Press Release: “Make it in Canada” Launches a Movement to Empower Canadian Manufacturing.
Kelowna, B.C. - This month marks the official launch of www.MakeItInCanada.ca.
It is a movement to reignite Canadian manufacturing, strengthen supply chains, protect jobs, and empower local businesses.
This free web- based matchmaking platform helps Canadian businesses, manufacturers, and suppliers connect with each other to produce more goods entirely within Canada and reduce reliance on foreign markets. It is a bold new initiative born in the Okanagan and rapidly spreading across the country. It was created in direct response to the latest wave of tariffs and out of a pressing need to build more resilience in our Canadian supply chain, to produce more goods from raw materials to finished products, in Canada, by Canadian companies, for Canadian consumers.
Created by Canadian business, for Canadian business, www.MakeItInCanada.ca is the first-ever Canadian manufacturing matchmaking directory and uses innovative technology to match Canadian buyers, suppliers and financiers —whether they’re purchasing, producing, or sourcing raw materials so they can keep their supply chain 100% Canadian, from component to consumer.
The objectives are threefold and there is no cost to sign up:
To connect Canadian manufacturers with a Canadian based supply chain.
To encourage new companies to manufacture components in Canada and supply Canadian companies.
To help finance new manufacturing opportunities and the expansion of existing companies through banks, financial institutions, and private/Angel investors.
What people are saying:
"The last few months have been a wakeup call and an opportunity for Canada to recapture its potential. Our best response to tariffs is to get stuff done again – and to make it in Canada. Enough with the performative politics – let’s focus on how we can actually support and strengthen Canadian small businesses facing supply chain disruptions. Make It In Canada is the right message and the right approach – it’s a great idea that was born in Kelowna but can help people and businesses across Canada."
— Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna Mission and BC Conservative Critic for Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation. He also serves as an advisor to the Make It In Canada initiative, supporting its mission to strengthen and expand Canadian industry.
“Canada is blessed with an abundance of resources, a highly educated population, world class science, stable institutions and rule of law. In these turbulent times, more than ever, Canada needs to match capacity to diverse demand and move up the value chain, processing more of our resources in country. By more effectively "joining the dots" we can create more economic value for Canada; using our resources and talents to both meet Canadian demand for products and becoming a true export powerhouse to diverse global markets”.
--Martin Cronin, Advisory Director “Make it in Canada” initiative & Executive Chairman, Syniad Innovations Inc.
Who is behind the “Make it in Canada” initiative?
Mark Fry is the CEO of “Make it in Canada” and a lifelong entrepreneur with a history of successful companies behind him. He is the founder and CEO of Templar Electric Boats designed and built in Kelowna. He is also the founder and CEO of International Yacht Training (IYT) with almost 300 nautical schools in 66 countries. The IYT World Headquarters are based in Kelowna B.C.
Tim Bieber is a 9x serial entrepreneur with ventures in manufacturing hyper-immersive VR ride systems, technology SaaS, and electric boat manufacturing. From startups to running public companies, he brings deep operational experience and a track record of building and scaling innovative businesses across Canada.
Christian Fry is a Bachelor of Commerce graduate from the Gustavson Business School in the University of Victoria with a technology and product development background. He played a significant role in bringing “MakeItInCanada.ca” to life. With a background in web design, digital infrastructure, and user-centered innovation, he ensures the platform delivers a seamless and scalable experience for Canadian businesses.
“As entrepreneurs ourselves, we wanted to use our experience and skills to help fellow business owners navigate the “tariff challenge”.
Mark Fry, Founder and CEO, “Make it in Canada” Initiative.
With the platform’s first phase now live, Canadian manufacturers, suppliers, financial institutions, private investors and businesses are invited to join the free waitlist today at www.MakeitinCanada.ca and be the first to access the matchmaking system when it launches in full over the coming weeks.
Join the movement, its free, so sign up now at www.makeitincanada.ca
Media Contact:
[email protected]
Kelowna, BC
#MakeItInCanada
A movement born in the Okanagan, built for all of Canada.
