Christopher Johnstone
Assistant Deputy Minister, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)·2 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Moderna Biopharma Canada
2The governments Pandemic Preparedness Strategy as it relates to the corporations future operations in Canada Health Canada and Public Services and Procurement Canada policies regarding the development, procurement, and distribution of Modernas COVID-19 vaccine to various segments of the population, including future distribution models Government policies regarding innovation, research and development, and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) biotechnology
Pfizer Canada ULC
2Advocacy on the creation of the Health Emergency Readiness Canada (HERC) Agency Contribution to the Government Public consultations on Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement to inform Canadas priorities in preparation for the first joint review of CUSMA by Canada, the United States and Mexico in 2026 and ahead of Canadas chairing of the 5th meeting of the CUSMA Free Trade Commission, in 2025. Advocacy on the proposed Regulations Amending the Patent Rules and Certain Regulations Made Under the Patent Act which were published for consultation in Canada Gazette Part I (CGI) on May 18, 2024.1 Share concerns with Canadas implementation of a patent term adjustment (PTA) system that is not compliant with its trade obligations, as it does not provide a meaningful remedy to patentees who are impacted by unreasonable patent office delays. The Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Innovation Agenda for the life sciences sector: policy or program initiatives to support life science research and development conducted in Canada and manufacturing capability. Regulations, policies and programs related to the reimbursement recommendations decision-making process and framework done by the Canadian Drug Agency as well as the review times and processes conducted by Health Canada for the purpose of obtaining a notice of compliance. Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations and the related proposed guidelines. Monitoring and engaging the Government and Parliamentarians on the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Accounts (PACP) motion related to the discloser on vaccine contracts Monitoring and engaging the Government and Parliamentarians on policies and programs related to Canada's life sciences & biomanufacturing strategy Monitoring and engaging on the Governments commitment to create a national strategy for rare diseases; the Canadian Drug Agency; and C64, An Act to Implement pharmacare. Health Canadas policies, program and guidelines related to the management, prevention, mitigation and notification of drug shortages Federal Public Drug Plans, with respect to the reimbursement of therapeutic products for Federal plan beneficiaries Engage the Federal Government on Health Canadas Regulatory Innovation Agenda (Agile Licensing Modernization) to discuss opportunities for further harmonization; flexibility and predictability in the new regulatory framework being develop and its linkage to pillar 5 of the Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy. Discussions on the procurement of a COVID19 vaccine and therapy Discussions around the World Trade Organization consideration of a TRIPS Patent Waiver and the World Health Organization pandemic treaty proposal Consider amendments to the Food and Drugs Act, or the Export and Imports Permits Act (Export Control List) or any other legislative and regulatory means in order to protect the Canadian supply of drugs in light of potential importation legislation in the United States. Advocacy to maintain and increase funding for the National Immunization Strategy and discussions on vaccine procurement.
AbbVie
1Communications regarding opportunities to speed patient access to live-saving medicines on publicly-funded drug formularies in Canada by reducing red tape. Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED)'s Health Emergency Readiness program, insofar as it pertains to growth and development of the life sciences industry in Canada. Communication regarding free trade agreements as they relate to the biopharmaceutical industry. The pan Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) with respect to public formulary listing of new medicines, insofar as the federal government is a participating jurisdiction and holds a seat on the Board of Directors. Public Health Agency of Canada, regarding the federal response to the hepatitis C virus. Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) Guidelines with regard to prices charged by Rights Holders for patented medicines sold in Canada. Federal Government Non Insured Health Benefits program with respect to reimbursement of a prescription medicine and changes in type of reimbursement Engagement with Health Canadas Regulatory Operations & Enforcement branch regarding supply chain resilience & integrity; mitigating and alleviating drug shortages. Communications with Heath Canada regarding modernization of the medical devices regulatory framework. Communications with Health Canada regarding the evolution of the regulatory framework to address advanced therapeutic products. Communications with Health Canada regarding the application of its nitrosamine guidelines. Communications with Health Canada regarding modernization of clinical trials regulations, including diversity and inclusivity of clinical trials. Communications with Health Canada regarding guidelines for pediatric action plans. Communications regarding the value assessment of new medicines by Canada's Drug Agency (CDA) and the design of proposed new work streams, insofar as the federal government is a funder and holds a seat on the Board of Directors. Communications regarding the design and implementation of the federal Drugs for Rare Diseases strategy. Communications regarding national pharmacare legislation, regulations, policies or programs. Communications regarding intellectual property protection of prescription drugs, including the Patent Act, the Patented Medicines Regulations, the Patented Medicine Notice of Compliance (PMNOC) Regulations, the Patent Term Adjustment regime and Health Canadas Data Protection regime. Communications regarding Health Canada's Regulatory Innovation Agenda regarding proposed regulatory amendments and guidelines to enable agile licensing of drugs and medical devices. Communications regarding access to and approval of medicines addressing the growing public health threat of antimicrobial resistance.
AstraZeneca Canada
1Through Innovation, Science & Industry discuss opportunities to enhance the Canadian life sciences sector including, biomanufacturing, partnerships, R&D investments. The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) negotiations with respect to biopharmaceuticals and intellectual property right protection. Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program with regard to expansion of eligible expenditures to recognize the impact on innovation and the research and development (R&D) investment by the pharmaceutical industry in Canada. Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy with regard to ensuring that the implementation of that strategy encourages a public policy environment that attracts business investment in innovation and enhances the ability of Canadian industry to compete internationally. Representation with Ministry of Health and Public Service Procurement Canada to achieve emergency approval, procurement and utilization of the AZD1222 vaccine (Covishield) and long-acting antibody (LAAB) combination AZD7442 to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Public policy issues related to Health Canada's review of NCE Patented Medicines Price Review Board (PMPRB) with regard to ensuring that PMPRB Guidelines, Policies and Procedures reflect PMPRB mandate to ensure that prices charged for patented medicines in Canada are not excessive and that potential changes consider impact to the pharmaceutical industry. Patented Medicines (Notice Of Compliance) Regulations with regard to ensuring that Canada's intellectual property (IP) laws and regulations are internationally competitive and continue to provide a stable and predictable business environment to encourage continued pharmaceutical investment in Canada. Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) with regard to ensuring guidelines also provide incentives for innovation through research and development in addition to PMPRB mandate of protection from excessive prices. National Pharmaceutical Strategy (NPS) with regard to ensuring development or implementation of any policies or programs include consultations with all affected stakeholders and focus on bettering access to medicines for Canadians. Cost Recovery Initiative, ensuring a framework where user fees adequately fund a safe and efficient review process. Canada's Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan with regard to ensuring that patient safety is a priority in a modern, efficient and internationally harmonized regulatory system that must be evidence-based, efficient and continuous while supporting timely access to innovative medicines and vaccines for Canadians, protecting intellectual property rights and preserving competitive research advantage. Canada's Access to Medicines Regime (CAMR) with regard to ensuring that the program allows for the delivery of timely access to needed medicines to the developing world supported by a business climate in Canada that continues to encourage research into further treatment and prevention of disease. Blueprint for Renewal with regard to ensuring a modern, efficient and internationally harmonized regulatory system that must be evidence-based, efficient and continuous while supporting timely access to innovative medicines and vaccines for Canadians, protecting intellectual property rights and preserving competitive research advantage.
Calgary Chamber of Commerce
1Communicated the need to secure infrastructure funding for Werklund Centre Transformation (WCT) initiative. Communicated the need for federal support of high-speed rail development between Edmonton and Calgary to enhance regional connectivity and improve transportation efficiency within Alberta. In regards to Canada's electricity framework, communicated that Albertas electricity sector is distinct within Canada, operating as a private and deregulated market that relies on attracting sustained capital investment. Communicated that this unique structure should be appropriately considered in the development of new federal regulatory frameworks. Discussed the importance of a unified cross-Canada approach to supporting Albertas long term economic competitiveness and investment climate. Emphasized the need for a cooperative federalism approach that delivers predictable policy, strengthens collaboration, and demonstrates that provincial-federal cooperation can effectively respond to regional economic priorities. General communication with the government regarding defense procurement opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises. Communication with the government to discuss trade diversification generally, including free trade agreements, Canada-United-States-Mexico Agreement, and opportunities for growth in international markets. Communicating with the government regarding the development of trade-enabling infrastructure to facilitate inter-provincial and international trade Communicating with the government regarding the industrial carbon pricing framework. Communicating with the government regarding the impacts of the Climate Competitiveness Strategy 5. General communication on housing initiatives and agency coordination. 3. Engaging with the federal government on the proposed Regulatory Framework for an Oil and Gas Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap within the context of the Alberta-Canada MOU, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach that supports emissions reduction while maintaining national economic competitiveness and investment in Albertas energy sector. 1. General communication on the Alberta-Canada MOU as an important step towards unlocking investment and strengthening long term growth in Canada General communication regarding impact to Canadian businesses as a result of international and national trade and trade barriers, including tariffs. General communication with government regarding talent, labour and workforce development to support Canadian businesses. General communication with government regarding international and interprovincial trade challenges or opportunities facing Canadian businesses. General communication with government regarding the importance of fiscal prudence, red tape reduction and competitiveness. Communication with the federal government regarding issues of safety and crime, in particular around prevention to support businesses in Canada. General communication regarding affordability concern for Canadian businesses. General communication with the Federal Government inquiring about opportunities to support Calgary Chamber of Commerce programming to support businesses, particularly small business. General communication with respect to initiatives and policies that impact Calgary's business community, both positively and negatively, relative to other jurisdictions. General communication with respect to climate and decarbonization policies and Canada's competitiveness relative to other jurisdictions. Communicating with the government regarding the feasibility and impacts of the proposed "Regulatory Framework for an Oil and Gas Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap". Specifically, communication detailed that the proposed emissions cap would negatively impact economic sectors across Canada. Communicating with the government regarding the feasibility and impacts of the proposed "proposed Clean Electricity Regulations", including the 'What We Heard Report' released February 16, 2024. Speci
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
1CYBER SECURITY - Encourage the government to invest in cybersecurity innovation, talent, and infrastructure; modernize research and development; accelerate commercialization in the space; support the secure digitalization of small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and improve the global competitiveness of Canadas cybersecurity industry. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - Advocate for future-proofed, globally competitive, and interoperable policies that position artificial intelligence as a positive economic driver, and support the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI in business. PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION - Ensure that the modernization of Canadas privacy legislation strikes the right balance between protecting consumers and promoting the ability of firms to innovate and compete by responsibly and securely using data. HOUSING - Support policies that enable the creation of more housing supply, incentivize investment in residential construction, and restore housing affordability for Canadian families. NATIONAL SECURITY/ECONOMIC SECURITY - Advancing policies related to enhancing Canadas economic and national security. Key priorities include strengthening economic resilience, prudently navigating geopolitical challenges to trade and international relations, safeguarding business operations against new and emerging threats, and fostering conditions for economic growth. TRANSPORTATION - Regarding the consistent funding of trade-enabling infrastructure projects; the development of a competitive and efficient transportation network including all modes of transportation. TELECOMMUNICATIONS - Creating the right investment incentives to foster vibrant competition in the sector as a whole; responding to decisions regarding third-party access that will impact the deployment of internet services in rural and remote communities; and responding to regulatory proposals re: cell phone pricing. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to undertaking a comprehensive and independent tax system review. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to the measurement and improvement of Canadas tax competitiveness, including: reforming the taxation, remittance, filing and audit processes of Canadian businesses; removing tax barriers for childcare expenses; addressing the taxation of family business transfers; and mobilizing private capital for recovery and growth. TAXATION AND FINANCE - With regard to modernizing our financial systems through open banking and digital currencies TAXATION AND FINANCE - Responding to proposals addressing taxation of digital services. TAXATION AND FINANCE - Maintaining and expanding real-time data made freely available to Canadian businesses, municipalities, academic researchers, and community groups. SMALL BUSINESS – Legislation, regulations and support programs that give Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the tools to grow in Canada and internationally, including reducing their red tape and compliance burden. PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION - Improving digital privacy legislation to meet the needs of industry. PENSIONS - Treatment of corporate pensions in the event of bankruptcy. NATURAL RESOURCES - Support for the adoption of policy recommendations to strengthen Canadas world-leading position in the mining industry, oil and gas, and forestry products. OPEN DATA - Maintaining and expanding real-time data made freely available to Canadian businesses, municipalities, academic researchers, and community groups. LABOUR: Ensuring that any changes to the Canada Labour Code are implemented in response to defined and demonstrated issues and not to increase regulatory burdens for employers. INTERNATIONAL TRADE – With respect to issues relating to import and export controls INTERNATIONAL TRADE - Negotiating bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade agreements and promoting them to Canadian businesses. INTERNATIONAL TRADE - Improving federal laws and regulations pertaining to responsible business conduct r
Canadian North
1Policies or programs related to Nunavut devolution, especially relating to airports, airport infrastructure, and the Nutrition North program. Airline operations and regulations as they pertain to the Canada labour code and any collective bargaining processes Northern government infrastructure policies and programs, focusing on (but not exclusively) northern/arctic airports and runway infrastructure, fuel and fueling stations, and transportation of critical goods/machinery to the North, etc. Competitiveness of Canadian North and the airline industry broadly for all related government matters (i.e., fuel taxes, airport ground charges, etc.) Defence policies and government programs relating to airline operations in Canada's arctic territories (especially pertaining to Canadas obligations under various treaties/agreements). Accessibility laws and regulations as they pertain to the airline industry.
FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES
1Discussions 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
First Nations Finance Authority
1The First Nations Fiscal Management Act, Section 141 Monetizing annual federal infrastructure grants to First Nations to securitize First Nation Finance Authority (FNFA) debentures.
Genome Canada
1Seeking funding support for genomics and related sciences research in Canada through the financing of Genome Canada's activities.