Charlene Budnisky

Engagement with the government of Canada on federal funding programs devoted to the development of technologies aimed at supporting online content regulation and consumer privacy protection. Engagement with government and parliamentarians on policies and programs impacting online digital platforms, more specifically on the regulation of online content and consumer privacy protection, such as Law C-18 ( the Online News Act, 2023), Law C-11 (the Online Streaming Act, 2023), Bill C-36 (amendments to the Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act to address hate propaganda, hate crimes and hate speech), as well as Bill C-27 (Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022).

The Online Streaming Act (formerly Bill C-11). Process and schedule for the CRTC consultations, concerns about unintended consequences of the Act, proposed amendments to the Act and issues surrounding Minister’s Direction to the CRTC pursuant to the Act. Engaging public office holders to understand Canada’s emerging policy approach to artificial intelligence, copyright, and the creation and use of digital replicas in music.

Position Canadian directors and storytellers as global ambassadors of cultural sovereignty and creative excellence through international partnerships and export programs. - Promote the visibility of Canadian directors and works at international markets and festivals. - Support mobility, co-production, and export opportunities for Canadian creative talent. - Advocate for the inclusion of directors’ authorship and cultural diplomacy objectives in international trade and cultural agreements. Ensure Canada’s screen industries remain globally competitive through tax incentives, fair labour practices, and investment in talent. Promote tax and financing mechanisms that encourage private investment in Canadian-owned intellectual property. Advocate for modernized funding models through Telefilm Canada, the CMF, and provincial agencies. Ensure that the evolution of AI and digital tools strengthens, not replaces, human creativity and artistic authorship. Advocate for a human-centred approach to AI governance that protects creators’ rights and preserves artistic integrity. Support clear rules for AI training, use, remuneration and attribution in audiovisual productions. Advance the recognition and protection of directors and screenwriters as primary authors of audiovisual works in Canadian law and international treaties. Support collective management and equitable remuneration for the use of Canadian audiovisual works worldwide. Defend creative and moral rights in digital environments and oppose any weakening of authorship or copyright protections. Strengthen Canada’s audiovisual and cultural ecosystem by ensuring that directors and creative authors are recognized, supported, and central to cultural policy. Advocate for sustained and equitable funding for Canadian feature films, scripted series, and documentaries. Support the implementation of the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11) in a way that ensures meaningful opportunities for Canadian creators and independent producers.

Communicating with government and other members of the House of Commons about Bill C-216 An Act to enact the Protection of Minors in the Digital Age Act and to amend two Acts Communicating with the Government of Canada about broadcasting policy, including the governing of online content. Communicating with the Government of Canada about Bill C-18, An Act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada, as it relates to obligations and opportunities Communicating with the government about Bill C-63, An Act to enact the Online Harms Act, to amend the Criminal Code, the Canadian Human Rights Act and An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide an Internet service and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts

Discussion of upskilling cyber security capabilities within the workforce of law enforcement to combat domestic and transnational crime. A conversation regarding AI-focused data centre infrastructure in Canada, including dedicated sovereign capacity, to retain economic value, strengthen domestic innovation capacity, and reinforce Canada’s position as a global AI leader. Introduction to the Rogers' Cybersecure Catalyst's mandate and scope of work across cybersecurity training, entrepreneurship, research, policy development, and public education for individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations of all sizes. Discussion to support robust government regulation to curb harmful content, with calls for measures addressing online harms such as removing child sexual abuse material, labelling AI-generated content, and increasing parental controls. Discussion regarding the development of an AI Intelligence Unit to supplement the work of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology Measurement Program (TechStat) Briefed about community based seniors services sector. Discussed Aging with Dignity bilateral agreements. Suggested amendments on Bill C-16 about coercive control to include non-intimate partner relationships (relatives and caregivers) to ensure equal protection for older adults. Email with an endorsed letter supporting TMU's National Institute on Aging's proposal for amending the Canadian Pension Plan to implement a Pension Delay Guarantee policy Conversation about TMU's Creative School and the implications of Artificial Intelligence and workforce development, SME adoption, applied research, and sector-wide innovation in the creative sector Conversation about TMU's National Institute on Aging's proposal for amending the Canadian Pension Plan to implement a Pension Delay Guarantee policy Discussion about the innovation economy, emerging technology, and business adoption with government leaders as part of the Innovative Economy table with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Discussion of National Cyber Strategy and its integration with specific needs for small and medium businesses related to workforce development Discussion of cyber capacity building in Indo-Pacific Region and Latin America Conversation about innovation in housing as a follow-up to funding that was received from Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario for the Centre for Housing Innovation Conversation regarding the development and adaption dual-use technology Conversation about IP Clinic Program, specifically regarding client and student experiences within the program and about Canada’s IP landscape. Conversation with FedDev ON to discuss a funding proposal for building national defence capacity and a discussion about programming to include supporting ON based SMBs to position themselves to sell into Canadian defence supply chains Discussion to introduce the Diversity Institute and it's work to the policy team at WAGE Conversation about the Industrial Research Program with the new advisor to help with advice, connections, and to help with Canadian small and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity. Discussion about a potential project at TMU's School of Engineering Discussing artificial intelligence, adoption, and impacts on workforce skills/labour market. Conversation about veteran transition and mental health initiatives that the university offers Conversation about financial literacy and tax education research Conversation about arctic and northern community research Conversation about workforce development to drive innovation and collaboration in the labour market by developing digital solutions and fostering partnerships that enhance connectivity and inclusivity and creating Northern Ontario partnerships Conversation about the modernization of student financial aid and digital inclusion Discussion about school of medicine and health force expansion Conversation around capital funding and student housing Conversation about primar