Representatives of the CTMA recently met with industry and trade representatives from both the Federal and Provincial Governments to provide insights into the challenges facing the MTDM industry, especially those related to imports of Chinese tooling. CTMA photo
The CTMA’s executive director, Robert Cattle; president, Louis Jahn; and vice president, Larry Delay, recently met with industry and trade representatives from both the Federal and Provincial Governments to raise awareness and provide insights into the challenges facing the machine, tool, die and mould industry, especially those related to imports of Chinese tooling.
The purpose of the meeting was to raise awareness of the issues and negative impact of the tooling brought in from China has had on the North American economy resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of high paid jobs. Details and examples of how the Chinese government artificially supports their MTDM industry were shared along with a lengthy discussion of various possible solutions to combat this issue.
After the web meeting, the government representatives who attended in person toured an automation company, a metal stamping die company, and a plastic mould company. Visits to each company included an information discussion on how Chinese tooling has directly impacted their respective businesses and how they each have lost millions of dollars in sales, stunted ability to invest in new equipment and loss of employment opportunities.
The meeting ended with all government representatives having a much clearer understanding of how large of an impact this situation has had on Canadian businesses and job opportunities. This information, along with follow up data confirming the magnitude of the situation, will allow the attendees to raise awareness to senior officials in both the Federal and Provincial Governments in order to initiate a positive response with the goal of saving and expanding high paid jobs in Canada.
These efforts are in addition to the proposal the CTMA submitted to the Department of Finance—International Trade Policy Division—EV Consultation, in regards to the 30-day consultation on potential policy responses to protect Canada’s auto workers and its growing EV industry from unfair trade practices, and prevent trade diversion resulting from recent action taken by Canadian trading partners.