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Gilles Saindon

Assistant Deputy Minister, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)0 communications in the past year

Lobbied by

University of Saskatchewan

3

Seek funding and support for the institution’s teaching, and research and development enterprise in life sciences, basic and applied sciences, social sciences, humanities and fine arts and mental health. Support for the implementation and operation of the Canada Water Agency Support for institutional compliance with federal research security requirements. Seek program development and support for Indigenous-led research Seeking program development for career opportunities for Indigenous post-secondary graduates Seeking greater efficiencies and continued funding of the Canada Student Loan Program Seek funding for international opportunities in student experience through academic exchanges, study abroad and international student visits to Canada Secure funding for Major Science Infrastructure Policy development and research funding for knowledge transfer and the commercialization of research Increase federal funding to the Canada Graduate Scholarship Program and other national initiatives in support of graduate students Funding for research and campus infrastructure Funding for internships, fellowships and student work-integrated learning Facilitation of improved policies that impact international students and other highly qualified personnel Discuss post-secondary institutions' role in securing Canada's water future through education and research. Discuss post-secondary institutions' role in securing Canada's energy future through research and teaching. Development of a national program for the provision of long-term operating funding for major science initiatives like the Canadian Light Source (CLS) and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) Continue and increase funding to the Tri-Agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) in order to maintain an internationally competitive research and development infrastructure. Continue and increase funding to the Indirect Costs of Research Program in order to maintain an internationally competitive research and development infrastructure Continue and increase funding to the Canada Foundation for Innovation in order to maintain an internationally competitive research and development infrastructure. Budget bills in support of the federal role in post-secondary education, research and the science and technology framework

Canadian Canola Growers Association

2

Agricultural trade: multi and bi-lateral trade negotiations to maintain and expand opportunities for canola farmers through reduction in tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers. Provide farmers necessary support through trade disruptions. Support the modernization of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a mechanism to promote rules-based trade. Support additional government resources to help solve technical trade barriers. Inter-provincial regulations support canola production, market access, and growth. Agriculture Policy Framework: ensure that business risk management programs and strategic initiatives are suitable for canola farmers. Federal research programming and initiatives support production needs on farm. Support right to repair and interoperability programs, policies, laws, and regulations that support farmer's choice and right to repair. Canada Transportation Act and regulations as it relates to the transportation of grain. Support development of transportation and trade infrastructure that facilities market demand and growth for canola. Ensure governments recognize the benefits that farmers provide to the environment, including in relation to offset protocols, ecological goods and services, and rebates. Support on-farm exemptions for carbon pricing. Climate change laws, policies, programs, research, and regulations related to agriculture promote competitiveness and production on farms. Environment and international trade: to advance the good management practices that are implemented on canola farms that contribute to environmental stewardship and competitive markets for farmers and to advance the canola biodiesel market domestically and abroad. Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations incentivizes the use of canola-based biofuels. Transportation: to advocate for a fair and efficient railway transportation system that serves the needs of grain producers. The creation and implementation of the Canada Water Agency and adoption of a pan-Canadian water monitoring framework have positive impacts for canola farmers. Support enhanced resources for federal regulatory bodies to make science-based decisions on crop protection products and seed varieties. Seeds Act and regulations as it pertains to seed variety registrations. Plant Breeders Rights Act and regulations as it relates to intellectual property rights. Patent Act and regulations as it pertains to intellectual property rights specific to seed technologies. Income Tax Act and other financial regulations, policies or programs: To promote the fair treatment of farmers in any proposed changes to the Income Tax Act or other financial mechanism that may impact farmers financially. Fisheries Act regulations and polices as it relates to fish habitats on farmland. Ensure Government recognizes and works with the agriculture sector to ensure farmers have access to skilled, competitive on-farm labour. Discussions concerning railway and port strikes as it relates to economic development and trade labour disruptions. Canadian Food Inspection Act and regulations as it relates to canola production and trade. Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Pest Control Products Act and regulations as it relates to agricultural pest control products. Canada Grain Act and Canada Grain Act Regulations as it relates to grain handling and transportation. Broadband: Expedite and support efforts to bring affordable, reliable high-speed internet and mobile coverage to rural and remote communities. Agricultural Marketing Programs Act and regulations as it pertains to the Advance Payments Program.

Canola Council of Canada

2

Advancing biofuels policy and the benefits of biofuels for canola farmers, processors, and rural communities. Working to secure market access for Canadian canola products Working on sustainability and biodiversity policy as it relates to the Canadian canola industry and agriculture sector. Working on rail and labour policy as it relates to the movement and export of canola and canola products. Working on innovation policy to drive growth and investment in the Canadian canola industry. Supporting multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and the implementation of existing agreements to reduce tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers on canola and its products. Implementing a national water monitoring program that supports the environmental safety of plan protection products. Ensuring that the regulation of crop protection products and seed innovations are made using the best available science. Encouraging the development of an Agriculture Policy Framework that supports the competitiveness and growth of the canola sector, including support for the federal and shared funded programs through the Agricultural Policy Framework. Encouraging health/safety/environment approval framework for Plants with Novel Traits and plant breeding innovations that support innovation. Continue obtaining support to resolve market access issues and enhance canola utilization from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's "Agri-Marketing" Program. Continue obtaining support for federal and jointly funded research programs though the Agricultural Policy Framework such as the AgriScience Cluster. The Cluster is a partnership between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the canola industry to produce research that reduces production risk, improves yield, increases market demand and enhances focus on sustainability.

Working to secure market access for Canadian canola products Supporting multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and the implementation of existing agreements to reduce tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers on canola and its products. Implementing a national water monitoring program that supports the environmental safety of plan protection products. Expanding renewable content in diesel as part of Canada's Clean Fuel Standard and increasing the use of biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ensuring that the regulation of crop protection products and seed innovations are made using the best available science. Encouraging the development of an Agriculture Policy Framework that supports the competitiveness and growth of the canola sector, including support for the federal and shared funded programs through the Agricultural Policy Framework. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is the current policy framework for federal and provincial agricultural programs. Encouraging health/safety/environment approval framework for Plants with Novel Traits and plant breeding innovations that support innovation. Continue obtaining support to resolve market access issues and enhance canola utilization from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's "Agri-Marketing" Program. Continue obtaining support for federal and jointly funded research programs though the Agricultural Policy Framework such as the AgriScience Cluster. The Cluster is a partnership between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the canola industry to produce research that reduces production risk, improves yield, increases market demand and enhances focus on sustainability.

University of Calgary

2

Support for new research and campus infrastructure. Increased funding and program design for various programs administered by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Funding or support with respect to international development cooperation (student and academic mobility, internships, research collaboration, exchanges, technical assistance). Discussions regarding possible research and development initiatives for, and investments in, partnerships with the University of Calgary. Discussions concerning potential research and development initiatives and investments related to clean energy, environmental research and climate change policy. Discussions about policy implementation regarding the academic visa process in support of international faculty recruitment with respect to changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. Budget bills in support of federal funding for post-secondary education, research, innovation, science and technology.

Brock University

1

Students - investments in experiential learning opportunities for students, including co-operative education, international student mobility, international education, and investments in youth entrepreneurship and skills development. Additionally, housing and student support services. National defence and defence research; innovation and commercialization, and support, including funding, for economic development and businesses in the defence sector from FedDev Ontario and the Defence Industrial Strategy. Brock University would like to make sure that university research and infrastructure are part of the annual federal budget. Research - Brock University would like to maintain confidentiality and privacy for its researchers and applicants for federal funding. Networks of Centres of Excellence - investments in agriculture innovation now that grape and wine research qualifies for funding. Health research - research capital grants, research operating grants, and capital grants from the federal government. Economic development and social innovation - investments that facilitate partnerships and knowledge transfer between postsecondary institutions and the private, public and not-for profit sectors. Brock University would like to see research funding levels maintained or increased. Agriculture innovation - investments in agriculture innovation to support research such as state-of-the-art biomanufacturing for the development of health-centric crops for food and pharmacy and grape and wine innovation.

Fruit & Vegetable Growers of Canada

1

Government of Canada – Red tape reduction / regulatory and administrative burden, in respect of reducing cumulative and duplicative compliance requirements affecting fruit and vegetable growers (including repetitive reporting, overlapping inspection/audit documentation, and inconsistent data/format requirements across federal programs and regulations), and advancing streamlined, outcome-based approaches that maintain food safety and environmental protections while improving sector competitiveness. ECCC – Canada Water Act / water protection initiatives, in respect of reliable access to water and sustainable on-farm management. ECCC – Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) and related regulations affecting horticulture operations/inputs, in respect of practical compliance pathways. ECCC – carbon pricing and climate policy, in respect of competitiveness impacts on horticulture (including production and supply chain costs). FINANCE CANADA – federal budget measures affecting horticulture competitiveness and program funding, in respect of adequate resourcing for sector priorities. AAFC – Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) programming (e.g., AgriScience/AgriInnovation/AgriMarketing/AgriAssurance), in respect of research and competitiveness support for produce growers. AAFC – Advance Payments Program (APP), in respect of timely access to cash advances for horticultural producers. AAFC – Business Risk Management programs (AgriStability, AgriInvest, AgriRecovery, AgriRisk), in respect of responsiveness to horticulture production risk. IRCC – Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and immigration policies related to temporary foreign agricultural workers, in respect of program integrity and workable pathways for employers and workers. EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CANADA – Temporary Foreign Worker Program and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, in respect of ensuring reliable access to seasonal labour for horticulture. AAFC / PMRA – Minor Use / grower-requested access pathways (e.g., minor use and own-use import pathways), in respect of timely access to pest management solutions. PMRA – Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and international harmonization, in respect of maintaining access to tools and avoiding trade disruption for produce. HEALTH CANADA / PMRA – Pest Control Products Act, including registrations and re-evaluations, in respect of access to crop protection tools for horticulture. CFIA – Organic regime and U.S.–Canada Organic Equivalency Arrangement, in respect of facilitating compliant trade in organic produce. CFIA – Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act (food labelling claims), in respect of accurate and workable labelling requirements for fruit and vegetable products. CFIA – Plant Protection Act and plant health requirements, in respect of preventing introduction/spread of pests affecting horticulture. CFIA – Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Regulations / grade, labelling, licensing and arbitration requirements, in respect of efficient and consistent oversight for produce marketed in Canada. CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY – Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations (SFCR), in respect of fresh produce food safety and compliance requirements. CBSA – Special Import Measures Act (SIMA), in respect of protecting Canadian growers from unfair foreign competition. CBSA – Customs Act / border processes affecting fresh produce, in respect of facilitating efficient import/export movement of perishable goods. GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA / CBSA – CUSMA and trade disputes (including tariff and non-tariff barriers), in respect of maintaining predictable market access for Canadian fresh fruit and vegetables.

Genome Canada

1

Seeking funding support for genomics and related sciences research in Canada through the financing of Genome Canada's activities.

Grain Growers of Canada

1

International trade benefitting grain farmers, ensuring that exports of grain and grain products and imports of essential equipment and inputs remain tariff-free. Grain research and development, particularly ensuring that AAFC is properly staffed and resourced, continues downstream research, return to former levels of research funding, and modernize their R&D infrastructure and technology. Business Risk Management (BRM) programs, particularly AgriStability, AgriInvest and AgriRecovery, ensuring these programs provide farmers with a sufficient safety net and tools to mitigate financial losses and protect farm viability. Trade-enabling infrastructure, advocating for investments in infrastructure essential to the export of Canadian grain and grain products. Health Canada Food and Drug Regulations as they relate to mandatory nutrition labeling, health claims involving cereal grains, oilseeds and pulse crops, Genetically Modified food labeling. Viterra-Bunge merger, sharing concerns from grain farmers regarding the proposed acquisition. Canada Grain Act, seeking to enhance producer protections, bolster the producer payment security program, and increase data requirement functions. Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, with respect to trade distorting impacts. Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, with respect to supporting farmer competitiveness and further enabling farmers' role as climate solution providers. Sustainable Agriculture Strategy (SAS), ensuring that the strategy is fully funded, does not include any targets without data and helps to grow food production to meet increasing domestic and global demand. Right to repair to ensure that grain farmers can access diagnostics software to repair their equipment. Pesticide Management Review Agency regulations in regards to the Own Use Import and the Grower Requested Own Use programs. Pesticide Management Review Agency regulations in regards to Minor Use Pesticide Program including new pesticides, minor uses and amended labelling for usage. Capital Gains Inclusion Rate, specifically as it relates to intergenerational transfers and family farms. Canada Labour Code, and regulations specifically related to grain handling and transportation. Agricultural trade negotiations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Canada-India, Canada-China, with respect to more export market opportunities for grain farmers. Advocating for a fair and efficient railway transportation system that serves the needs of grain producers.

Nutrien

1

Monitoring for any changes to the output-based pricing system and its provincial equivalency, and any related programs that advance or impede emissions-reducing technologies. Input regarding policies that enhance or impede the competitiveness of Canada's agriculture and fertilizer industries. Ensuring the ongoing reliability of the transportation supply chain. Advancing economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture practices including nutrient management protocols.

Seeds Canada

1

A reporting structure change for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency so that it reports solely to the Ministry of Agriculture on matters that are low risk to humans, animals and the environment. The impact of tariffs on the Canadian Seed Industry Plant Breeding Programs in Canada Sustainability and Seed - Seed is the first step on the path to on-farm sustainability. It has significant potential to influence a crop's ability to adapt to and mitigate climate change. Plant breeding innovations are the best basis for sustainable crop production and delivering higher yields, better nutrient efficiency, better adaptability. Seed Regulatory Modernization - update of the Seeds Regulations to encourage growth, reduce burden and promote the seeds sector. Modernization of the Plants with Novel Traits system

Recent activity

Mar 19, 2025
Barry Senft contacted Gilles Saindon on behalf of Seeds Canada
Nov 7, 2024
Oct 10, 2024
Feb 6, 2024
Jan 17, 2024
Oct 23, 2023
Oct 5, 2023
Apr 26, 2023
Jan 17, 2023