Strengthening Supply Chains a High Priority for the Government of Canada
No less than six federal cabinet ministers gathered yesterday for a National Supply Chain Summit, an event that will generate outcomes for which the “Well Made Here” team and its participants will be called upon to play leading roles.
Global supply chains have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts of climate change. Ensuring that Canadians can put food on their tables and buy the essential goods and supplies they need is a key priority for the Government of Canada.
Challenges facing Canada’s supply chain were discussed and potential solutions were explored to ensure the products Canadians need get to their homes as quickly as possible.
It is widely known that a well-functioning supply chain fosters the creation of decent middle-class jobs and keeps goods flowing to Canadians.
The Ministers of Transport (Omar Alghabra), Agriculture and Agrifood (Marie-Claude Bibeau), Innovation, Science and Industry (François-Philippe Champagne), International Trade, Promotion of Exports, Small Business and Economic Development (Mary Ng), Labor (Seamus O’Regan) and Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion disability (Carla Qualtrough) announced that this Summit will be followed by a series of sessions by region and by industry to continue the dialogue.
For this work to progress, a Supply Chain Task Force will be put into place and will begin consultations with industry experts to recommend short-term and long-term actions relating to Canada’s supply chain.
In addition, Transport Canada will create an online portal for stakeholders and businesses to submit their opinions and suggestions.
“Resilient and efficient supply chains are not only critical to ensure Canadian companies’ competitiveness but also for the daily lives of Canadians. We will continue to work with industry to implement practical, innovative, and transformative solutions that will strengthen our supply chains, and enhance the timely movement of goods, materials, and commodities.”
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
WMH management took advantage of this symbolic day to write to the Prime Minister of Canada specifically to discuss supply chains and climate change with him.
Some facts and figures
- Wholesale and retail trade represents 10.5% of Canada’s GDP.
- Over the past two years, demand for consumer goods in North America has been 5 percentage points higher than the average global demand (8% vs. 3%), putting chains supply under greater pressure than elsewhere.
- Canadian manufacturers are particularly vulnerable to shocks and disruptions affecting global supply chains, as they rely on foreign suppliers for their essential imports and on foreign markets to sell their products.
- Seaports are important hubs in Canada’s supply chain. They handle a wide variety of goods and connect the coast to inland markets, which receive goods by rail and truck.