Bernadette Clement

Introduction to the Canadian Civil Liberties Association Meet with new senior officials to provide an introduction to CCLA staff, activities and priorites Bill C-36, An Act to enact the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act, respecting the need to include robust restrictions on private-sector handling of personal data and on the adoption and use of artificial intelligence tools to ensure protection of privacy and human rights. Bill C-34, An Act to enact the Digital Safety Act and the Digital Safety Commission of Canada Act, with respect to state-compelled limitations on free speech on social media, generative AI, and other online services, imposition of age verification requirements onto various online services, and compliance of the proposal with freedom of expression and privacy rights. 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, with respect to legal standards for peace officers/CSIS to obtain information, a proposed regime to require surveillance-enabled digital services, cross-border information sharing (which are also replicated in Bill C-22, An Act respecting lawful access), and amendments to IRPA that would impact refugee protection and permit categorical cancellation of documents, and which are also replicated in Bill C-12, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures. The federal government's adoption of a public registry for its use of artificial intelligence tools, and how to improve the utility of this registry as a government accountability tool. Bill C-4, An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure, and Bill C-25, An Act respecting the Canada Elections Act and to enact An Act to change the names of certain electoral districts, 2026 with respect to the information privacy framework applicable to federal political parties. Bill C-8, An Act respecting cybersecurity, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts. Lobbying around telecommunications and cybersecurity, with an intention of making proposed legislation more respecting of privacy and human rights. Bill C-15, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025, and concerns regarding Part 5, Division 5, of that Bill and its proposed introduction of a "Henry the VIII" clause that would empower the government to exempt private and public entities from the application of federal laws. Bill C-16, Protecting Victims Act. Charter and civil liberties concerns about the legislation, particularly in relation to impact on s. 11(b) of the Charter. Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places), and specifically that its new anti-protests provisions risk criminalizing peaceful protestors; its problematic removal of Attorney General consent requirement for hate propaganda charges; that its new standalone hate crime offence is unduly stigmatizing and paves the way to excessive sentences; that its proposed definition of hatred does not align with Supreme Court of Canada precedents; and concerns regarding the addition of a "promotion of terrorism" offence. The civil liberties implications of forced detox under the Protective Detention and Care of Intoxicated Persons Act, SM 2025, c 49. Consultation on prospective amendments to the Criminal Code related to offences against children. Prospective amendments to the Criminal Code related to mandatory minimum sentences and remedies for violations of s. 11(b) of the Charter. Bill S-209, An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to pornographic material, regarding the privacy implications of a proposed age verification requirement that would be imposed by the Bill on online enti

Aligning Canada's financial system with the climate science. Recommendations: climate taxonomy, sustainable investment guidelines that exclude fossil fuels, climate-aligned transition plans, emissions targets, disclosure requirements regarding climate-related financial risk, tighter regulations surrounding who can be on boards of federally regulated entities, factoring climate risk into capital adequacy requirements, Sustainable Development Working Group. Signed a petition with the following asks (e-7114): "We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Prime Minister to 1. Provide a legislative foundation that supports our stated commitment to protect our shared environment as we develop energy infrastructure by ensuring that any federal investment, use of tax-credits or financial support for the development of hydrocarbon-based infrastructure, including carbon capture and storage infrastructure, be matched, dollar for dollar, by federal funding for renewables-based infrastructure; and 2. Enact legislation to end coal-fired power generation by 2035." Signed a petition with the following asks (e-7133): "We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Mandate a study by the appropriate House of Commons committee or committees into risks of foreign interference and foreign funding associated with political advocacy in Canada, including advocacy related to separatist movements; 2. Request that relevant federal authorities assess and report to Parliament, consistent with national security and privacy obligations, on the nature and scope of any risks identified; and 3. Consider any legislative or policy measures necessary to strengthen transparency, enforcement, and safeguards against foreign interference and foreign-funded political activity in Canada." Signed a petition with the following ask (e-7148): "We, the undersigned, citizens, call upon the House of Commons to require all federal party leaders to obtain and maintain top-secret security clearance to ensure they are fully informed of threats to Canada’s national security and able to act decisively to protect Canadians and our democracy." Debt Justice. Conversations focus on the effects that debt has on the Global South and Indigenous communities, including paying down debt instead of investing in climate-resilient infrastructure. The three main asks are: debt cancellation for unjust and unsustainable debts; global financial reform to prevent future crises; and a debt resolution framework within the United Nations that is transparent, binding and fair. Bill S-238, the Climate-Aligned Finance Act. Bill S-238, which was developed through extensive consultation with national and international experts, provides a practical framework to mobilize finances toward projects that meaningfully reduce emissions; mitigate systemic climate risks threatening our economy; and promote transparency and accountability, helping investors make informed decisions. Citizens' Climate Lobby Canada is currently advocating for the bill to be passed by the Senate and sent to the House of Commons. Industrial carbon pricing in Canada. Industrial carbon pricing gives large industrial emitters an incentive to reduce emissions that cause climate change. Points of discussion: commitment to annual price increases, periodic review of provincial and territorial systems, oversupply of emission reduction credits, offset credits, transparency, expanded scope of the federal Benchmark, potential conflicts with the Alberta-Canada MOU.

Advocate for the renewed and long-term funding of the Canada Black Justice Strategy.

Communicate with government on issues of importance for Canadian retailers, including global supply and domestic chain management, consumer issues, food security, organized retail crime and violence against frontline workers, health and wellness, the future of work, and the economic growth Monitor and participate in the government’s financial services consultations. Monitor and participate in discussions related to federal policies and programs relevant to retail and ecommerce, pharmacies, and supply chain management in general. Increase awareness of Walmart’s investments in Canada. Increase awareness of Walmart’s environmental and sustainability objectives, including the reduction of plastic waste, electric vehicles, and conservation. Increase awareness of Walmart’s commitment to corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion. Communicate with officials on opportunities to expand federal skills and training programs to support careers in the retail, transportation, and logistics industries. Communicate with officials on immigration policies and programs, and opportunities to collaborate in support of refugee resettlement.

Université de Sudbury : L’AFO poursuit ses démarches auprès du gouvernement du Canada afin de pérenniser et de bonifier le financement fédéral accordé à l’Université de Sudbury. L’AFO demande un financement adéquat afin d’assurer la viabilité institutionnelle et le plein déploiement du projet. Transferts et accords bilatéraux en santé : Proposition pour régir les transferts et les accords bilatéraux en santé afin d'assurer une mention claire des communautés de langue officielle en situation minoritaire et leur financement. L’AFO mène des démarches auprès du gouvernement du Canada afin de positionner les États généraux de la francophonie ontarienne comme un levier structurant de consultation, d’analyse et d’orientation des politiques et programmes fédéraux en matière de langues officielles. L’AFO formule des recommandations visant à arrimer les investissements et programmes fédéraux, notamment ceux relevant du Plan d’action pour les langues officielles, aux priorités et besoins exprimés par la communauté franco-ontarienne dans le cadre des États généraux. L’AFO formule des recommandations concernant les politiques fédérales en santé afin d’assurer que les besoins des communautés francophones en situation minoritaire soient pleinement pris en compte. L’AFO plaide pour une meilleure intégration des services en français dans les orientations, programmes et mécanismes de financement fédéraux liés à la santé. Ententes fédérales-provinciales : L’AFO intervient dans le cadre du renouvellement et de la mise en œuvre des ententes fédérales- provinciales en matière de langues officielles afin de renforcer les mécanismes de gouvernance, la reddition de comptes et l’impact réel des investissements fédéraux en Ontario. L’AFO plaide pour une approche mieux arrimée aux besoins communautaires et aux priorités de développement de la francophonie ontarienne, notamment en immigration, en santé et en petite enfance. Fonds complémentaires en éducation postsecondaire : L'AFO demande au gouvernement de pérenniser et bonifier les Fonds complémentaires en éducation postsecondaire en langue minoritaire et en rehausse le financement à 80 M $ par année et l’améliore en collaboration avec les institutions postsecondaires et la communauté franco-ontarienne. Financement en Ontario / Plan d'action pour les langues officielles: l'Ontario est sous-financé par rapport aux autres provinces, tant dans le financement communautaire que de celui des services en français gouvernementaux. Nous voulons assurer un financement plus équitable pour l'Ontario.

L’AFO mène des démarches auprès du gouvernement du Canada afin de positionner les États généraux de la francophonie ontarienne comme un levier structurant de consultation, d’analyse et d’orientation des politiques et programmes fédéraux en matière de langues officielles. L’AFO formule des recommandations visant à arrimer les investissements et programmes fédéraux, notamment ceux relevant du Plan d’action pour les langues officielles, aux priorités et besoins exprimés par la communauté franco-ontarienne dans le cadre des États généraux. L’AFO formule des recommandations concernant les politiques fédérales en santé afin d’assurer que les besoins des communautés francophones en situation minoritaire soient pleinement pris en compte. L’AFO plaide pour une meilleure intégration des services en français dans les orientations, programmes et mécanismes de financement fédéraux liés à la santé. Université de Sudbury : L’AFO poursuit ses démarches auprès du gouvernement du Canada afin de pérenniser et de bonifier le financement fédéral accordé à l’Université de Sudbury. L’AFO demande un financement adéquat afin d’assurer la viabilité institutionnelle et le plein déploiement du projet. Ententes fédérales-provinciales : L’AFO intervient dans le cadre du renouvellement et de la mise en œuvre des ententes fédérales-provinciales en matière de langues officielles afin de renforcer les mécanismes de gouvernance, la reddition de comptes et l’impact réel des investissements fédéraux en Ontario. L’AFO plaide pour une approche mieux arrimée aux besoins communautaires et aux priorités de développement de la francophonie ontarienne, notamment en immigration, en santé et en petite enfance. Fonds complémentaires en éducation postsecondaire : L’AFO demande au gouvernement du Canada de pérenniser et de bonifier les Fonds complémentaires en éducation postsecondaire en langue minoritaire, d’en rehausser le financement à un niveau permettant la viabilité à long terme des institutions, et d’en revoir les paramètres en collaboration avec les établissements postsecondaires et la communauté franco-ontarienne. Transferts et accords bilatéraux en santé : Proposition pour régir les transferts et les accords bilatéraux en santé afin d'assurer une mention claire des communautés de langue officielle en situation minoritaire et leur financement. Financement en Ontario: l'Ontario est sous-financé par rapport aux autres provinces, tant dans le financement communautaire que de celui des services en français gouvernementaux. Nous voulons assurer un financement plus équitable pour l'Ontario.

Urging Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, in collaboration with Health Canada, to reconsider introducing copayments for medications and supplemental health services under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for refugees and asylum seekers. Pandemic Planning: ensure all nurses are properly supported and protected by maintaining appropriate stockpiles of personal protective equipment (PPE), providing mental health supports for those working on the front lines, and ensuring nursing students receive adequate assistance. Increase access to education and training for nurses returning to work or working across various care settings during public health emergencies. Ensure clear guidelines and resources are developed and disseminated, and that senior nurses are included in discussions and advisory boards during emergency planning phases as well as in post-emergency reviews. Discussions aim to ensure that artificial intelligence and emerging health technologies are developed, assessed, and approved in ways that meet the needs of the Canadian population. Communications emphasize the importance of integrating nursing perspectives into governance, regulation, clinical and ethical evaluation, and approval processes for new technologies. Communications relate to ongoing efforts to strengthen the collection, harmonization, and use of nursing workforce data at the pan-Canadian level. Discussions include modelling future health and workforce needs, supporting evidence-based health human resource planning, and investing in robust data systems to inform public policy and decision-making. Discussions include a request for federal funding to support the organization of CNA's 2026 national conference, which will bring together nursing leaders, health system partners, and policy-makers to advance dialogue on workforce priorities, innovation, public health, and health system transformation. Communications address the need for federal investment in strategies to improve retention of nursing professionals, including support for mental health and well-being, improved working conditions, continuing professional development, and initiatives to reduce burnout and strengthen workforce stability across all regions of Canada. Discussions focus on measures to expand the capacity to educate and support Indigenous nurses across Canada, including targeted investments in nursing education programs, partnerships with Indigenous and community-based institutions, and initiatives that improve access, retention, and graduation outcomes for Indigenous nursing students. Support the development of a national licensure framework for nurses. Enhance nursing leadership at the federal level and ensure ongoing support, resources, and sustainability for Chief Nursing Officer roles in all provinces and territories. Communications relate to federal measures aimed at protecting health-care workers, including initiatives to improve workplace safety, prevent harassment and violence, and strengthen legislative and regulatory frameworks that support a safe and respectful environment for health professionals. Bill S-233, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assault against persons who provide health services and first responders) Harmonize nursing regulatory practices to support a responsive and sustainable nursing workforce Support a Canadian Nurse Practitioner Initiative based on past similar initiatives Allow nurses to certify the Disability Tax Credit form Seek funding for nursing research, including Indigenous nursing Create a pan-Canadian health human resources strategy Urging the federal government to lead the development of and work with the provinces and territories to implement a pan-Canadian digital health strategy. That the federal government lead efforts to educate health-care workers on the importance of medication safety and deprescribing Support for regulated nurses working at full scope of practice Strengthening of programs and supports for vulnerable po

Work with the Federal Government to promote responsible consumption of beverage alcohol and the appropriate use of Food & Drug Regulations, pertaining to beer and alcoholic beverage labeling. Work with the Federal government to improve domestic trade agreements for craft brewers. Improve existing internal trade agreements and modernize the excise tax structure to better support job creation, investment and economic growth across Canada. Respond to legislative efforts such as Bill S-254 (warning labels on alcoholic beverages) and M-61, that pertain to new labelling regulations for alcoholic products. Food and Drugs Act and Safe Food for Canadians Act as they pertain to the regulation of beer and alcoholic beverages.

Meetings with Public Office Holders and elected officials around environmental protections and safe drinking water for First Nations communities including through the reintroduction of Bill C-61 An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands. Meetings with Public Office Holders and elected officials related to strengthening First Nations policing and obtaining equitable funding. Meetings with Public Office Holders and elected officials to support residential school commemoration, combat denialism and implement the Murray report obligations. This work includes proposing amendments to Bill C-9 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places).

Discussions with government officials concerning carbon emissions from fertilizer as it relates to municipalities and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Rail, Airports and Ports: Federal policies and programs with regard to access to national and international markets for trade, intra-city movement of people and goods and sustainability of small and rural communities. Municipal role in the G-7 &G-20 and trade negotiations with foreign countries surrounding tarrifs. Support for farmer-centric policies and strategies that improve resiliency in the face of extreme weather, mitigate against rising costs and inflation, support food security, improve access to new markets while partnering to share the costs of reaching Canada's climate targets; Carbon emission-reduction targets related to fertilizer Federal policies and programs with regard to improving accesses to affordable housing, reducing homelessness, increasing social infrastructure required for immigration and refugee settlement and integration support. Homelessness; Encampments; redevelopment of public lands required to support communities that support the Canadian Armed Forces and its members. Affordable housing; Housing supply; Refugee and asylum seeker settlement; Housing Accelerator Fund; Rapid Housing Initiative; Housing-enabling infrastructure; Redevelopment of public lands; Environmental and sustainable development policies and programs with regard to local climate change mitigation and adaptation; Disaster mitigation and adaptation; Capacity building for sustainable community planning; Greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions; Water management, watershed planning, wastewater, and stormwater policy; Urban forest management and stewardship; Brownfield redevelopment; National Adaptation Strategy; Greener Homes Grant; Green Building Strategy; Green Municipal Fund. Community safety and crime prevention. National/contract policing; Community-based mental health and substance use care; Opioids and harm reduction; Auto thefts; Crime prevention through social development; Community corrections; Federal and municipal roles and responsibilities regarding policing duties and funding Telecommunications and Technology: Telecommunications policies with regard to universal broadband access throughout Canadian communities, antenna tower and municipal rights-of-ways. Rural, remote and northern municipal issues: Federal policies and programs with regard to delivering infrastructure funding in rural, remote and northern communities, trade irritants effecting rural, remote and northern communities, the development and implementation of the northern strategy in the three territories and the development of a rural champion at the federal cabinet level. Municipal Finance and Intergovernmental Arrangements Revenue sharing with the federal and provincial governments: Federal policies and programs with regard to the payments in lieu of taxes (PILTs) system, intergovernmental partnerships, recognition of municipal governments contributions to economic growth, the fiscal imbalance between each order of governments revenues options and their responsibilities to provide services and programs to Canadians. Municipal Growth Framework. Municipal-aboriginal relations issues: Federal policies and programs with regard to municipal-aboriginal relations, resources to meet the needs of the aboriginal population living in municipalities, municipal consultation and communication regarding land management and additions to reserve. Urban and Rural Indigenous Housing; Municipal-aboriginal relations International municipal development; Canadian foreign policy with regard to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) funded programs overseas in various countries Guidelines for urban transit, intra and extra urban transit systems: Infrastructure and Transportation policy with regard to the development of guidelines, policy and dedicated funding for urban, intra and extra urban transit systems; Intercommunity bus; Aerodromes and airport