Arran McPherson
Assistant Deputy Minister, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)·16 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Arctic Research Foundation
3Meeting with public office holders to raise awareness and seek input on the Arctic Research Foundations Arctic National Strategy. Discussing federal skills training and apprenticeship support programming, and the steps that can be taken to better enable training opportunities in Inuit and Northern communities. Seeking funding to support ARF vessel procurement, operational costs and subsidized vessel time for research organizations and Indigenous communities. Discussing the need for increased investments in Indigenous led environmental conservation and Northern scientific research initiatives. Meeting with public office holders to raise awareness of the Arctic Research Foundation and its work to advance the scientific research, environmental conservation, and infrastructure development priorities of Inuit and Northern communities
Speaking to public office holders about seeking funding to support ARF operational costs and subsidized vessel time for research organizations and Indigenous communities. Speaking to and meeting with Designated Public Office Holders to discuss the need for increased investments in Indigenous led environmental conservation and scientific research initiatives. Speaking to and meeting with Designated Public Office Holders to discuss the Arctic Research Foundation to create awareness about the Foundation and of the necessity to include scientific research in the Arctic, the need for broadband, and Arctic data management in government priorities.
Blackbird Strategies
Dalhousie University
3Advocacy regarding science, technology and innovation policy frameworks with a view to addressing climate change and enhancing Canada's research and innovation capacity. Enhanced supports for activities related to commercialization and knowledge mobilization of university research results Discussions with federal officials to encourage the development of a public policy framework that responds to the needs of post-secondary education and research. Discussions with designated public office holders in support of regulation development informed by research.
Social innovation projects to better understand Canada's changing social landscape Proposal to develop new science and technology funding initiatives related to institutional research strengths Canada's Science and Technology Strategy as it relates to financial support for Science and Technology initiatives Canada's innovation strategy and initiatives as they pertain to agriculture, ocean and blue/green economy opportunities in the post secondary sector.
Oceana Canada
3Advocate greater transparency in Canadas fisheries Advocate for Canada to sign on to the global Mombasa Declaration Federal support for plastic alternatives and reuse policies. Policies to support a circular economy in Canada. Advocating for harmful chemicals to be eliminated from plastics used in food packaging. Advocating for harmful chemicals to be eliminated from plastics used in food packaging. Funding to co-ordinate refill options at FIFA 2026 Advocating for modernizing the Fisheries Act and policies to be inclusive of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, ecosystem-approaches and climate change. Advocate for the implementation of the precautionary approach framework for forage fish stocks. Advocate for the batching of certain stocks under the new rebuilding regulations and implementing rebuilding plans. Improved transparency and traceability in the seafood value chain in Canada to combat seafood fraud (defined as any activity that misrepresents the product that is being purchased) through improved labelling and documentation, traceability verification measures and greater consumer information. Advocating for the public availability of information regarding fish stock targets and limits through annual reports. Advocating for sustainable fisheries decisions. Advocating for regulations on recycled content for certain plastic manufactured items. Advocating for improvement to fisheries and shipping measures that will protect North Atlantic right whales. This includes changes to regulations under the Fisheries Act and Canada Shipping Act. Advocate for the creation of a registry for plastic manufactured items. Advocate for marine protected areas.
Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities
3Business Risk Management Programs: Ensure program design and delivery effectively meet the needs of both new and established agricultural producers, with supports that reduce operational risk and assist the long-term stability of agriculture producers. Livestock traceability: Ensuring agricultural stakeholders are engaged in the early development of legislative and regulatory changes to address cost pressures, implementation feasibility, and regulatory burden. Bill C-273 An Act to Amend the Feeds Act, the Fertilizers Act, the Seeds Act, the Pest Control Act and the Food and Drugs Act: to ensure it give farmers faster access to safe and reliable new technologically advanced products or more crop input options. Bill S-238: An Act to enact the Climate-Aligned Finance Act and to make related amendments to other Acts – climate-aligned financial reporting will be a cost burden for agricultural producers, local municipal governments and small businesses in rural Saskatchewan. Agriculture-advocating on policies with regards to research and technology that drives innovation, maximizing productivity, and/or ensuring the sustainability of food systems. National Highway Funding - the need for a dedicated and permanent funding model. Infrastructure: The importance of dedicated funding for rural municipal infrastructure projects to Canada's economy. Firearms: Participating in consultations on reducing rural crime and policy consultations to acts, regulations and programs relative to the possession, acquisition of firearms and disposal of firearms. Emission reductions - Focus on the agricultural practices in Saskatchewan that are contributing to carbon emission reductions while improving the competitiveness and profit of producers. Emergency Management - concerns that rural municipalities have with respect to obtaining operational and capital funding for training, equipment and infrastructure for rural Saskatchewan emergency responders. Critical Minerals - The importance to rural economic development, future energy needs, the economy and agricultural producers in Saskatchewan as well the importance to the Canadian economy and to global food security. Telecommunications: Radio license fees and renewals for public safety responders- discuss the importance for radio license fees and renewals to be at reasonable rates for volunteer emergency responders. Bill C-2: An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures. Concerns over wait times, drug trafficking, immigration, and funding. Bill S-230: An Act respecting the development of a natural strategy for soil health protection, conservation and enhancement. The importance of working with municipal governments when determining a national strategy. Water treatment systems; alternative water treatment technologies continue to be explored to allow options for rural municipalities. Water Infrastructure – the need for funding to develop and enhance water storage, conservation and distribution infrastructure for potable and non-potable water. Vaccines: SARM would like more federal investments into VIDO here in Saskatchewan for vaccine development, research and storage. Trade Agreements: Canada European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, (CETA) and Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), our request is to better international trade for agriculture producers. The Rural Municipal (RM) Tax Loss Compensation Fund and the Rural Municipal Specific Claims Tax Loss Compensation Fund, which are tied to the Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement, continue to decrease in funds and is unsustainable without municipalities absorbing significant reduction in monies from the Funds. The Agreement need to be reviewed. Species at Risk Act (SARA) - providing input on consultations to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada and amendments to SARA. Rural Health
Business Risk Management Programs: Ensure program design and delivery effectively meet the needs of both new and established agricultural producers, with supports that reduce operational risk and assist the long-term stability of agriculture producers. Livestock traceability: Ensuring agricultural stakeholders are engaged in the early development of legislative and regulatory changes to address cost pressures, implementation feasibility, and regulatory burden. Bill C-273 An Act to Amend the Feeds Act, the Fertilizers Act, the Seeds Act, the Pest Control Act and the Food and Drugs Act: to ensure it give farmers faster access to safe and reliable new technologically advanced products or more crop input options. Bill S-238: An Act to enact the Climate-Aligned Finance Act and to make related amendments to other Acts – climate-aligned financial reporting will be a cost burden for agricultural producers, local municipal governments and small businesses in rural Saskatchewan. Agriculture-advocating on policies with regards to research and technology that drives innovation, maximizing productivity, and/or ensuring the sustainability of food systems. National Highway Funding - the need for a dedicated and permanent funding model. Infrastructure: The importance of dedicated funding for rural municipal infrastructure projects to Canada's economy. Firearms: Participating in consultations on reducing rural crime and policy consultations to acts, regulations and programs relative to the possession, acquisition of firearms and disposal of firearms. Emission reductions – Focus on the agricultural practices in Saskatchewan that are contributing to carbon emission reductions while improving the competitiveness and profit of producers. Emergency Management - concerns that rural municipalities have with respect to obtaining operational and capital funding for training, equipment and infrastructure for rural Saskatchewan emergency responders. Critical Minerals - The importance to rural economic development, future energy needs, the economy and agricultural producers in Saskatchewan as well the importance to the Canadian economy and to global food security. Telecommunications: Radio license fees and renewals for public safety responders- discuss the importance for radio license fees and renewals to be at reasonable rates for volunteer emergency responders. Bill C-2: An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures. Concerns over wait times, drug trafficking, immigration, and funding. Bill S-230: An Act respecting the development of a natural strategy for soil health protection, conservation and enhancement. The importance of working with municipal governments when determining a national strategy. Water Infrastructure – the need for funding to develop and enhance water storage, conservation and distribution infrastructure for potable and non-potable water. Trade Agreements: Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, (CETA) and Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), our request is to better international trade for agriculture producers. The Rural Municipal (RM) Tax Loss Compensation Fund and The Rural Municipal Specific Claims Tax Loss Compensation Fund, which are tied to Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement, continue to decrease in funds and is unsustainable without municipalities absorbing significant reduction in monies from the Funds. The Agreement needs to be reviewed. Species at Risk Act (SARA) - providing input on consultations to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada and amendments to SARA. Rural Healthcare- funding for increase recruitment and retention of healthcare workers in remote and rural areas of Saskatchewan Rural Crime: ensuring rural Saskatchewan is represented in discussions on public safety. Volunteer Emergency Responders Funding - Volunteer emergenc
fisheries council of canada
3Discuss TFW program and permanent residency for foreign workers Seek improved fisheries science with DFO. Represent members interests in development of regulations under the Fisheries Act Advocate stability of access and allocation shares as the Government fulfills its Indigenous relations obligations and works to increase Indigenous participation in fisheries. Participate in regulatory consultations under the Fisheries Act. Advocate free trade and work with officials to address non-tariff barriers as they arise. Advocate for better inclusion of the fish and seafood sector in the Temporary Foreign Workers program. Advocate for balancing marine conservation with sustainable use as the Government of Canada works towards its marine conservation targets. Participate in regulatory consultations under Oceans Act, National Marine Conservation Areas Act, and Fisheries Act. Advocate for amendments to Bill C-49 to better protect fishing areas off Nova Scotia. Advocate economic and innovation supports to achieve industry growth vision. Advocate Canadas ratification of the UKs accession to the CPTPP.
Canadian Organic Growers
2Next policy framework (NPF) - inclusion of national Organic Action Plan recommendations. Organic specific programs and policies to support sector advancement Continued funding for regulated standards review process. Funding for research and development. Canadian Organic Standards - standards review, equivalency agreements, standards assurance, standards enforcement.
Canadian Organic Standards - standards review, equivalency agreements, standards assurance, standards enforcement.
Temple Scott Associates
Canadian Seed Growers Association
2Seed Regulatory Modernization: Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) proposal for the Modernization of the Seed Regulatory Framework Increase awareness with officials regarding Canadian Seed Growers' Association and its contribution to Canadian agriculture.
Seed Regulatory Modernization: Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) proposal for the Modernization of the Seed Regulatory Framework
Mile26 Strategy
Electricity Canada
2Environmental Assessment and Project Development Species at Risk Act, in respect to the management of habitat, and species at risk in relation to the generation and transmission of electricity; and stewardship policies and programs with on-going efforts to streamline and clarify regulatory process, in relation to electricity industry plans to address the need for new infrastructure development to meet growing demand for electricity and replacing aging electricity assets. Migratory Birds Convention Act, in respect to the management of habitat, species at risk and migratory birds in relation to the generation and transmission of electricity; and stewardship policies and programs with an on-going efforts to streamline and clarify regulatory process, in relation to electricity industry plans to address the need for new infrastructure development to meet growing demand for electricity and replacing aging electricity assets, as well as enabling the maintenance and operations of existing infrastructure. Input to government's Biodiversity strategy by ensuring that the requirements are not unduly onerous to the electricity sector while maintaining the protection of species at risk Fisheries Act, in respect to the management of habitat, fisheries, species at risk in relation to the generation of electricity, and policies to streamline and clarify the regulatory process, in relation to electricity industry plans to address the need for new infrastructure development to meet growing demand for electricity and replacing aging electricity assets. Clean Electricity Regulations, with respect to the overall development of the regulations and compliance mechanisms.
Wildfires- In respect to the increasing threat of wildfires and measures to ensure protection, mitigation, and prevention of damage to critical electricity infrastructure. Bill C-8 (45-1), with respect to potential cybersecurity requirements on electricity operators. International trade, with respect to direct electricity trade and the trade of goods necessary for electricity infrastructure. Inclusive of foreign and domestic tariffs impacting the Canadian electricity industry. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, in respect to infrastructure development. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency's directive on the phase-out of Pentachlorophenol, with respect to timelines for a responsible depletion of stock to reduce grid reliability and environmental risk. Telecommunications Act, in respect to the Telecommunications policy review and electricity support structures and spectrum management as they may be applicable to the advent of a smart grid. Strategic Innovation Fund, in respect to the application process, the scope of the fund, and Net Zero Accelerator. Statutory Review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), including but not limited to GHG regulations under CEPA 1999 such as the proposed Carbon Dioxide from Natural Gas-Fired Electricity Regulations, and the proposed amendment to the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-Fired Electricity Production Regulations. Species at Risk Act, in respect to the management of habitat, and species at risk in relation to the generation and transmission of electricity; and stewardship policies and programs with on-going efforts to streamline and clarify regulatory process, in relation to electricity industry plans to address the need for new infrastructure development to meet growing demand for electricity and replacing aging electricity assets. Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) - We are seeking to support Beyond Visual Line of Site (BVLOS) operations for RPAS in Canada for our members. RPAS are a cost-effective and safe way of examining linear features like transmission lines. Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) - We are seeking to determine a process by which critical infrastructure owners or operators can apply to have Class F restricted airspace designated over their sites. The purpose is to discourage RPAS operations (or other unwanted aircraft) over critical infrastructure, especially in the energy sector. Radiation Emitting Devices Act, in respect to the potential health effects of electric and magnetic fields (EMF). National Security Policy, in respect to security standards for facilities used for the international trade of electricity, and reliability standards. National Security Policy, in respect to pandemic planning and a national plan for the use of anti-virals, and activities pertaining to threat and risk assessments, security clearances, exercises and drills. National benefits-sharing framework, with respect to major electricity resource projects. Migratory Birds Convention Act, in respect to the management of habitat, species at risk and migratory birds in relation to the generation and transmission of electricity; and stewardship policies and programs with an on-going efforts to streamline and clarify regulatory process, in relation to electricity industry plans to address the need for new infrastructure development to meet growing demand for electricity and replacing aging electricity assets, as well as enabling the maintenance and operations of existing infrastructure. Investment tax credit proposals, with respect to incentives for certain types of renewable and clean energy technologies, including energy storage, hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and small modular reactors (SMRs). Impact Assessment Act, formerly known as Bill C-69, "An Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequenti
Terry Toner Consulting
Grain Growers of Canada
2Seeking improvements to the regulation of crop innovations. Seeking legislative and policy amendments to reduce the impact of labour disruptions in transportation services. Promoting more investment in agricultural research and development. Seeking a proactive and positive foreign and economic policy in bilateral trade relations for agriculture in Canada's major trading relationships such as the United States, China and India. Getting government to include grain sector infrastructure priorities in major projects.
International trade benefitting grain farmers, ensuring that exports of grain and grain products and imports of essential equipment and inputs remain tariff-free. Grain research and development, particularly ensuring that AAFC is properly staffed and resourced, continues downstream research, return to former levels of research funding, and modernize their R&D infrastructure and technology. Business Risk Management (BRM) programs, particularly AgriStability, AgriInvest and AgriRecovery, ensuring these programs provide farmers with a sufficient safety net and tools to mitigate financial losses and protect farm viability. Trade-enabling infrastructure, advocating for investments in infrastructure essential to the export of Canadian grain and grain products. Health Canada Food and Drug Regulations as they relate to mandatory nutrition labeling, health claims involving cereal grains, oilseeds and pulse crops, Genetically Modified food labeling. Viterra-Bunge merger, sharing concerns from grain farmers regarding the proposed acquisition. Canada Grain Act, seeking to enhance producer protections, bolster the producer payment security program, and increase data requirement functions. Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, with respect to trade distorting impacts. Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, with respect to supporting farmer competitiveness and further enabling farmers' role as climate solution providers. Sustainable Agriculture Strategy (SAS), ensuring that the strategy is fully funded, does not include any targets without data and helps to grow food production to meet increasing domestic and global demand. Right to repair to ensure that grain farmers can access diagnostics software to repair their equipment. Pesticide Management Review Agency regulations in regards to the Own Use Import and the Grower Requested Own Use programs. Pesticide Management Review Agency regulations in regards to Minor Use Pesticide Program including new pesticides, minor uses and amended labelling for usage. Capital Gains Inclusion Rate, specifically as it relates to intergenerational transfers and family farms. Canada Labour Code, and regulations specifically related to grain handling and transportation. Agricultural trade negotiations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Canada-India, Canada-China, with respect to more export market opportunities for grain farmers. Advocating for a fair and efficient railway transportation system that serves the needs of grain producers.
Bayer AG
1Engaging on Canadas role within the World Health Organization (WHO), specifically how to ensure coordination and improve alignment with and between affiliated agencies.
Longview Communications & Public Affairs