Blake Desjarlais

Advocating for Canada to impose an immediate Arms Embargo on Israel using Canada's Special Economic Measures Act and for Canada to suspend the Canada-Israel Strategic Partnership and the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement given Israel's violations of international law in Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran. Changing the way the government applies the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to ensure Canada's migration regime is not engaging in systemic anti-Palestinian racism or Islamophobia. Pushing for reforms to the act to ensure it is consistent with international law and human rights. Ensuring Canada's migration streams are not based on anti-Palestinian racism or Islamophobia. Encouraging a whole-of-government approach to ending Canadian complicity in Israeli settlements. Ensuring Canada enforces its war crimes legislation. Stopping Canadian participation in the settlement economy through legislative options to stop the import of goods from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory and the end to real estate sales in Israeli settlements. Advocating repeal of the federal government’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. Advocating for increases to all development assistance in support of Palestine and in particular increased funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Advocacy for an immediate and unconditional recognition of the State of Palestine and for Canada to adopt a non-interventionist position on the internal politics of the state, Palestinian authority, PLO. For Canada to end military and policing ties to the Palestinian Authority. Adding anti-Palestinian racism to Canada's Federal anti-racism strategy. Ensuring Canada views settler colonialism as central to our analysis of racism and our anti-racism strategy. Ensuring our anti-racism programming respects political and civil rights of Palestinians, including Charter Rights. Ensuring Canadian policy does not suppress Palestinians right to speak on their experience of structural racism in Israel and Canada.

The overreliance of the federal government on the use of temporary help agencies, consultants and contracting out to agencies rather than using the talents, skills and expertise of indeterminant federal public service workers. The changes to the Public Service Superannuation Act which increased the retirement age for federal public service workers from 60 to 65 years as of 2013. Public-private partnerships and privatization/contracting out public government services and asset. Pay equity including improvements to pay equity legislation, and with respect to the Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act. Labour Program with respect to health and safety. Federal public service payroll and compensation systems including: Phoenix pay system; damages/compensation in connection with Phoenix pay system (including the taxability of such damages/compensation); all other matters related to Phoenix and pay; the development of a new generation pay system Federal public service group insurance benefit plans including; health and dental care benefits, disability insurance, and life insurance and how these benefits are administered. Federal pension law reform including rules and regulations with respect to solvency requirements, and protection against the conversion of defined benefit plans to target benefit plans. Enhancements and improvements to federal women's programs by Women and Gender Equality Canada, including the funding of women's advocacy groups. Also, engaging with the federal government on pay equity issues. Employment Insurance with respect to coverage, benefits, premiums and service delivery. Child care with respect to a national, publicly-funded child care system Changes to the Employment Equity Act, improving equity and inclusion within the public service and overall human rights application within places of work. Canada Post Corporation with regard to the privatization of Canada Post and with respect to the Canada Post Pension Plan. Canada Pension Plan/Québec Pension Plan: improvements, including in benefit levels and expansion of coverage. Anti-scab legislation and the Canada Labour Code in respect of replacement workers, minimum employment standards and health and safety.

Amend the policies within the Public Service Superannuation Act (PSSA) that determine when an individual may qualify for full benefits. Eligibility criteria was changed in the 2012 federal Budget for new participants as of January 1, 2013.

Seek ways for Metis Artists in British Columbia can participate in the diplomatic gifting program and ensure government buildings include metis art in their buildings. Negotiate revisions to the terms of reference for the Recognitions of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination table. Ensure the Government of Canada continues to engage Metis Nation British Columbia in advancing self government discussions. Additionally, provide updates to government officials on the research work being done across British Columbia to advance self government discussions. Seek adequate funding for housing, education, child services and cultural programs. Seek ways to participate and advance Metis Nation British Columbia housing priorities through Build Canada Homes. Seek opportunities and engagement on the development of the Major Projects Office. Additionally, ensure Metis business in British Columbia are included in the procurement opportunities that flow from Major Projects initiated in British Columbia. Seek understanding and adequate funding supports on programs that will help Metis women and LGBTQ community in BC. Understand what supports are available for adoption of digital governance and seek federal funding for updates and adoption of digital governance. Ensure the Indigenous Justice Strategy includes perspectives from the Metis Nation British Columbia. Ensure MNBC is included in the program delivery stream of the National School Food Program. Lead the negotiations for a self government agreement.

Advocating for upholding Canada's commitments to international human rights. Advocating for the protection of freedom of religion in Canada and with respect to the reasonable accommodation of religious observances. Advocating for stronger legislation to address hate crime and online hate. Advocating for policy initiatives related to combating Islamophobia and discrimination; Supporting various programs to protect fundamental freedoms in Canada. Advocating for policies to enhance the security and safety of Canadian Muslim communities and other at-risk communities given the rise in hate crimes; countering supremacist violent extremist groups

Clean electricity regulations and emissions cap Investing in Employment Insurance, care workers, unionized jobs and strong workplace standards Addressing the high cost of living and investing in affordable housing Implementation of universal pharmacare, dental care, long term care and mental health care Labour provisions in the Canada-Ecuador Trade Agreement and Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. The regularization of undocumented workers, update and possible next steps for the CLC Out-of-status Construction Workers in the GTA project Bill C-65, Canada Elections Act With interest in provisions that impact Third Parties and contributions to Third Parties Bill C-27, Digitial Charter Implementation Act - Part III of C-27 and the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and workers.

Meeting with Public Office Holders and elected officials for funding to increase capacity for First Nations police forces and the enforcement of First Nations laws. We will be meeting with elected officials and Designated Public Office Holders about First Nations police services and for programs supporting First Nation-led initiatives related to the legacy of residential schools, which requires funding support.

Meetings with Public Office Holders and elected officials for funding for First Nations environmental priorities and for policy changes to the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act.

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. 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; Affordable housing; Housing supply; Refugee and asylum seeker settlement; Housing Accelerator Fund; Reaching Home; Rapid Housing Initiative; Housing-enabling infrastructure; 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; Emergency preparedness and security measures: Emergency preparedness policies and programs with regard to the cost and implementation of emergency equipment and first responder support; Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund; Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA); Wildfire response; Flood mapping; 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. Federal infrastructure program funding, including (but not limited to) Infrastructure Canada Canada Community Building Fund; Infrastructure programs and funding; Permanent Public Transit Fund; Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) financing; Investing in Canada infrastructure Plan; Universal Broadband; Rural, remote and northern infrastructure; Telecommunications and Technology: Telecommunications policies with regard to universal broadband access throughout Canadian communities, antenna tower and municipal rights-of-ways. 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. 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 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 airports; Intra and extra urban transit systems; Municipal/railway proximity issues; Trade corridors; Shipping routes an

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

Discussing matters related to self-governance with elected officials and designated public office holders to amend MN-S's Agreement to ensure that s. 35 of the Constitution, 1982, is upheld as well as Treaty matters. Meeting with public office holders to discuss Bill C-53, An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan, to give effect to treaties with those governments and to make consequential amendments to other Acts. Discussing matters related to the revitalization of the Michif language and the memorialization of Métis Residential School Survivors. Discussing matters related to Métis housing, community infrastructure and mental health support in Saskatchewan.

Meeting with public office holders to discuss Bill C-53, An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan, to give effect to treaties with those governments and to make consequential amendments to other Acts

1. Ensure inclusion of diverse voices in the broadcasting system;