Ontario Policy Committees

CME Ontario runs a number of policy committees that are actively involved in the critical issues that affect the bottom line. Committees provide a forum for members to advance concerns, develop policy positions, advocate for change and network with government officials and other business leaders. 

For more information or to get involved, please contact our membership team t at (905) 568-8300 ext. 3289 or one of the policy directors listed below:

Ontario Workers’ Compensation Committee

Chair:   Rosa Fiorentino, Imperial Oil, Ltd.
Policy Director: Maria Marchese, Director, Workplace Safety & Compensation Policy

Mandate:  To assist manufacturers with Worker’s Compensation issues by providing relevant and timely information, leadership on advocacy and networking opportunities with other manufacturers and government.

Current Priority Issues:

• WSIB’s Funding Review to address the $11 billion unfunded liability
• Experience Rating
• Policy Development Framework
• Tony Dean OHS Expert Panel Recommendations Implementation
• WSIB Premium Rates

Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Committee

Chair:   Stan Rodriquez, IPEX Inc.
Policy Director: Maria Marchese, Director, Workplace Safety & Compensation Policy

Mandate:  To assist manufacturers with Occupational Health & Safety issues by providing relevant and timely information, leadership on advocacy and networking opportunities with other manufacturers and government.

Current Priority Issues

• MOL Inspectorate
• Tony Dean OHS Expert Panel Recommendations Implementation

Ontario Environmental Quality (EQ) Committee:

Chair:   George Vincent, Imperial Oil, Ltd.
Policy Director: Nancy Coulas, Director, Environmental & Energy Policy

Mandate: To assist manufacturers with environmental issues by providing relevant and timely information, leadership on advocacy and networking opportunities with other manufacturers and government. 
 
Current Priority Issues;
 
• Toxics Reduction Act
• Air Standards and Regulation 419
• Climate Change Policies
• Waste Reduction Act
• Certificates of Approval Modernization

Ontario Energy Committee:

Chair:   Vacant
Policy Director: Nancy Coulas, Director, Environmental & Energy Policy

Mandate:  To develop and advocate policies that will ensure a reliable and cost competitive supply of energy to support a viable and growing manufacturing and export sector in Ontario.  The committee will also work to ensure that energy sector supply chain and energy efficiency opportunities are fully realized. 

Current Priority Issues:

• Expansion of the demand based allocation of the Global Adjustment to all interval metered customers (or 250,000 kWh and up).
• Communicate persistent rate spreads vs. North American Jurisdictions
• Continue to represent manufacturers interests at the Ontario Energy Board (e.g. Integrated Power System Plan, rate impact mitigation, Total Bill lmpact, DSM and CDM, etc.).
• Advocate for greater access to supply chain opportunities for Canadian manufacturers and certainty for suppliers

Taxation Committee:

Chair:   Vacant
Policy Director: Martin Lavoie, Director, Taxation & Innovation Policy

Mandate:  To develop and advocate policies that will encourage investment, improve the efficiency of the taxation system, support innovation and improve the competitiveness of the manufacturing and exporting sector in Ontario.

Current Priority Issues:

• Refundable Tax Credits for Manufacturing Investment (including SRED, Training and General Manufacturing)
• Property Tax Equity
• Eliminate the corporate minimum tax
• Eliminate Input Tax Credit Restrictions on HST more rapidly
• Ensure corporate tax reductions proceed

Ontario Human Resources Committee:

Chair:   Bob Primeau, ArcelorMittal Dofasco
Policy Director: Paul Clipsham,

Mandate:  To cultivate competitive labour market conditions for manufacturing and exporting employers in Ontario. 

Current Priority Issues:

• Hours of work and overtime averaging
• Emergency leave
• Talent management