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Ep 38: “Less Grease, More Code” – The Future of Canadian Manufacturing
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Canada’s manufacturing sector stands at a pivotal crossroads. With U.S. protectionist trade policies sending shockwaves through global markets, supply chains, and the manufacturing industry, the golden age of free trade and globalization is behind us. In its place is a new era where national resilience and strategic autonomy take precedence—one that demands a complete reimagining of Canada’s industrial strategy.
Joining me in this episode to unpack the challenges and innovations shaping Canada’s manufacturing sector is Alex Greco, Senior Director of Manufacturing and Value Chains at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Throughout his career, Alex has been a leading advocate for manufacturers across the country, helping to strengthen value chains in sectors like mechatronics, aerospace, and defence. From advanced manufacturing to public policy, Alex has been a key voice for the manufacturing industry at the decision-making table.
Alex helps bust the myth that Canadian manufacturing is stuck in the past. Forget the dusty factory floors and ‘80s-era assembly lines—today’s manufacturing facilities are powered by smart sensors, AI-driven robotics, and digital twins that predict maintenance before problems even start. This is the cutting edge of making things in Canada—and it’s a future that needs smart policy and public buy-in to thrive.
Alex highlights regulatory harmonization across provinces as a major challenge. He explains that in Canada, manufacturers can face approval processes that take up to two years—compared to just 60 days in competing U.S. jurisdictions. If we want to foster innovation and attract investment, we need to break down these regulatory roadblocks and build manufacturing ecosystems that can thrive in the digital age.
Securing our industrial future means investing in strategic sectors like digital manufacturing, biotech, clean energy, and advanced materials, while preparing our workforce for the technological transformation already underway.
Don’t go too far—my conversation with Alex Greco on the future of Canadian manufacturing continues in Part 2.
Check out the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Work:
What a ‘patent box’ is and why it can help solve Canada’s productivity problem - The Globe and Mail
Q&A: Curing Our Productivity Paralysis Will Require Incentives, Innovation and IP - Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Canada’s next move starts a few thousand feet below the ground - The Hill
Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker - Business Data Lab
How to Undermine U.S. Manufacturing: Debunking Aluminum Tariff Myths - Business Data Lab
Quick heads up, this episode was recorded on August 6, 2025 so while the news may have changed since this conversation was recorded the thoughts and ideas still remain relevant.
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By Julia PennellaSend us a text
Canada’s manufacturing sector stands at a pivotal crossroads. With U.S. protectionist trade policies sending shockwaves through global markets, supply chains, and the manufacturing industry, the golden age of free trade and globalization is behind us. In its place is a new era where national resilience and strategic autonomy take precedence—one that demands a complete reimagining of Canada’s industrial strategy.
Joining me in this episode to unpack the challenges and innovations shaping Canada’s manufacturing sector is Alex Greco, Senior Director of Manufacturing and Value Chains at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Throughout his career, Alex has been a leading advocate for manufacturers across the country, helping to strengthen value chains in sectors like mechatronics, aerospace, and defence. From advanced manufacturing to public policy, Alex has been a key voice for the manufacturing industry at the decision-making table.
Alex helps bust the myth that Canadian manufacturing is stuck in the past. Forget the dusty factory floors and ‘80s-era assembly lines—today’s manufacturing facilities are powered by smart sensors, AI-driven robotics, and digital twins that predict maintenance before problems even start. This is the cutting edge of making things in Canada—and it’s a future that needs smart policy and public buy-in to thrive.
Alex highlights regulatory harmonization across provinces as a major challenge. He explains that in Canada, manufacturers can face approval processes that take up to two years—compared to just 60 days in competing U.S. jurisdictions. If we want to foster innovation and attract investment, we need to break down these regulatory roadblocks and build manufacturing ecosystems that can thrive in the digital age.
Securing our industrial future means investing in strategic sectors like digital manufacturing, biotech, clean energy, and advanced materials, while preparing our workforce for the technological transformation already underway.
Don’t go too far—my conversation with Alex Greco on the future of Canadian manufacturing continues in Part 2.
Check out the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Work:
What a ‘patent box’ is and why it can help solve Canada’s productivity problem - The Globe and Mail
Q&A: Curing Our Productivity Paralysis Will Require Incentives, Innovation and IP - Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Canada’s next move starts a few thousand feet below the ground - The Hill
Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker - Business Data Lab
How to Undermine U.S. Manufacturing: Debunking Aluminum Tariff Myths - Business Data Lab
Quick heads up, this episode was recorded on August 6, 2025 so while the news may have changed since this conversation was recorded the thoughts and ideas still remain relevant.