Dow Canada is committed to collaborating with all levels of government to create a framework that addresses the petrochemical industry’s short-term priorities and longer-term competitive requirements.

The Canadian manufacturing sector, of which Dow Canada is a part, plays a major role in creating a high quality of life for Canadians. Manufacturers employ 2.1 million Canadians and contribute 17% of our gross domestic product (GDP). Manufacturing enterprises provide an economic multiplier effect, through purchases of raw materials, products, services, labour and technologies.

The Dow Chemical Company makes global decisions about ongoing operations and new plant construction based on continuous assessments of efficiency and competitiveness. The “make or break” factor for Dow is the availability of feedstocks in high volumes and at competitive prices. Dow Canada faces the challenges of a rapidly appreciating Canadian dollar, soaring energy and commodity costs and labour shortages in western Canada.

Key elements of a framework to support the petrochemical industry include favourable tax regimes, a focus on feedstocks within Alberta’s industrial development plans, energy policy, programs to promote technology development, efficient infrastructure, workforce training assistance and improved regulatory efficiency.

We are encouraged that the government of Alberta has created a 10-year Incremental Ethane Extraction Policy, which will provide incentives to extract ethane from the province’s natural gas resources. Ethylene, made from ethane, is a crucial component in our Alberta facilities’ value chain.

For more information about Dow Canada’s efforts to create a favorable economic environment for our Canadian operations, please see our Contact Information page to connect with Dow government relations representatives.