Gary Vidal

Discussions with the federal government on various aspects of Paper Excellence business operations, including, but not limited to, economic growth, innovation, sustainability and environment, and product diversification.

Facilitate discussions between Paper Excellence Canada and the federal government related to the company’s activities in Canada.

Facilitate discussions between Paper Excellence Canada and the federal government related to the company's activities in Canada.

Raise awareness about the First Nations Bank of Canada; seek opportunities for economic development.

Work Permits: Highlight the significant challenges facing industry in securing foreign nationals to fill skilled labour shortages in Canada. Advocate for adherence to stated processing timelines for work permits through Canadian diplomatic missions abroad and encourage improved communication on individual cases. Transportation Policy: Advocate that federal transportation policy and legislation must ensure Canada remains competitive in strategic industries like the nuclear energy sector by facilitating the continued transport of these goods via Canadian roads, rail lines and ports. Ensure that the high standards, safeguards and precautions taken in the transport of uranium and nuclear products are understood by federal policy-makers. Tax Policy, Legislation and Application: Work toward a resolution of issues arising from multiple court rulings in Cameco’s favour following successful litigation to overturn reassessments issued to the company by Canada Revenue Agency for the 2003, 2005 and 2006 tax years. Sustainable Resource Development: Seek to ensure that any environmental legislative or regulatory modifications affecting resource development are grounded in the principles of sound science/evidence-based decision-making and efficiency of regulatory process. These include the implementation of the new Impact Assessment Act (IAA), the Fisheries Act, and the Canadian Navigable Waters Act (CNWA), as well as further developments under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Seek also to ensure that a meaningful role is facilitated for local Indigenous communities in the environmental monitoring of resource operations. Non-Resident Ownership Policy (NROP): Advocate for the implementation of the policy changes recommended for uranium mining in the final report of the Competition Policy Review Panel. National Recovery Strategy for the Woodland Caribou pursuant to the Species at Risk Act (SARA): Advocate for the federal government to update the finalized National Recovery Strategy for woodland caribou to fully and accurately reflect the scientific findings and data collected from the additional research that has been conducted in northern Saskatchewan. International Trade Policy: Encourage the Government of Canada to support Canadian business by fostering positive trade relations and facilitating commercial opportunities with key export markets, and by taking action to protect and defend Canadian companies when foreign governments treat them unfairly. International Nuclear Co-operation: Advocate for the completion and implementation of Nuclear Co-operation Agreements and related protocols facilitating the export of Canadian uranium, nuclear products and technologies for civilian purposes to countries the Government of Canada recognizes as legitimate participants in the nuclear energy sector. International Investment Protection: Encourage the negotiation and implementation of Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements and/or other bilateral investment treaties with countries that currently do not have such agreements in place with Canada to better protect the investments and holdings of Canadian companies and individuals in foreign jurisdictions. Infrastructure Programming: Encourage that all federal and federal-provincial infrastructure programs and initiatives include criteria to support public and community/First Nation infrastructure projects in remote northern regions of the country, including the northern portions of provinces. Foreign-Origin Nuclear Material (FONM): Advocate for the consideration of economic impacts on potential changes in the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's application of Canadian nuclear non-proliferation policy to exports of FONM. Duty to Consult: Encourage greater clarity in the requirements and responsibilities of the various parties involved in resource land development as it pertains to the Crown's Duty to Consult and other aboriginal-based rights including considerations or decisions related to t

Seeking stable funding and access to capital (loan program) from the government to support Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs), as well as women and youth entrepreneurial programs across Canada.

Seeking support for the Indigenous Business Strategy including the development of new funds for the Indigenous Growth Fund. and support the network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions.

Promote the benefits of salmon farming, including increased investments, job creation, food security, exports, and economic reconciliation with First Nations. Convey to the government the importance of collaboration and partnership between indigenous groups and the federal, and provincial governments regarding salmon farming.

Implementation of the Kluane First Nation Final Agreement and discussion funding of the work.

Speaking with public office holders about issues within the Self-Governing Agreement, such as land matters. KFN is also speaking with officials to discuss the preservation of their traditional language. KFN is speaking to, and meeting with, elected officials and other public office holders to discuss funding for housing and infrastructure needs.

The Metis Nation-Saskatchewan will also be speaking to public office holders and elected officials about funding for housing, mental health and addictions infrastructure. Discussing matters related to self-governance with elected officials and designated public office holders to amend MN-S's Agreement to ensure that s. 35 of the Constitution, 1982, is upheld as well as treaty matters.

Discussing matters related to self-governance with elected officials and designated public office holders to amend MN-S's Agreement to ensure that s. 35 of the Constitution, 1982, is upheld as well as Treaty matters. Meeting with public office holders to discuss Bill C-53, An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan, to give effect to treaties with those governments and to make consequential amendments to other Acts. Discussing matters related to the revitalization of the Michif language and the memorialization of Métis Residential School Survivors. Discussing matters related to Métis housing, community infrastructure and mental health support in Saskatchewan.

Increases to the International Assistance Envelope Allocations of the International Assistance Envelope Advocating spending priorities related to the dissemination of Canada's Official Development Assistance envelope to ensure that aid is targetted at initiatives that serve the world's poorest. Advocating for increased investment toward tuberculosis elimination, specifically through the creation of a national tuberculosis elimination strategy.

Business Risk Management Programs: Ensure program design and delivery effectively meet the needs of both new and established agricultural producers, with supports that reduce operational risk and assist the long-term stability of agriculture producers. Livestock traceability: Ensuring agricultural stakeholders are engaged in the early development of legislative and regulatory changes to address cost pressures, implementation feasibility, and regulatory burden. Bill C-273 An Act to Amend the Feeds Act, the Fertilizers Act, the Seeds Act, the Pest Control Act and the Food and Drugs Act: to ensure it give farmers faster access to safe and reliable new technologically advanced products or more crop input options. Bill S-238: An Act to enact the Climate-Aligned Finance Act and to make related amendments to other Acts – climate-aligned financial reporting will be a cost burden for agricultural producers, local municipal governments and small businesses in rural Saskatchewan. Agriculture-advocating on policies with regards to research and technology that drives innovation, maximizing productivity, and/or ensuring the sustainability of food systems. National Highway Funding - the need for a dedicated and permanent funding model. Infrastructure: The importance of dedicated funding for rural municipal infrastructure projects to Canada's economy. Firearms: Participating in consultations on reducing rural crime and policy consultations to acts, regulations and programs relative to the possession, acquisition of firearms and disposal of firearms. Emission reductions – Focus on the agricultural practices in Saskatchewan that are contributing to carbon emission reductions while improving the competitiveness and profit of producers. Emergency Management - concerns that rural municipalities have with respect to obtaining operational and capital funding for training, equipment and infrastructure for rural Saskatchewan emergency responders. Critical Minerals - The importance to rural economic development, future energy needs, the economy and agricultural producers in Saskatchewan as well the importance to the Canadian economy and to global food security. Telecommunications: Radio license fees and renewals for public safety responders- discuss the importance for radio license fees and renewals to be at reasonable rates for volunteer emergency responders. Bill C-2: An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures. Concerns over wait times, drug trafficking, immigration, and funding. Bill S-230: An Act respecting the development of a natural strategy for soil health protection, conservation and enhancement. The importance of working with municipal governments when determining a national strategy. Water Infrastructure – the need for funding to develop and enhance water storage, conservation and distribution infrastructure for potable and non-potable water. Trade Agreements: Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, (CETA) and Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), our request is to better international trade for agriculture producers. The Rural Municipal (RM) Tax Loss Compensation Fund and The Rural Municipal Specific Claims Tax Loss Compensation Fund, which are tied to Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement, continue to decrease in funds and is unsustainable without municipalities absorbing significant reduction in monies from the Funds. The Agreement needs to be reviewed. Species at Risk Act (SARA) - providing input on consultations to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada and amendments to SARA. Rural Healthcare- funding for increase recruitment and retention of healthcare workers in remote and rural areas of Saskatchewan Rural Crime: ensuring rural Saskatchewan is represented in discussions on public safety. Volunteer Emergency Responders Funding - Volunteer emergenc

Ag Labour - Provide agricultural operations with the eligibility to apply for the Class 1A licensing for their employees through a grant funding program. Provide grants for employment training opportunities or programs to assist in gaining skills prior to busy times in the ag industry. Ag Labour- Focus on timeliness and efficiency of immigration applications and reduce barriers so employers can access readily available employees. Federal government to constantly evaluate its processes and the requirements for newcomers to get proper permits to enter the Canadian workforce. Water treatment systems; alternative water treatment technologies continue to be explored and, where feasible, applicable regulations and guidelines be updated to allow for the most efficient use of those technologies. Vaccine Development: resulting from the COVID-19, SARM would like to see vaccine development in SK and throughout the Country - SARM supports VIDO's initiatives Transportation policy and regulation with regard to grain, grain products and products for agriculture generally. Trade Agreements; including Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) and United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), our request is to better international trade for agriculture producers. The Rural Municipal (RM) Tax Loss Compensation Trust Fund tied to Treaty Land Entitlement agreements continues to decrease and appears to be unsustainable without municipalities absorbing significant reduction in monies from the fund. The agreements need to be updated. The Canada Infrastructure Bank - Irrigation infrastructure for agriculture in Saskatchewan. Need a joint infrastructure agreement with Saskatchewan. Species at Risk Act (SARA); mitigating negative effects of SARA. Rural Healthcare & Recruitment - funding for increase recruitment and retention of healthcare workers in remote rural areas of Saskatchewan Rural Crime; in regard to a provincial police force RCMP presence in rural Saskatchewan. Preventing rural crime. RCMP – given the economic increase/market adjustments in the collective agreement, pay increases total more than 23 per cent over the six years, retroactive to 2017 & SARM is calling on the federal government to fully absorb all retroactive pay increases that the federal government negotiated RCMP costs - related costs coupled with rising policing costs overall could result in significant financial burdens for municipalities Railway/supply chain concerns especially around being able to move the crop from harvest to ports. Declare railway as essential service. Rail Safety; Transporting dangerous goods by rail. Grade crossing improvements. Provide comments on the need for improvements to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program. Pipeline: The pipeline as a greener alternative to shipping oil and gas and the positive effect on Saskatchewan Pesticide regulations: strongly support maintaining a science based and evidence based approach to pesticide management. The regulation of pesticides needs to consider the importance of food security. Navigation Protection Act; placed administrative and financial burdens on municipal infrastructure projects. National Disaster Mitigation Program; to ensure mitigation projects and strategically and effectively undertaken. Mutual aid agreements; formalizing mutual aid agreements is important because RMs need assurance that they will be reimbursed for providing emergency services to neighbouring municipalities and First Nations. Municipal access to Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant. Liberal Fertilizer Reduction Plan Landownership- concerns over regulating out-of-province landownership in regards to land use and management in ways that interest the local community. Stricter regulations on land purchases. Justice and Law Enforcement with regard to amending acts and regulations in relation to firearms. International trade with respect to Canola exports Infrastructure funding programs for municipalities with regard to the need for cont

Bill S-243: An Act to enact the Climate-Aligned Finance Act and to make related amendments to other Acts – climate-aligned financial reporting will be a cost burden for agricultural producers, local municipal governments and small businesses in rural Saskatchewan. Bill C-317: An Act to establish a national strategy respecting flood and drought forecasting – advocate for drought resilience as a vital component of the national strategy for flood and drought forecasting and collaboration with local stakeholders. Bill C-293: An Act respecting pandemic prevention and preparedness – ensure this Bill addresses undermining of the agricultural sector’s viability and supply chain disruptions. Bill C-282: An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management) – SARM advocates for a balanced approach that supports supply-managed sectors while protecting the interests of all agricultural producers and rural communities. Bill C-234: An Act to amend Greenhouse Gas and Pollution Pricing Act – remove carbon tax from grain drying and barn heating. Food Security – the importance of enhancing agricultural infrastructure, mitigating food inflation and rising fuel costs, ensuring fertilizer availability and recognition for sustainable farming practices. Water Infrastructure – the need for funding to develop and enhance water storage, conservation and distribution systems to mitigate drought conditions. Energy- Reliable source options and the importance of affordable access for rural Saskatchewan and the need for providing incentives for agricultural operations to adopt emission-reducing practices. Mental Health – the need for the building of more treatment centers for mental health issues and treatment for addictions. The importance of funding for mental health support for youth and accessibility for help options for youth. Water management – A balanced Water Stewardship Policy is needed in Saskatchewan to promote sustainable agriculture, protect resources, and drive economic growth. Road and Bridge Projects and the projects near water review process. Timely approval of these reviews is a concern as this impacts project construction timelines that are time sensitive. Municipal access to Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant for class 1A driver training. Liberal Fertilizer reduction plan and the need for a balanced approach between the environment and agriculture industry as it relates to food security. Justice and Law Enforcement with regard to amending acts and regulations relative to the possession and acquisition of firearms. Enhancements to the Criminal Code: review penalties for repeat offenders. Bridge and Road Funding – Supply chain impacts Canada’s economy which shows the importance of maintaining strong transportation infrastructure. Rural Saskatchewan needs more funding for maintaining bridges and roads in order to carry agriculture, mining and forestry products to market. Animal Health as it relates to the Bovine TB testing process and compensation to the livestock owner. Enhancements in the process are needed especially around communication and transparency to all stakeholders. Ag Labour - Provide agricultural operations with the eligibility to apply for the Class 1A licensing for their employees through a grant funding program. Provide grants for employment training opportunities or programs to assist in gaining skills prior to busy times in the ag industry. Ag Labour – Incentivize employment and employee retention programs in rural areas of the country to aid in stabilizing much needed labourers. Water treatment systems; alternative water treatment technologies continue to be explored and, where feasible, applicable regulations and guidelines be updated to allow for the most efficient use of those technologies. Vaccine Development: resulting from the COVID-19, SARM would like to see vaccine development in SK and throughout the Country - SARM supports VIDO's initiatives Transportation policy and regula