Federal Budget 2015 cemented the previous government’s commitment to placing a major focus on manufacturing as a cornerstone of economic growth and prosperity moving forward. The budget was largely focused on manufacturing issues including the extension of the Accelerated Cost of Capital Allowance (ACCA), investment in training, sector investment support mechanisms, export support programs, support for small manufacturers, investment in infrastructure, and further regulatory reforms.
During Federal Election 2015, the Coalition ensured that manufacturing was a focus for all three major political parties. We were successful in ensuring that manufacturing was written into all party platforms as part of their economic strategies, including the victorious Liberal Party.
Manufacturing Day on Hill and the Celebration of Manufacturing was held on February 22nd and 23rd, 2016. The Celebration of Manufacturing was co-hosted by Industry Minister Bains and had roughly 45 Members of Parliament attend. The Day on the Hill saw representatives of the Coalition meet with 102 MPs and senior government representatives, including 2 Ministers, 8 Parliamentary Secretaries, 11 Chairs of Parliamentary Committees, 20 Critics and Deputy Critics, 3 Party Leaders, and 1 Deputy Whip.