Brett Szmul

Impact of work stoppages in Canadian supply chains. Implementation of Transportation Modernization Act including development of regulations relating to transportation data reporting; amendments to shipper remedies; response to recommendations of the National Supply Chain Task Force; response to Transport Canada internal rail freight review. governance and regulation of ports and port charges - Canada Marine Act, Canada Transportation Act

Regulations, policies and programs to support chain efficiency and resiliency in Canada. Discussing with government the Canadian Transportation Act with respect to potential changes that have a direct impact on rail/trucking transportation along with port activities. Discussing with government the Shipping Conference Exemption Act - in Budget 2023 released on March 28, 2023 the federal government committed to launching a review of SCEA to improve marine shipping competition. Discussing with government review of the Canadian Transportation Act and impact on both domestic and international trade. Discussing with government the Rail Passenger Priority Act - this enactment amends the Canada Transportation Act to require that railway companies give priority to passenger rail service over the movement of freight and to provide for administrative monetary penalties for contraventions of this requirement. Discussing with government the Ports Modernization Review - increased accountability of Canadian Port Authorities is required, including introducing potential regulations to challenge excessive fees, charges, common use of the facilities, and protect users from unfair competition by the port against its tenants. Discussing with government Bill C-49, Transportation Modernization Act with respect to potential changes that have a direct impact on rail/trucking transportation along with port activities.

Federal policies that unlock public land for affordable housing by providing incentives for land trusts and private developers to acquire it at below-market rates, ensuring its dedicated use for affordable housing. That the government develop a National Workforce Strategy that features support to expand pre-apprenticeship programs to support the creation of a complete pipeline of talent into the construction workforce. Pursue federal investment in Blue Door's enterprise training model to facilitate housing creation, skills development, and homelessness reduction. Engage government on skills training for newcomers to Canada and the country's existing workforce. That the government make Blue Door a key partner in establishing a Skilled Trades Talent Hub in the 905 area, in the style of the Workforce Hubs created by the Biden administration across the United States.

Federal policies that unlock public land for affordable housing by providing incentives for land trusts and private developers to acquire it at below-market rates, ensuring its dedicated use for affordable housing. Engage government on skills training for newcomers to Canada and the country's existing workforce. That the government develop a National Workforce Strategy that features support to expand pre-apprenticeship programs to support the creation of a complete pipeline of talent into the construction workforce. Pursue federal investment in Blue Door's enterprise training model to facilitate housing creation, skills development, and homelessness reduction. That the government make Blue Door a key partner in establishing a Skilled Trades Talent Hub in the 905 area, in the style of the Workforce Hubs created by the Biden administration across the United States.

That the government make Blue Door a key partner in establishing a Skilled Trades Talent Hub in the 905 area, in the style of the Workforce Hubs created by the Biden administration across the United States. That the government develop a National Workforce Strategy that features support to expand pre-apprenticeship programs to support the creation of a complete pipeline of talent into the construction workforce. Pursue federal investment in Blue Door's enterprise training model to facilitate housing creation, skills development, and homelessness reduction. Federal policies that unlock public land for affordable housing by providing incentives for land trusts and private developers to acquire it at below-market rates, ensuring its dedicated use for affordable housing. Engage government on skills training for newcomers to Canada and the country's existing workforce.

To seek funding and educate government officials and members on the importance of a fully funded national men's and boys' health strategy, including the need for early intervention and prevention measures, and mental health support for skilled trades workers. To educate elected officials about how non-government organizations can be used to encourage the public to undertake greater preventative and proactive care, which will result in the easing of pressure on the healthcare system.

To identify government funding opportunities that are available for charitable organizations that have a mandate to encourage Canadians to undertake their own preventative and proactive healthcare measures. The Canadian Men's Health Foundation (CMHF) aims to seek funding and support for its program so that skilled labourers across Canada can access CMHF offered services. To develop and educate government officials and members on the importance of a National Men's Health Strategy. Ensuring the workforce across Canada and throughout major industry projects is supported. To educate elected officials about how non-government organizations can be used to encourage the public to undertake greater preventative and proactive care, which will result in the easing of pressure on the healthcare system.

Strengthening workforce pathways into green construction, building retrofit, clean energy, and other climate-aligned sectors critical to Canada's economic and environmental objectives. LEC is seeking $500,000 per year, over 5 years through Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to support the delivery and scaling of these workforce pathways. Expanding pathways that improve recruitment, retention, and advancement for women pursuing careers in skilled trades, construction, and infrastructure sectors. LEC is seeking $500,000 per year, over 5 years through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) to support the expansion of women-focused skilled trades access and retention pathways. Delivering labour-aligned worker transition supports for workers affected by economic disruption, technological change, labour market restructuring, and barriers to workforce participation. LEC is seeking $500,000 per year, over 5 years through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and related workforce transition initiatives to support the delivery and scaling of this model.

Delivering labour-aligned worker transition supports for workers affected by economic disruption, technological change, labour market restructuring, and barriers to workforce participation. Launch an LEC-led pilot program funded by the Foreign Credential Recognition Program to help newcomers prepare for skilled trades certification and employment. Position LEC as a lead delivery partner in the National Workforce Strategy to develop Skilled Trades Talent Hubs serving racialized, newcomer, youth, and women-led communities

Launch an LEC-led pilot program through Intergovernmental affairs to help with interprovincial skilled trades certification and employment. Position LEC as a lead delivery partner in the National Workforce Strategy to develop Skilled Trades Talent Hubs serving racialized, newcomer, youth, and women-led communities Launch an LEC-led pilot program funded by the Foreign Credential Recognition Program to help newcomers prepare for skilled trades certification and employment. Include LEC in Build Canada Homes to lead modular housing workforce development and co-create micro-credentials for prefabrication technologies.

Potential impact of trade issues on audiovisual industry Legislation and policy that supports the regulation of artificial intelligence, notably in protection of performers, and including, but not limited to, moral rights for performers. Policies around the procurement of advertising services using unionzed workers Participate in development of, introduction of, and amendments to the Broadcasting Act through the expected re-introduction of a modernization bill, with specific respect to the use of Canadian talent, Canadian ownership in the broadcasting system, and future regulation of online undertakings. Amendments to the Copyright Act relating to moral rights for performers

Detail title: Bill S-206 - National Framework for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income Aspects that are the object of the lobbying: Supporting Bill S-206, An Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income, with respect to ensuring that the framework considers the economic circumstances of professional performers and other self-employed, contract and intermittent workers in Canada's cultural sector. Title: International Mobility Program and Business Visitor Provisions for Performers in Commercial and Audiovisual Production Description: ACTRA is seeking to better understand how the International Mobility Program - including the C-14 significant benefit work permit exemption (IRPR R205(a)) for film and television production workers - and the business visitor exemption (IRPR R186(a)) are applied, consulted on, and monitored as they relate to international performers working in Canada's audiovisual sector, with particular focus on commercial and advertising production. ACTRA is exploring whether existing consultation practices and regulatory thresholds appropriately balance Canada's interest in facilitating international productions and skilled talent mobility with protecting work opportunities for Canadian performers. Title: Labour protections for performers in digital and AI-mediated productions Description: Federal labour policy and labour standards as they apply to performers working in digital, online, and artificial intelligence-mediated productions, including collective bargaining protections, enforceability of performer rights, and measures addressing precarious work and non-traditional production models in the screen-based industries. Title: International trade negotiations affecting Canada's audiovisual and cultural sector Description: Government of Canada positions in international trade negotiations and reviews, including Canada-United States discussions and the CUSMA review process, as they relate to cultural policy measures, broadcasting regulation, online streaming obligations, and the economic impact on employment and production in Canada's audiovisual sector. Title: Federal procurement standards for advertising and communications production Description: Federal government procurement policies and contracting practices for advertising and communications services, including the application of performer labour standards, requirements for union-covered productions, and ethical procurement expectations for the use of performers and creative services in government-funded advertising and public communications. Title: Use of copyrighted performances in artificial intelligence training and generative AI systems Description: Amendments to Canada's Copyright Act and related policy measures regarding the use of copyrighted performances and audiovisual works in the training and operation of artificial intelligence systems, including requirements for consent, compensation, and recognition of performers' moral rights, as well as protections against unauthorized reproduction, voice cloning, and synthetic performances. Title: Federal artificial intelligence governance framework and performer rights protections Description: Development of the Government of Canada's artificial intelligence policy and regulatory framework, including the forthcoming national AI strategy, with respect to consent requirements for the use of performers' name, image and likeness, digital identity protections, reputational harm, takedown and enforcement mechanisms, and accountability obligations for AI systems that generate or replicate performances. Copyright legislation – Updating Canada's Copyright Act to implement the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright and Audio Visual Treaties and deal with threats from unchecked generative artificial intelligence to performers' livelihoods. Bill C-27 with respect to artificial intelligence and future regulations to protect the rights of Canadian performers from its misuse

Participate in development of, introduction of, and amendments to the Broadcasting Act through the expected re-introduction of a modernization bill, with specific respect to the use of Canadian talent, Canadian ownership in the broadcasting system, and future regulation of online undertakings. Potential impact of trade issues on audiovisual industry. Policies around the procurement of advertising services using unionized workers Legislation and policy that supports the regulation of artificial intelligence, notably in protection of performers, and including, but not limited to, moral rights for performers. Amendments to the Copyright Act relating to moral rights for performers

Call for the harmonization of core workplace safety regulations across provinces and territories. Create a National Council for Safety Harmonization, a voluntary forum for provinces, regulators, and safety professionals to align rules, clarify terminology, and streamline competency requirements.

Engage the Department of National Defence on upskilling and retraining of personnel. Align new post-graduate work permit restrictions to provincial labour market needs, and ensure that colleges have sufficient lead time to put new credit programs in place to provide the training required. Work with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to discuss international student visa processing times and the need to expand the Student Direct Stream. Engage with government officials regarding skills training opportunities under the Skills for Success, Sectoral Workplace Solutions, and Just Transition programs. Engage Innovation, Science, and Industry Canada and PrairiesCAN to expand the AI Pathways Partnership project to develop capacity at NorQuest for learning surrounding AI and upskill learners. Engage in discussions regarding health human resources to identify opportunities to expand training and employment for Indigenous and newcomer health care providers. Engage Indigenous Services Canada in discussions regarding funding opportunities for Indigenous students in Alberta seeking academic upgrade. Engage Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada to expand the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Encourage flexibility in learning modalities to qualify for post-graduation work permits. Access federal funding for newcomer settlement services.

Exploring a potential partnership for the SSHRC Policy and Innovation Grant. Engage the Department of National Defence on upskilling and retraining of personnel. To engage with government toward adoption of Recognized Institutions Framework. Align new post-graduate work permit restrictions to provincial labour market needs, and ensure that colleges have sufficient lead time to put new credit programs in place to provide the training required. Work with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to discuss international student visa processing times and the need to expand the Student Direct Stream. Engage with government officials regarding skills training opportunities under the Skills for Success, Sectoral Workplace Solutions, and Just Transition programs. Engage Innovation, Science, and Industry Canada and PrairiesCAN to expand the AI Pathways Partnership project to develop capacity at NorQuest for learning surrounding AI and upskill learners. Engage in discussions regarding health human resources to identify opportunities to expand training and employment for Indigenous and newcomer health care providers. Engage Indigenous Services Canada in discussions regarding funding opportunities for Indigenous students in Alberta seeking academic upgrade. Engage Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada to expand the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Encourage flexibility in learning modalities to qualify for post-graduation work permits. Access federal funding for newcomer settlement services.

Seeking to influence the design and funding allocation of the Settlement Program and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC). Advocacy focuses on securing sustainable multi-year funding for language training, digital literacy for newcomers, and employment-related settlement services that align with the NorQuest 2030 goal of creating inclusive pathways for newcomers into the Alberta workforce. Seeking ongoing grant funding and through other funding mechanisms to support applied research conducted by colleges, specifically through the College and Community Innovation Program (CCIP) and Tri-Council funding. Seeking federal partnerships and service agreements with Correctional Service Canada (CSC) to address gaps in inmate education. Advocacy focuses on delivering foundational literacy, high school equivalency (CAEC), and vocational training within federal institutions to equip offenders with marketable skills for successful community reintegration and reduce recidivism. Advocacy will also include pursuing grants and other funding to enable NorQuest to serve as an educational provider within the Federal correctional system in Alberta. Participation in policy discussions regarding federal support for work-integrated learning, practicums, and co-op placements to bridge the gap between education and employment. This includes opportunities to access grants or other funding mechanisms, which would enable NorQuest College to upskill and reskill unemployed and underemployed individuals. Discussions regarding the development and expansion of skills training programs to address ongoing labour market shortages and challenges. Advocacy will include the exploration of funding and grant mechanisms, existing or other new, which may support the increase in NorQuest College's ability to provide workforce-relevant skills training and wrap-around supports. Advocacy related to reconciliation efforts, including opportunities to increase access to adult education (academic upgrading and post-secondary programs) for Indigenous learners in Alberta. Seeking increases in funding via the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) or Post-Secondary Partnership Program (PSPP) funding streams. Advocacy for the development of tailored settlement services and employment bridging programs specifically designed for the families of CAF members and veterans. This includes seeking federal partnerships to provide military spouses and dependents with access to language training, career coaching, and community integration resources. Advocacy will include pursuing potential grants and other funding sources to enable the creation and operation of these activities at NorQuest College. Engaging with Veterans Affairs Canada to enhance the delivery of Career Transition Services (CTS) through community colleges. Focus is on securing funding and building awareness to ensure veterans can successfully navigate the shift from operational service to the Alberta and Canadian labour markets. Seeking federal support and program alignment to facilitate the recognition of military qualifications (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) into civilian credentials. Advocacy includes seeking funding through the Education and Training Benefit for veterans and the Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Plan (NCMSTEP) to support rapid upskilling of CAF members into high-demand civilian sectors. Advocacy and engagement regarding international student study permits, work-integrated learning for international learners, and policies that facilitate global market presence for Canadian colleges. Advocacy for investment in next-generation digital ecosystems and AI integration within community colleges to ensure a future-ready workforce.

Tax policy affecting philanthropy, small business innovation and post-secondary institutions; tax benefits and credits for apprentices; tax benefits and credits for employers. Participate in all relevant policy discussions and consultations about academic research funding, business innovation and applied research; how businesses, non-profits and other enterprises benefit from innovation supports from academic institutions/polytechnics. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, College and Community Innovation Program; tri-council structure and funding; eligibility of polytechnics and colleges for research funding and research support; Horizon Europe and opportunities for polytechnics to engage in international research partnerships. Highly skilled workforce; in-demand occupations. Supports, programs and policies designed to boost innovation and productivity; technology adoption; respond to skills needs; polytechnics and colleges as innovation intermediaries. Student housing; funding to support equipment purchase for training in high-demand fields, infrastructure programs geared to the post-secondary sector. Respond to consultations and advocate for change to international student policy; consider how polytechnics/colleges support inward and outward student mobility; consider international best practices for workforce development and applied research; better integration of newcomers through credential recognition, prior learning recognition and upskilling. Participate in all relevant policy discussions about skills training and work-integrated learning; upskilling and reskilling policies, programs and funding; apprenticeship training, attraction, retention and completion, including on federal projects. Adequate financial support for learners through the Canada Student Loan Program and other student-centered programs; Edu-Canada marketing and branding initiatives. Participate in all relevant policy discussions and consultations related to productivity, business innovation, technology adoption and artificial intelligence. Seeking funding for the activities of polytechnics and colleges in areas including workforce development, applied research and infrastructure/equipment. Canada Foundation for Innovation - Seek ongoing infrastructure support for the applied research conducted by colleges and Polytechnics.

The client aims to spread awareness of its projects and education programs throughout the government by holding meetings with officials to discuss academic and financial opportunities for Ontarians in industries including education, training, financial services etc. More specifically, the organization aims to discuss opportunities that focus on aiding new Ontarians to find careers in business, health care or technology.

Blue Branch is seeking funding opportunities for utilizing labour mobility to strengthen workforce development in critical mineral projects. Engaging federal departments to seek further information and funding opportunities to continue moving Internationally Educated Health Care Professionals into rural and remote communities through a labour mobility approach. Blue Branch is looking to help tackle the labour crisis by connecting skilled workers with employers using “supercommuting,” a model that encourages workers to travel for work for stints of time while not forcing them to uproot their lives. In an effort to increase the uptake of labour mobility and facilitate the movement of workers, Blue Branch is seeking to work with government to address barriers such as housing, skilled trade shortages, and construction.