Chris Knipe

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

The Government of Canada must pass Bill C-395, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (public transit workers) which amends subsection 269.01 of the Criminal Code to strengthen penalties for assaults on transit workers and expands the current definition of transit operators to include all transit workers. MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT - ACTIVITY TO PROMOTE FEDERAL INVESTMENT IN MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS; INCLUDES PRE-BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSALS. The Government of Canada should establish an application-based transit safety and security fund that allots $75M/ year for two years. This will help support transit agencies with the specific expenditures needed to prevent, combat, and respond to safety and security incidents on their systems. Eligible costs can include staffing, training, station enhancements, public awareness and other safety and security measures identified by transit agencies. NATIONAL TRANSIT STRATEGY - DEVELOPMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE, INTEGRATED NATIONAL POLICY ON PUBLIC TRANSIT, INCLUDING ELEMENTS ADDRESSING FUNDING, LAND USE, RESEARCH, INCENTIVES AND ACCOUNTABILITY. DEDICATED FUNDING FOR URBAN PUBLIC TRANSIT - CAMPAIGN TO IMPLEMENT A DEDICATED PORTION OF FEDERAL FUNDING PROGRAMS SPECIFICALLY FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT PROJECTS; INCLUDES PRE-BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSALS.

The Government of Canada should establish an application-based transit safety and security fund that allots $75M/ year for two years. This will help support transit agencies with the specific expenditures needed to prevent, combat, and respond to safety and security incidents on their systems. Eligible costs can include staffing, training, station enhancements, public awareness and other safety and security measures identified by transit agencies. MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT - ACTIVITY TO PROMOTE FEDERAL INVESTMENT IN MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS; INCLUDES PRE-BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSALS. The Government of Canada must pass Bill C-395, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (public transit workers) which amends subsection 269.01 of the Criminal Code to strengthen penalties for assaults on transit workers and expands the current definition of transit operators to include all transit workers. NATIONAL TRANSIT STRATEGY - DEVELOPMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE, INTEGRATED NATIONAL POLICY ON PUBLIC TRANSIT, INCLUDING ELEMENTS ADDRESSING FUNDING, LAND USE, RESEARCH, INCENTIVES AND ACCOUNTABILITY. DEDICATED FUNDING FOR URBAN PUBLIC TRANSIT - CAMPAIGN TO IMPLEMENT A DEDICATED PORTION OF FEDERAL FUNDING PROGRAMS SPECIFICALLY FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT PROJECTS; INCLUDES PRE-BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSALS.

Tax exemption of employer-provided transit benefits: campaign to allow employers to provide employees with a transit benefit for the journey to work that would be exempted from income tax. National Transit Strategy: development of comprehensive, integrated national policy on public transit, including elements addressing funding, land use, research, incentives and accountability. Municipal infrastructure investment: activity to promote federal investment in municipal infrastructure projects; includes pre-budget recommendations and proposals. Dedicated funding for urban public transit: campaign to implement a dedicated portion of federal funding programs specifically for public transit projects; includes pre-budget recommendations and proposals. Seeking an amendment to the criminal code to strengthen penalties for assaults on transit workers and expand the current definition of transit operators to include all transit workers. Federal investment in public transit safety and security measures.

Promotion de l'avancement de la cybersécurité dans les transports publiques. Advocating for the rail sector in relation to changes to clean technology investment tax credit. Recherche de financement via le programme de fonds stratégiques pour l'innovation (FSI) afin d'offrir des solutions ferroviaires innovantes. Establishment or modification of appropriate regulations regarding trade. Research and Development funding for advanced manufacturing and developing mobility low to zero carbon technologies. Infrastructure projects related to transit systems, including rolling stocks and signalling. Establishment or modification of appropriate regulations regarding public transportation.

Advocating for Federal investment and public transit initiatives across Canada

Advocating for the federal government to support standards development as a means of supporting workforce development activities Advocating for support for standards development in sport sector such as safety, wellbeing, technology, sustainability, management, and infrastructure Advocating for federal support for CSA's work in artificial intelligence and cyber security. CSA has a suite of standards work in Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, ICT Code, Intelligent Building Systems and smart manufacturing. CSA is looking for government support through funding support and incorporation by reference of this suite of standards. Collaboration and funding support for the education, development and implementation of relevant codes and standards for the end use of clean fuels, such as for transportation, appliances and equipment, power generation, or industrial use. Collaboration and funding support for the education, development and implementation of relevant codes and standards for distribution and delivery of clean fuels, such as by pipeline or over-the-road transit, and for above-ground and underground storage. Collaboration and funding support for the education, developemnt and implementation of relevant codes and standards for production and generation of clean fuels, such as hydrogen (e.g., electrolysis and fuel processing), bioenergy (e.g., solid biomass, biogas, biomethane), carriers (e.g., ammonia, methanol), and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Discussion with representative(s) of Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regarding advisory services Collaboration, funding support, and referencing of standards and research related to fusion energy Discussion with representative(s) of Canada Energy Regulator and Natural Resources Canada regarding collaboration, funding support, advisory services, and referencing of research, standards, and education products related to oil and gas infrastructure safety and environmental management Collaboration and funding support related to small modular reactor and microreactor research, standards and education products. Advocating for the federal government to support standards development as a means of supporting the implementation of the National School Food Program. Advocating for the federal government to support standards development related to language testing for the purposes of immigration processing across streams (permanent residency, start-up visas, etc). Advocating for the federal government to support standards development as a means of supporting the implementation of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program. Advocating for the federal government to support standards development as a means of supporting Veterans by helping organizations become more Veteran-ready, both as employers and as service providers. Advocating for the federal government to support standards development as a means of supporting the effective management of international education and international students studying, or applying to study, in Canada. Seeking funding to develop standards in the agriculture and agri-food sector regarding topics such as science and technology, environmental/sustainability, labour. Seeking funding from source to be determined on possible funding for a new standard on cisterns for potable water. Seeking funding from source to be determined for the development of standards, and related product testing and certification programs, to support industry, that could potentially be regulated to enhance the safety and performance of medical grade personal protective equipment. Support for small to medium businesses looking to increase trade of their goods through CSA testing, certification or inspection services in collaboration with PrairiesCan. Seeking funding from Public Services and Procurement Canada for development of blast standard. Seeking funding from Health Canada for the Product Safety Project Committee. Seeking funding for Canadian Standards Association's facilit

Arranging meetings with Government of Canada officials to promote the benefit of Canadian Standards Association's standards.

To provide updates on energy projects pursued by MSIFN and to explore potential opportunities for collaboration with the Ministry of Energy. Outreach to area elected representatives to discuss concerns with consultation policies. Indigenous Services Canada - Seeking discussions with elected officials and their staff regarding funding for a water treatment plant on a First Nation. Discuss concerns over the activities of certain groups and individuals falsely claiming Indigenous heritage and status. Department of Justice - enforcement crisis on First Nations communities. First Nations either cannot enforce their laws or cannot do so without extraordinary steps such as private prosecutions. In practice, the real challenges for First Nations people are wide ranging and include limitations in controlling public health laws (evident during the COVID-19 pandemic), halt illegal dumping, or preventing drug dealers from trespassing on reserve. First Nations law enforcement needs support. Crown-Indigenous Relations - Addition to Reserve (ATR) policy with respect to plans to purchase land.

Transportation - long-term strategic transportation policy is required. International Trade - ensure that international trade agreements respect engineering services as a professional service, rather than a commodity. Infrastructure: The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada is advocating that a long-term sustainable infrastructure program be created to provide better value to taxpayers. In particular, funding for Infrastructure Canada and Public Works and Government Services Canada are of interest. Government Procurement - The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada is advocating that Treasury Board, government departments and agencies, change the policy by which it procures consulting engineering services. Use of Qualifications-Based Selection procurement policy is recommended. Economic Development - ACEC is looking to encourage government departments to develop infrastructure investment programs that will sustain and grow the expertise and capacity of the Canadian consulting engineering sector in order to make it more competitive and to provide long-term value to taxpayers. Budget - monitoring government infrastructure investment on behalf of ACEC members. This includes ongoing and new programs. Lobbying for a long-term and sustainable level of infrastructure funding that focuses on value term value rather than short term expenditures.

Taxation and Finance - ACEC is sharing information about the possible impacts of capital gains tax changes. Transportation - long-term strategic transportation policy is required. International Trade - ensure that international trade agreements respect engineering services as a professional service, rather than a commodity. Infrastructure: The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada is advocating that a long-term sustainable infrastructure program be created to provide better value to taxpayers. Government Procurement - The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada is advocating that Treasury Board, government departments and agencies, change the policy by which it procures consulting engineering services. Use of Qualifications-Based Selection procurement policy is recommended. Economic Development - ACEC is looking to encourage government departments to develop infrastructure investment programs that will sustain and grow the expertise and capacity of the Canadian consulting engineering sector in order to make it more competitive and to provide long-term value to taxpayers. Budget - monitoring government infrastructure investment on behalf of ACEC members. This includes ongoing and new programs. Lobbying for a long-term and sustainable level of infrastructure funding that focuses on value term value rather than short term expenditures.

The Council will advocate for policies, legislation, and regulations that foster a competitive environment for investment in Canada's infrastructure sector. The Council will advocate for procurement models that deliver infrastructure and services to Canadians by leveraging private capital and expertise. The Council will advocate for procurement models that deliver infrastructure and services to Canadians that consider the whole life cycle of the asset. The Council will advocate for procurement models that deliver infrastructure and services to Canadians that allocate the appropriate risk transfer to the party best suited to manage it.

Engage on issues related to procurement and procurement reforms – including the establishment of a Major Federal Project Office – and the need for consistency and centralized federal leadership in procurement. Engage on issues related to infrastructure investment and the need to focus on lifecycle models in federal infrastructure programs. Engage on Canada’s ongoing implementation of Excessive Interest and Financing Expenses Limitation (EIFEL) rules under the Income Tax Act.

Matters related to creating a policy framework that encourages federal fleets to use gaseous fuel vehicles Matters related to gaseous fuels as a source of energy and in the use of vehicles in Canada Matters related to environmental policy and specifically related to vehicle emissions. Including the proposed Clean Fuel Standard and various Engine Emissions Regulations Policies and regulations that support gaseous fuel vehicle use in Canada Matters and legislative proposals that will encourage research and development related to gaseous fueled vehicle use in Canada. Matters related to taxation of vehicle fuel and matters related to federal funding to government departments and other federal agencies supporting use of gaseous fuel vehicles. Including the excise tax on fuel and carbon pricing Matters related to supporting ongoing development of gaseous fuel vehicle technologies in Canada, including research and development, testing and deployment. Matters related to regulation of vehicles, including related regulations and policies that impact the operation of vehicles in Canada. Specific policies and regulations that support the use of gaseous fuels as a vehicle fuel in Canada. Including Marine Vessel Regulations, the Locomotive Regulations, and on road vehicle regulations Matters related to carbon pricing and funding for transit, municipal fleets and infrastructure and ports infrastructure. Funding to support alternative fuel vehicle delivery. Policy support for gaseous fuel vehicles. Matters related to enhancing support for use of gaseous fuel vehicles in federal-provincial infrastructure, transit and other related agreements and funding programs.

Policies and regulations that support gaseous fuel vehicle use in Canada Matters related to taxation of vehicle fuel and matters related to federal funding to government departments and other federal agencies supporting use of gaseous fuel vehicles. Including the excise tax on fuel and carbon pricing Matters related to supporting ongoing development of gaseous fuel vehicle technologies in Canada, including research and development, testing and deployment. Matters related to regulation of vehicles, including related regulations and policies that impact the operation of vehicles in Canada. Specific policies and regulations that support the use of gaseous fuels as a vehicle fuel in Canada. Including Marine Vessel Regulations, the Locomotive Regulations, and on road vehicle regulations Matters related to gaseous fuels as a source of energy and in the use of vehicles in Canada Matters related to environmental policy and specifically related to vehicle emissions. Including the proposed Clean Fuel Standard and various Engine Emissions Regulations Matters related to enhancing support for use of gaseous fuel vehicles in federal-provincial infrastructure, transit and other related agreements and funding programs. Matters related to creating a policy framework that encourages federal fleets to use gaseous fuel vehicles Matters related to carbon pricing and funding for transit, municipal fleets and infrastructure and ports infrastructure. Funding to support alternative fuel vehicle delivery. Policy support for gaseous fuel vehicles. Matters and legislative proposals that will encourage research and development related to gaseous fueled vehicle use in Canada.

Matters related to carbon pricing and funding for transit, municipal fleets and infrastructure and ports infrastructure. Funding to support alternative fuel vehicle delivery. Policy support for gaseous fuel vehicles. Matters related to gaseous fuels as a source of energy and in the use of vehicles in Canada Matters related to taxation of vehicle fuel and matters related to federal funding to government departments and other federal agencies supporting use of gaseous fuel vehicles. Including the excise tax on fuel and carbon pricing Matters related to enhancing support for use of gaseous fuel vehicles in federal-provincial infrastructure, transit and other related agreements and funding programs. Matters related to regulation of vehicles, including related regulations and policies that impact the operation of vehicles in Canada. Specific policies and regulations that support the use of gaseous fuels as a vehicle fuel in Canada. Including Marine Vessel Regulations, the Locomotive Regulations, and on road vehicle regulations Matters related to environmental policy and specifically related to vehicle emissions. Including the proposed Clean Fuel Standard and various Engine Emissions Regulations Policies and regulations that support gaseous fuel vehicle use in Canada Matters related to supporting ongoing development of gaseous fuel vehicle technologies in Canada, including research and development, testing and deployment. Matters and legislative proposals that will encourage research and development related to gaseous fueled vehicle use in Canada. Matters related to creating a policy framework that encourages federal fleets to use gaseous fuel vehicles

Transportation - long-term strategic transportation policy and trade corridors. Talent and Immigration- The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada is advocating for a review of immigration policies and processes to facilitate the global recruitment of specialized roles by consulting engineering firms that support innovation and infrastructure project delivery, as experienced engineers and technical specialists are critical for the delivery of complex projects. Additionally, delays in work permit processing for foreign students graduating from Canadian engineering programs and restrictions on Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility is limiting graduates. Additionally, caps on international students is impacting programs of engineering faculties and the capacity of the future talent pipeline. Major Projects: Coordinated and timely approval of major infrastructure and resource projects. Infrastructure: The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada is advocating that a long-term sustainable infrastructure programs be created to provide better value to taxpayers. In particular, funding for Communities and Infrastructure, Defence Construction Canada and Public Works and Government Services Canada are of interest. ACEC is also interested in the investment, delivery and renewal of Crown-owned infrastructure and real property assets. Unintended impact of bilingualism requirements on public procurement. International Trade - ensure that international trade agreements respect engineering services as a professional service, rather than a commodity. Government Procurement - The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada is advocating that Treasury Board, government departments and agencies, change the policy by which it procures consulting engineering services. Use of Qualifications-Based Selection procurement policy is recommended. Economic Development - ACEC is looking to encourage government departments to develop infrastructure investment programs that will sustain and grow the expertise and capacity of the Canadian consulting engineering sector in order to make it more competitive and to provide long-term value to tax-payers. Budget - monitoring government infrastructure investment on behalf of our members. This includes ongoing and new programs. Lobbying for a long-term and sustainable level on infrastructure funding that focuses on value term value rather than short term expenditures.

Communications with public office holders regarding funding programs which support infrastructure projects, research and development and training, and economic opportunities in the transportation and rail space. Policy and program recommendations regarding the government's priorities in transportation. Communications with public office holders regarding provision of consulting and operational services (solutions) for transportation infrastructure projects.