For the third year in a row, the British Columbia government will support manufacturing by proclaiming Manufacturing Week in British Columbia.

The announcement was made today by Greg Kyllo, Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan, with an official presentation of the proclamation to the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) industry association while touring the BCIT – Aerospace Technology Campus.

Manufacturing is a key sector of the BC Jobs Plan and a significant economic driver for the province, generating $15 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) and supporting approximately 172,500 jobs for people in British Columbia. 

Through the BC Jobs Plan, the provincial government is delivering on its commitments to promote B.C.’s 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 increase competitiveness and reduce barriers to growth.

Throughout October, the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) and partner organizations – such as boards of trades and chambers of commerce, as well as municipal and provincial governments – are presenting an exciting calendar of events. These events will include industry tours, workshops and student programs and projects, including the BC Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards. All of these events are designed to raise the profile of manufacturing and reinforce that manufacturing professions and skilled trades occupations are inspiring and rewarding careers.

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

(flickr.com)

Greg Kyllo, Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan -

“Our diverse manufacturing sector, which makes everything from aerospace components to medical equipment, plays a key role driving B.C.’s economy forward. By proclaiming Manufacturing Week in B.C., government is demonstrating its commitment to work with manufacturers to help raise the profile of the industry, recruit new talent and enhance their ability to compete in global markets. I want to thank the CME and for the contribution of manufacturers across the province for providing rewarding career and training opportunities for British Columbians.”

Dan Reader, president of Murray Latta Progressive Machining and chair, CME BC Advisory Board –

“October is Manufacturing Month in North America and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters is working to dispel the myths and other negative perceptions about the industry by showcasing some amazing local companies manufacturing innovative products from aerostructures to testing equipment for alternative energy. CME is also raising awareness of the many interesting and well-paying career opportunities available to job seekers and youth by hosting plant tours throughout the province. Manufacturing stakeholders are working together to bring to light the fact that there are currently not enough skilled workers for the positions available in our industry. We hope to develop an action plan that addresses labour needs of today and of the future with the goal of doubling manufacturing capacity by 2030.”

Quick Facts:

• Manufacturing contributes more than $15 billion to the B.C. economy – approximately 7.2% of the total Canadian manufacturing gross domestic product (GDP).
• There are approximately 7,225 manufacturing companies in British Columbia.
• In 2015, there were approximately 172,500 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 14.7% above the provincial average.
• Approximately 27.1% of the employed labour force in the manufacturing sector of B.C. was female.
• Manufactured goods account for 67.3% of B.C.’s total goods exports to international destinations.
• In 2015, the value of B.C.’s manufactured exports to foreign destinations approached $24.2 billion, an increase of about 8.7% 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: http://www.workbc.ca/skills