CME Advocacy

Leadership makes the difference – in the boardroom and on the shop floor. But it all starts with the right business conditions. And those are built on sound government policy.

That's why CME leverages the strength of Canada's largest network of manufacturers and exporters to advocate for the policies that matter to you. We focus on five key issues: manufacturing competitiveness, US business, international markets, energy and environment, as well as people and skills. Our insight is your advantage. CME directly represents more than 10,000 leading businesses, and – through various initiatives such as the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition – touches more than 100,000 companies engaged in manufacturing, exporting and service-related industries. Read what our members have to say.

Your finger on the pulse. CME's team of policy experts know your issues inside and out. From market access to regulatory affairs, we can answer your questions or connect you to those who can. We focus primarily on five key areas:

• Manufacturing Competitiveness
• US Business
• International Markets
• Energy & Environment
• People & Skills

The Canadian Manufacturing Coalition, led by CME President & CEO Jayson Myers, brings together more than 40 industry associations, united by a common vision of a world-class manufacturing sector that will continue to ensure Canadians enjoy strong economic growth and high-value, high-paying jobs. The coalition speaks with one voice about the importance of manufacturing and what must be done to ensure a competitive business environment for manufacturing in Canada.

Recent CME Policy Wins

• Successfully secured the implementation and extension of the accelerated capital cost allowance – allowing industry a straight line two-year write-off for manufacturing and processing technologies. The ACCA will save Canadian manufacturers approximately $650 million, and was CME's primary focus during Budget 2011.
• CME, through the Busineses for Better Borders (B3) Coalition continues to be a major driver of Canada-US Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness, an initiative launched by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and US President Barack Obama, which will result in improvements in regulatory cooperation between Canada and the US, as well as streamlined border processes to make movement of goods and people easier and less costly for companies.
• Successfully advocated for the Government of Canada to fully support harmonization on emissions regulations and its climate change strategy with the US.
• Our efforts led to Canada and the US announcing an agreement coming into force on February 16, 2010, that allows Canadian manufacturers to participate in a number of infrastructure projects funded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and permanently opens procurement markets in 37 US states.
• CME is the only Canadian representative on the US Customs and Border Protection's Commissioners advisory committee.
• CME successfully advocated for the introduction of the harmonized sales tax in Ontario and BC (now repealed).

Policy Committees

As part of Canada's leading trade and industry association, we encourage you to get actively involved in CME's national policy and regulatory business network. With your membership, you receive access to the strongest advocacy services in North America that will help you:

• Receive advanced warning and understanding of government regulatory and policy changes;
• Network, learn and share best practices with peers;
• Connect with key decision-makers; as well as,
• Shape policy and the future of business in both Canada and the US.

For more information, or to find out how you can get involved in CME's advocacy efforts, contact us at policy@cme-mec.ca.

The CME Advantage

“Like many companies, our company sees North America is a unified market, with a highly integrated supply chain between Canada and the US. As a result, the border  has a significant impact on our business operations. Because of their leadership, understanding of business, and connections in Ottawa and Washington, CME is the most effective business group influencing the operations of the Canada/US border. Their efforts lead to improvements on our bottom line.” – Kelly Johnston, Vice President, Government Affairs, Campbell Soup Company

“Frankly, your organization has done one of the best pieces on the benefits of corporate taxes.” – James Rajotte, MP, Edmonton Leduc and Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance to CME President & CEO Jayson Myers

“As a long standing member of the committee, and a proponent for reform in the area of employment related legislation; the committee members and CME staff have been instrumental in providing a strong, coordinated and respected voice when addressing our concerns with government.” – Bob Primeau, Vice President, Human Resources, ArcelorMittal Dofasco

“As Canada’s largest trade and industry association, CME speaks for more than 10,000 manufacturers and exporters across Canada as well as tens of thousands more that belong to the 40-plus industry associations that make up the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition [led by CME]. That’s a strong voice for Canadian business that has proven to deliver results for our company.” – Paul N. Lucas, President & CEO, GlaxoSmithKline Inc.

“As an engineering technologist at a smaller size company, I don’t have the time to research all the latest changes to environmental regulations – but I do need to stay informed. Being part of CME's environmental quality committee allows me to efficiently find out what I need to know and speak with other companies who are in the same boat.” – Craig Whittle, Engineering Technologist, S & C Electric Canada Ltd.