Gregory Smith

Federal housing policies, programs, and regulatory frameworks affecting the supply and affordability of housing in Canada, including initiatives that support increased residential construction, innovative building approaches, and the use of Canadian wood products in sustainable and efficient housing development. Federal policies and programs supporting youth employment, workforce participation, and career development opportunities connected to Canada’s forest sector. Federal infrastructure policies and programs affecting economic development and transportation systems relevant to Canada’s forest sector and the communities it supports. Federal rail safety regulations and transportation of dangerous goods frameworks affecting the safe and efficient movement of products and inputs relevant to forest sector operations. Federal budget measures, fiscal policy developments, and economic policy frameworks affecting the forest sector, including measures that support investment, growth, competitiveness, and long-term economic resilience. Federal regulatory frameworks affecting commercial transportation of forest products that support safe and efficient transportation. Federal workforce development and labour market policies affecting employment in Canada’s forest sector, including skills development, labour mobility, immigration pathways, and workforce supports. Canada Transportation Act and related transportation regulatory frameworks affecting freight service, system reliability, and cost competitiveness for forest sector shippers. Federal policies affecting transportation system costs and shipping competitiveness for Canadian forest products, including regulatory and service frameworks. Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Chemicals Management Plan, including substance assessments conducted under the Pest Control Products Act, with respect to science-based regulatory approaches that protect environmental outcomes while supporting industrial competitiveness. Federal tax policy and investment incentive frameworks affecting capital investment, research and development, productivity, and long-term competitiveness in Canada’s forest sector. Federal innovation, clean technology, and industrial development programs that support modernization, advanced manufacturing, and the growth of next-generation forest products. Federal policies and programs supporting Indigenous partnerships, economic participation, and long-term opportunities connected to Canada’s forest sector. Migratory Birds Convention Act and Migratory Birds Regulations as they relate to land management activities and environmental stewardship practices within the forest sector. Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations under the Fisheries Act, including Environmental Effects Monitoring requirements and regulatory approaches affecting pulp and paper operations, environmental performance, and sector competitiveness. Fisheries Act habitat protection provisions and associated regulatory tools affecting forestry operations and land management activities, with respect to effective environmental oversight and practical implementation. Species at Risk Act and related policies regarding species protection, recovery planning, and conservation measures affecting forest landscapes, environmental stewardship, and natural resource activity. Federal policies, programs, and legislative initiatives supporting the development of forest-based bioeconomy opportunities, including biomass energy, biofuels, and other innovative forest-derived products that contribute to economic and environmental objectives. Federal programs and initiatives supporting climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience within Canada’s forest sector and forest-dependent communities. Federal transportation infrastructure policies and programs affecting the movement of forest products, including rail, port, and trade corridor infrastructure that supports economic growth and supply chain efficiency. Federal policies a

Participating in the Canadian Lumber Trade Alliance (CLTA) alongside associations and lumber companies from across Canada. The CLTA works to advocate for a fair resolution to the softwood lumber dispute with the United States. Engaging with the Federal Plastics Registry to advocate for a process that is fair, efficient, and effective. Lobbying for fiscal policy that supports a competitive forest industry in Canada. Working with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans on a process to evaluate and mitigate impacts of stream crossings and harvesting operations in areas with trout populations. Speaking to government about the Clean Fuel Standard and its potential impact on the forest industry. Representing AFPA-member company interests on the softwood lumber file and working with the Government of Canada to achieve a resolution to outstanding trade disputes with the United States. Promoting a competitive forest industry, including sound forestry policy and strategic partnerships and programs. Lobbying for efficient rail service that moves member company products to customers in a timely and cost-effective manner. Engaging on the climate change file to promote the benefits of a well-managed forest and wood building products as part of Canada's net zero goal. Amendments to the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations including the Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) program. Advocating for implementation of the Species at Risk Act that recognizes the value of forestry on the landbase and balances conservation goals and socioeconomic impacts.

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.

Supporting the client as they explore funding opportunities. Advocating for the inclusion of biomass in the list of supported technologies in the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the capital cost allowance under the ITC.

Investment Tax Credit. Discussing eligible equipment for waste biomass in the Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

Communicating economic status of industry with regard to policies that support ongoing competitiveness of BC's forest industry. Impacts of US tariffs on Canadian lumber exports - Federal backstop program in 2025. Softwood Lumber support program. Softwood Lumber Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United Sates of America with regards to negotiations impacting members and renegotiating of Canada/US Mexico (CUSMA) Agreement. Discussions on trade diversification. Agreements or collaboration between Canada and the US on Softwood Lumber.

•Improve timeliness and predictability of Canada's export control regime and improve coordination with and implementation of defence trade promotion measures. •Raise awareness of the economic and national security contributions by the Canadian defence and innovative industry, including dual use, and the national security and economic value of having a robust, sustainable Canadian domestic defence industrial base. •Modernize Canada's procurement process for defence, security, cyber, ICT, and related emerging technologies with the goal of streamlining and increasing effectiveness for Canadian companies and enabling sovereign defence, cyber and digital capabilities. •Encourage the government to implement of the priorities, policies and programs laid out in the Defence Industrial Strategy, including the proper functioning of enabling programs and policies like industrial security, Industrial and Technological Benefits, financing, and innovation/R&D.

Invitation to the Minister of Natural Resources to speak at 2025 COFI Convention in April 2025 in Prince George, BC. on International Trade - Impact of US tariffs on Canadian lumber exports. Student Outreach Grant Seek funding for Offshore market development activities including market access and product promotion. Seek federal mediation on labour dispute (West Coast port strike) which needs urgent resolution as it is resulting in disruption to forest products supply chains. Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) Program. Initial inquiry regarding funding eligibility from NRCan IFIT (investment in Forest Industry Transformation) program for sponsorship of a proposed workshop on Building with Wood in Vancouver, BC, in April 2024. Discussions on proposed amendments to Migratory Birds Regulation and the impacts to forest industry. Discussions on low-carbon products initiative including carbon accounting for Canadian wood and paper products. Discussions on emerging markets and impacts to industry on softwood lumber agreement with the United States. Opportunities to expand offshore markets for sustainable forest products produced by Canada and BC. Discussions on Climate and low-carbon forest products, including carbon accounting and the role of the forest sector in meeting Canada's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and international commitments. Discussion on forestry and reconciliation and federal implementation of United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including ownership of forest tenures and employment and investment opportunities across forest sector supply chains. Discussion of Southern Mountain Caribou and potential socio-economic impacts if protection order made under Species at Risk Act (SARA). Provide general update on forest sector including upcoming decision on Southern Mountain Caribou. Discussion on carbon accounting and climate. Discussion on international market regulation regarding "forest degradation". Discuss impacts to industry on Critical Habitat Effectiveness Protection Assessment (CHEPA) for southern mountain caribou. Consulting and engaging with the federal government on maintaining critical supply chains and transportation infrastructure for BC forest products. Consulting and engaging with government on new federal policies and initiatives impacting the BC forest sector, such as a National Biodiversity Strategy, a Canada/BC Nature Accord, Canada’s commitment at the global level to a 30-by-30 target for biodiversity conservation, and Canada/BC Regional Tables on long term planning for low carbon infrastructure. Communicating economic status of industry with regard to potential government policy and funding with regard to the Softwood Lumber Agreement. Climate and low-carbon forest products, forest degradation and Natural Resources Canada Funding Programs. Communicating economic status of Industry with regard to policies that support ongoing competitiveness of BC forest industry.

Engagement with government officials to seek funding or tax relief measures for net zero building material manufacturing, in support of Canada's forestry sector and housing supply chain.

Arranging meetings to explore funding opportunities across a range of government departments and programs for strategic capital projects. Discussions with the federal government on various aspects of Resolute FP business operations, including, but not limited to, economic growth, innovation, sustainability and environment, and product diversification.

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. 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 and CIHR) and other departments and agencies. Advocacy to improve immigration policies and programs for 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 support for university research mobilization and commercialization activities. Advocacy to enhance student supports, including but not limited to Canada Student Grants and Loans, the Canada Graduate Scholarship Program, supports for Indigenous students, and work-integrated learning programs.