Harpreet Kochhar

Discussions about financial sustainability measures for universities. Discussions about shared priorities related to universities including workforce, talent, and employment. Discussions on the Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy. Government of Canada - Universities Working Group roundtable discussion on research security. Discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) funding as it relates to universities. Student housing and community enabling campus infrastructure programs. Working group meeting to discuss academic contributions to the Defence Industrial Strategy. Immigration policies and programs related to international students and affecting universities. Discussions of education and international relations opportunities. Engaging in discussions on research priorities for Canadian universities. Discussions about research policy and programs, Canada-US relations, and their impacts on the post-secondary sector Discussions about international students, the workforce, and the benefits of a university degree. Discussions about the Global Excellence Initiative (GEI) and future funding commitments. Meeting to discuss science policy and programs, impact of Canada-US relations Recent policy changes and development of other policy tools including the Recognized Institutions Framework.

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.

research into blockchain technology in traceability programs, Business risk management programs, Livestock Tax Deferral, Livestock Price Insurance, Agristability, Animal Health programs. Regulations and legislation related to beef cattle and meat production, exports and imports. Market access for beef and cattle, achieving new and defending existing trade agreements. Farm policy and programs with respect to business risk management, innovation, environment, etc. "Taxation policies and programs related to farm income, capital gains, generational transfer of assets, family income sharing, investment income, and tax deferrals for extraordinary revenue due to inventory liquidation during a declared disaster."

Health of Animals Act, Maximum compensation limits and reportable disease response Health of Animals Act - Regulations pertaining to Specified Risk Material Health of Animals Act - Proposed changes to Section XV Traceability Regulations.

Taxation policies and programs related to farm income, capital gains, generational transfer of assets, family income sharing, investment income, and tax deferrals for extraordinary revenue due to inventory liquidation during a declared disaster Traceability technology with tech and innovation, Covid-19 solutions and discussions Research into blockchain technology in traceability programs, BRM, Covid-19 Regulations and legislation related to beef cattle and meat production, exports and imports. Market access for beef and cattle, achieving new and defending existing trade agreements. Farm policy and programs with respect to business risk management, innovation, environment, etc.

Science-based food regulations: Working with the Government of Canada on a variety of regulations to promote safety, efficiency, and competitiveness. Trade diversification: Working with the government to seek out and sign new free trade agreements with markets that have a potential for increased Canadian meat exports. Canada-U.S. relations: Ensuring that the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) continues in its entirety. Labour: Advocating for a permanent food processing immigration stream, stemming from the success of the Agri-Food Pilot. International Barriers to Trade: Seeking to eliminate or prevent out-dated, overly burdensome, discriminatory or otherwise inappropriate technical requirements in other countries that can create unnecessary obstacles to trade, reduce competition and prevent Canadian exporters from participating in global supply under the WTO SPS and TBT Agreements. The Canadian Meat Council is advocating for strengthened regulatory cooperation initiatives in regional, plurilateral and multilateral trade agreements to further facilitate trade. Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance: Encouraging the adoption of an increased and permanent accelerated capital cost allowance to match the tax benefits available to the American meat processing sector. Canadian Food Inspection Agency and User Fee Act: Advocating for a review of the CFIA fee structure and establishment of service standards as required by the User Fee Act. Interprovincial trade of meat: Advocating for all meat that is processed in Canada and that crosses provincial borders to be inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency under the Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations. Canada-U.S. Regulatory Cooperation: Seeking greater regulatory alignment between American and Canadian food inspection systems to ensure that Canada remains regulatory competitive. Canada-EU: Promoting commercially viable access to Europe for Canadian beef and pork under the provisions of the Canada Europe Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Canada-China: Advocating for tariff-free access to the Chinese market for Canadian beef and pork exports. Domestic processing: Advocating for a targeted federal support program to assist small and medium-sized beef processors who are experiencing severe financial stress due to limited cattle supply and rising input costs. The program would aim to stabilize operations, preserve regional processing capacity, and sustain employment through short-term financial relief and resilience measures developed in collaboration with the Government of Canada Terrestrial animal diseases: Ensuring the Government of Canada is adequately prepared to respond to foreign animal diseases, including funding support for processors and zoning agreements with key trading partners.

World Trade Organization Doha Round Negotiations: the Canadian Meat Council supports an ambitious trade deal at the World Trade Organization to gain better access to important export markets. We need a significant reduction in import tariffs, the elimination of export subsidies and greatly reduced domestic support that distorts pricing and international markets. Veterinary Import Policy: Animal Health Risk Assessment: the Canadian Meat Council has requested an updated risk assessment on the importation of live American hogs for slaughter in Canada. Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement- the Canadian Meat Council is advocating for the Government of Canada to ratify the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement Negotiations. Canada should be seeking an ambitious free trade agreement with all parties in the negotiations. Temporary Foreign Worker Program: the Canadian Meat Council is advocating for the continued access for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for Canada's meat industry. Nevertheless, and notwithstanding extensive efforts to recruit domestically, it is the reality of our industry that the number of workers required exceeds, by far, the number of both “lower-skilled” and “higher-skilled” Canadian candidates who are both willing and able to work in Canada's meat processing industry. There is now an application fee of $1000 per Temporary Foreign Worker- if a form has 1 employee or 100 employees the charge is $1000 per worker applied for. If the request is rejected the fee is not refunded. These fees seem much higher than a reasonable cost to process- especially when the request for multiple employees is rejected. Safe Food for Canadians Act: The Canadian Meat Council is advocating for the development of outcome based food safety regulations under the Safe Food for Canadians Act. The Canadian Meat Council is advocating for the development and implementation of a risk-based and evidence-based food inspection safety system. Refugees: We are advocating for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to initiate efforts to direct refugee settlement to locations where individuals may be qualified, with training, to fill meat industry job vacancies. The Canadian meat industry also welcomes any other initiatives that will facilitate inter-provincial labour mobility of unemployed, under-employed and disadvantaged Canadians willing to work in our industry. Product of Canada Guidelines: the Canadian Meat Council supports a review of the Product of Canada Guidelines with regard to labelling of meat products. Meat Safety Tax Credit: the Canadian Meat Council is advocating for the creation of a new Meat Safety Tax Credit based on eligible expenses for Canada’s food processing industry for a safer food supply for Canadians. Market Access for Canadian Meat Exports Program: The Canadian Meat Council is advocating for a 5-year $10 million Market Access for Canadian Meat Exports Program to help Canada’s meat packing and processing industry take full advantage of the export opportunities created by new international trade agreements. Manual of Procedures: the Canadian Meat Council is requesting that the Government update policies on animal transportation and welfare issues- Chapter 12 of the Meat Hygiene Manual of Procedures. Labour Mobility Incentive Program: The Canadian Meat Council is advocating for a new 5-year $50 million Labour Mobility Incentive Program targeted at Canada’s youth to strengthen Canada’s labour market. Interprovincial Meat Trade Pilot Project:the Canadian Meat Council is advocating that all meat processed in Canada should be inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency under the new Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations. International Barriers to Trade: The Canadian Meat Council seeks to eliminate or prevent out-dated, overly burdensome, discriminatory or otherwise inappropriate technical requirements in other countries that can create unnecessary obstacles to trade, reduce competition and prevent Canadian expor

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

Regulatory approval process, in respect to the egg supply management system Agriculture as a strategic priority, in respect to economic growth and tools to support the agriculture sector and support food security. Policy on Salmonella Enteritidis in Canadian shell eggs, in respect of on-farm testing and vaccination pilot program Availability of animal health products and tools, in respect to disease response and preparedness in Canada Agriculture inputs into egg supply chain, in respect to pricing and availability for farmers Sustainability initiatives as they relate to agriculture, including emissions reduction programs and on-farm green transition Trade policy, in respect of supply management and international and domestic trade Programming to mitigate the market impacts caused by trade agreements Private sector risk management program, in respect of insurance Growing forward, in respect of suite of business risk management and supply management Egg regulations, in respect to egg grades, weights and labelling Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations with respect to production claims on labels Canadian Food Inspection Agency On-Farm Food Safety Recognition Program, in respect to program development for pre-lay sectors Agriculture international development projects, in respect to supporting vulnerable communities and empowering egg farmers around the world

Trade policy, in respect of supply management and international and domestic trade Programming to mitigate the market impacts caused by trade agreements Private sector risk management program, in respect of insurance Policy on salmonella enteritdis in Canadian shell eggs, in respect of on-farm testing and table eggs Growing forward, in respect of suite of business risk management and supply management Egg regulations, in respect of egg grades, weights and labelling Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations with respect to production claims on labels Canadian Food Inspection Agency On-farm food Safety Recognition Program, in respect of program development for pre-lay sectors Agriculture international development projects, in respect to supporting vulnerable communities and empowering egg farmers around the world Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada collection of feed pricing data and its accuracy, in respect of feed input costs in the production of eggs

Agriculture industry as it relates to growth. Supply management system as it relates to the chicken sector. Environment initiatives as they relate to the chicken industry. Chicken Farmers of Canada’s Raised by a Canadian Farmer Animal Care Program. World Trade Organization agreements (WTO) as they relate to the negotiations on agriculture. The Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) as it relates to supply management. Regional and Bilateral Trade Negotiations with regard to possible impact on the Canadian chicken sector. Meat Inspection Regulations with respect to poultry processing. Health of Animals Act and Regulations dealing with the development and refinement of animal disease preparedness and response protocols. Funding for the development and implementation of on-farm programs. Tariff classifications, Tariff enforcement, Duties Deferral and Drawback Programs. Consumer Packaging and Labeling Regulations with respect to production claims on labels. Administration and allocation of the Tariff Rate Quota. Canadian Food Inspection Agency programs related to the chicken industry. Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement related to chicken products and the chicken sector. Animal Health Products (antimicrobials, vaccines, feed/water additives) availability in Canada.

Advocate for place-based solutions to Canada’s biggest challenges, which support the region-specific mandates of public colleges and ensure local training needs are considered in policy development. Increase support to developing countries and other partner countries to build technical and vocational training capacity, strengthen skills development and education systems, and enhance Canada’s global education brand. Advocate for support for college-led research as a core component of federal research and innovation funding and policy. Discuss how colleges can support immigration programs, such as foreign credential recognition or international students, to meet Canada’s labour market needs, and share with officials impacts of policy changes on the college sector. Share with officials how colleges can support Canada’s training and workforce development needs to meet Canada’s biggest challenges. Share with officials the role of colleges and institutes in delivering high quality education for Canadians, and ensuring access to education for Canadians. Advance reconciliation through partnerships with Canada’s public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, and Indigenous Institutes of Education. Promote the role and expertise of colleges in deepening Canada’s relationships with other countries. Promote the value of educational fair dealing in supporting colleges and institutes in their mandate to provide advanced skills and to enable them to better respond to the skills shortage. Increase investments and support to address colleges’ infrastructure needs to increase Canada’s training space and access in key high-demand fields that align with federal priority areas. Enable post-secondary institutions to obtain grants and loans to develop student housing projects, with additional supports for housing that supports students from vulnerable populations. Ensure Canada’s colleges and institutes have the necessary federal support to provide high-quality training for future healthcare professionals. Ensure the specific needs of institutions, including French institutions and those in minority linguistic communities, are taken into account when federal policies and programs are designed and delivered.

The National Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, planning for a foreign animal disease outbreak and updating the Animal Transport Regulations. The Import for Re-export Program for chicken, administration of import controls for chicken and fowl and design of a Processor Modernization Program. The Food and Drugs Regulations and policies, specifically approval of food ingredients including anti-microbial treatments for meat, approval of health claims, implementation of new allergen labeling regulations and policies on sodium reduction. Temporary Foreign Worker Program and its administration in Western Canada Preparedness for African Swine Fever Policies and Programs to reduce food insecurity Policies and programs that address the social determinants of health Initiatives under the Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance as it relates to the meat and livestock industry. Implementation of the Food Policy for Canada Implementation of a national school food program Healthy Eating Strategy including implementation of the new Nutrition Facts Table, front-of-pack nutrition labeling regulations, development of the new Canada's Food Guide. Government action to stengthen the food safety system through new regulations under the Safe Food for Canadians Act. Free trade negotiations (Canada-EU, Canada-Japan, Canada-China and Trans Pacific Partnership) and opportunities for enhanced pork trade. Development of a national food policy. CFIA's labeling modernization initiative and impact on food labeling practices in the food marketplace. CFIA's Inspection Modernization initiative - impact on new inspection requirements for meat plants. Action plans under the Regulatory Cooperation Council and the Canada-U.S. Border Action Plan - impact on re-inspection of meat at the border and harmonization of food safety and meat inspection systems. Access to funding under Canadian Agricultural Partnership programs

Advocate for government to introduce programs/testing to monitor and address the movement of poultry into Canada outside of Canada's import (TRQ) controls. Provide input and advice on Canada's Food Security Strategy and other measures to address food insecurity. Inquiries regarding the processing of Remission Applications Advocate for red tape reduction. Funding under Strategic Innovation Fund and other government programs to support food manufacturing in Canada. Extension of open work permits and addition of pathways to permanent residency for foreign workers in the food manufacturing sector. Advocating for regulations to exclude food from the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act given the significant risks to food safety and international trade. Tariffs: Lobby federal government on Canada's response to U.S. and other tariffs Orderly functioning of Poultry Supply Management including allocation decisions. Plastic packaging - ensure Federal Policy framework sets achievable targets for food packaging and recognizes packaging functional requirements. Greenwashing provisions of Competition Act - requesting amendments to address concern that legislation will reduce climate leadership in Canada. Temporary Foreign Worker Program and its application to food manufacturing and agriculture. The National Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, planning for a foreign animal disease outbreak and updating the Animal Transport Regulations. The Import for Re-export Program for chicken, administration of import controls for chicken and fowl and design of a Processor Modernization Program. The Food and Drugs Regulations and policies, specifically approval of food ingredients including anti-microbial treatments for meat, approval of health claims, implementation of new allergen labeling regulations and policies on sodium reduction. Public Opinion Polling related to food insecurity and poverty Preparedness for African Swine Fever Policies and Programs to reduce food insecurity Policies and programs that address the social determinants of health Initiatives under the Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance as it relates to the meat and livestock industry. Implementation of a national school food program Healthy Eating Strategy including implementation of the new Nutrition Facts Table, front-of-pack nutrition labeling regulations, development of the new Canada's Food Guide. Government action to stengthen the food safety system through new regulations under the Safe Food for Canadians Act. CFIA's labeling modernization initiative and impact on food labeling practices in the food marketplace. Access to funding under Canadian Agricultural Partnership programs Providing input on the scope of the 21st Century Corporations Act, particularly as it relates to the obligations placed on corporations and directors under the Act.

Science & Technology Strategy - promotion of enhanced measures to increase research in science and technology Indirect Costs Program - support for enhanced provisions Increased support for commercialization of university research results Federal Research Granting Councils and agencies funding of research, academic pursuits, and publication or dissemination Centres of Excellence - promotion of increased funding for establishment of Centres of Excellence in research Budget - promotion of increased funding of research and academic pursuites

Discussions regarding agri-food security research and infrastructure in relation to the National Food Security Strategy, national security and emergency preparedness. Policy development and funding for knowledge transfer and the commercialization of research through the FedDev program and investments in partnerships with the University of Guelph. Policy, programs and investments in science and technology research and innovation. Increased funding and program design for various programs administered by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and Canada Foundation for Innovation. Funding for youth mental health. Maintaining and enhancing federal student assistance and financial support programs. Funding to support university infrastructure, student housing, and other capital projects. Discussions regarding international education and policy changes to immigration—including academic and international student visa processes—that impact the University’s students, faculty, and staff. Support for post-secondary education, research, innovation and science in the budget. Discussions regarding agriculture policy, talent development, innovation and research, technologies and infrastructure.

Discuss post-secondary institutions' role in agriculture and food innovations through education and research. Tri-council grant programs (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canadian Institutes of Health Research), and Canada Foundation for Innovation, with respect to research funding Post-secondary education policies, with respect to knowledge capacity development Policies of Canada Revenue Agency, with respect to tax measures to further philanthropic support of public postsecondary institutions Millennium Scholarships, Canada Student Loans Program, with respect to maintenance/enhancement of student assistance programs Health Canada and Canada Food Inspection Agency research and programs with respect to food safety Global Affairs Canada, with respect to international development and research; as well as funding support for refugee students