Manufacturers in Ontario are launching a new program to help promote Ontario made products throughout Canada.
The Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters launched the Ontario Made program that will encourage retailers and consumers to choose products made in manufacturing plants throughout Ontario.
"The Ontario Made program is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on those companies and those people, the people who make the parts, the products and the ingredients that we sell here and to the world," said Dennis Darby, president and CEO of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
The Ontario government is supporting the Ontario Made program with $500,000 from the Ontario Together Fund announced in April to help support manufacturers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Ontario has always been Canada's workshop, and our products are recognized as the gold standard across the country and around the world," said Premier Doug Ford. "Our government is proud to support Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters' Ontario Made program. Promoting locally made products will be essential to building a strong, self-sufficient province and key to our economic recovery."
Through the program, manufacturers will be given a digital branded logo and be part of the program's marketing and distribution program.
Part of the marketing is through a new website that will create a database of Ontario made products. This will create one stop for retailers looking to highlight these products.
Retailers will be given support to showcase the made in Ontario goods and will also be highlighted through the program.
Finally, consumers are being encouraged to make informed decisions and look for the Ontario Made logo when purchasing goods in stores.