Industry Q&A: The three MASKeteers

THE THREE MASKETEERS

COVID-19 HAS BEEN A HARSH TEACHER. AS COUNTRIES SCRAMBLED TO SOURCE ESSENTIAL PPE ITEMS, THE REALITIES OF RELYING ON FOREIGN SUPPLIERS HIT HOME. MPN NA TALKS TO ROBERT BALAZS, CHAIR OF THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL MASK MANUFACTURERS ABOUT ITS MISSION.

Please tell us who or what CAMMM is. The newly established Canadian Association of Medical Mask Manufacturers (CAMMM) was created to be the guiding voice for Canadian medical mask manufacturers in establishing standards, communicating with legislators and regulators, and supporting new methodologies and technologies to enhance the economic health of our emerging medical mask manufacturing industry in Canada.

As the voice of the industry’s community, CAMMM will promote the industry and engage in advocacy so that Canadian medical mask manufacturers have strong and respected authority in the development of policy and critical debates. Our vision is to ensure Canadian medical mask manufacturers are recognized for leading innovation, global competitiveness, and driving economic growth. Why masks specifically? The three founding members of CAMMM — Breathe Medical Manufacturing (Breathe Medical), The Canadian Shield, and Inno Lifecare — were in discussions with one another and identified similar observations; for example, we noted that many imported masks didn’t meet the quality standards. Our discussions resulted in identifying the need to create CAMMM.

What has been the response to CAMMM? It’s been tremendous. Canadian companies, organizations, individuals, and suppliers within the industry are very enthusiastic about the association and its goals. Members strongly support the mission of CAMMM in influencing legislation and policy that benefits the Canadian mask industry. It’s an effective way to make contacts, strike up partnerships and potential new sales opportunities. They are excited to have access to developments that affect their businesses and the medical mask sector, and be part of a forum that shares ideas and develops new ways to improve the industry. In addition, members are pleased that they can take advantage of brand elevation, public relations, and networking opportunities.

What will CAMMM’s place be post-COVID? CAMMM will continue to focus on two main goals: 1) to help enhance the economic health of the medical mask manufacturing industry in Canada, and 2) to help build an established standards and regulatory system to protect Canadians. Our two main goals will enable our members to be more productive and profitable in an ever-changing and increasingly challenging marketplace.

Do you think the ‘Made in Canada’ philosophy has longevity? Yes. Rebuilding Canada’s manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of CAMMM. The COVID-19 outbreak served as a stark reminder that having a robust, sustainable manufacturing industry in Canada is imperative in reducing reliance on global supply chains and keeping Canadians safe. For this reason, CAMMM is strategically assisting mask manufacturers to be an established North American supply chain, bolstering domestic PPE supplies and, at the same time, reinvigorating local economies with thousands of quality jobs for Canadians. To do this, it is vital for governments to rethink their buying practices if they want a permanent domestic manufacturing base for PPE. Is it sustainable to manufacture in Canada? 100% it is. Is it going to cost a little bit more? Possibly. But why not spend that money at home where it goes right back into the economy? All levels of government need to think about this long-term. When you spend that money offshore, you have not invested a penny into your country. But when you spend it at home, look at how many jobs are created. Look at how many tax dollars are generated back into the economy. You’ve got to do the math on that. So, is it actually costing us more? No, not really.