E-shots Web-exclusive: Canadian and U.S. organizations collaborate

Canada's largest trade and industry association has partnered with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME; www.sme.org) to aid Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME; www.cme-mec.ca) in beefing up the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of the Canadian manufacturing community. The two groups will collaborate on joint membership packages, industry events, workforce development initiatives, and raising public awareness of manufacturing's important role in the economy and its career appeal.

In a statement that echoes the sentiment of many U.S. manufacturers, CME president and CEO Perrin Beatty said, “Canada's manufacturers face unprecedented challenges resulting from the high dollar, growing competition from low-wage countries, skills shortages, and a border that continues to get more sticky, costly and thick. Manufacturing is a vital part of our country's economy, and it is essential that our manufacturers be armed with the tools they need to compete successfully in world markets. Our new partnership will supply some of those tools and help to strengthen Canada's industrial base.”