For the second year in a row, the B.C. government will support manufacturing by proclaiming Oct. 11 – 17, 2015, 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 the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) industry association at the Legislature.

Manufacturing drives all sectors of the BC Jobs Plan and is an important part of the provincial economy, generating more than $14 billion in gross domestic product (GDP). It’s a complex industry that involves using human intellect and participation from other sectors supplying raw materials, energy and equipment to produce a wide range of good for export and domestic markets. It also employs a significant percentage of B.C.’s labour force and accounts for a large share of total provincial output.

(flickr.com)

Through the BC Jobs Plan, the provincial government is delivering on its commitments to promote B.C. export-ready products internationally, support inbound trade missions that connect B.C. manufacturers with potential new buyers, ensure a skilled workforce and engage directly with manufacturers throughout B.C. to identify and reduce barriers to growth.

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

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 is one of the main drivers of economic growth in British Columbia and a key sector of the BC Jobs Plan. The industry employs a significant percentage of B.C.’s workforce and provides well-paying, highly skilled jobs. By proclaiming October 11 to 17 as Manufacturing Week, the B.C. government is demonstrating its commitment to work with manufacturers to help raise the profile of the industry, to grow their market share, recruit new talent and enhance their ability to compete in global markets.”

Greg Kyllo, Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan -

“Manufacturing has enormous economic and social impacts in British Columbia. Most jobs, directly or indirectly, depend on manufacturing. Through the BC Jobs Plan, government encourages young people to enter the field and access the training required to pursue rewarding careers in the industry. Manufacturing Week draws attention to these innovative, family-supporting jobs and showcases how manufacturing contributes to British Columbia’s diverse, strong and growing economy.”

Marcus Ewert-Johns, vice-president, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters B.C. –

“By showcasing a variety of manufacturing companies we will raise the profile of the sector and show the diversity of positions available for employment seekers and students as they consider their futures. With support and innovative course development from educational partners and government we will be able to deliver the programs, training and support needed to fill the gap and provide a job ready workforce.”

Quick Facts:

• Manufacturing contributes more than $14 billion to the B.C. economy – approximately 8.5% of the total Canadian manufacturing gross domestic product (GDP).
• There are approximately 12,000 manufacturing companies in British Columbia.
• In 2014, there were approximately 161,000 people employed in the manufacturing sector in British Columbia, the third largest share of manufacturing sector workers among all Canadian provinces.
• The average manufacturing wage is 12% above the provincial average.
• Approximately 26% of the employed labour force in the manufacturing sector of B.C. was female.
• Manufactured goods account for 62% of B.C.’s total goods exports to international destinations.
• In 2014, the value of B.C.’s manufactured exports to foreign destinations approached $22.8 billion, an increase of about 8.3% over the previous year.

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