Gerald Soroka

Coordination of meetings with the Government of Canada to promote the Edmonton Metropolitan Region's competitive economic advantages in attracting and retaining business investment and trade.

Ensuring the removal of policy barriers, proactive policy change, budget measures and new and existing legislation are all focused on increasing Canada's competitiveness for investment attraction and foreign trade. Coordination of meetings with the Government of Canada to Request for federal government funding to fund the activities prescribed in Edmonton Global's mandate and strategic plan for the purposes of attracting new investment in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region.

Request for federal government funding to fund the activities prescribed in Edmonton Global's mandate and strategic plan for the purposes of attracting new investment in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Ensuring the removal of policy barriers, proactive policy change, budget measures and new and existing legislation are all focused on increasing Canada's competitiveness for investment attraction and foreign trade.

To discuss and support government initiatives related to critical infrastructure resilience, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and resilient energy infrastructure modernization. Discussions regarding Immigration program considerations related to manufacturing labour shortages, including coordinating with provinces and the inclusion of manufacturing National Occupation Classifications (NOC) in federal pathways to permanent residency and regional workforce needs. Discussions regarding energy transition legislation, federal investment tax credits and regulations. To explore areas of alignment and compatibility with federal policies and programs in the context of deploying temporary and permanent modular housing, including medium density housing, workforce housing, affordable housing, and community infrastructure. Pursuing international trade and expanding markets for infrastructure development. Federal policies and programs with respect to transition to a lower carbon energy system, renewable energy, and energy infrastructure. Discussions regarding provision of buildings, camps, and logistical services. Discussions regarding federal frameworks with regards to the environment, including climate change and air pollutant regulation.

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

Speaking to and meeting with Designated Public Office Holders to discuss the need for increased investments in Indigenous led environmental conservation and scientific research initiatives. Speaking to public office holders about seeking funding to support ARF operational costs and subsidized vessel time for research organizations and Indigenous communities. Speaking to and meeting with Designated Public Office Holders to discuss the Arctic Research Foundation to create awareness about the Foundation and of the necessity to include scientific research in the Arctic, the need for broadband, and Arctic data management in government priorities.

Enhancing global market access for Alberta exports by expanding pipeline access to tidewater, including through the removal of the Tanker Ban, investing in trade-related transportation infrastructure, and addressing internal trade barriers. Supporting the federal government's defence and economic security priorities by exploring opportunities for Alberta to strengthen Canada's defence industrial base, attract investment, and contribute to resilient supply chains and strategic infrastructure. Exploring opportunities to support the federal government's One Canadian Economy agenda through greater economic integration, reduced interprovincial trade barriers, and strengthened collaboration on nation-building projects. Supporting a strong Alberta within a united Canada by exploring policies that address fairness in the federation, strengthen Alberta’s economic contribution, and improve federal-provincial collaboration on shared priorities. Exploring strategies to support economic growth in Alberta and Canada while ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability and broad-based prosperity. Providing an update on the Business Council of Alberta’s priorities, including productivity, competitiveness, labour shortages, infrastructure, and housing, and identifying opportunities to collaborate with the federal government on advancing shared policy goals. Attracting investment to Alberta and Canada by exploring ways to address regulatory barriers to business investment and create a competitive business landscape. Proposing amendments to the new greenwashing provisions which, as written, will undermine Canadian businesses’ ability to raise capital, take risks, innovate, and make good-faith environmental progress in uncertain conditions. The federal government should respect the CRTC’s Fibre to the Premise decision, which supports a more competitive telecommunications sector and reinforces regulatory autonomy, a principle that is key to investor confidence and a dynamic business environment across all sectors of the Canadian economy. Federal natural resources and environment policy. Unlocking investment and growth in Canada's natural resource industries, and how they can contribute to Canada's productivity, prosperity, and environmental goals. Discriminatory and/or counterproductive impacts on Alberta and Alberta-concentrated industries. Maintaining access to US markets in the face of tariff threats and CUSMA renewal. Discussing how issues related to defence spending, border crossings and illegal drug/gun trafficking impact trade and trade policy. Preserving and enhancing Canada’s access to trade opportunities in global markets; addressing trade disputes, including the differing impact of those disputes across Canada. Exploring opportunities to increase economic activity and value-added processing in agriculture; and discussing the removal of barriers to achieving that goal. Expressing our opposition to the proposed emissions cap as being bad for the environment, the economy, the federation, and Canada’s international standing. Improving Canada's system of major project approvals and permitting to allow projects to get built faster, generate economic growth and advance Indigenous Economic Diversification. Issues range from speeding up environmental impact assessments, to removing fed/prov duplication, to better coordinating permitting processes across the federal government. Removing barriers to interprovincial trade. Providing information via our "Alberta Update" to senior government officials on economic developments in the province. Exploring ways to improve co-operation and collaboration between the federal and provincial governments. The merits and drawbacks of the federal government's proposed oil and gas sector emissions cap; and the most efficient, cost-effective ways to promote a competitive energy sector in Alberta while working towards deep emissions cuts. Proposing amendments to the Clean Electricity Regulations that reflect the concerns

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

International Trade of nuclear technology with respect to nuclear cooperation. Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. with respect to 2010 Legislative review. Canada's Kyoto Protocol commitment with regards to emission trading and implementation. Advocating for federal support (financial, regulatory and policy) to develop and deploy Small Modular Reactors in Canada .

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

Environmental Assessment and Project Development 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. 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. Input to government's Biodiversity strategy by ensuring that the requirements are not unduly onerous to the electricity sector while maintaining the protection of species at risk Fisheries Act, in respect to the management of habitat, fisheries, species at risk in relation to the generation of electricity, and policies to streamline and clarify the 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. Clean Electricity Regulations, with respect to the overall development of the regulations and compliance mechanisms.

Discussions with government officials concerning carbon emissions from fertilizer as it relates to municipalities and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Rail, Airports and Ports: Federal policies and programs with regard to access to national and international markets for trade, intra-city movement of people and goods and sustainability of small and rural communities. Municipal role in the G-7 & G-20, and trade negotiations with foreign countries surrounding tarrifs. Federal policies and programs with regard to improving accesses to affordable housing, reducing homelessness, increasing social infrastructure required for immigration and refugee settlement and integration support. Homelessness; Encampments; Affordable housing; Housing supply; Refugee and asylum seeker settlement; Housing Accelerator Fund; Reaching Home; Rapid Housing Initiative; Housing-enabling infrastructure; Federal policies and programs with regard to improving accesses to affordable housing, reducing homelessness, increasing social infrastructure required for immigration and refugee settlement and integration support. Homelessness; Encampments; redevelopment of public lands required to support communities that support the Canadian Armed Forces and its members. Affordable housing; Housing supply; Refugee and asylum seeker settlement; Housing Accelerator Fund; Rapid Housing Initiative; Housing-enabling infrastructure; Redevelopment of public lands; Emergency preparedness and security measures: Emergency preparedness policies and programs with regard to the cost and implementation of emergency equipment and first responder support; Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund; Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA); Wildfire response; Flood mapping; Environmental and sustainable development policies and programs with regard to local climate change mitigation and adaptation; Disaster mitigation and adaptation; Capacity building for sustainable community planning; Greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions; Water management, watershed planning, wastewater, and stormwater policy; Urban forest management and stewardship; Brownfield redevelopment; National Adaptation Strategy; Greener Homes Grant; Green Building Strategy; Green Municipal Fund. Federal infrastructure program funding, including (but not limited to) Infrastructure Canada Canada Community Building Fund; Infrastructure programs and funding; Permanent Public Transit Fund; Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) financing; Investing in Canada infrastructure Plan; Universal Broadband; Rural, remote and northern infrastructure; Telecommunications and Technology: Telecommunications policies with regard to universal broadband access throughout Canadian communities, antenna tower and municipal rights-of-ways. Municipal-aboriginal relations issues: Federal policies and programs with regard to municipal-aboriginal relations, resources to meet the needs of the aboriginal population living in municipalities, municipal consultation and communication regarding land management and additions to reserve. Urban and Rural Indigenous Housing; Municipal-aboriginal relations International municipal development; Canadian foreign policy with regard to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) funded programs overseas in various countries. Support for farmer-centric policies and strategies that improve resiliency in the face of extreme weather, mitigate against rising costs and inflation, support food security, improve access to new markets while partnering to share the costs of reaching Canada's climate targets; Carbon emission-reduction targets related to fertilizer Guidelines for urban transit, intra and extra urban transit systems: Infrastructure and Transportation policy with regard to the development of guidelines, policy and dedicated funding for urban, intra and extra urban transit systems; Intercommunity bus; Aerodromes and airports; Intra and extra urban transit systems; Municipal/railway proximity issues; Trade corridors; Shipping routes an

Discussions with government officials concerning carbon emissions from fertilizer as it relates to municipalities and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Rail, Airports and Ports: Federal policies and programs with regard to access to national and international markets for trade, intra-city movement of people and goods and sustainability of small and rural communities. Municipal role in the G-7 &G-20 and trade negotiations with foreign countries surrounding tarrifs. Support for farmer-centric policies and strategies that improve resiliency in the face of extreme weather, mitigate against rising costs and inflation, support food security, improve access to new markets while partnering to share the costs of reaching Canada's climate targets; Carbon emission-reduction targets related to fertilizer Federal policies and programs with regard to improving accesses to affordable housing, reducing homelessness, increasing social infrastructure required for immigration and refugee settlement and integration support. Homelessness; Encampments; redevelopment of public lands required to support communities that support the Canadian Armed Forces and its members. Affordable housing; Housing supply; Refugee and asylum seeker settlement; Housing Accelerator Fund; Rapid Housing Initiative; Housing-enabling infrastructure; Redevelopment of public lands; Environmental and sustainable development policies and programs with regard to local climate change mitigation and adaptation; Disaster mitigation and adaptation; Capacity building for sustainable community planning; Greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions; Water management, watershed planning, wastewater, and stormwater policy; Urban forest management and stewardship; Brownfield redevelopment; National Adaptation Strategy; Greener Homes Grant; Green Building Strategy; Green Municipal Fund. Community safety and crime prevention. National/contract policing; Community-based mental health and substance use care; Opioids and harm reduction; Auto thefts; Crime prevention through social development; Community corrections; Federal and municipal roles and responsibilities regarding policing duties and funding Telecommunications and Technology: Telecommunications policies with regard to universal broadband access throughout Canadian communities, antenna tower and municipal rights-of-ways. Rural, remote and northern municipal issues: Federal policies and programs with regard to delivering infrastructure funding in rural, remote and northern communities, trade irritants effecting rural, remote and northern communities, the development and implementation of the northern strategy in the three territories and the development of a rural champion at the federal cabinet level. Municipal Finance and Intergovernmental Arrangements Revenue sharing with the federal and provincial governments: Federal policies and programs with regard to the payments in lieu of taxes (PILTs) system, intergovernmental partnerships, recognition of municipal governments contributions to economic growth, the fiscal imbalance between each order of governments revenues options and their responsibilities to provide services and programs to Canadians. Municipal Growth Framework. Municipal-aboriginal relations issues: Federal policies and programs with regard to municipal-aboriginal relations, resources to meet the needs of the aboriginal population living in municipalities, municipal consultation and communication regarding land management and additions to reserve. Urban and Rural Indigenous Housing; Municipal-aboriginal relations International municipal development; Canadian foreign policy with regard to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) funded programs overseas in various countries Guidelines for urban transit, intra and extra urban transit systems: Infrastructure and Transportation policy with regard to the development of guidelines, policy and dedicated funding for urban, intra and extra urban transit systems; Intercommunity bus; Aerodromes and airport

Promoting Business Sustainability and Industry Competitiveness – TIAC promotes optimal forms of government intervention that support the competitiveness of Canada’s tourism companies via public grants, tax credits, repayable financing contributions and policies and programs that augment entrepreneurship, innovation and commercial protections. During this critical period as the sector looks to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, TIAC is working to ensure that government loans provided through the CEBA, RRRF, HASCAP and related initiatives have an optimal impact through guidelines and repayment conditions that are conducive to business growth. Improving Access for Visitors to and within Canada – TIAC supports the efficient movement of travellers to and within Canada through enhancements to the visitor visa process in order to meet international demand for travel to Canada. TIAC also works to ensure that regulations and policies related to transportation, air travel, waterways and ports of entry are developed and implemented to optimally connect, and not impede, domestic and international travellers to urban and rural destinations, key attractions, sporting events, and business meetings in Canada. Developing and Promoting World-class Tourism Assets – Ensuring Canada maintains and promotes the development of world-class tourism assets requires considerable investment from both public and private sources. TIAC advocates for continued investment, particularly in respect to under-serviced communities, and effective promotion of existing assets as well as the development of new, more competitive ones for both Canadian and world travellers to discover and experience. TIAC’s efforts on this front include monitoring and raising policy issues that directly affect Indigenous tourism development with a goal of empowering Indigenous communities in generating their own economies while also providing Canadians and foreign visitors alike the opportunity to connect with Indigenous peoples and to experience their unique and diverse culture in a deeply meaningful way. Building a Regenerative and Inclusive Tourism Industry – TIAC works with government to support a tourism sector that is more resilient, sustainable, and equitable through priority investment in regenerative tourism and specialized recruitment programs for equity seeking groups. Attracting and Retaining a Sustainable Tourism Workforce – TIAC supports the creation and optimization of policy and programs aimed at addressing the significant labour shortages that now exist in the tourism sector due to the affects of restrictive public health measures, border closures, and increased operational costs that were related to the COVID-19 pandemic. TIAC also advocates for a strong tourism workforce via regulations and policies in regard to immigration, including issues related to pathways to permanent-residency and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

To provide input related to plans to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as other policy initiatives including conservation, clean technology investments and renewable energy. To introduce Alectra's renewable energy projects to the federal government with the aim of identifying government grants, funding streams or any other relevant avenue in which Alectra's renewable projects may be considered for financial support. To advocate for changes to the definition of tax-exempt entities under the Federal Income Tax Act to allow for increased investment into the electricity sector.