Aline Dimitri

CVCA previously co-administered the Start Up Visa Program's Venture Capital stream in partnership with the IRCC. The program allowed Venture Capital funds in CVCA's membership to apply for designated entity status and recommend entrepreneurs and start ups in their portfolio to apply for Canadian permanent residency. Throughout CVCA's contractual relationship with IRCC, the program led to a select and curated number of entrepreneurs growing businesses in Canada with financial backing. CVCA engaged in ongoing conversations with IRCC and provided regular reports. IRCC terminated all SUV contractual relationships in 2024, however, CVCA remains engaged in proactive conversations with IRCC Program officials who oversee the SUV program and who have relationships with CVCA's designated members. CVCA sees value in this program and maintains communication with IRCC on possible future improvements. CVCA was a designated entity by the IRCC to co-administer the Start Up Visa Program, through which Venture Capital funds in CVCA's membership could support entrepreneurs and start ups applying for Canadian permanent residency. This program led to a select and curated number of entrepreneurs growing businesses in Canada, with financial backing. Throughout the program, CVCA engaged in ongoing conversations with IRCC to ensure program continuity. CVCA sees value in reinstating this program and maintains communication with IRCC on possible future improvements. The CVCA advocates for policies and a regulatory environment that is conducive to stimulating investment. A competitive tax and investment regime that rewards the risks associated with the private capital asset?class is vital for the growth of private equity and venture capital across economic sectors. CVCA’s efforts ensure Canadian companies can access necessary funding amidst challenges such as tightening credit markets, competition for capital, and economic uncertainties, to drive innovation and economic growth, ultimately fostering a resilient and diversified economy for future generations. CVCA also advocates for sustained and predictable access to capital, championing public-private co-investment initiatives. The Venture Capital Action Plan/Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative is still rolling out, matching private capital allocations to disbursed government dollars. CVCA continues to engage with industry and government to ensure awareness within the VC ecosystem and monitoring the flow of funds, underscoring the importance of Canada's VC Emerging Managers and their important role in allocating capital to riskier and underserved corners of the innovation ecosystem. The CVCA actively advocates for a strong and competitive tax and investment environment that attracts and rewards private investment in Canadian entrepreneurial ventures. We provide valuable insights and data to support effective tax policies. Strategically crafted policies can ensure that Canada remains an attractive destination for private capital, which is necessary to drive economic growth, job creation, and innovation. CVCA engages with policymakers to convey perspectives from the private capital industry, and the current economic context. The CVCA advocates for policies that secure access to capital, vital for the growth of private equity and venture capital across economic sectors. CVCA’s efforts ensure Canadian companies can access necessary funding amidst challenges such as tightening credit markets, competition for capital, and economic uncertainties, to drive innovation and economic growth, ultimately fostering a resilient and diversified economy for future generations. Venture Capital Action Plan/Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative is still rolling out, matching private capital allocations to disbursed government dollars. CVCA continues to engage with industry and government to ensure awareness within the VC ecosystem and monitoring the flow of funds, underscoring the importance of Canada's VC Emerging Managers an

The CVCA advocates for policies that secure access to capital, vital for the growth of private equity and venture capital across economic sectors. CVCA’s efforts ensure Canadian companies can access necessary funding amidst challenges such as tightening credit markets, competition for capital, and economic uncertainties, to drive innovation and economic growth, ultimately fostering a resilient and diversified economy for future generations. Venture Capital Action Plan/Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative is still rolling out, matching private capital allocations to disbursed government dollars. CVCA continues to engage with industry and government to ensure awareness within the VC ecosystem and monitoring the flow of funds, underscoring the importance of Canada's VC Emerging Managers and their important role in allocating capital to riskier and underserved corners of the innovation ecosystem. CVCA was a designated entity by the IRCC to co-administer the Start Up Visa Program, through which Venture Capital funds in CVCA's membership could support entrepreneurs and start ups applying for Canadian permanent residency. This program led to a select and curated number of entrepreneurs growing businesses in Canada, with financial backing. Throughout the program, CVCA engaged in ongoing conversations with IRCC to ensure program continuity. CVCA sees value in reinstating this program and maintains communication with IRCC on possible future improvements. The CVCA advocates for policies and a regulatory environment that is conducive to stimulating investment. A competitive tax and investment regime that rewards the risks associated with the private capital asset?class is vital for the growth of private equity and venture capital across economic sectors. CVCA’s efforts ensure Canadian companies can access necessary funding amidst challenges such as tightening credit markets, competition for capital, and economic uncertainties, to drive innovation and economic growth, ultimately fostering a resilient and diversified economy for future generations. CVCA also advocates for sustained and predictable access to capital, championing public-private co-investment initiatives. The Venture Capital Action Plan/Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative is still rolling out, matching private capital allocations to disbursed government dollars. CVCA continues to engage with industry and government to ensure awareness within the VC ecosystem and monitoring the flow of funds, underscoring the importance of Canada's VC Emerging Managers and their important role in allocating capital to riskier and underserved corners of the innovation ecosystem. CVCA previously co-administered the Start Up Visa Program's Venture Capital stream in partnership with the IRCC. The program allowed Venture Capital funds in CVCA's membership to apply for designated entity status and recommend entrepreneurs and start ups in their portfolio to apply for Canadian permanent residency. Throughout CVCA's contractual relationship with IRCC, the program led to a select and curated number of entrepreneurs growing businesses in Canada with financial backing. CVCA engaged in ongoing conversations with IRCC and provided regular reports. IRCC terminated all SUV contractual relationships in 2024, however, CVCA remains engaged in proactive conversations with IRCC Program officials who oversee the SUV program and who have relationships with CVCA's designated members. CVCA sees value in this program and maintains communication with IRCC on possible future improvements. The CVCA actively advocates for a strong and competitive tax and investment environment that attracts and rewards private investment in Canadian entrepreneurial ventures. We provide valuable insights and data to support effective tax policies. Strategically crafted policies can ensure that Canada remains an attractive destination for private capital, which is necessary to drive economic growth, job creation, and innovation. CVCA engages w

CVCA previously co-administered the Start Up Visa Program's Venture Capital stream in partnership with the IRCC. The program allowed Venture Capital funds in CVCA's membership to apply for designated entity status and recommend entrepreneurs and start ups in their portfolio to apply for Canadian permanent residency. Throughout CVCA's contractual relationship with IRCC, the program led to a select and curated number of entrepreneurs growing businesses in Canada with financial backing. CVCA engaged in ongoing conversations with IRCC and provided regular reports. IRCC terminated all SUV contractual relationships in 2024, however, CVCA remains engaged in proactive conversations with IRCC Program officials who oversee the SUV program and who have relationships with CVCA's designated members. CVCA sees value in this program and maintains communication with IRCC on possible future improvements. The CVCA advocates for policies and a regulatory environment that is conducive to stimulating investment. A competitive tax and investment regime that rewards the risks associated with the private capital asset?class is vital for the growth of private equity and venture capital across economic sectors. CVCA’s efforts ensure Canadian companies can access necessary funding amidst challenges such as tightening credit markets, competition for capital, and economic uncertainties, to drive innovation and economic growth, ultimately fostering a resilient and diversified economy for future generations. CVCA also advocates for sustained and predictable access to capital, championing public-private co-investment initiatives. The Venture Capital Action Plan/Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative is still rolling out, matching private capital allocations to disbursed government dollars. CVCA continues to engage with industry and government to ensure awareness within the VC ecosystem and monitoring the flow of funds, underscoring the importance of Canada's VC Emerging Managers and their important role in allocating capital to riskier and underserved corners of the innovation ecosystem. The CVCA actively advocates for a strong and competitive tax and investment environment that attracts and rewards private investment in Canadian entrepreneurial ventures. We provide valuable insights and data to support effective tax policies. Strategically crafted policies can ensure that Canada remains an attractive destination for private capital, which is necessary to drive economic growth, job creation, and innovation. CVCA engages with policymakers to convey perspectives from the private capital industry, and the current economic context.

Discussions with federal departments and agencies regarding the design, administration, eligibility criteria, funding priorities, and implementation of grants, contribution agreements, and other federal funding programs that support workforce development, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community programming for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in Canada’s technology sector, including programs administered by Women and Gender Equality Canada.

To support QueerTech with opportunities for funding and to engage with the government of Canada related to 2SLGBTQ+people in tech, such as pathways to employment, upskilling, entrepreneurship, and education.

The company wishes to engage the government in connection with its initiatives that support economic development, including small business, brands, fisheries and agricultural product promotion from across Canada.

Engaging with policymakers about issues affecting Canadian technology companies. Engaging with policymakers about issues affecting Canadian small business owners, particularly soloproneurs and microproneurs. We are seeking funding from ISED Canada as well as the Regional Development Agencies to accelerate the creation and adoption of FreshBooks’ research and development innovation pipeline.

Engagement on youth entrepreneurship support - We continue to engage with government stakeholders to enable Futurpreneur to continue to provide mentoring, financing and business services/support to young diverse entrepreneurs, including Indigenous entrepreneurs and OLMCs. Futurpreneur supports business creation in all regions, including working in rural communities and First Nations. This also includes growth initiatives for young entrepreneurs and their startup/SMEs, as well as international trade opportunities, such as the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance.

Advocate for competitive policies and programs that incentivize digital adoption, transformation for small to medium sized enterprises in Canada.

Square Canada, Inc. seeks to collaborate with policymakers and Canada’s financial services industry to think beyond what’s established and help remove barriers that keep people from having equal access. Discuss challenges confronting Canadian small and medium size businesses and consumers in the digital economy.

The financial sector regulatory framework as it relates to Retail Payment Activities Act, payment processing, consumer-driven banking and data security. Square Canada, Inc. seeks to collaborate with policymakers and Canada’s financial services industry to think beyond what’s established and help remove barriers that keep people from having equal access. Square Canada, Inc. also seeks to discuss challenges confronting Canadian small and medium size businesses and consumers in the digital economy.

This engagement is designed to build sustained federal relationships, increase WEOC’s visibility and credibility in Ottawa, support policy and funding influence, and lay the groundwork for long-term advocacy.

Discussing encouraging the federal government to work with the provinces to break down interprovincial trade barriers as they relate to labour and credentials Discussing promotion of trades to youth, including marketing programs, advertisements, trade shows, working in collaboration with schools and the provinces. Discussing labour mobility policy in Canada, ensuring workers have the correct certification to work throughout the country. Discussing enhancing credentialing to enable faster and more streamlined certification for new Canadian workers. Discussed program structure and policy direction of the upcoming workforce alliances and the sectorial workforce innovation fund initiatives Advocated for opportunities within Canada's manufacturing sector to support future infrastructure initiatives in housing and/or public works projects. Discussing issues within Quebec's manufacturing sector, including Temporary Foreign Workers. Advocating for improvements to Canada's trade-enabling transportation infrastructure. Advocating for specific implementation measures related to recent policies or measures outlined in the latest budget process. Advocating for Health Canada-related policies that impact manufacturing. Advocate for support for Canada's steel industry Matters related to advancing female workforce in the manufacturing industry. Matters related to the renewal of CUSMA. Matters related to military and defence procurement Discuss the upcoming priorities of the RNNR Committee and its impact on the industry Advocate for policies to enhance Canadian manufacturing productivity Plastic issues as they are related to waste, pollution, health, single-use plastics, sources of plastic waste, government-industry cooperation in reducing plastic pollution, strengthening sustainable economies, protecting the environment, plastic registry, PFAS, etc Matters related to the impacts of rules limiting the intake of temporary foreign workers on manufacturing business. Matters related to upcoming RNNR Committee priorities on energy, forest, minerals and metals, and earth sciences sectors, and the impacts on the industry. Advocating for extension of existing IRCC pilot programs Matters related to trade with USA as they related to trade policies, tariffs, trade agreements, regulatory reform, retaliatory measures, tariff policy, remissions/relief policies considered by the federal government, provincial impact of implementing tariffs, etc. Matters related to the expected impact of US tariffs on manufacturing sectors and discuss funding opportunities for BuyCanada and BuyOntario Campaigns. Matters related to EI, worksharing program Critical minerals issues as they are related to barriers to extraction and processing, environmental impacts, social impacts, technological challenges, limited energy options, etc. Advocate for assistance to manage the frequent disruption of critical transportation infrastructure due to trade conflict and better financial support for trade corridors and a flexible regulatory approach for trucking regulations, renewal of iZEV program, removal of the luxury tax which impacts aircraft manufacturing Advocate for supply chain issues as they related to transportation and logistics, labour shortages/strikes, rising fuel and energy costs, regulatory changes such as ESG compliance laws, broken supply chains due to transportation barriers/strikes and long wait times for materials, etc. Advocated for broad supports to Canada's manufacturing sector to cope with U.S. trade developments. This includes relief for technology investment, on-the-job training, excise duty, broad red tape reduction, using both grants (e.g. SIF) and taxation (e.g. capital gains, corporate tax, excise duty). Advocate for Labour and skills shortages, support for workforce development training and education Advocate for the simplification, modernization and harmonization of the Canada's border regulations, including Beyond the Border. Advocate for reform to the Tempo

- Employment and Training, & Small Business - To pursue mission-driven activities and outcomes that are aligned with our strategic objectives of advocacy, collaboration, and communication. To ensure Canada remains a world-class home and educator of financial and investment talent. - Education - Discussion on and expansion of the retirement security of Canadians through retirement planning, public and registered savings and pension plans, annuities, and other savings and investment incentives or programs, including related research. - Privacy and Access to Information - Discussion of privacy regulation as it relates to regulation of securities, investment management and financial services. Inclusive of data portability, consumer rights relating to personal data, and open banking. - Justice and Law Enforcement & Constitutional Issues: Jurisdictional issues related to the financial services market. To advocate for more effective investigation, prosecution, and generally enforcement of financial-related criminal activity including criminal and quasi-criminal offences including but not limited to securities, money laundering, and terrorist financing. - Consumer Issues & Industry & Taxation and Finance - To advocate for the highest professional standards, integrity, and ethics in the investment industry for the ultimate benefit of Canadians (inclusive of the broader financial services industry), and for generalized tax reform to serve investors, grow investment and productivity, and to ensure the vitality and future of the asset and investment management sectors in Canada. - Internal and International Trade - Advocate for the reduction of interprovincial trade barriers (particularly those related to the asset/investment management industry, financial sector, and related service sectors of the Canadian economy). Advocate for the expansion of international trade agreements to grow the Canadian asset/investment management industry, financial sector, and related service sectors of the Canadian economy. Advocate for an increase in exports of asset/investment management services from Canada to abroad, and to increasingly establish Canada as a world-leading center for these industries. - Environment, Climate & International Trade - Discuss government programs related to sustainable finance and other climate and sustainability-focused matters. - Pensions - Advancing financial market integrity, transparency and protection for investors and financial consumers. - Taxation and Finance & Financial Institutions - Financial, securities, and other related regulation affecting capital markets, the financial system, investors and financial consumers, including but not limited to: financial reporting; service taxation; systemic risk; education and credentialing; and other associated regulations. - Economic Development - Matters relating to the growth and financial stability of the Canadian economy, and the regulatory elements thereof including systemic risk-related regulation. Advocate for entrepreneurship, productivity, and growth of the investment/asset management sector in Canada. - Budget - Advocate for the financial literacy, retirement security, and well-being of Canadians, and the support of the asset management industry as a strategic industrial policy priority for Canada. - Labour & Immigration - Pursue further recognition of CFA Program/charter and other similar educational or credentialing programs. - Financial Institutions - Discuss matters relating to corporate governance, board composition, and disclosure, particularly with respect to diversity.