Jake Karpouzis

Stable and long-term infrastructure funding that supports housing, trade, and economic growth. Government collaboration with industry to promote careers in construction to address Canada's critical labour shortage. Working with the government to modernize Canada's immigration system, including support for the entry of more skilled trades workers, updates to the Temporary Foreign Workers program, and ensuring skills matching is well funded.

MODERNIZE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT: The federal government’s procurement strategy is outdated, leaving little room for creative solutions and fair risk sharing. Contactors shouldering the majority of project risk is becoming an untenable model for many smaller companies who already navigate a long list of red tape and challenges. The reluctance to bid on federal projects because of this heightened risk is becoming a real issue and is impacting progress on public projects. With productivity issues on the rise, now is the time to modernize procurement practices. Innovative procurement and delivery methods can improve productivity, enable cost savings, and shorten the timeline for construction projects. To build the infrastructure needed across the country, federal procurement strategies need to adapt to account for long-term value and sustainability, promote the use of alternative delivery models, and support shared risk. BUILD THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE: The federal government has an ambitious growth plan – one that includes repairing, maintaining and retrofitting aging infrastructure while also building for future climate resilience. Construction now employs more people than ever before, yet our industry will need to fill hundreds of thousands of jobs in the next decade brought on by shifting demographics and a spate of retirements. The situation is even more acute as the construction sector is already dealing with decades of chronic challenges in recruiting qualified workers. Our industry is struggling to fill indispensable jobs nationwide that are essential to build the infrastructure needed to support Canada’s future growth. To achieve Canada’s infrastructure goals, the construction industry requires an equal partner in government to grow the labour force. INCREASE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT: CCA has been working to help shape a long-term plan for sustainable infrastructure investment. We need to move from quick fixes to a strategy that focuses on long-term solutions. More consultation and early engagement need to happen. The funds must be predictable, flow quickly, and be aligned with provincial, municipal, and Indigenous needs. Setting national goals around building sustainability into our infrastructure and promoting investments in trade-enabling infrastructure are just two of the significant opportunities for Canada. An investment in infrastructure is an investment in Canada’s growth economy and the health, safety and well-being of Canadians.

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.

Discussion regarding international student study permit and study permit extension approval process and timelines. Discussion regarding marketing education and learning opportunities. Discussion regarding international student recruitment and retention as a key driver of regional economic development and competitiveness across Canada. Discussion regarding Canada's International Education Strategy, sharing data and comparative analysis related to international students in Canada and abroad. Discussion on Designated Learning Institution approvals for university partners.

Green energy: programs and funding that can assist in providing ways to power projects in the North including housing/accomodations for both visitors and employees; Immigration: staffing needs in the North

Input on tax policy as it relates to mining in Canada, innovation in mining, such as Scientific Research & Economic Development Tax Credits, and other tax policy matters impacting the mining industry. Input on red tape reduction items, such as CFIA bulk labelling requirements, and environmental or regulatory permitting requirements for mining and related supply chain infrastructure. Input on transportation infrastructure and improvements, and trade-enabling infrastructure to the benefit of Canadian exporters. Input on policy and recommendations related to mining, critical minerals, and natural resources, including the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan. Input on economic policy and growth for Canada and Canadian exports Input on climate change and green house gas emissions reduction policy, including the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, Output-Based Pricing System. Input on Clean Fuel Standard regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Input on Clean Electricity Regulations

Correspondence with Ministers including those responsible for regional economic development agencies with respect to programs, grant, and contribution programs for community-based organizations as it relates to employment. Discussing housing policies and the need to include Safe Houses, and emergency shelter in future government housing policies. Ongoing communication with Public Safety Canada, Health Canada, PHAC and Indigenous Services Canada in regard to The Salvation Army's emergency and disaster response services across the country with respect to the development and enhancement of a humanitarian workforce. Requesting consideration for ongoing support of the Civilian workforce and matching grants to public donations for disaster relief. Lobbying on behalf of Thrift Stores, and the environmental impact as well as social support to Canada and Canadians. Providing information and seeking financial assistance to institute a technological innovation for receipting donations to thrift store donors. Communication with CMHC officials about loan and contribution agreements under the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, Build Canada Homes and Rapid Housing Initiative. Communication with CBSA regarding ongoing support and the relationship with our Correctional Services that provide programs, and shelter for inmates leaving incarceration and transitioning into community through our halfway houses, programs and services Advocating for support of individuals who are seeking support from The Salvation Army as a result of experiencing gender-based violence. Advocating for financial support for individuals and families facing poverty, homeless and food insecurity.

Advocate for a new Home and Community Care, and Mental Health and Addictions Services bilateral agreement. Continue to fund the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Grant which support locals tax clinics. Continued support for the Resilient Futures project. This is funding towards proven, free, high-quality financial empowerment services, such as tax filing, benefits access assistance, and financial coaching and counselling across Canada. Have Build Canada Homes (BCH) support non-profit sector housing with clear targets. Advocate the Frequent Builder Status through CMHC carry over to BCH. Lobbying for the withdraw of Bill C-2 Strong Borders Act and Bill C-12 - An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures. Advocating for newcomer services funding - funding for local immigration partnerhships. Advocating for the re-instatment of the Skills for Success Program, which played a crucial role in addressing critical skills gaps for vulnerable Canadians seeking employment.