Crystal Canada CEO, Canadian Member of Parliament Discuss Manufacturing
Toronto area window manufacturer Crystal Canada, an affiliate of U.S. manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, recently was invited by Kevin Vuong, Canadian Member of Parliament, to discuss business challenges and possible government programs to spur manufacturing. Originally meeting MP Vuong in June at a cultural association gala and introducing the firm, Crystal Canada CEO Justin Chen had a follow-up meeting with MP Vuong to share his experience as a manufacturer and entrepreneur, and ideas for enhancing the business environment.
What Chen says
“MP Vuong has a keen interest in manufacturing through his own experience, and he was eager to learn more about Crystal Canada,” says Chen. “His work in Parliament on emerging technology and financial policies can have a big impact on the future of manufacturing. It is noteworthy that he reached out to a long-time manufacturer such as Crystal Canada to understand ways in which government can support business viability and growth.”
Chen invited MP Vuong to visit Crystal Canada’s factory to see the operation firsthand, as well as visit affiliate U.S. manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems headquartered in New York. “As Crystal Canada and our U.S. partner work more closely on expanding our presence here in the Greater Toronto area, we welcome MP Vuong to see how our highly energy-efficient products are made and how Crystal Canada can contribute to a greener, more sustainable nation and world.”
What was discussed
Chen discussed several policy issues with MP Vuong, including possibly streamlining regulatory requirements to reduce administrative burdens on businesses, providing incentives or reducing certain fees and taxes hitting smaller businesses particularly hard, and opening greater access to government financing and grant programs, which would help manufacturers invest in new technologies. They also discussed potential policies easing export and trade restrictions thereby allowing Canadian manufacturers like Crystal Canada to expand their international presence, and greater communications between government agencies and businesses in general.
