Gigi Ho

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) - CAAIN's Prairie Agtech Validation Program (supported by PrairiesCan) is providing Alberta producers and Prairie-based agtech firms with opportunities to validate and demonstrate new technologies in real world production environments. By enabling companies to test functionality, performance, and economic value under on farm conditions, the program bridges the critical gap between prototype development and commercial adoption. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) - CAAIN's Research and Innovation Stream Accelerator Pilot, supported by the AAFC ACT program, strengthens the national smart farm network and accelerates adoption of energy-efficient, emissions-reducing, and precision agriculture technologies. Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) - CAAIN serves as Canada’s primary hub for agricultural AI adoption. More than 80 per cent of CAAIN-funded projects incorporate AI, addressing sector challenges such as labour shortages, productivity decline, and food security by connecting innovators and producers nationwide. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) - CAAIN is collaborating with Global Affairs Canada to explore pathways for showcasing Canadian agtech and AI capabilities to international partners. Canada’s diverse agricultural products, climates, and production systems position Canadian entrepreneurs and producers to provide valuable expertise to emerging markets worldwide. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) - Collaboration and consultation on modernizing Canada’s agrifood sector's productivity, sustainability, and resilience through science, applied research, automation, AI, smart farming technologies, precision agriculture, climate?smart innovation, and digital transformation. Innovation, Science, Economic Development (ISED) Strategic Response Fund (SRF) - Funding renewal under SRF funding will allow CAAIN to sustain momentum in network-building and accelerate the growth, adoption, and commercialization of agricultural technologies that enhance productivity, competitiveness, and outcomes for Canadian producers, while advancing food sovereignty, security, and affordability. The funding will expand AI-driven tools, national agriculture data capacity, and innovation adoption through connected smart and commercial farms. It will also support Indigenous and remote community food systems, and reduce waste through precision technologies.

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

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.