Conner Coles

Engaging on research, innovation, and policy funding and partnerships related to climate adaptation, energy systems, northern infrastructure, emergency preparedness, critical minerals, governance, and community resilience. Discussing and exploring funding and partnership opportunities for workforce development, skilled trades training, and specialized northern labour capacity tied to major projects, infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and long-term economic growth in the North. Advocating for Yukon University funding and a role in supporting federal priorities related to Arctic security and northern sovereignty, including workforce capacity, applied research, dual-use infrastructure, and community resilience. Advocating for federal funding support for student and faculty housing, training facilities and other institutional infrastructure. Discussing Indigenous-led, community-rooted programming and partnership approaches that support governance capacity, local implementation, and sustainable northern development.

Explore funding, procurement, and/or grant opportunities within the Government of Canada as they align with Memorial University strategic initiatives and federal strategic initiatives, especially those related to science and technology, innovation, the Defence Industrial Strategy, Arctic and northern development, and ocean and marine development. Education, research, and development to understand current and future opportunities as they align with Memorial University strategic initiatives and the Government of Canada's strategic initiatives, especially those related to science and technology, the Defence Industrial Strategy, innovation, energy, Arctic and northern development, and ocean and marine development.

Communicating with government officials regarding strategic funding support for the expansion of learning, residence, and training facilities at its Orléans/Alphonse-Desjardins campus.

Discussing opportunities and alignment of WCG Services priorities with those of the Government of Canada, including potential partnerships, pilots, or expanded service delivery. Communicating with government officials about collaboration between the Government of Canada and WCG Services on employment services, reskilling, workforce integration, vocational and rehabilitative workforce programs delivered to Canadians.

Engaging on the development of a fair and evidence-based regulatory environment for the pressure-treated wood products industry, including the application of science-based review processes for industrial materials and chemicals Communicating on pest management regulatory matters, including the re-evaluation processes governing wood preservation products used in critical Canadian infrastructure, to ensure regulatory outcomes reflect current scientific evidence and industry operational realities. Advocating for Canadian procurement policies that prioritize domestically produced infrastructure materials, including utility poles and railway ties, in federal procurement frameworks

Advance initiatives towards a comprehensive, coordinated national framework on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NDDs). Advocating for the next round of Strategic Science Fund (SSF) funding to explicitly prioritize research, innovation, and implementation initiatives that advance children’s health, with a special emphasis on brain health and neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD).

Exploring procurement opportunities within the Government of Canada to provide IT solutions related to areas around public safety.

Identifying and pursuing funding opportunities for dual-use defence-related projects Seeking funding to establish a Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH) focused on uncrewed systems (UxS) at Ontario Tech. Seeking funding pathways to support talent development and training for the clean economy. Increased funding support for commercialization of university research

Exploring opportunities for the Government of Canada and Beatdapp to support the Government through Beatdapp’s anomaly detection solutions.

CSMC is engaging the federal government to raise awareness of its organization, mission, and the value it delivers to its members and the broader community. This outreach is intended to build understanding, strengthen relationships with decision-makers, and ensure the organization’s priorities are recognized in relevant policy discussions.