Page 19 - CFCM Mar-Apr 2021_Neat

Largest Producers of Fossil Fuel Emissions by % – 2019

current rate, to between $81 and $239 per tonne and we should not . Introduce refundable tax credits aimed at commercializing
expect the final number to be far from $239. And remember, this 2. green technologies. The government has signaled its
number is split between households and industry and will be even intention to support green technologies through a reduction
higher for those not covered under the OBPS! in corporate taxes paid on these goods. While an important
In 2020, CME conducted its bi-annual Management Issues signal, it does not go nearly far enough. First, most companies
Survey where the association posed a range of questions to Canadian commercializing these products makes little to no profit in
companies about business conditions, strategies, and concerns, the early stages of production so the credit will not have a
including on climate policies and actions. In short, the responses meaningful impact. Additional direct support should be
from Canadian industry tell us that larger companies are much considered. Second, the range of technologies being
more likely than smaller companies to have GHG emissions considered appears narrow to just final consumer products.
reductions strategies and smaller firms, not surprisingly, are signifi- This should be broadened to include emissions reducing
cantly lagging. technologies, such as manufacturing process technologies.
At a more detailed level, only one in five Canadian manufacturers
have established targets but, not surprisingly, responses varied Finally, the OBPS system was designed to protect our sensitive
widely depending on firm size: Half of large businesses have set trade-exposed sectors across the country. The surface finishing
targets; 30 per cent of medium-sized enterprises have done so; and industry is one of them and we deserve the recognition and ability to
less than 10 percent of small manufacturers have done the same. opt into the OBPS program; we represent $6.5 billion in annual
output and thousands of jobs and are under more pressure than ever
Here are our suggestions to pass along to our from the U.S., China and Mexico.
leaders for consideration: If you also believe Surface Finishing shops deserve to be
included in the OBPS program, or support the two suggestions
Introduce a broad-based, direct, investment tax credit to above, please consider this article and contact Ms. Katherine
1. encourage investment in new technologies. This should not Teeple, Director, Industrial GHG Emissions Management –
be a program that companies have to apply for and qualify for. Katherine.teeple@canada.ca and make your feelings known. n
Rather, it should be a tax-based program that would apply
pre-tax and available to all domestic manufacturers who Bob Smith is Past President and Membership Chair, Canadian
meet a set measurable reduction in GHG emissions. Association for Surface Finishing (CASF), www.casf.ca

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