Graham Flack

Advocacy regarding science, technology and innovation policy frameworks with a view to addressing climate change and enhancing Canada's research and innovation capacity. Enhanced supports for activities related to commercialization and knowledge mobilization of university research results Discussions with federal officials to encourage the development of a public policy framework that responds to the needs of post-secondary education and research. Discussions with designated public office holders in support of regulation development informed by research.

Social innovation projects to better understand Canada's changing social landscape Proposal to develop new science and technology funding initiatives related to institutional research strengths Canada's Science and Technology Strategy as it relates to financial support for Science and Technology initiatives Canada's innovation strategy and initiatives as they pertain to agriculture, ocean and blue/green economy opportunities in the post secondary sector.

Data center integration including grid-connected opportunities to reduce costs of the energy transition. Commenting on potential changes to Migratory Bird Regulations. Promoting measures that facilitate intertie development, including: clarifying the governance of interprovincial electricity transmission; implementing a one permit, one approval framework; encouraging provinces and territories to develop inter-regional transmission infrastructure; creating a national or regional energy strategy to identify potential trade corridors and projects of strategic importance of common interest; and providing financial support to interprovincial transmission projects. Communicating to: learn about Government of Canada initiatives related to climate change and GHG reduction; learn about electricity infrastructure and energy infrastructure; and discuss interties, energy storage and renewable energy generation, including how those tools can help Canada achieve net-zero clean electricity grid by 2050. Open-ended discussions regarding inter-jurisdictional electricity projects and system planning related to the Government of Canada’s Clean Electricity Strategy. Engaging government stakeholders in discussions regarding wildfire risk in Alberta, including the development of a mitigation and response strategy in collaboration with affected or at-risk communities. Open-ended discussions regarding spectrum management and radio frequency planning. Requesting funding under the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program to be used towards a high voltage, grid-connected energy storage system, and transmission infrastructure that supports renewable energy development in Alberta. Requesting financial support for transmission infrastructure that supports renewable energy development in Alberta from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Open-ended discussions regarding the status of the Public Safety Broadband Network. Commenting on the investment tax credit of up to 30% for investments in clean technologies. Commenting on the proposed investment tax credit of up to 15% for investments in clean electricity. AltaLink is engaging government stakeholders regarding participating in the Clean Electricity Regulations consultation process to comment on issues such as performance standards, phase-in, facility operations, and end of life for emitting units. As a transmission facility owner in Alberta, we are looking for CER design that helps to achieve a net-zero grid while maintaining reliability and affordability of the system.

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

INTERNATIONAL TRADE: Legislative proposals, regulations, policies or programs related to Canada's international trading and investment relationship with foreign markets. WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION: Input to federal deliberations regarding international negotiations to implement the Doha Round of trade liberalization U.N. CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE: Input to federal deliberations on ongoing international negotiations respecting the Convention, as well as decisions about implementation of Convention provisions in Canada TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP: Input to federal consultations re Canada's entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership; and consideration of Canadian interests with respect to increasing economic ties with several nations of the Asia-Pacific, including trade in goods and services, foreign investment protections, intellectual property, immigration, labour mobility, etc. TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY: Federal policy and rules related to provision of telecommunications services in Canada, including competition among service providers, access to wireless spectrum, ownership and foreign investment, and access by new entrants SECURITY AND PROSPERITY IN NORTH AMERICA, with respect to rules governing the flow of goods, services and people across the border; cooperation among agencies in the three countries to streamline and harmonize rules and regulations governing the conduct of business; policies to enhance energy trade and energy security SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY: Input regarding policies that can support research and development of new science and technology and the broader adaptation of advanced technologies across the Canadian economy PUBLIC SERVICE: Rules and regulations governing the conduct of public servants in their relations with corporations and business associations, processes for consulting with business on the impact of new laws and regulations governing the conduct of business in Canada POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION: Rules governing federal-provincial financing arrangements for post-secondary education; and development of acceptable national standards for graduate degrees in various disciplines PARLIAMENTARY REFORM: Input regarding changes to rules governing Parliament; Senate reform NORTH AMERICAN LEADERS' SUMMIT: Input to the federal government regarding policy priorities for the annual summit of the leaders of Canada, the United States and Mexico NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT: Amendments, sub-agreements and regulations governing trade relations between Canada, the United States and Mexico; with respect to the enhanced trade in goods and services, regulation of investment between countries, admittance of qualified immigrants and recognition of professional credentials for employment purposes NORTH AMERICAN DEFENCE: Input regarding the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) and other means to enhance collaboration among governments regading defence of the North American continent NORTH AMERICAN COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION: Input to federal deliberations regarding possible enhancement and coordination of environmental standards among Canada, the United States and Mexico NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY: Input regarding policies that Canada's national security policies and regulations impacting the private sector. NATIONAL SECURITIES REGULATOR: Supporting efforts by the federal government to work with the provinces and establish a single national regulatory authority for the regulation of corporations which issues shares to the public LOBBYING ACT: Regulations governing the conduct of lobbyists and their relations with the federal government with respect to the rules regarding communications and meetings between senior public office holders and corporations and organizational lobbyists INVESTMENT CANADA ACT: Regulations and policies with respect to the foreign ownership of Canadian companies; takeovers of Canadian companies by foreign corporations or state entities, thresholds that trigger review

Taxation and Finance - discussing changes to charity tax laws and how these affect registered charities Support for the Charitable sector in Canada, through granting programs for the charitable sector in Canada

Discussions regarding the safe and reliable operation of Enbridge’s liquids pipelines, natural gas pipelines, and utilities and power assets. Discussions regarding projects, expansions, optimizations, and changes to tolling arrangements relating to Enbridge’s liquids pipelines, natural gas pipelines, and utilities and power assets. Discussions regarding policy developments on Indigenous engagement, consultation and economic inclusion. Discussions regarding market access for energy products, maintaining the integrated North American energy market, Canada-U.S. trade and cross-border issues and Canadian energy exports to other jurisdictions. Discussions regarding climate policies and initiatives, including the federal carbon charge, the Clean Fuel Standard, methane regulations, and the output-based pricing system, as well as policy supports for innovations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions (including Renewable Natural Gas, Compressed Natural Gas, CCUS, hydrogen and power-to-gas). Discussions regarding Canadian competitiveness, including on regulatory efficiency, as it pertains to environmental assessments and climate policies and taxation. Discussions and feedback regarding regulatory efficiency, including environmental assessments, the federal carbon charge, the Clean Fuel Standard, methane regulations, Clean Electricity Regulations, and the output-based pricing system.

Veiller à la mise en œuvre de l'application du Règlement sur les langues officielles - communications avec le public et prestation de service suite aux résultats du Recensement de 2011 Recherche d'appui et de contributions gouvernementales pour appuyer la mise en oeuvre du plan stratégique pour favoriser l'immigration au sein des communautés francophones en situation minoritaire Programme des langues officielles - Prochain Plan d'action pour les langues officielles Programme de promotion de l'accès à la justice dans les deux langues officielles - participation à la mise en oeuvre du programme Programme d'appui aux langues officielles de Patrimoine canadien - volet vie communautaire - renouvellement des accords de collaboration provinciales et territoriales en appui aux développement des communautés francophones et acadiennes ainsi que de l'appui aux organismes nationaux à vocation sectorielle. Programme d'appui aux langues officielles de Patrimoine canadien pour promouvoir les besoins des communautés francophones et acadiennes Politique sur les paiements de transferts - mise en oeuvre des recommadations du groupe d'experts et mise en oeuvre des obligations sous la Partie VII de la Loi sur les langues officielles Politique sur l'utilisation des langues officielles pour les communications avec le public et la prestation des services Obtenir des contributions du Programme d'établissement de Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada relativement à la coordination du dossier de l'immigration dans les communautés francophones et acadiennes et l'appui du ministère pour des services d'accueil et d'établissement en français dans diverses régions du pays. Loi sur les langues officielles - son application et sa mise en oeuvre - particulièrement les Parties IV,V et VII Charte canadienne des droits et libertés - mise en oeuvre des articles 16 à 20 et 23 - mise en oeuvre d'un programme d'appui aux droits linguistiques Cadre de politiques en matière de langues officielles - Mise à jour de la règlementation relié à la Loi sur les langues officielles et du régime linguistique au Canada

Communications about the review of the Lobbying Act, including the Commissioner of Lobbying’s recommendations to the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics. Discussion about the impact of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review on the Nonprofit sector Preparation for e-filing webinars for charities; Discussion about the Comprehensive Expenditure Review Supporting implementation of Senate Committee recommendations on the charitable sector. Addressing disruptions to donations due to postal strikes; tax credit timing adjustments. Advocating for financial relief and policy responses to emergencies and rising issues (e.g., tariffs). Inclusion of charities in SME-focused programs like Mitacs and BDC advisory services. Budget consultations re: charitable giving incentives, regulatory reforms, and program access. Bill S-222 and S-216: Amendments enabling partnerships with non-qualified donees. Support for the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience and digital skills development. Supporting sector-wide digital capacity and transformation. Advancing reform of the disbursement quota for registered charities. Improving access and equity in federal funding programs for nonprofits and charities. Strengthening workforce supports for paid and unpaid nonprofit labour. Supporting federal data collection (e.g., Satellite Account, national nonprofit surveys). Advocating for a federal “home” in government for the nonprofit sector. Building knowledge on the activities of the nonprofit sector.

Monitor implementation of Payment Card Networks Act with regard to debit and credit cards and other ecosystem developments. Monitor implementation of and compliance with the Code of Conduct for the Credit and Debit Industry in Canada. Monitor developments to immigration policy as it relates to skilled labour. Monitor developments the Payment Card Networks Act with respect to payment card network operators, and any other legislation seeking to amend that Act. Monitor developments relating to the Voluntary Interchange Commitment and other initiatives related to cost of acceptance. Monitor developments relating to international trade discussions, including the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement and WTO reform with respect to data flows and electronic payments. Monitor developments relating to government-supported tree planting programs, Monitor developments relating to Bill C-331 An Act to amend the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act (duty of candour) Monitor developments regarding Proceeds of Crime and Terrorist Financing Act and regulations with respect to credit card accounts and prepaid. Monitor developments regarding breach tracking and reporting regulations under, and review of, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Monitor developments associated with global humanitarian aid efforts with respect to financial inclusion and electronification of aid and exploring opportunities for private-public sector partnerships in administering aid. Monitor developments and opportunities regarding greater government use of electronic payments. Seek opportunities for greater usage of products and services by federal government. Monitor development of the Retail Payments Oversight Framework/RPAA with respect to regulation of payment networks. Monitor development of the Government’s innovation agenda with respect to the digital economy and Digital ID. Monitor development of the Digital Charter (Bill C-27) with respect to payments and data. Monitor development of regulations pursuant to the Bank Act with respect to credit card issuer practices. Monitor development of Open Banking consultations and studies. Monitor development of Faster Payments initiatives as the government moves toward payments modernization. Monitor development of cybersecurity policies with respect to payments. Monitor deployments relating to oversight of cryptocurrency. Monitor Bank Act policies with respect to prepaid cards.

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.