Charles Smith

Advancing biofuels policy and the benefits of biofuels for canola farmers, processors, and rural communities. Working to secure market access for Canadian canola products Working on sustainability and biodiversity policy as it relates to the Canadian canola industry and agriculture sector. Working on rail and labour policy as it relates to the movement and export of canola and canola products. Working on innovation policy to drive growth and investment in the Canadian canola industry. Supporting multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and the implementation of existing agreements to reduce tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers on canola and its products. Implementing a national water monitoring program that supports the environmental safety of plan protection products. Ensuring that the regulation of crop protection products and seed innovations are made using the best available science. Encouraging the development of an Agriculture Policy Framework that supports the competitiveness and growth of the canola sector, including support for the federal and shared funded programs through the Agricultural Policy Framework. Encouraging health/safety/environment approval framework for Plants with Novel Traits and plant breeding innovations that support innovation. Continue obtaining support to resolve market access issues and enhance canola utilization from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's "Agri-Marketing" Program. Continue obtaining support for federal and jointly funded research programs though the Agricultural Policy Framework such as the AgriScience Cluster. The Cluster is a partnership between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the canola industry to produce research that reduces production risk, improves yield, increases market demand and enhances focus on sustainability.

Working to secure market access for Canadian canola products Supporting multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and the implementation of existing agreements to reduce tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers on canola and its products. Implementing a national water monitoring program that supports the environmental safety of plan protection products. Expanding renewable content in diesel as part of Canada's Clean Fuel Standard and increasing the use of biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ensuring that the regulation of crop protection products and seed innovations are made using the best available science. Encouraging the development of an Agriculture Policy Framework that supports the competitiveness and growth of the canola sector, including support for the federal and shared funded programs through the Agricultural Policy Framework. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is the current policy framework for federal and provincial agricultural programs. Encouraging health/safety/environment approval framework for Plants with Novel Traits and plant breeding innovations that support innovation. Continue obtaining support to resolve market access issues and enhance canola utilization from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's "Agri-Marketing" Program. Continue obtaining support for federal and jointly funded research programs though the Agricultural Policy Framework such as the AgriScience Cluster. The Cluster is a partnership between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the canola industry to produce research that reduces production risk, improves yield, increases market demand and enhances focus on sustainability.

Housing and modular construction -- opportunities, policies/programs or legislations to increase the use of steel in housing. Sustainability; emissions reduction; transition to greener economy - material neutral procurement policies - considerations for circular economy, reuse and reduce Free and Fair Trade through: - Federal government enforcement and support of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) rulings for the benefit of Canadian companies and their employees - Increased penalties, boarder resources and enforcement to prevent trade circumvention - International and Canadian tariffs - CUSMA renegotiations Fair & Equitable Access for Canadian Companies to Canadian Infrastructure Construction Projects: - Minimum Canadian Content - Procurement Bid Balancing - Climate/carbon procurement - Procurement Reciprocity

Advocating for the inclusion of Canadian steel amounts in new, publicly funded manufacturing projects, and for responses to the US tariffs on the Canadian steel industry.

Advocate for streamlined approval for CUTRIC under feasibility planning streams of the Canada Public Transit Fund. Within Canadian Transportation Innovation & Industrial Development Strategy, Canada needs to identify a clear mandate for Alternative Propulsion & Smart Mobility Innovation focusing on mechanisms that create IP and new jobs in the low-carbon transportation innovation industry, building globally relevant large scale integration trials and industry-academic collaborations through innovation consortia for alternative propulsion and smart vehicle technologies in shared mobility systems applications (e.g. public transit and shared private fleets). This Strategy must include battery electric propulsion and charging systems (heavy-duty and light-duty; vehicular and rail-based), hydrogen fuel cell electric propulsion systems and fuelling systems (heavy-duty and light-duty; vehicular and rail-based), renewable natural gas propulsion and fuelling systems (heavy-duty and light-duty; vehicular and rail-based), and automated and connected vehicle systems for public fleet systems applied to heavy- and light-duty vehicles, including bus, coach, and rail. To present the Foreign Affairs, Commerce & Trade (FACT) Task Force, a multi-stakeholder working group established by the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC). Its purpose is to support Canada's transit manufacturing sector in navigating international trade challenges, particularly in light of recently imposed U.S. tariffs and anticipated Canadian countermeasures. The Task Force serves as a forum for manufacturers, suppliers, transit agencies, labour representatives, and academic experts to share insights, assess risks, and collaboratively develop policy recommendations. Its objective is to mitigate negative impacts on Canadian jobs, production capacity, and public mobility outcomes. The FACT Task Force advocates for tariff exemptions on transit-related goods and services, and for policy supports that protect domestic supply chains and sustain Canada's zero-emission transit goals. The Government of Canada must launch the development of a robust Canadian Transportation Innovation & Industrial Development Strategy. The Strategy would require a “hub” marriage between Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC), Innovation, Science and Industry and Environment Canada, and Transport Canada on the transportation innovation file. The Strategy should be launched with a federal Task Force with the support of Members of Parliament, mobility manufacturers, integrators, fleets/transit systems, and alternative fuel providers to generate programming aimed at future low-carbon smart mobility infrastructure integration, innovation and technological advancement in transportation. Support CUTRIC’s development of a Joint Procurement Initiative that improves transit by moving people more efficiently across Canada using the most cutting edge zero-emissions technology projects available worldwide. CUTRIC’s Joint Procurement Initiative will support the launch of zero emission buses CUTRIC across Canada, with a focus on the GTHA. Support CUTRIC’s application to ensure the federal government invests $10M in start-up seed financing for the development of a cutting edge (and publicly-controlled) ACES Big Data Trust (“Autonomous, Connected, Electric & Shared” Big Data Trust), which would ensure standardized data collection, aggregation, sharing and use for optimized decision-making for fleet procurements of electric, hydrogen electric, and autonomous, i.e. “smart”, transportation fleets across Canada. The ACES Big Data Trust will help to reduce taxpayer losses due to inefficient and unempirical procurement decision-making across Canada’s public fleets, by ensuring public fleet procurement bodies and agencies have access to the real-time, accurate, precise and immediately accessible performance data they need to hold manufacturers to acc

Renew CUTRIC's role as the Preferred Non Profit Provider of Planning Services under the Canada Public Transit Fund to provide feasibility studies and empirical analysis for transit agencies across Canada to advance their fleet decarbonizations. Launch Canadian Cybersecurity Innovation Initiative for Rail and Transit (CCIIRT) with funding of $50 million over eight years. The increasing digitalization of our transit systems offers numerous benefits to passengers and freight alike but it also presents growing cybersecurity risks which pose threats to transportation and national security. The CCIIRT addresses gaps in Canada's rail and transit cybersecurity by establishing a federal regulatory framework with mandatory compliance guidelines for transit operators and vendors. Establishing the need for the heavy duty transit manufacturing sector to have a seat at the table in Canada-US trade negotiations so that any renegotiation of CUSMA (Canada-US-Mexico Agreement) recognizes the jobs-at-risk within the Canadian manufacturing landscape. Positioning Canada’s North American-leading transit manufacturing sector (bus, coach, shuttle, rail and public mobility) at the heart of industrial policy mechanisms as part of the Canadian job growth strategy to benefit from support to manufacturing that other sectors and verticals will benefit from. Advocating to maintain and grow the Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) to at least $5 billion per year as part of Prime Minister Carney’s initiative to Build a Stronger Canada and based on key performance indicators associated with the Zero Emissions Transit Fund (ZETF). The Government of Canada must launch the development of a robust Canadian Transportation Innovation & Industrial Development Strategy. The Strategy would require a “hub” marriage between Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC), Innovation, Science and Industry and Environment Canada, and Transport Canada on the transportation innovation file. The Strategy should be launched with a federal Task Force with the support of Members of Parliament, mobility manufacturers, integrators, fleets/transit systems, and alternative fuel providers to generate programming aimed at future low-carbon smart mobility infrastructure integration, innovation and technological advancement in transportation. Recognize that the transition to zero-emissions transportation, including battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric transit, coach and rail systems, will require an energy “systems overhaul of entire fleets and infrastructural systems, meaning that incentives and funding programs designed and launched by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC), Environment, Climate Change Canada and/or Transport Canada will need to support coordinated energy systems integration efforts (i.e. both vehicle and fuelling ends of the equation) with consortia of partners to be effective, immediate and long-term from an economic sustainability standpoint. 1) Recognize that fleet adoption – specifically heavy duty vehicle fleet adoption in the public sector, including bus, coach and rail systems – offers more immediate and substantial emissions reductions opportunities for taxpayers compared to individual passenger car incentives over the next four year period. To present the Foreign Affairs, Commerce & Trade (FACT) Task Force, a multi-stakeholder working group established by the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC). Its purpose is to support Canada's transit manufacturing sector in navigating international trade challenges, particularly in light of recently imposed U.S. tariffs and anticipated Canadian countermeasures. The Task Force serves as a forum for manufacturers, suppliers, transit agencies, labour representatives, and academic experts to share insights, assess risks, and collaboratively develop policy recommendations. Its objective is to mitigate

Seeking the support and expansion of partnership opportunities between the federal government and post-secondary research institutions - specifically with regards to innovation and cyber-security. Providing clarity to government around some of the regulatory hurdles experienced by post-secondary institutions regarding foreign students, visas and immigration Ensure Northeastern Universities compliance in all upcoming regulations regarding international students.

Representations, comments and discussions regarding North American and international energy security, the integration of pipeline infrastructure and promotion of energy exports. Discussions include impacts on international trade and imposition of tariffs. Representations, comments and discussions on policies and regulations which encourage economic investment, job creation and pipeline capacity in Canada. Discussions regarding Canada’s competitiveness, including with respect to taxation, access to capital and taxation. Discussions regarding Indigenous engagement, consultation and partnerships. Communications regarding pipeline related matters and energy projects, such as project review timelines, pipeline safety and incident response and safety improvements.

Representations, comments and discussions on policies which encourage economic investment, job creation and pipeline capacity in Canada.

Ensure maximum consumer choice within EV purchase incentive programs while maintaining a fair and competitive marketplace and a focus on the government’s environmental objectives. Further ensure fair treatment of all manufacturers regarding program eligibility and the reimbursement of purchase incentives already issued to consumers on behalf of the Government of Canada by dealers. Tesla intends to participate in policy, regulatory and legislative consultations and processes that pertain to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, information security, sourcing and trade matters associated with: connected vehicles, automated vehicles, automated driving systems, electric vehicles, battery energy storage equipment, and factory equipment. Tesla will advocate for regulation, and where required legislation, that supports the homologation and safe deployment of Automated Driving Systems (ADS) in Canada. Engage with government and provide guidance with regard to policy responses to international trade practices, in an effort to protect Canada's battery and automotive sector, ensure the achievement of Canada's greenhouse gas reduction objectives. Engagement with government through consultations and meetings related to emissions standards, electric vehicle strategies and battery material supply chain with respect to the design of policy and regulatory frameworks to ensure: barriers to electric vehicle adoption are being addressed; an effective battery material supply chain for the North American industry is being established; effective and strong vehicle greenhouse gas standards are in place; and that attention is being paid to barriers facing the adoption of electric trucks. Tesla will encourage government departments and their agencies to establish or further enhance policies and programs that support the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Canada. In particular, for light duty vehicle charging in multi-unit residential properties, in dense urban settings, along remote corridors and at federal properties, including national parks. Heavy-duty freight electrification and supporting infrastructure in the logistics sector will also be a focus. Furthermore, Tesla will apply, from time to time, for infrastructure funding where eligible, through competitive merit-based funding application processes as they are issued by Natural Resources Canada. Engage with government and provide guidance with regard to the establishment and implementation of an effective electric vehicle strategy for Canada in a holistic manner, focused on demand and supply policy in the electric vehicle space. This includes providing recommendations to government with respect to addressing any policy, program and regulatory proposals which may impact market fairness and equality among automotive retailers or brands, or that may negatively impact subsets of consumers in Canada. This further includes providing recommendations to government in regard to transitioning some demand-side program funding streams from tax-base to revenue-neutral, non-tax and avoidable regulatory charges, while increasing access and providing program benefits to consumers interested in larger vehicle classes. The objective is to maximize greenhouse gas reduction benefits of these demand-side programs while also establishing the required supply-side policy to support demand-side goals, such as through strict light duty vehicle emissions regulation, zero emission vehicle standards or a combination of both. Engage Measurement Canada and other relevant departments in discussions about charging station metrology and fair billing practices with the intention of enabling EV charging station billing on an energy (kWh) basis.

Tesla will advocate for regulation, and where required legislation, that supports the homologation and safe deployment of Automated Driving Systems (ADS) in Canada. Tesla intends to participate in policy, regulatory and legislative consultations and processes that pertain to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, information security, sourcing and trade matters associated with: connected vehicles, automated vehicles, automated driving systems, electric vehicles, battery energy storage equipment, and factory equipment. Ensure maximum consumer choice within EV purchase incentive programs while maintaining a fair and competitive marketplace and a focus on the government’s environmental objectives. Further ensure fair treatment of all manufacturers regarding program eligibility and the reimbursement of purchase incentives already issued to consumers on behalf of the Government of Canada by dealers. Engage with government and provide guidance with regard to the establishment and implementation of an effective electric vehicle strategy for Canada in a holistic manner, focused on demand and supply policy in the electric vehicle space. The objective is to maximize greenhouse gas reduction benefits of these demand-side programs while also establishing the required supply-side policy to support demand-side goals, such as through strict light duty vehicle emissions regulation, zero emission vehicle standards or a combination of both. Engage with government and provide guidance with regard to policy responses to international trade practices, in an effort to protect Canada's battery and automotive sector, ensure the achievement of Canada's greenhouse gas reduction objectives. Engagement with government through consultations and meetings related to emissions standards, electric vehicle strategies and battery material supply chain with respect to the design of policy and regulatory frameworks to ensure: barriers to electric vehicle adoption are being addressed; an effective battery material supply chain for the North American industry is being established; effective and strong vehicle greenhouse gas standards are in place; and that attention is being paid to barriers facing the adoption of electric trucks. Engage Measurement Canada and other relevant departments in discussions about charging station metrology and fair billing practices with the intention of enabling EV charging station billing on an energy (kWh) basis. Tesla will apply, from time to time, for infrastructure funding where eligible, through competitive merit-based funding application processes as they are issued by Natural Resources Canada. Tesla will encourage government departments and their agencies to establish or further enhance policies and programs that support the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Canada. In particular, for light duty vehicle charging in multi-unit residential properties, in dense urban settings, along remote corridors and at federal properties, including national parks. Heavy-duty freight electrification and supporting infrastructure in the logistics sector will also be a focus.

Securing funding to expand CMHA programs, funding for mental health and mental health research Development of national standards for access to mental health services. Arranging meetings and outreach with public office holders to discuss mental health and addictions policy, service delivery, and programs.

Exploring options to allow for Consolidated Credit Canada to share its services with Canadians as a not-for-profit debt solution. Informing the Canadian government about consumer debt levels in the country. Advocating for Consolidated Credit Canada to ensure fair payment from federally regulated financial institutions.

Calling for further reform of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and relevant programs under its umbrella as part of its forthcoming review by ESDC and the Government of Canada Advocate for the introduction of an income-tested tax credit for low-income renters delivered monthly through the CRA to improve housing affordability and reduce food insecurity Advocate for the introduction of a federal food donation tax credit for agricultural products donated to charitable food programs. Ensuring all low-income Canadians have access to the Canada Child Benefit and that rates are indexed to inflation Call for implementation of Canada Disability Benefit as Federal Income Supplement Advocating for the realization of the right to housing, including increasing the supply of, and access to, affordable housing for low-income Canadians.

Employment and Social Development Canada, with regard to the Foreign Credential Recognition Program and funding for engineering accreditation projects. Housing and Infrastructure Canada, with regard to climate resiliency and the involvement of engineers in federal housing initiatives. The Major Projects Office and associated departments with regard to major projects established under federal legislation and the involvement of engineers. The Department of National Defence with regard to major defence procurement initiatives and the involvement of engineers. Women and Gender Equality Canada, with respect to new funding opportunities for gender equality programming as announced in Budget 2025. Global Affairs Canada, with respect to the role of professional licensure in established criteris for the express entry system. Budget and all subsequent budget implementation bils, with respect to new policies and programs that impact the engineering profession, including infrastructure funding and housing construction, as well as the promotion of engineering regulation within the federal public service and in federal procurement. Infrastructure funding, with respect to the scope of regulation of specified engineering work. Climate change policies and climate-related legislation, with respect to measures to improve climate adaptation and resilience and incentivize investment in new technologies. The National Research Council, with regard to the National Building Code and associated policy development initiatives for building and construction. The Official Languages Act, with respect to the implications of the Act for the federal procurement process according to PSPC policy notification 48R-1 and 48R-2 Natural Resources Canada with respect to the climate change adaptation and mitigation programs, development of standards and codes for adaptation of Canada's infrastructure towards the effects of climate change. Infrastructure funding, with respect to climate change resiliency, mitigation and adaptation. Housing policy, with respect to the creation of a Housing Design Catalogue and expanding support for prefabrication. Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act and other laws or regulations related to the employment of federal public servants, with respect to the licensure of professional engineers. Federal government funding and policy support for equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives Employment and Social Development Canada - Foreign Credential Recognition Program (FCRP) - with respect to the programs to improve the integration of international engineering graduates into the engineering profession and workforce in Canada Canadian Free Trade Agreement, regarding interprovincial labour mobility, including the specifications that regulatory bodies must meet under the CFTA and the scope of legitimate objections to labour mobility provisions, measures to streamline recognition for engineers and other regulated professionals.