Douglas Wong

Working with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to improve visa processing times, the Study Direct Stream program, and lower refusal rates for international students accepted to Canadian universities Lobbying to maintain fair dealing for education. Lobbying for an explicit exception for charities, not-for-profits and/or educational institutions to Canada’s Anti-Spam Law (CASL). Increased supports for Indigenous students seeking to access post-secondary education. Harmonization of immigration policies with regard to the improvement of study and work permit processing to identify areas where policies and procedures could be strengthened. Engaging with reviews of existing legislation covering charities to clarify how they apply to educational institutions. Engage with Statistics Canada regarding postsecondary education and research data collection and analysis with particular attention to the University and College Academic Staff System survey and labour market information. Engage with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada regarding the role of universities in supporting innovation through the full suite of innovation initiatives (eg. Superclusters, economic sector tables, Innovation Canada, knowledge mobilization, digital research infrastructure etc.) Engage with Global Affairs Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and ESDC on the implementation of the government’s International Education Strategy – including the targeting and recruitment of international students and the design of the outbound student mobility program for Canadian students to study abroad. Engage with Department of Status of Women and Statistics Canada regarding data collection and policies/frameworks regarding student safety on campus. Discussions with Employment and Social Development Canada concerning international student mobility and internship programs. Discussions concerning federal budget priorities. Priority topics include: federal government's support for university research through the federal granting agencies and other government programs; support for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows; changes to the Canada Research Chairs program; university infrastructure; international research collaboration; knowledge mobilization; equity diversity and inclusion; cybersecurity; and expanding university education opportunities for Indigenous Canadians. Discuss effective strategies and programs to support student transition to the work place and access to upskilling and reskilling programs for mid-career Canadians with Employment and Social Development Canada, including the Student Work-Integrated Learning Program (SWILP) and the Canada Training Benefit.

Discussions about financial sustainability measures for universities. Discussions about shared priorities related to universities including workforce, talent, and employment. Discussions on the Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy. Government of Canada - Universities Working Group roundtable discussion on research security. Discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) funding as it relates to universities. Student housing and community enabling campus infrastructure programs. Working group meeting to discuss academic contributions to the Defence Industrial Strategy. Immigration policies and programs related to international students and affecting universities. Discussions of education and international relations opportunities. Engaging in discussions on research priorities for Canadian universities. Discussions about research policy and programs, Canada-US relations, and their impacts on the post-secondary sector Discussions about international students, the workforce, and the benefits of a university degree. Discussions about the Global Excellence Initiative (GEI) and future funding commitments. Meeting to discuss science policy and programs, impact of Canada-US relations Recent policy changes and development of other policy tools including the Recognized Institutions Framework.

Implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Innovation Fund Expand funding for community efforts to address homelessness through Reaching Home and make changes to the National Housing Strategy, Reaching Home, and federal housing policy to support ending homelessness and the implementation of the right to housing in Canada. Seeking to secure federal government investment in affordable and supportive housing for Canadians experiencing or at risk of homelessness and expand housing options for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness through Build Canada Homes. Policies and investments in support of ending homelessness in Budget 2026 Taxation relating to Canadian charities Seeking program and policy changes from Women and Gender Equity to address housing need and homelessness for women. Seeking program and policy changes from Veterans Affairs Canada and Housing Infrastructure and Communities Canada to support federal action on ending homelessness for veterans. Seeking funding support for National Conference on Ending Homelessness, funding to support work to prevent and reduce homelessness as well as funding for research on homelessness and housing need in Canada, through Reaching Home (HICC); Veterans Affairs Canada; Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation; and Women & Gender Equality, to support research on homelessness for women and advancing the right to housing. Encouraging the implementation of housing policies in alignment with the human right to housing and National Housing Strategy Act

Advocate for place-based solutions to Canada’s biggest challenges, which support the region-specific mandates of public colleges and ensure local training needs are considered in policy development. Increase support to developing countries and other partner countries to build technical and vocational training capacity, strengthen skills development and education systems, and enhance Canada’s global education brand. Advocate for support for college-led research as a core component of federal research and innovation funding and policy. Discuss how colleges can support immigration programs, such as foreign credential recognition or international students, to meet Canada’s labour market needs, and share with officials impacts of policy changes on the college sector. Share with officials how colleges can support Canada’s training and workforce development needs to meet Canada’s biggest challenges. Share with officials the role of colleges and institutes in delivering high quality education for Canadians, and ensuring access to education for Canadians. Advance reconciliation through partnerships with Canada’s public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, and Indigenous Institutes of Education. Promote the role and expertise of colleges in deepening Canada’s relationships with other countries. Promote the value of educational fair dealing in supporting colleges and institutes in their mandate to provide advanced skills and to enable them to better respond to the skills shortage. Increase investments and support to address colleges’ infrastructure needs to increase Canada’s training space and access in key high-demand fields that align with federal priority areas. Enable post-secondary institutions to obtain grants and loans to develop student housing projects, with additional supports for housing that supports students from vulnerable populations. Ensure Canada’s colleges and institutes have the necessary federal support to provide high-quality training for future healthcare professionals. Ensure the specific needs of institutions, including French institutions and those in minority linguistic communities, are taken into account when federal policies and programs are designed and delivered.

Targeted federal transfer payments for postsecondary education. Review of the SR&ED Tax Credit Program to encourage greater participation of small and medium-sized businesses and providing mechanisms for colleges and institutes to assist them in the process. Review of the Canada Student Loan Program with respect to increased grants, modernization and simplification measures and increased flexibility for students in debt repayment. Research integrity related issues with respect to the review of the federal granting agencies' policiy framework for research integrity and the Tri-Council Memorandum of Understanding on roles and Responsibilities in the Management of Federal Grants and Awards. Modification of the Employment Insurance Program to enable workers currently in the workforce to access funding for skills upgrading. Introduction of new tax measures to encourage employer/employee based training, address literacy training and essential skills as well as an increase in internships and apprenticeship opportunities. Increase domesting and international student mobility to the mid-point of other OECD countries. Increased federal investments with regard to college and institute costs of supporting applied research through the Indicrect Costs Program. Harmonization and simplification of immigration policies with respect to facilitating study and work permit processes. Federal Investment for a national college and institute mobility program for faculty and student exchanges between Francophone Institutions and Anglophone Institutions. Extension of the 100% GST exemption that has been afforded to municipalities to postsecondary institutions as recommended by the Standing Committee on Finance Expansion of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council College and Community Innovation Program Examination of all federal training programs with the goal of eliminating fragmentation, short term funding and inequities for learners. Enhancement of the federal infrastructure policy with respect to college and institute infrastructure and acquisition of leading edge technology. Enhanced opportunities for Aboriginal learners, immigrants and disadvantaged groups to access postsecondary education and training and labour market. Discussions underway with the Global Affairs Canada regarding a proposal for a new partnership between colleges and institutes and the Pacific Alliance with respect to education and training. Discussions underway with the federal government for recognition of college and institute applied degrees as equal to university degrees as stipulated in a statement by the Council of Ministers. Discussions underway with Statistics Canada for current college and institute data. Discussions underway for a new international partnership program - Education for Employment which will support educational reform of technical education in Mozambique, Senegal and Tanzania. Direct 5% of federal investment in research to applied research, product development and commercialization carried out by colleges and institutes and their private sector partners Dedicated funding of college and institute facilities, technology and equipment Creation of a college and Institute Internship Program to expose more students to private sector research challenges. Changes to amend the Copyright Act with respect to support colleges and institutes in their mandate to provide advanced skills and to enable them to better respond to the skills shortage.

Advocating for federal support and policies to develop and deploy Small Modular Rectors and promote the nuclear industry to meet Canada's Climate change goals within Canada and assist Canada in its transition to a low carbon economy Bill C-65 - an Act to amend the Canada Elections Act - advocating for amendments to the legislation to allow membership based organizations to be able to have member to member communication during a Federal Election which maybe currently prohibited Conversations with Government and elected officials regarding the use of Temporary Foreign Workers at Stellantis plant in Ontario Foreign Workers Program - with respect to Foreign Credentials and Temporary Workers Federal Budget - with respect to infrastructure funding, tax incentives for skilled labour and funding for union training centres. Discussions on the Employment Insurance system and positive changes that can be made to better protect workers. Conversations with Government around their framework on the Oil and Gas emmissions cap and the impact it may have on workers and the idea of using some of the funds from the cap to go to training for existing and emerging new energy sectors Conversations with Government and elected officials regarding the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) review of possible expansion and future viability of the Baffinland Mine and the impact these matters have on the workers (our members) at the mine. C-59 - An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023 and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023 - advocating for the quick passage of this legislation Amendments to the Red Seal Program with respect to criteria of certification Advocating that Elections Canada amend or clarify rules around unions ability to communicate with their members during a Federal Election Advocating on behalf of ARC Nuclear Canada Inc. to receive funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) or any Federal Government funding to assist them in building small modular nuclear reactors in Canada. Advocating for increased funding to the apprenticeship incentive grant and completion grant and the Union Innovation Training Program (UTIP) Advocating for Implementation of a national, universal pharmacare program Advocating for a program to promote labour mobility between areas of higher unemployment and labour shortages. This program would grant favoured tax status to participants (workers) in the construction and maintenance sector travelling to obtain full time employment in a trade deemed to be experiencing labour shortages. Advocate for legislation to support the future and livelihood of oil and gas workers and their communities for a Just Transition as Canada moves to a low-carbon economy.

Charitable Sector Reform writ large. Includes engaging with government on necessary reform to enable the sector to flourish. Seeking non-monetary support from the Public Service in regards to the employee charitable giving campaign. Funding for community services and programs for children, youth, seniors, low income individuals, people seeking employment, newcomers, women and other community members. Budget with respect to: -investment in community services infrastructure -the community services labour force -housing and homelessness -mental health and other services -enabling measures for the work of charitable and nonprofit sector.

YMCA Canada is exploring seeking funding through the Youth Climate Corp program Discussions in regards to the ability of not-for-profits to build and maintain community infrastructure. Seeking funding through the Build Communities Strong program. Discussions in regards to the federal government providing adequate, consistent, and long-term resources to cover service providers’ operational and administrative costs, program development, and direct services to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Discussions regarding a youth mental health and program needs. Seeking funding from the Youth Mental Health Fund for a mental health and wellness program. Discussion in regards to the development and implementation of the Housing Builds including prevention strategies for homelessness, innovation, and programmatic supports. Policy proposals respecting the implementation the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) system, agreements and frameworks. Discussion in regards to accessible, affordable, inclusive, and high-quality early learning and child care and seeking funding related to the Canada-wide ELCC agreements such as infrastructure, service deliver and workforce. Discussions on financial measures, policies, programs and sectoral tables to help the the charitable sector and community service charities to adapt and modernize. Funding to support the charitable sector including service continuity and adaption, and labour shortages. Discussion in regards to the design and implementation of a strong Youth Employment and Skills Strategy with respect to program focus, and youth engagement. Seeking funding from Employment and Social Development for out-of-school programs that help youth gain new skills and succeed in their education. Discussion in regards to the legal and regulatory framework for governing charities, and grant contribution reform initiatives and ensuring that funding is allocated to these areas Discussing ways in which to financially support, but not limited to, access to recreation for children, teens, and young adults and for under-served communities, in support of healthy active living, obesity and chronic disease reduction and prevention strategies

The Off-Campus Work Permit Program, with respect to extending the benefits of off-campus work permits to international students studying part-time at recognized universities and colleges in Canada. The Copyright Act, with respect to Educational exemptions listed under fair dealing provisions. The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, with respect to ensuring the weekly loan limit rises with the needs of students by increasing the weekly loan limit amount from $210 to $300. The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, with respect to eliminating the expected parental and spousal contribution in the assessment of resources for borrowers. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), with respect to including student households in its rental market data. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), with respect to including post-secondary institutions and university residences in existing housing funding programs and projects. The Book Importation Regulations under the Copyright Act, with respect to parallel importation. SSHRC, CIHR, and NSERC, with respect to increasing the number, and value of scholarships provided to student researchers through the federal granting agencies. SSHRC, CIHR, and NSERC, with respect to improving governance and broadening considered perspectives via the addition of a student seat on the governing boards of the federal granting agencies. Repayment Assistance Program, with regard to changing eligibility requirements, removing entry barriers for students in loan default, exempting EI recipients, and creating program streams for underrepresented groups. Protecting student intellectual property rights at Canada's universities and colleges, with respect to creating a set of criteria for institutions to abide by in order to be eligible for research funding granted by the CIHR, SSHRC, and NSERC. Post-Secondary Student Support Program Funding, with respect to lifting the 2% cap on this funding, increases in the number of students funded, and the amount given to each student. On-campus student mental health resources, with respect to creating a new fund of $500 million over 4 years for the hiring of student mental health professionals on post-secondary campuses. International Student working hours, with respect to permanently eliminating the off-campus working hour limit for students while studying in Canada. International Student visas, with respect to allowing for visa holders to participate in co-op opportunities without having to apply for an additional permit. International student visas, with regard to broadening the category of country that receives multiple-entry visas. Indirect Costs Program, with respect to increasing the funding provided by the Indirect Costs Program to qualified universities, colleges, and affiliated institutions. Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act, with respect to the creation of a dedicated transfer for post-secondary education. Developing a Pan-Canadian Strategy for Mental Health, with respect to implementing recent recommendations of the Mental Health Commission of Canada aimed at post-secondary students and decreasing stigmas associated with mental health. Developing an Open Access Framework for taxpayer funded research in Canada with respect to research conducted with the assistance of funding from SSHRC, NSERC, and CIHR at Canada's universities and colleges. Developing a nationwide strategy for the adoption of Open Educational Resources. Canada Student Grants Program with respect to increasing per-student, need-based funding provided by the program Canada Student Financial Assistance Program with respect to redefining need under the program, amending the asset calculation model to exempt all in-study income, the ownership of one vehicle, individually held RRSPs by an additional $790 for each year following a person's eighteenth birthday, and other financial assets totalling $10 000. Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, with respect to amending the

Dedicate 35 million of the existing funding commitment for student and Indigenous housing under Build Canada Homes towards the construction of student residences by post-secondary institutions Increase post-secondary student funding to the First Nations, Inuit and Métis education strategies by $200 million per year, permanently Research funding for graduate students, and adjusting the funding envelope for student research by inflation. Funding for non-profit housing and post-secondary institution residences. Investment in the Student Work Placement Program to strengthen work-integrated learning opportunities for students in small and medium enterprises. On-campus student mental health resources, with respect to implementing the new fund of $500 million over 4 years for more and improved mental health services on post-secondary campuses. Double the Express Entry Program immigration points in Part D of the Comprehensive Ranking System allocating 60 points for a three or more year Canadian post-secondary credential, or 30 points for a one or two year Canadian post-secondary credential to retain those most likely to economically succeed in Canada. Contracts for federal infrastructure construction and maintenance contracts ensure hours worked on federal projects are worked by apprentices. Also establish that apprenticeship hours requirement for recipients of grants and contributions for federal housing programs such as the Affordable Housing Fund, Apartment Construction Loan Program, and Federal Lands Initiative. The Off-Campus Work Permit Program, with respect to extending the benefits of off-campus work permits to international students studying part-time at recognized universities and colleges in Canada. The Copyright Act, with respect to Educational exemptions listed under fair dealing provisions. The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, with respect to ensuring the weekly loan limit rises with the needs of students by increasing the weekly loan limit amount from $210 to $300. The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, with respect to eliminating the expected parental and spousal contribution in the assessment of resources for borrowers. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), with respect to including student households in its rental market data. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), with respect to including post-secondary institutions and university residences in existing housing funding programs and projects. SSHRC, CIHR, and NSERC, with respect to increasing the number, and value of scholarships provided to student researchers through the federal granting agencies. SSHRC, CIHR, and NSERC, with respect to improving governance and broadening considered perspectives via the addition of a student seat on the governing boards of the federal granting agencies. Repayment Assistance Program, with regard to changing eligibility requirements, removing entry barriers for students in loan default, exempting EI recipients, and creating program streams for underrepresented groups. Protecting student intellectual property rights at Canada's universities and colleges, with respect to creating a set of criteria for institutions to abide by in order to be eligible for research funding granted by the CIHR, SSHRC, and NSERC. Post-Secondary Student Support Program Funding, with respect to lifting the 2% cap on this funding, increases in the number of students funded, and the amount given to each student. International Student working hours, with respect to permanently eliminating the off-campus working hour limit for students while studying in Canada. International Student visas, with respect to allowing for visa holders to participate in co-op opportunities without having to apply for an additional permit. Indirect Costs Program, with respect to increasing the funding provided by the Indirect Costs Program to qualified universities, colleges, and affiliated institutions. Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrang

The impact on employment opportunities for skilled trades workers in Canada and the effect on training opportunities. Promotion of the Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) and advocating for proposals, programs and grants to include the requirement for EVITP qualified workers to install electrical vehicle charging stations. Possible negotiations relating to the MERCOSUR Free Trade Agreement and the impact it could have on manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, labour mobility, climate change, natural resources, energy, public services, health care, utility/electricity sector and labour standards. Possible negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Pacific Alliance and the impact it could have on manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, labour mobility, climate change, natural resources, energy, public services, health care, utility/electricity sector and labour standards. Pipeline projects - discussing the benefits to the economy and employment of these type of projects in Canada Foreign Workers Program - particularly in regards to Foreign Credentials and Temporary Workers Federal Budget - with respect to infrastructure funding and tax incentives for skilled labour Economic Action Plan Knowledge Infrastructure Program - working to ensure our training centres are eligible / qualify for Knowledge Infrastructure program Discussions on the Employment Insurance system and positive changes that can be made to better protect workers. Discussions on Apprenticeship & Training, Employment and Skills Development, and the Red Seal Secretariat to continue to promote and use the Red Seal Program Assist with National Occupational Competencies analysis for various trades and occupations. Discussions around government supports for workers and the members we represent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussions around concerns with Federal Government procurement practices, introduction of modern Federal Fair Wages legislation, the use of unskilled labour and under-qualified contractors. Discussion around the Public Service Superannuation Act (P.C. 2014-900 July 31, 2014) and the impact on the management of the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (Chalk River) and impact and future of the pension plan for the employees of Chalk River Climate Canada's approach to climate change, regulation of industrial pollution and monitoring of green house gas emissions like carbon. The impact on employment opportunities for skilled trades workers in Canada and the effect on training opportunities in primary and emerging industries. Bill C-50 An Act respecting accountability, transparency and engagement to support the creation of sustainable jobs for workers and economic growth in a net-zero economy and the impacts on workers in various sectors. Bill C-49 "An Act To Amend The Canada—Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act and To Make Consequential Amendments To Other Acts" with respect to labour requirements and the use of Canadian workers on the projects. Amendments to the Red Seal Program with respect to the criteria of certification Advocating on behalf of ARC Clean Energy Canada to receive funding from the Federal Government to assist them in building small modular reactors in Canada. Advocating for the federal government to use Community Benefit Agreements on public infrastructure projects Advocating for legislation that will ban employers in the Federally Regulated Private Sector from using replacement workers to perform struck work during a strike or lockout, also known as Anti-Scab legislation. Advocating for increased funding to the apprenticeship incentive grant, the completion grant and the continuation of the UTIP funding. Advocating for childcare programs that help our members in the various sectors they work in Advocating for amendments to the Income Tax Act for registered pension plans and employee benefit

Advocate for government to introduce programs/testing to monitor and address the movement of poultry into Canada outside of Canada's import (TRQ) controls. Provide input and advice on Canada's Food Security Strategy and other measures to address food insecurity. Inquiries regarding the processing of Remission Applications Advocate for red tape reduction. Funding under Strategic Innovation Fund and other government programs to support food manufacturing in Canada. Extension of open work permits and addition of pathways to permanent residency for foreign workers in the food manufacturing sector. Advocating for regulations to exclude food from the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act given the significant risks to food safety and international trade. Tariffs: Lobby federal government on Canada's response to U.S. and other tariffs Orderly functioning of Poultry Supply Management including allocation decisions. Plastic packaging - ensure Federal Policy framework sets achievable targets for food packaging and recognizes packaging functional requirements. Greenwashing provisions of Competition Act - requesting amendments to address concern that legislation will reduce climate leadership in Canada. Temporary Foreign Worker Program and its application to food manufacturing and agriculture. The National Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, planning for a foreign animal disease outbreak and updating the Animal Transport Regulations. The Import for Re-export Program for chicken, administration of import controls for chicken and fowl and design of a Processor Modernization Program. The Food and Drugs Regulations and policies, specifically approval of food ingredients including anti-microbial treatments for meat, approval of health claims, implementation of new allergen labeling regulations and policies on sodium reduction. Public Opinion Polling related to food insecurity and poverty Preparedness for African Swine Fever Policies and Programs to reduce food insecurity Policies and programs that address the social determinants of health Initiatives under the Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance as it relates to the meat and livestock industry. Implementation of a national school food program Healthy Eating Strategy including implementation of the new Nutrition Facts Table, front-of-pack nutrition labeling regulations, development of the new Canada's Food Guide. Government action to stengthen the food safety system through new regulations under the Safe Food for Canadians Act. CFIA's labeling modernization initiative and impact on food labeling practices in the food marketplace. Access to funding under Canadian Agricultural Partnership programs Providing input on the scope of the 21st Century Corporations Act, particularly as it relates to the obligations placed on corporations and directors under the Act.

Discussing the importance of investment into the Canadian domestic food supply chain to ensure food security for Canadians Discussing regulatory irritants and opportunities to improve efficiency in Canada's food system Discussing the importance of food safety and a strong regulatory framework that underpins the safety of food in Canada The National Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, planning for a foreign animal disease outbreak and updating the Animal Transport Regulations. The implementation of the Canada Disability Benefit Act Raising awareness about the the economic and environmental benefits of Anaerobic Digestion and methane reduction Preparedness for African Swine Fever Policies and programs that address the social determinants of health Implementation of a national school food program Free trade negotiations and opportunities for enhanced pork trade. Development of a national food policy Clarifying details of The Investment Tax Credit

The National Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, planning for a foreign animal disease outbreak and updating the Animal Transport Regulations. The Import for Re-export Program for chicken, administration of import controls for chicken and fowl and design of a Processor Modernization Program. The Food and Drugs Regulations and policies, specifically approval of food ingredients including anti-microbial treatments for meat, approval of health claims, implementation of new allergen labeling regulations and policies on sodium reduction. Temporary Foreign Worker Program and its administration in Western Canada Preparedness for African Swine Fever Policies and Programs to reduce food insecurity Policies and programs that address the social determinants of health Initiatives under the Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance as it relates to the meat and livestock industry. Implementation of the Food Policy for Canada Implementation of a national school food program Healthy Eating Strategy including implementation of the new Nutrition Facts Table, front-of-pack nutrition labeling regulations, development of the new Canada's Food Guide. Government action to stengthen the food safety system through new regulations under the Safe Food for Canadians Act. Free trade negotiations (Canada-EU, Canada-Japan, Canada-China and Trans Pacific Partnership) and opportunities for enhanced pork trade. Development of a national food policy. CFIA's labeling modernization initiative and impact on food labeling practices in the food marketplace. CFIA's Inspection Modernization initiative - impact on new inspection requirements for meat plants. Action plans under the Regulatory Cooperation Council and the Canada-U.S. Border Action Plan - impact on re-inspection of meat at the border and harmonization of food safety and meat inspection systems. Access to funding under Canadian Agricultural Partnership programs

Advocating for enhanced coordination in relation to the Major Projects Office, major projects, and national workforce planning. General discussion with industry partners regarding workforce, training, and policy considerations relevant to major energy and infrastructure sectors. Discussion of shipbuilding industry opportunities and related workforce and policy considerations Advocating for the government to use Community Benefits Agreements/Community Employment Benefits Agreements on federally funded infrastructure projects. Advocating for the harmonization of health and safety certifications federally, and provincially, to promote skilled trades workforce mobility. Advocating for the government to fund, develop, and publish sophisticated construction labour market data on projects in the national interest to ensure skilled trades labour supply is consistent and maximizes Canadian jobs. Advocating for the implementation of labour?related conditions, including prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements, in relation to Bill C?5 infrastructure projects Advocacy in support of the Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits, including labour conditions, and their effectiveness. Advocating for increase to the labour mobility tax deduction and index it to inflation. Enhancement of the Union Training and Innovation Program with brick?and?mortar funding and reinstatement of Canadian Apprenticeship Services, the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, and the Apprenticeship Completion Grant Advocating for measures to support workers impacted by tariff-related trade impacts in the construction sector. Advocating for investments in infrastructure including in renewable technologies, nuclear energy, infrastructure, transit, and large-scale public investments. Fall Economic Statement - with respect to recommendations that support the Building Trades and construction sector. To oppose any potential tax measures to be enacted by the Federal Government on Union members or pensioners who receive a private supplemental health and dental plan which is paid for by an employer , collective bargaining agreement or pension plan. The impact on employment opportunities for skilled trades workers in Canada and the effect on training opportunities in primary and emerging industries. Temporary foreign workers - advocating for the needs of the industry including the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and International Mobility Program. Pipeline projects - discussing the benefits to the economy and employment of these type of projects in Canada Legislation to implement a skilled trades workforce mobility tax deduction. Immigration - advocating for the long-term labourforce needs of the construction industry. Federal Budget - with respect to recommendations that support the Building Trades and construction sector. Apprenticeship & Training Employment and Skills Development and the Red Seal Secretariat to continue to promote and use the Red Seal Program. Advocating for childcare programs that help our members. Advocating for changes to the Employment Insurance program to better support workers. Advocacy in support of Canadian skilled trades workers on cross-border issues with respect to the United States. Advocacy for supports for displaced workers, particularly in the energy sector, as the economy transitions to Net Zero.