Connor Lewis

GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT - Reform Canada’s procurement system to support investment and ensure a competitive business environment. GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT - Ensuring fair and open procurement practices to drive innovation and technology adoption in Canada. HOUSING - Advocate for policies and legislation that enable the creation of more housing supply, incentivize investment in residential construction and housing – enabling infrastructure, and support the development of skilled labour we need, whether domestically or through immigration, to restore housing affordability to Canadian families. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to the measurement and improvement of Canada’s tax competitiveness, including: reforming the taxation, remittance, filing and audit processes of Canadian businesses and tax policy which improves the competitiveness of the Canadian business environment INTERNATIONAL TRADE – With respect to issues relating to trade controls, including tariffs, import and export controls, sanctions, and trade remedies. INDUSTRY - Improving the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit program to drive innovation; increase the role that the federal government plays in creating opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to digitalize and conduct more business activities online; developing a digital economy strategy for Canada. HEALTH – Ensuring we improve access to necessary medicines by building on rather than displacing the important role of private insurers and respecting provincial and territorial jurisdiction. CYBER SECURITY - Encouraging the government to prioritize cybersecurity innovation, talent development, and critical infrastructure resilience; 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 Canada’s cybersecurity industry. IMMIGRATION - Reducing regulatory burdens for employers; promoting immigration to small, rural and northern communities; supporting regional and local community immigration strategies; maintaining and modernizing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program; Facilitating pathways to permanent residency for temporary residents (international students and TFWs; expediting and simplifying foreign credential recognition, calling for an international student and global talent strategy; improving language training as well as settlement and employment supports to newcomers, aligning immigration programs with labour market needs, improving the Start-Up Visa process, improving client services to potential immigrants and newcomers. EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING – National Workforce Strategy, programs that support small and medium sized enterprises, improving collection and dissemination of Labour Market Information, establishing the Employment Insurance Council to institutionalize social dialogue between workers and employers on issues related to employment and training needs, addressing barriers to labour mobility, improving effectiveness of employment supports and skills training. EDUCATION - Aligning employer and workforce needs with education and training; expanding skilling, upskilling, reskilling and work integrated learning opportunities. INFRASTRUCTURE – Improvement of Canada’s infrastructure through the National Infrastructure Assessment, National Supply Chains Strategy, and establishment of a Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan. TRANSPORTATION - Regarding the consistent funding of trade-enabling infrastructure projects; the development of a competitive and efficient transportation network including all modes of transportation; the fluidity and stability of supply chain operations, minimizing disruptions. 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; minimizing labour disruption impacts on Canadian bus

CYBER 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 Canada’s 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 Canada’s 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 Canada’s 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 Canada’s 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 Canada’s 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

To engage with the government of Canada on matter related to the development of the defence industrial strategy. Seeking government contracting opportunities for D-TA's electronic warfare and radar products.

Wildfires- In respect to the increasing threat of wildfires and measures to ensure protection, mitigation, and prevention of damage to critical electricity infrastructure. Bill C-8 (45-1), with respect to potential cybersecurity requirements on electricity operators. International trade, with respect to direct electricity trade and the trade of goods necessary for electricity infrastructure. Inclusive of foreign and domestic tariffs impacting the Canadian electricity industry. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, in respect to infrastructure development. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency's directive on the phase-out of Pentachlorophenol, with respect to timelines for a responsible depletion of stock to reduce grid reliability and environmental risk. Telecommunications Act, in respect to the Telecommunications policy review and electricity support structures and spectrum management as they may be applicable to the advent of a smart grid. Strategic Innovation Fund, in respect to the application process, the scope of the fund, and Net Zero Accelerator. Statutory Review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), including but not limited to GHG regulations under CEPA 1999 such as the proposed Carbon Dioxide from Natural Gas-Fired Electricity Regulations, and the proposed amendment to the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-Fired Electricity Production Regulations. Species at Risk Act, in respect to the management of habitat, and species at risk in relation to the generation and transmission of electricity; and stewardship policies and programs with on-going efforts to streamline and clarify regulatory process, in relation to electricity industry plans to address the need for new infrastructure development to meet growing demand for electricity and replacing aging electricity assets. Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) - We are seeking to support Beyond Visual Line of Site (BVLOS) operations for RPAS in Canada for our members. RPAS are a cost-effective and safe way of examining linear features like transmission lines. Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) - We are seeking to determine a process by which critical infrastructure owners or operators can apply to have Class F restricted airspace designated over their sites. The purpose is to discourage RPAS operations (or other unwanted aircraft) over critical infrastructure, especially in the energy sector. Radiation Emitting Devices Act, in respect to the potential health effects of electric and magnetic fields (EMF). National Security Policy, in respect to security standards for facilities used for the international trade of electricity, and reliability standards. National Security Policy, in respect to pandemic planning and a national plan for the use of anti-virals, and activities pertaining to threat and risk assessments, security clearances, exercises and drills. National benefits-sharing framework, with respect to major electricity resource projects. Migratory Birds Convention Act, in respect to the management of habitat, species at risk and migratory birds in relation to the generation and transmission of electricity; and stewardship policies and programs with an on-going efforts to streamline and clarify regulatory process, in relation to electricity industry plans to address the need for new infrastructure development to meet growing demand for electricity and replacing aging electricity assets, as well as enabling the maintenance and operations of existing infrastructure. Investment tax credit proposals, with respect to incentives for certain types of renewable and clean energy technologies, including energy storage, hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and small modular reactors (SMRs). Impact Assessment Act, formerly known as Bill C-69, "An Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequenti

Piracy and Counterfeiting - Supporting an effective border enforcement regime and protecting intellectual property rights holders from piracy and counterfeiting (Copyright Act, Trade-marks Act, and Customs Act). Department of Heritage Federal Cultural Policy Review related to the film/audio-visual sector in Canada. Regulations on the use of unmanned aircraft systems and electronic logging devices in the film/audio-visual sector in Canada. Regulations on the use of electronic logging devices in the film/audio-visual sector in Canada. Regulations related to COVID19 testing in the film/audio-visual sector in Canada. The Temporary Foreign Workers Program (Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations) and its impact on the film/audio-visual sector in Canada. Policies and programs related to COVID19 testing in the film/audio-visual sector in Canada. Film distribution policy related to the film/audio-visual sector in Canada. Communications - Amendments to modernize the Broadcasting Act, Telecommunications Act, and Radiocommunications Act as part of the legislative review of Canada's communications framework. Copyright Act - Supporting strong and effective copyright law that supports the production and distribution of cinematographic works in Canada. Production incentives related to the film/audio-visual sector in Canada. ISED Innovation Agenda related to the film/audio-visual sector in Canada.

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), specifically provisions related to copyright, culture, telecommunications and broadcasting. Procurement policies, specifically polices related to mobile devices and associated support services and solutions. Policies and regulations related to the operation of Rogers Bank, with respect to financial sector regulations governing the Bank including issues under the Bank Act and consumer protection regulations. Policies, consultations and regulations related to the Broadcasting Act, Online News Act, Telecommunications Act, Copyright Act, and PIPEDA, the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act. Canada, US, Mexico Free Trade Agreement (CUSMA), specifically provisions related to copyright, culture, telecommunications and broadcasting. Telecommunications industry experiences with emergency outages and resolutions in the context of Bill C-58, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Industrial Relations Board Regulations, 2012. Spectrum and telecommunications policies including wireless networks and roaming, spectrum auctions and digital economy, satellite to mobile technology, as well as public safety broadband network. Single event sports betting, as it relates to the impact on gaming in Canada. Safety Code 6, limits for exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy Radiocommunications Act, specifically sections related to satellite signal theft. Policies related to the adoption of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) by Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SMEs). Policies and programs that promote equity of opportunities and address accessibility issues for Canadians. Matters relating to Canada’s cybersecurity, specifically issues relating to public/ private partnerships designed to prevent the disruption of critical infrastructure and cyber systems. Matters related to Rogers’ acquisition of further shares in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Marketing of food and beverages to children as it relates to Bill C-252, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act. Issues pertaining to professional sports and sport programs in Canada, alongside policies related to a growing Canadian sports economy. Implementation of Bill C-18, the Online News Act, which gained royal assent in June 2023, as well as production supports for Canadian local news. Corporate taxation under the Income Tax Act, specifically the calculation of tax on digital infrastructure, the calculation of Capital Cost Allowance (“CCA”) and the calculation of country-by-country (“CbC”) reporting. Copyright Act, specifically sections related to fairing dealing, anti-piracy and claimed infringement. Commitments related to the acquisition of Shaw Communications. Broadcasting policies and regulations related to a modernized broadcasting system that fosters competition in the Canadian industry. Broadband policies and regulations, including rural broadband, the measurement of internet performance, competitive dynamics of broadband and availability of wholesale internet access and affordable internet. Bringing awareness of rising rates of network theft, tampering and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure, retail robberies and sharing industry experiences of a need for criminal justice responses. An Act to enact the Consumer Privacy Protection Act and the Personal Information and Date Protection Tribunal Act

Advocacy related to university engagement in Canadian priorities in artificial intelligence, data systems and related computing science and energy subjects, including but not limited to specific calls for proposals. Advocacy for university initiatives related to Canadian priorities across the defence spectrum, including initiatives relevant to both Defence and Veterans' Affairs, among other federal departments. Advocacy to enhance support for university research mobilization and commercialization activities. Research security, with respect to international research partnerships Discussions with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and other relevant departments and agencies regarding the role of universities in supporting federal innovation initiatives, policies and programs. Discussions regarding research and development initiatives and federal support related to energy and environment, and climate change research, innovation, commercialization, talent and knowledge mobilization. Discussions regarding official language funding amounts and mechanisms. Discussions about the Copyright Act and details of its implementation in a post-secondary setting. Advocacy to secure support in the budget for post-secondary education, research, innovation, and science and technology. Advocacy to secure federal support to develop and upgrade university infrastructure, including but not limited to research and learning facilities, digital infrastructure, and transit infrastructure. Advocacy to increase support for university research, including research funding and granting programs administered by the tri-agencies (SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR) and other departments and agencies. Advocacy to improve immigration policies and programs for prospective and current university students, faculty, and staff. Advocacy to ensure that proposals to develop or amend federal legislation, regulations, policies or programs that directly or indirectly impact the post-secondary system reflect the needs of universities and support our research and education mission. Advocacy to enhance student supports, including but no limited to Canada Student Grants and Loans, the Canada Graduate Scholarship Program, supports for Indigenous students, and work-integrated learning programs. Advocacy to advance Canadian leadership in priority areas to support world class research, talent attraction and retention, and knowledge mobilization. Advocacy related to reconciliation efforts, including but not limited to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action