.C. across all sectors.
• Manufactured goods account for 65% of B.C.’s exports.
• The Manufacturing sector saw 5% growth last year - second highest in Canada
• The average manufacturing wage is 15% above the provincial average

Learn More:

• BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca
• Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (B.C.): http://bc.cme-mec.ca/
• B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint visit: http://www.workbc.ca/skills
• LNG-Buy BC Program: http://www.lngbuybc.ca

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799