March 28, 2023 — Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP) welcomed incentives aimed at encouraging manufacturing and supply chain resiliency contained in today’s Federal Budget announcement. This included the creation of a Transportation Supply Chain Office, and a commitment to review the Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit program that FHCP has been advocating for.
FHCP was pleased with the government’s commitment to continue to invest in the immigration system and welcome new skilled workers to Canada, critical to helping address continuing concerns over labour shortages impacting Canada’s food, health and consumer goods manufacturing. We would have liked to see this Budget dedicate additional funding, however, to help address the chronic labour shortages facing our sector.
In her second budget since the 2021 election, Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, highlighted investments in clean and green technology, inflation relief measures, health care and dental care, and a commitment to rein in government spending.
FHCP was disappointed that Budget 2023 did not act on a National Self-Care Strategy, especially given the continuing pressures on the public health care system. Further, the government’s lack of commitment to legislate an economic mandate for regulators provides little assurance to business that future policies on our industry will consider competitiveness and reflect our industry’s business realities. This was a missed opportunity to create a more enabling regulatory landscape for businesses to grow.
FHCP would have also liked to see a more comprehensive and integrated plan to grow Canadian manufacturing and provide everyday essential products made in Canada to a global economy. We look forward to working with the government on growing our footprint in Canada.
About Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada
FHCP is the voice of the food, health, and consumer product industry that employs over 350,000 Canadians across businesses of all sizes that manufacture and distribute the safe, high-quality products that are at the heart of healthy homes, healthy communities, and a healthy Canada.