July 10, 2020, Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli, and President and CEO of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) Dennis Darby announced the launch of the “Ontario Made” program. This program will promote goods made in Ontario by making it easier for consumers to identify and access these products.

In addition to this afternoon’s announcement, Premier Ford and Minister Fedeli reacted to Statistics Canada employment numbers released today and responded to questions from media regarding the province’s ongoing response to COVID-19.

Further Details

“Ontario Made” Program

This afternoon, Premier Ford, Minister Fedeli and Mr. Darby announced the launch of the Ontario Made initiative from CME, which aims to recognize and promote products made in Ontario by building awareness among retailers and consumers.

Funding for Ontario Made is made possible through the $50 million Ontario Together fund launched on April 1, 2020. This funding, totalling $500,000, will be used to help retailers and consumers identify local products by:

  • Creating an Ontario Made logo that manufacturers can use to help consumers identify their products.
  • Launching a new SupportOntarioMade.ca website that will contain a directory of made-in-Ontario products. Manufacturers of made-in-Ontario products are encouraged to register.
  • Promoting Ontario Made through a digital newsletter to raise awareness of Ontario goods and products.

CME will also meet with major retailers to promote Ontario Made products in-store and increase visibility for customers.

Premier Ford and Minister Fedeli commended Ontario manufacturers for stepping up during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to retool operations and produce much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE). They added that supporting Ontario manufacturers will be a critical part of the province’s economic recovery from COVID-19.

Statistics Canada Employment Numbers

In addition to this afternoon’s announcement, Premier Ford and Minister Fedeli reacted positively to Statistics Canada employment numbers released today, which indicate that employment in Ontario increased by 377,900 in June. These employment numbers include the addition of 66,200 manufacturing jobs last month.

Questions from Media – Ongoing COVID-19 Response

Canada-U.S. Border

In response to questions about boaters skirting Canada-U.S. border travel restrictions by crossing via the Great Lakes, Premier Ford reiterated that he remains opposed to reopening the border with the U.S. He urged boaters on both sides of the border to adhere to public health recommendations including physical distancing while boating.

Return of Professional Sports

Premier Ford was also asked about plans to allow Major League Baseball (MLB) and National Hockey League (NHL) players to play games in Toronto when professional sports resume. Premier Ford confirmed that plans from the MLB and NHL had been approved federally, provincially and by the City of Toronto and noted that both leagues have proposed stringent rules to be obeyed by players regarding confinement and testing.

Plans for Stage 3

When asked whether bars would be permitted to reopen in stage three, particularly since bars are contributing to spikes in cases in the U.S., Minister Fedeli said that the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee is consulting on this question with both the business and medical community.