Challenges and opportunities are changing the manufacturing industry in Canada. (Part 1)

”Business as usual” is not an option in today’s world of global competition for market share. Technological improvements must be ongoing to achieve “world-class” quality products. Canada’s steady trend of reduction in manufacturing jobs has been caused mainly by two factors: cheap labour elsewhere in the world and the massive export of unprocessed natural resources. This has had a very negative impact on our large and small manufacturing sectors. Currency fluctuations are also a factor but can work for or against different sectors. It is vital that Canada’s manufacturing sector remain healthy so that we don’t become reduced to “hewers of wood and drawers of water”. Canada needs to process its own agricultural products and mineral commodities in order to add value to our economy. Dr. Myers will outline strategies and policies required to ensure that the Canadian manufacturing sector remains competitive in the global economy. Speaker: Dr. Jayson Myers Jayson Myers is the President of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Canada’s largest industry and trade association. He is also Chair of the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition, which represents over 30 industry associations voicing priority issues for our manufacturing sector. Dr. Myers is a well-known economic commentator, and is widely published in the fields of Canadian economics, international economics, technological change and industrial change. He has been recognized by the consulting firm Watson Wyatt as an eminent economic forecaster in Canada. Jayson studied at Queen''s University and the University of B.C. in Canada, as well as the London School of Economics and Oxford University in the U.K. He has held appointments as researcher and lecturer in International Studies at Warwick and Oxford Universities, both in the U.K. Dr. Myers sits on special advisory councils to the Minister for International Trade, the Minister of Industry, and the Canadian Border Services Agency. Date: Thursday, February 28, 2008 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Ericksen’s Restaurant (lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)