A new program in Ontario will promote locally produced goods by making them easy to identify.

 Funding for the program came from the $50 million Ontario Together Fund which was launched on April 1.

"Ontario has always been Canada's workshop, and our products are recognized as the gold standard across the country and around the world," Premier Doug Ford said in a news release.

The details of the program are being announced as Ontario is beginning its gradual reopening from the COVID-19 shutdown. Consumers will be able to identify local products with the help of a new "Ontario Made" logo which manufacturers can attach to their products. In addition, the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) will help major retailers promote products made locally. 

"Our government is proud to support Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters' Ontario Made program,"  Ford said. "Promoting locally made products will be essential to building a strong, self-sufficient province and key to our economic recovery."

A digital newsletter will promote Ontario Made products through social media, and a new website will allow consumers to find manufacturers of Ontario Made products in a directory. 

"As the province reopens and the economy recovers, it is now more important than ever to support and promote Ontario's world-class manufacturing sector and get people back to work," Minister Vic Fedeli said in a press release.

Companies have been submitting their ideas on how to better distribute medical supplies and medical equipment. The Ontario Together web portal has received 27,000 submissions since its launch and has generated over $658 million in purchases on emergency supplies.  

"Ontario manufacturers have a long and proud history of making some of the most innovative products in the world," Dennis Darby, President and CEO of CME, said in a press release. As consumers increasingly want to buy local, it's important that we help them make informed decisions and find local manufacturers."

Those interested in supporting the economic recovery can visit the Workplace PPE Supplier Directory.