Government of Ontario, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters and BlackBerry Partner on Ontario’s Economic Recovery

The Government of Ontario, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), and BlackBerry have partnered to accelerate Ontario’s economic recovery, following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

BlackBerry will participate in the Ontario Made program, managed by CME, aimed at promoting locally made products. In collaboration with the Government of Ontario and CME, BlackBerry will also establish a technology working group to expand the program.

“I’m excited that BlackBerry, a global leader in state-of-the-art technology based right here in Ontario, is joining CME’s Ontario Made program,” said Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario.

“I have to thank the wonderful team at BlackBerry for making important contributions to the development of the made-in-Ontario COVID Alert app and for continuing to support homegrown innovation that will set our province down the path to a strong economic recovery.”

Ontario Made is a “celebration” of Ontario Manufacturing led by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. Manufacturers are encouraged to register their Ontario Made products to a searchable consumer database and receive a digital Ontario Made logo as they promote the very best that this province has to offer.

“We are thrilled to announce BlackBerry as the first partner of the Ontario Made program,” said Dennis Darby, President & CEO, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. 

“BlackBerry has been a key contributor to our economy for over thirty-six years. Buying locally-made products is critical to the continued well-being of our province and country and ensures we remain globally competitive.”

CME has the ear of all levels of government in Canada and in key markets around the world, and actively work to influence and recommend effective policies that will allow manufacturers to compete at home and abroad. 

“I am incredibly proud that the Government of Ontario, CME and BlackBerry are collaborating to advance the Ontario Made program,” said John Chen, Executive Chairman & CEO, BlackBerry.

“Ontario has been a great home to BlackBerry since 1984 and it is together that we have developed world leading technology and talent. We are extremely pleased to strengthen our investment in the province through the partnership we are announcing today.”