CIAC pleased to see several key elements for sector included in 2022 Ontario Budget  

August 10, 2022

The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) congratulates the Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, on the re-tabling of the 2022 Budget – Ontario’s Plan to Build Act. 

CIAC is pleased to see the government has recommitted to take steps to lower costs and build for long-term economic growth and prosperity. The budget includes a focus on critical minerals development, electric vehicle and battery manufacturing and shoring up Ontario’s supply of PPE; items for which Ontario’s chemistry industry is an essential enabler.   

Of note: 

• A “call to action” to develop an advanced manufacturing strategy and create an Advanced Manufacturing Council to help inform the strategy; 
• Launching a critical minerals strategy; 
• Launching Ontario’s low carbon hydrogen strategy; 
• Investing in a skilled trades strategy and more skills training resources; 
• Launching a life sciences innovation program; 
• Major investments in roads and key infrastructure. 

The global chemistry industry is on the cusp of the transformation to net-zero carbon emissions and the transformation to a circular economy for plastics. We look forward to working with the government on its advanced manufacturing strategy and other initiatives to create the conditions that support growth, continued investment and the renewal of the chemistry sector in Ontario. 

Ontario’s nearly $30-billion chemistry industry is the third-largest manufacturing industry in the province, directly employing over 38,000 Ontarians in well-paying jobs and supporting another 210,000 Ontario jobs in other sectors. Our members are key employers in the Sarnia-Lambton, GTA/Niagara and Eastern Ontario regions of the province. Our sector provides important inputs to a range of key manufacturing sectors in the province including EV/automotive, mining, forest products, construction, and food and beverage.