David Dlab

Discussion on the intangible economy, the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (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. Defence & Security: advocate for a domestic-focused cybersecurity ecosystem that has Canadian companies at the centre of a national cybersecurity defence policy. 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. Advance discussions on policies and programs that advance prosperity and innovation in Atlantic Canada and beyond including procurement, productivity, healthtech, artifical intelligence, clean tech, skills, immigration and other topics of relevance to members. Discuss trade and the impact of tariffs, as they relate to CCI members and policies, with officials - particularly as it relates to Atlantic Canada and/or other jurisdictions. Discuss Atlantic Canadian global trade opportunities relevant to CCI members and emerging regional opportunities (particularly in defence and aerospace) with officials. Raise the profile of the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI), and our members, in Atlantic Canada to relevant decision makers; coordinate meetings for our Atlantic members. Coordinate events and meetings related to the Canada - US relationship. Pursue funding to support Atlantic regional initiatives and capacity building.

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.

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

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

The Retail Payments Oversight Framework, with respect to market conduct, liability, end-user funds safeguarding, operational risk mitigation, and other provisions. The government's review of the financial sector legislative framework with a focus on the digitalization of money The federal government's review and involvement of open banking in Canada's financial sector, as well as the modernization of federal privacy laws The Canadian Payments Act, with respect to membership, governance, funding, liability, and other provisions, as well as payment system modernization. The association is providing the government with insights about how to ensure its draft regulations to protect consumers from predatory lending don't generate unintended consequences in the market for commercial credit.

PIPEDA modernization including Bill C-36 Bill C-27, Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022 - application to federal political parties Bill C-4, Part 4 - privacy and data protection regimes applicable to federal political parties Bill C-27 Digital Charter Implementation Act and Bill C-65 Act to Amend the Canada Elections Act - privacy and data protection regimes applicable to federal political parties

Meeting with public office holders to raise awareness and seek input on the Arctic Research Foundation’s Arctic National Strategy. Discussing federal skills training and apprenticeship support programming, and the steps that can be taken to better enable training opportunities in Inuit and Northern communities. Seeking funding to support ARF vessel procurement, operational costs and subsidized vessel time for research organizations and Indigenous communities. Discussing the need for increased investments in Indigenous led environmental conservation and Northern scientific research initiatives. Meeting with public office holders to raise awareness of the Arctic Research Foundation and its work to advance the scientific research, environmental conservation, and infrastructure development priorities of Inuit and Northern communities

Public health and prevention programs including the Public Health Agency of Canada and efforts to support the development and procurement of innovative vaccines and therapies to address major public health issues such as pandemic preparedness and RSV Federally-funded public drug plans, including the Non-Insured Health Benefits program, Canadian Armed Forces Drug Benefit List and veteran programs, with respect to reimbursement for drug products for beneficiaries Canada's Drug Agency policies and processes as it relates to reimbursement recommendation decision-making process and framework Engage with Canadian government officials to discuss and provide input on Canada’s countermeasures and policies in response to foreign tariffs affecting the pharmaceutical industry, as well as free trade agreements as they relate to the biopharmaceutical industry Establish accountability with Health Canada, Canada’s Drug Agency and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, as well as Regulations, policies and programs related to the review and reimbursement processes Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations as it relates to the regulation of intellectual property for biopharmaceutical products Patent Act as it relates to reporting requirements and pricing guidelines, and the protection of intellectual property in biopharmaceutical products Policy measures to ensure security of drug supply in Canada and preserve Canada’s attractiveness for biopharmaceutical launches, including in response to foreign pricing regulations Policies and frameworks to accelerate access to innovative medicines post-Health Canada approval, including efforts to reduce time-to-reimbursement and streamline federal/provincial listing processes Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy (BLSS) as it relates to the biopharmaceutical industry Pharmaceutical pricing policy issues arising from the jurisdiction of the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board (PMPRB) Engagement with the Government regarding the Strategic Response Fund (SRF) (previously known as SIF) and investment in Canada Annual federal Budgets and Budget updates relating to the biopharmaceutical industry. Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program regarding eligible expenditures. Discussions on policies such as "patent box" and Investment Tax Credits.

Working with the government to provide support for start ups, focusing on sustainable chemistry and clean tech sectors, and assisting with commercialization and helping bring products and technology to market.

Cybersecurity capacity development Discuss public safety related initiatives including border security Cybersecurity laws, policies and regulations National Security Technologies and Solutions International Trade to help expand Canadian trade internationally Trade Policy, with respect to BlackBerry market access issues experienced internationally, specifically tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers Strategic Innovation Fund, specifically application for funding for corporate R&D project Investment Canada Act - specifically with respect to technologies Intellectual property - specifically related to IP policies that encourage private investment in development of technologies that support supply chain resiliency Innovation - discussions regarding the Canadian government's Innovation Agenda; including programs government may be considering to foster innovation in the Canadian ICT industry (e.g. skills & training, centres of excellence, R&D funding and incentives, government use of technology) Government Procurement - specifically Government priorities and role for private industry in helping to achieve government objectives - e.g. remote work, IT modernization, innovation and R&D intensive products, and crisis communications Government funding for private sector R&D technology projects Discuss Canada's Defence and Procurement Strategies

Fee for service by Pesticides Regulatory Directorate (PRD)- changes to User Fee Regulations under Pest Control Products Act (PCPA) Discussion with Pesticides Regulatory Directorate (PRD) as to the possibility of an Empty Pesticide Container Program as a condition of pesticide registration Regulatory Cooperation Council - reducing regulatory burden on Canada - U.S. trade as they pertain to plant science issues Protection of Proprietary Interests in Pesticides Data (PPIP) Policy - Discussion of policy components. Regulatory directive DIR 2007-03 Plant Biotechnology policy. - policy to be put in place for plant made industrial products, application of confined commercial environmental release policy to plant made industrial products - implementation of increased flexibility in confined field trials for plant biotech products -expanded market access for genetically modified crops Pest Control Products Act and Regulations relating to user import Own Use Import Program. with regards to health and safety, product access for Canadian growers and address economic outcome. Forward policy and implementation. We are seeking policies and programs that are supportive of plant science technologies.

Lobbying Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's Named Program so that certain academic institutions and SMEs receive funding for semiconductor research and development.