Hilary Geller

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change-Kyoto protocol The Government of Canada is required to: prepare a Climate Change Plan; prepare a statement on GHG emissions; and ensure that Canada meets its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol The mission of the Green Budget Coalition is to present an analysis of the most pressing issues regarding environmental sustainability in Canada and to make a consolidated annual set of recommendations to the federal government regarding strategic fiscal and budgetary opportunities. Species at Risk Act The purposes of this Act are to prevent wildlife species from being extirpated or becoming extinct, to provide for the recovery of wildlife species that are extirpated, endangered or threatened as a result of human activity and to manage species of special concern to prevent them from becoming endangered or threatened. Secured funding from Canadian International Development Agency Partnership Branch Funding for projects in the Americas Oceans Act WHEREAS Canada holds that conservation, based on an ecosystem approach, is of fundamental importance to maintaining biological diversity and productivity in the marine environment National Parks Act and Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act Maintenance or restoration of ecological integrity, through the protection of natural resources and natural processes, shall be the first priority of the Minister when considering all aspects of the management of parks and marine conservation areas. Migratory Bird Convention Act This Act and its complementary Regulations ensure the conservation of migratory bird populations by regulating potentially harmful human activities. Metal Mining Effluent Regulation Seeking regulatory change to strengthen processes by which the owner or operator of a mine can obtain the Government's approval to deposit a deleterious substance into a natural water body or a tailings impoundment area that is added to Schedule 2 of the Regulations. Great Lakes Fisheries Convention Act An Act to implement a Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries between Canada and the United States Federal Marine Protected Areas sestablished under the Oceans Act to ensure the conservation and protection of species at risk and their habitats, the conservation and protection of unique habitats, and the conservation and protection of marine areas of high biodiversity or high biological productivity. Convention on Biodiversity To promote the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources Canadian Wildlife Act and Complimentary Regulations. The Act allows for the creation, management and protection of wildlife areas for wildlife research activities, or for conservation or interpretation of wildlife, seeking regulatory and legislative change to strengthen the prohibitions in the Act. Canadian Environmental Protection Act. CEPA regulates toxins and 'animate products of biotechnology'. We are seeking to ensure the Act adequately protects biodiversity from toxins and other harmful products. Canadian Environmental Assessment Act to ensure that projects are considered in a careful and precautionary manner before federal authorities take action in connection with them, in order to ensure that such projects do not cause significant adverse environmental effects

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

Discussions regarding international recognition and mobility of holders of Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designations. To discuss the withdrawal notices issued by CPA Ontario and CPA Quebec. The progress of free trade negotiations and the implementation of free trade agreements as they relate to the provision of professional services and the movement of businesspeople and service providers. Tax simplification/reform, involving discussions with the federal government to undertake a comprehensive review of Canada's tax system to reduce its complexities and inefficiencies. Representation to government with a focus on enhancing services and tax administration to ensure a well-running tax system for Canada. Recommendations for improvements to regulations affecting the operation of Canada's capital markets and reporting, disclosure and verification of information used by these markets Providing recommendations to the government on a proposed digital services tax. Programs related to the labour market for increased participation and inclusion. Programs related to international education, including recruitment of international students to Canada and delivery of education programs and services to international markets. Programs or services to assist in growing and advancing accounting education, professionalization and standard-setting in developing countries, including federal funding and grants to encourage same. Policy advice regarding skills training and programs to address future labour market needs. Policy advice regarding recruitment and integration of internationally trained professionals. Participation in, input and feedback provided to the Financial Action Task Force’s Private Sector Consultative Forum. Interested in working with the federal government on financial capacity building in indigenous communities through financial literacy and increasing the number of indigenous finance professionals. Interested in working with federal government on programs and other initiatives with regard to financial literacy Federal government budgets with respect to tax and fiscal policy measures. Dual-designation certification program (CMA/CPFA) for public servants. CPFA is a British-based designation that is now offered with CMA to all levels of government in Canada. CMA is a Certified Management Accountant and CPFA is a Certified Public Finance Accountant. Discussion with government officials in the context of the Learning and Development Stakeholder Advisory Group. Discussion with government officials in the context of a planned review of standard setting in Canada. Discussions with the federal government on various aspects of the Income Tax Act to provide technical expertise that will ensure that tax-related legislation achieves its intended purpose and does not inadvertently affect taxpayers that it was not supposed to impact. Discussions with the federal government on various aspects of the Excise Tax Act to provide technical expertise that will ensure that tax-related legislation achieves its intended purpose. Discussions with the federal government concerning Bill C-27, the Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022. Discussions with the federal government about funding to support standard-setting in Canada through the creation of a Canadian Sustainability Standards Board. Discussions with the federal government about climate related financial disclosures for the purpose of enhancing climate related risk disclosure in both public sector and private sector financial reporting. Discussions with government officials about public sector employment opportunities and international accountancy members and standard-setting bodies. Discussions with government as it relates to the Senate’s internal and external audits and related matters. Discussions with Canada Revenue Agency with respect to education/training for taxpayers/tax practitioners. CPA Canada’s involvement with the Plenary, associated Working Groups and other Comm

Support the renewal of federal freshwater programs and modernize legislation. Invest in habitat inventories, geospatial data, and research, and public engagement to support evidence-based conservation decisions. Modernize habitat offsetting policies to improve ecological outcomes and transparency. Modernize and expand federal funding for habitat restoration, habitat management infrastructure renewal, and conservation project reconstruction. Support indigenous-led land conservation, stewardship initiatives, and indigenous leadership in conservation. Advocate for integration and alignment of international biodiversity and climate commitments with domestic policy, planning and funding frameworks. Advocate for the inclusion, use, and advancement of wetlands and uplands as nature-based solutions and natural infrastructure in land use planning, funding, and research. Advance policies and programs that recognize the value of natural assets and ecosystems by promoting ecosystem service valuation, effective environmental data frameworks, and incentive-based conservation approaches. Advance policies and programs that incentivize the adoption of agri-environmental best management practices and programs.

Comprehensive public policy reform to protect the environment and well-being, now and for the future. Framework for Implementing the Right to a Healthy Environment in the Administration of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act Monitoring Canada's participation in international meetings on climate change. Implementation of 2030 Nature Strategy and Global Biodiversity Framework Strengthening aspects of the proposed regulations Amending the Pest Control Products Regulations (Strengthening the Regulation of Pest Control Products in Canada) relating to species at risk, cumulative risks, and transparency. Emissions cap regulation Biodiversity Accountability Act Sustainable Jobs Act implementation Development of Regulations implementing the modernized Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Well-being economies Urging cancellation of Ontario's Highway 413 The role of natural infrastructure and communities in the National Adaptation Strategy Targeted review of the Pest Control Products Act Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations Regulations under the Species At Risk Act advocating the listing of species, identification of critical habitat, policies related to the spirit and intent of the Act. Regulations Respecting Reduction in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (Upstream Oil and Gas Sector) Regulation of pesticides Proposal to establish mandatory zero-emission vehicle sales quotas (ZEV mandate) Proposal to cap emissions from the oil and gas sector Pesticide Regulations and Pest Management Regulatory Agencies Approval Process Nature-based solutions Monitoring the status of the proposed Aquaculture Act Monitoring design and implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Regulations Monitoring Canadian position in negotiations of the Global Agreement on Plastics Maintaining stringency of the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations Legal protection of environmental rights iZEV Program and achievement of ZEV sales targets Introduction and passage of a Nature Accountability Bill Integration of robust biodiversity objectives in design of the 2 Billion Trees program Implementing the Canada Greenhous Gas Pricing Act Implementation of the Species at Risk Act Implementation of the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area Network Implementation of the Emissions Reduction Plan Implementation of Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative High level input on policy and energy issues Funding mechanisms for natural infrastructure Federal funding for public transit Expanding coverage under the Output-Based Pricing System Regulations Establishment of a National Office of Environmental Justice Establishment of an ambitious 2035 emissions reduction target, pursuant to the Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act Ending public financing for fossil fuels Development of the proposed Clean Electricity Regulations, including the role of natural gas Control of plastic waste exports under proposed amendments to Cross-Border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations Conservation of Fish Stocks and Management of Pinnipeds Act (Bill C-251) Bill C-234, an Act to Amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (qualifying farm fuel) Bill C-219, Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights Aquaculture regulations under the Fisheries Act An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (final disposal of plastic wastes) (Bill S-234) Adoption of the Green Budget Coalition recommendations in the federal Budget and budget bill

Implementation of the Government of Canada's A Force of Nature Strategy, including Expert Taskforce on Natural Capital Accounting and Nature Financing Supporting the advancement of sustainable fisheries and oceans strategy, marine protected areas, and mitigation opportunities under the Fisheries Act review Targeted fiscal policies to unlock private capital and de-risk investment in nature, particularly land-based productive sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and Indigenous-led land management. Inclusion of funding for conservation and sustainable agriculture programs in Budget 2025 Sustainable agriculture policies and programs that support producers with the uptake of Beneficial Management Practices. Policies and programs that support Indigenous-led stewardship and education, as well as land use management policies that conserve environmentally sensitive landscapes and marine areas while promoting economic prosperity and sustainable development in those communities. Policies and programs related to Canada's Net-Zero goals and its commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and Convention on Biological Diversity. Grants and program funding for Indigenous-led environmental stewardship, education and land-use planning, including funding and programs administered through Environment and Climate Change Canada. Specifically funding for projects in Northwest Territories, British Columbia and Manitoba. Future Biodiversity target accountability act related to commitments under UN Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The application of regulations under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act, National Energy Board Act, and Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Tax incentives for clean energy sectors. Phasing out tax preferences for fossil fuel sector. Future federal greenhouse gas regulations. Federal support for clean energy, electricity, energy efficiency, building retrofits, sustainable transportation, carbon sequestration and/or removal, and sustainable jobs.

Seeking funding from various departments, including Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Natural Resources Canada, for initiatives related to conservation, stewardship and research. Advocating for policies that increase investment in privately protected areas and nature based solutions, and maximize biodiversity outcomes. Advice, input and feedback to government officials regarding regulations relating to the conservation of Canada’s natural spaces, eco-systems and species. This includes, for example, regulations made under the Species at Risk Act, Canada Water Act and Canada Wildlife Act.

To discuss and support government initiatives related to critical infrastructure resilience, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and resilient energy infrastructure modernization. Discussions regarding Immigration program considerations related to manufacturing labour shortages, including coordinating with provinces and the inclusion of manufacturing National Occupation Classifications (NOC) in federal pathways to permanent residency and regional workforce needs. Discussions regarding energy transition legislation, federal investment tax credits and regulations. To explore areas of alignment and compatibility with federal policies and programs in the context of deploying temporary and permanent modular housing, including medium density housing, workforce housing, affordable housing, and community infrastructure. Pursuing international trade and expanding markets for infrastructure development. Federal policies and programs with respect to transition to a lower carbon energy system, renewable energy, and energy infrastructure. Discussions regarding provision of buildings, camps, and logistical services. Discussions regarding federal frameworks with regards to the environment, including climate change and air pollutant regulation.

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.