CTEA "On the Radar" Podcast

The Canadian manufacturing sector has been kicking along pretty successfully for generations. But new challenges have emerged in recent years that could hinder the sector’s ability to perform at peak capacity: skills shortages, supply chain problems, meeting decarbonization targets, and an unstable geopolitical environment. Over the next four episodes, we’ll delve into the four pillars of success, and discuss Government’s role in maintaining stability and productivity in the manufacturing sector. 

Matt Poirier, senior director of National Policy and Government Relations at Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) joins CTEA’s Don Moore to discuss the current shortage of skilled workers: why it’s critical to manufacturing’s success, and ways the federal government can contribute to a solution. 

The Four pillars:

• Develop a skilled workforce through effective immigration and skills development policies. 
• Drive innovation and investment in advanced manufacturing technologies 
• Increase domestic manufacturing production and exports.
• Assist industry in adapting to Canada’s climate change challenges. 

Canadian Transportation Equipment Association

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters

Blair Norberg wears two big pairs of shoes. As vice-president of Western Canadian truck-upfitter, Falcon Equipment, he’s responsible for guiding his business through these turbulent times. As president of the Canadian Transportation Equipment Association, he’s got his eye on the big picture of the truck equipment sector in Canada. With all that on his plate, what keeps Blair awake at night? 

Blair Norberg, vice-president of Falcon Equipment and current CTEA president, speaks with CTEA’s Don Moore about the state of the upfitting business in Canada, the value of association membership, and why he took on a lead role in CTEA. 

Canadian Transportation Equipment Association
Falcon Equipment

How many times haves have you said, Gee, government need to do something about that. Well, government seldom moves of its own accord. There are armies of associations like CTEA and CME working behind the scenes to get those pressing issues onto the table in Ottawa and elsewhere. Is what they do called advocacy or is it lobbying? 

Matt Poirier senior director of National Policy and Government Relations at Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) and CTEA’s Don Moore discuss the important role advocacy and lobbying play in protecting and advancing industry’s interests. 

The manufacturing sector constitutes about 11% to Canada’s GDP. It’s the single biggest output after real estate. It's incredibly important to Canada's wellbeing, but it’s highly segmented and spread far and wide across the country. Both the Canadian Transportation Equipment Association and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters have your back; they are your seat at the table. They are your VP of Government Affairs.
Dennis Darby, President & CEO, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters talks with CTEA’s Don Moore about the value and the importance of industry associations, and the many ways they help members navigate what can seem like very intimidating waters. 

EPISODE 1: The trade angst between the US and China doesn’t just affect the two countries and their business communities.  When two superpowers who happen to be the number one and two economies on the planet go at one another it affects everyone. As a neighbour essentially in the US’s backyard Canada has no real hope of remaining unaffected. 
Birgit Matthiesen of ArentFox Schiff LLP, a Washington, DC-based law firm specializing in international trade, joins Don Moore to discuss how the relationships between the U.S. and China, and between Canada and the U.S. are evolving, and how companies need to be aware of the gale force trade winds being created.