Colin MacSween

The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) is engaging with government officials to discuss the alignment between CCI’s priorities and the federal government’s efforts to foster innovation in Canada. These discussions focus on ensuring that government programs and policies effectively support high-growth Canadian technology firms and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem. Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy: advocacy was focused on bringing domestic firms into the value chain through policies and measures that provide equal opportunity for Canadian Head Quartered companies. Discussion on the intangible economy, SR&ED, and economic growth as it relates to domestic expenditures for intellectual property filing, as well as a focus on small and medium-sized companies. US Trade - discussed Tariffs and handling of Canada US Mexico Trade Agreement. Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy. Small Business and Tourism, Changes to Canadian Export Program (CanExport) so it allows more technology companies to apply Procurement – Changes to Request for Proposal (RFP) process to break down large bundles into smaller amounts for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) can apply Health Canada: advocate for an increase of resources for Therapeutics Canada for them to speed up processing times and efficiencies within their department; create working groups and framework with industry leaders and health Canada on digital and data health, and create a therapeutics working group with industry and health Canada. Finance – Changes to Scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) tax incentive program to make the process easier for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) to apply and report on the current program, to further increase the maximum a SME can apply for Export Development Canada (EDC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy. Environment and Climate Change Canada, give input and feedback on the PanCanada Framework, Canada-China agreement for scientific and technological cooperation, and the relationship between Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emitters & CO2 Reducers. Our focus is on involving Canadian high-growth firms in the policies and programs the government is working on regarding climate change and the greening of government. Discussions on international trade, specifically on the North American Free Trade Agreement with respect to data localisation, labour mobility and tariffs. Defence & Security: advocate for a domestic-focused cybersecurity ecosystem that has Canadian companies at the centre of a national cybersecurity defence policy. Citizenship and immigration – Change the current work visa time lines, seek changes to the the Labour Market Impact Assessment for expatiating and a faster process Changes to Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) to make the process easier for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) to apply and report on the current program, to Increase the maximum amount a SME can apply for Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - changes to (scientific research and experimental development) SR&ED program with how it is administered and reviewed. Discussed companies SR&ED claims and issues with their processing. Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy.

The lobbying will focus on ensuring that federal policies, guidance, and frameworks developed by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) include sector-specific considerations for the financial services and insurance industry. This includes promoting the development of tools, resources, and thought leadership that reflect the role of insurance in supporting cyber resilience, privacy compliance, and risk management for Canadian businesses, particularly SMEs.

Work with government on the restoration of SR&ED credits and to discuss ideas to fuel a more innovative and R&D intensive economy. Working with Government to transform service delivery through digital adoption. Working with Government to ensure the modernization of procurement systems are done in a fair, transparent, and collaborative manner. Working with Government to develop and execute a national strategy to grow Canada's digital economy, drive innovation and competitiveness in the ICT sector, and modernize the public sector in its use of information technology. To engage in consultation and discussion with Government regarding any regulation that impacts the ICT sector To engage in consultation and discussion with Government regarding any legislation that impacts the ICT sector Helping Government develop a pan-Canadian certification and licensing mechanism to ensure the safety, security, and privacy of digital health solutions. Encouraging Government to work with the provinces and territories to develop a pan-Canadian strategy for digital health. Encouraging Government to continue with existing policies and programs that help Canadian information and communications technology (ICT) companies scale by accessing to global markets. Collaborating with Government on ways to strengthen socio-economic considerations within large IT modernization initiatives. Collaborating with government on changes made to the Integrity Framework.

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.

Work with the Government of Canada to identify and pursue procurement opportunities and seek contracts specific to Fortinet's products and solutions

Offering input related to the review of financial institutions policy and Bank Act and/or emerging policies related to the financial technology sector to allow for greater innovation and competition Interest in implementing actions to provide Canadians with more control over their financial health, including financial literacy; establishing an open banking system in Canada. Arranging meetings and outreach with Public Office Holders in relation to Questrade’s goal in helping Canadians become more financially secure, contributing to the affordable housing strategy as a champion and providing the most innovative & cost-efficient online financial and other services.

Engage with the Government of Canada on programs and policies related to innovation, the digital economy, and the adoption of information and communication technologies. Engage with the Government of Canada on Procurement Policy as it related to technology adoption. Engage with the Government of Canada on Policy as it relates to cybersecurity and national security. Engage with the Government of Canada on Policy as it relates to artificial intelligence and data privacy and protection. Engage with the Government of Canada on Accessibility policy as it relates to the enactment of the Accessible Canada Act.

Discussions around defence spending and the Defence Investment Agency as it relates to financial institutions Stablecoin Act in respect to the government's strategy on digital assets Providing input on federal budget measures that may impact the banking sector Income Tax Act as it applies to corporate taxation, personal taxation, registered saving products, investment, and competitiveness. Data and artificial intelligence policy, as it relates to financial institutions. Discussions on how to mitigate tariff risks and ensure the financial sector’s views are properly captured in trade dialogues. Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Regulations, with respect to a number of issues including identification requirements Financial Institutions, with respect to the Canadian regulatory framework. Financial Institutions with respect to the review of the global and Canadian regulatory framework. Financial Institutions, as it relates to consumer protection Legislation and regulation as it relates to data policy and governance issues International Trade, with respect to the Government of Canada's international relations strategy as it relates to the government's diplomatic and trade relations with Latin America and specifically the Pacific Alliance. Financial Institutions with respect to Environment, Social and Governance issues (ESG). Financial Institutions, with respect to small business banking Financial institutions, as it relates to housing Cyber Security policy as it applies to Financial Institutions Agricultural Support Programs in respect to lending programs

C-26 (An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts) and the implementation proposals in relation to cybersecurity. Satellite and ground station policies and regulations in relation to an application for a Foreign Satellite Authorization (FSA) and broadband service.

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