A wide range of Ontario manufacturers, retailers, and businesses have stepped forward to proudly promote made-in-Ontario products through the Ontario Made program. Since launching in July, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)'s SupportOntarioMade.ca website has registered over 4,600 products from over 1,200 local manufacturers. Business leaders believe this initiative will benefit both manufacturers and consumers during the pandemic and post-pandemic recovery.
"It is an honour to be part of the Ontario Made program, which celebrates Ontario manufacturing. Much of our beverage portfolio is produced right here in Ontario, which consumers are sometimes surprised to learn. Never has there been a time when buying local has meant so much to consumers. The Ontario Made program raises awareness of our world-class locally-made beverages."
―Richard Glover, President, PepsiCo Beverages Canada
"Lactalis Canada has a proud history in Ontario, manufacturing healthy and nutritious dairy products that consumers love with brands like Astro Yogourt, Lactantia butter and milk as well as Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond and Balderson cheeses. While we remain ambitious to develop our manufacturing network across the country, with 13 different sites and 2,300 well-paid jobs in Ontario, the province serves as a critical foundation to our company's overall manufacturing footprint in Canada. The Ontario Made program is a great way to help consumers make informed decisions on purchasing locally-made products and supporting employment and economic prosperity in the province."
―Mark Taylor, President & CEO, Lactalis Canada
"FCA Canada has been an integral part of the automotive landscape in this country for the past 95 years, with three manufacturing facilities in Ontario and one of the largest workforces in the industry. We have invested $3.4B USD into our facilities over the past decade and are responsible for nearly a quarter of Canada's total vehicle production annually. Our employees proudly build the award-winning Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Chrysler Grand Caravan, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger and we are thankful to the millions of Canadian customers we've served over the years."
―Dave Buckingham, President and CEO, FCA Canada
"Home Hardware is proud to be a locally owned and genuinely Canadian retailer. Our Beauti-Tone Paint and Home Products facility, located in Southwestern Ontario, is an advanced manufacturing plant that employs a skilled workforce producing Canada's finest paint and home products. We are excited to partner in the Ontario Made program."
―Darrin Noble, Vice President, Store Operations, Home Hardware Stores Ltd.
"Ontario, as the economic hub of Canada, plays a crucial role in the country's recovery from COVID-19. The Ontario Made program promotes local businesses and plays a crucial role in supporting the market-leading technology innovation and world-class talent Canada is known for."
―John Chen, Executive Chairman & CEO, BlackBerry
"Labatt is proud of our Ontario roots dating back to 1847, when our company began brewing beer in our hometown of London. Today, we're just as proud to receive the Ontario Made designation that acknowledges and celebrates the fact that we produce more than 90 of Canada's favourite beer and ready-to-drink brands ― from Budweiser and Labatt Blue to Palm Bay ― right here in the province where it all began."
―Kyle Norrington, President, Labatt Breweries of Canada
"Toronto Stamp has been operating in Ontario since 1907. In that 100+ years, everything we have done has been in the spirit of what Ontario Made captures today: the idea that local talent, vision, and hard work can provide the best solutions to today's challenges. All of our COVID-19 products ― workspace barriers, face shields, and floor decals ― have been developed and tested locally with the idea of getting Ontario back to work, safely. Ontario Made means an assurance of quality and commitment to the strength of buying local."
―Jimmy Williams, General Manager, Toronto Stamp Inc.
"Adamson Systems Engineering sound systems are installed in some of the world's most prestigious venues and are a mainstay in global tours and festivals for artists like Drake and The Who. We play on a global stage but we're incredibly proud that all Adamson products are designed, developed and manufactured here in Port Perry, Ontario. We're a leader in loudspeaker technology, and the Ontario Made program lets us show the world where all that innovation is coming from."
―Darcy Montgomery, Head of Marketing, Adamson Systems Engineering
"The idea behind the Ontario Made program is one that is so important for our country to embrace. There are so many very capable Canadian producers here in Ontario that deserve a light shone on the quality products they create, many times without the same resources at their disposal as imported brands. The Ontario Made program is specifically designed to bring awareness and help promote fantastic products that the masses may have otherwise overlooked. Never has there been a better time to look for local, support our own and break our reliance on imported goods."
―Joshua Lines, Owner & Founder, Top Shelf Canada Inc.
"As a second-generation manufacturer, I grew up seeing the beauty and struggle of Ontario-based manufacturers. Having this program recognize Ontario-made products does a huge service in highlighting Ontario's domestic manufacturers. As the President of Canada Emergency Medical Manufacturers, I've seen the importance of having a strong, active and thriving Ontario-based manufacturing network. Had it not been for the manufacturing power of local Ontario manufacturers, we could not have protected our frontline workers with PPE as quickly and as skilfully as we did."
―Esther Vlessing, President, Canada Emergency Medical Manufacturers
"With a network of over 29 vertically integrated manufacturing and affiliate supply companies within a 25 km radius in Toronto, Global Furniture Group is proud to offer well-made office furniture at affordable prices. We are delighted to be part of the Ontario Made program to help grow the economy and encourage local manufacturing."
―Global Furniture Group
"The Rillea Tech team is super proud to have SDS RiskAssist and our services recognized by the Ontario Made program. We have developed our chemical expertise through three decades of working in the Ontario manufacturing industry and our occupational health and safety cloud platform is based on Ontario and Canadian regulations. We understand that regulations can create barriers for the manufacturing industry, and we believe that we can help lift those barriers by using digital tools to quickly identify priorities. This enables employers to efficiently meet the intent of regulations: safe workplaces. We look forward to working with like-minded manufacturers as we move together through the age of digital transformation."
―Lisa Hallsworth, CEO, Rillea Technologies
"PCF Souvenirs has been in the market for 40 years. And being in the tourism industry, COVID 19 is the biggest challenge in our history. We are very thankful for the support that we are getting from the government. Programs like Ontario Made or CEWS help us overcome this together. We need this more than ever. Let's support local businesses!"
―Michaela Krizkova, CEO, PCF Souvenirs
"All Custom Gasket has been manufacturing gaskets and seals in Ontario for the aerospace, space, defence, oil & gas, energy, mining, medical and food & pharmaceutical industries since 1987. We are proud to be part of the Ontario Made program and to support other local businesses in Ontario. We love that the Ontario Made program celebrates Ontario manufacturers and encourages our fellow Ontarians to support local. It helps to raise awareness of the amazing and innovative products that are made in our province, while also helping to stimulate Ontario's economy."
―Stephanie Lakusta, Aerospace & Defence Manager, All Custom Gasket & Materials Limited
"We are thrilled to be a part of this community of Ontario makers. It's abundantly apparent these days that folks are looking for local goods. Ontario Made is helping to build awareness of the great companies, doing great things, right here in Ontario."
―Debbie Gray, President, Heritage Bee Co.
"We have been both appreciative and proud to be part of the Ontario Made initiative recently launched. COVID has been devastating on so many sectors, and small, locally made Ontario products are no exception. Having a platform to be able to highlight our pride in being Canadian and a locally made Ontario product allows us to reach the public in other ways while we remain socially distant to maintain safety for all Ontarians during this time."
―Cheryl Haskett, CEO, Udderly Ridiculous Inc.
"We are proud participants in the Ontario Made program. Fruit of the Land features the 'best of the land', and it is great for our customers to know that they can buy local through us. Our Kurtz Orchards Asiago bread topper just won sofi Silver Award for Best Condiment/Dressing in the world from Specialty Food Association in NY and we felt like this was a win for Ontario to be recognized internationally! This and other farm-fresh specialty foods are made on our now fourth generation family farm established in 1941 in Niagara-on-the-Lake."
―Stacey Kurtz, Co-Founder & VP, Marketing, Fruit of the Land
"It's incredible to see the Government of Ontario stepping up to support and showcase SMEs like us at Tap Report. During these unprecedented times, it's critical that businesses are supported in our rapidly changing environment. We all need to work together to achieve a strong economic recovery. Thank you for your continued support, Ontario Made!"
―Paul Amendola, Co-Founder, Tap Report
"Being recognized and approved as an Ontario Made company has helped our business grow as a trusted Ontario brand. CME and the Government of Ontario's initiative of this program has raised awareness of all Ontario-made products as consumers try to support as much local brands as possible. We are proud to be part of this movement."
―Mary Marino, Co-Owner & Vice President, La Dee Da Gourmet Sauces Inc.
"At iS5 Communications Inc., we design, develop, and manufacture all of our communications technology products for critical infrastructure out of our Mississauga, Ontario headquarters. We also support local manufacturers for materials and labour required to build our products. At iS5Com, we are immensely proud to be a part of the new Ontario Made program. This is a fantastic initiative, and we look forward to promoting our Ontario Made products on a global scale."
―Clive Dias, Founder, President & CEO, iS5 Communications Inc.
"Now more than ever, it is important to be supporting local business. Ontario needs to stimulate its economy and the Ontario Made program helps consumers and businesses ensure that the money they spend is going back into their community. We are stronger together."
―BAC-OFF Team
"As soon as I learned about the Ontario Made initiative, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of it. This database of province-wide manufacturing companies is a great tool not only for producers, but for consumers as well. Many people are aware that now, more than ever, we need to support local businesses and help the economy of our great province. I am hoping that the people of Ontario will embrace the Ontario Made program and will be pleasantly surprised to find so many great local companies producing high-quality goods."
―Ljiljana Nesic, Owner, Modla Inc. Cement Tile Studio
"Riverside Natural Foods is proud to make the products from our fan-favorite brands MadeGood, Good To Go and CookiePal right here in Ontario. The Ontario Made program highlights the best that Ontario manufacturing has to offer, and we stand in great company as a partner in the program. The new database feature is a helpful and essential resource for consumers as they seek new ways to support Ontario companies and their workers."
―Nima Fotovat, President, Riverside Natural Foods
"8th Line Creations is excited to be part of the Ontario Made initiative. We have been promoting our made-in-Ontario solutions for a few weeks now and have had great response! The team at Ontario Made has been incredibly helpful and really works hard to showcase the many new Ontario Made products."
―Stephen Lee, Co-Owner, 8th Line Creations
"During the current economic climate, we at BreezeWood Floors agree that it is more important than ever to support local manufacturers and buy domestic, Ontario-made products. BreezeWood Floors is delighted by CME's efforts to spearhead this manufacturing sector initiative. In collaboration with CME and the Ontario government, BreezeWood Floors will continue to promote and educate consumers on the importance of supporting and buying Ontario Made."
―Amy Devos, Marketing Coordinator, Breezewood Floors
"Krumpers Solar Blinds has been proudly manufacturing our smart-tech, energy efficient solar blinds in Ottawa, Ontario for the past 12 years. However, only a few of our customers were aware of this. The Ontario Made initiative allows us and others to have a recognizable label that our customers welcome with enthusiasm. We have found over the past 60 days that the 'Ontario Made' logo has driven customers both online and in person. On behalf of Krumpers Solar Blinds, thank you for recognizing Ontario manufacturers and highlighting the talent and cutting-edge products produced in Ontario."
―Diana Livshits, Owner, Krumpers Solar Blinds
"In times when togetherness and unification of efforts is key for the success of our society, the Ontario Made program is set to exemplify how far a community can go when we all push in the same direction. Together, let's keep Ontario moving forward."
―Edy Vega, Director of Sales and Marketing, M.E Innovations Inc.
"The Ontario Made program will demonstrate to our customers that when they buy Armtec, they are strengthening Ontario's manufacturing sector and bringing jobs to communities across the province".
―Liz Bouchard, Marketing Analyst, Armtec
"Such a great initiative to shine the light on small business of the Ontario region. In those circumstances, having the visibility with this vibrant logo from Ontario Made will be a game changer for us. As a young local company, we are looking forward to promote our Wawastyle products with the stamp of approval from Ontario Made."
―Wawastyle Group Inc.
"As a manufacturer and a consumer, I follow the Ontario Made hashtag on social media platforms where every day I discover new brands and products I never knew were made right here in Ontario. I make it a priority now to try these new foods and products. The SupportOntarioMade.ca website will make it easier to discover new Ontario-made products and help keep our spending dollars local."
―Kevin Swalwell, Director of Sockology, Purple Moose Sock Company
"As a leading manufacturer and designer of medical devices in Canada, our team at The Canadian Shield is proud to be a member of the Ontario Made program. We're utilizing Ontario's great automation sector to become a globally competitive exporter of PPE and ensure that we never again rely on overseas supply chains to keep us safe."
―Jeremy Hedges, Founder & CEO, The Canadian Shield
"As a company proud to be from Ontario, we love being a part of this amazing initiative that celebrates Ontario companies, provides growth opportunities, and works towards a prosperous Ontario! More specifically, as businesses change and adapt to new scheduling needs and business opportunities, QReserve is working to support them in many different ways, from booking appointments to managing safe, socially distanced research facilities."
―Milica Vrakela, Business Development Associate, QReserve Inc.
"Ontario Made has given our company the opportunity to participate in a program that educates consumers, it lets them know that they have the power to make a difference, to support local and keep our economy on the right track. We plan to use this program as much as possible. We are going to be applying Ontario Made logo stickers to our products and pushing as much as possible within our marketing and advertising platforms. Our dream is that people really take this seriously and actually take the initiative to support Ontario Made over imports."
―Leanne McPhail and Brooke McPhail, Founders & Owners, Hitchhiker Beverage Company
"The Ontario Made program shines a spotlight on local and small businesses. We need programs like this to empower these businesses with the tools to create a brighter future for each other."
―Michael J. Malleau, Founder & CEO, Louise Prete Food Inc.
"As a small, artisan cured meats producer, the Ontario Made program is essential for allowing us to promote our products as local and made in Ontario. The easily recognizable logo allows us to stand out among competitors and make the decision to support local a simple one for Ontarians. Although our process dates back to our traditional Italian roots, our pride is in our Ontario Made products. The Ontario Made program, through the support offered and resources available, allows us to exemplify that pride."
―Mike Rubino, Owner, Salumeria il Tagliere
"From a dream to a garage wood shop, making skateboards. When it comes to making our skateboards, we are committed to exceptional craftsmanship, using the best Canadian-sourced materials and sustainable practices. The Ontario Made program represents and promotes community support. Ontario Made allows for an easily identifiable way to find quality products made in the community. In turn, this allows our community members to easily voice their choice and demonstrate their support through their purchasing."
―Andrew Amaro, Owner & Founder, TROUBL3 SKATEBOARDS
"Viral Clean is proud to be part of the Ontario Made group that is showcasing Ontario manufacturers and companies producing products here at home, in Ontario. We take pride in being the first 3-ply mask manufacturer in Eastern Ontario and are proud to have our products shipping across Canada daily. Having the Ontario Made label on our products alerts consumers that the product is not only made in Canada, but also proudly Made in Ontario. In an age where consumers are supporting local, this group has helped us raise awareness and inform consumers that our masks are truly 100% Ontario Made! Manufacturing medical and non-medical masks at home in Ontario creates jobs in Ontario and helps ensure Ontario and Canada will have a stable supply of PPE now and for the future."
―Viral Clean
"TakeCare Supply is proud to manufacture in Ontario and know of no better way to showcase our pride than with the Ontario Made stamp. As we work towards our 1 millionth Ontario-made mask milestone, we're excited to have made and will continue to manufacture everything locally here in Ontario."
―Kevin Vuong, Co-Founder, TakeCare Supply
"As a small business in a very competitive market, having the Ontario Made stickers on our jigsaw puzzles allows us the opportunity to leverage our brand as not only being unique, but also as a point of pride for consumers."
―Brigitte Gall, Co-Founder, TheOccurrence
"Being a local entrepreneur, committed to providing healthy, safe and sustainable food solutions, now more than ever we need to come together and help lift each other up to support local businesses. The Ontario Made campaign is a great example of collaborating and connecting, bringing focus to the amazing choices we have right here in our backyards. We know that, by choosing local Ontario Made, we choose to shop and support our communities, our friends, families, and neighbours striving to make a difference."
―Andrea Watson, President, Nature Knows Inc.