Jean-François Simard

Quantum industrialization: Support for quantum R&D and commercialization funding for Canadian quantum companies. Monitoring, interaction and advocacy regarding policy and programs supporting the growth of Canadian startups by means of government procurement of research, development, prototype development and testing. Discussions with government officials regarding procurement through the Office of Digital Transformation, the Defence Procurement Agency, and new procurement vehicles as a result of the new federal government’s procurement reform policies

Discussions with government officials regarding procurement through the Office of Digital Transformation, the Defence Procurement Agency, and new procurement vehicles as a result of the new federal government’s procurement reform policies

The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) is engaging with government officials to discuss the alignment between CCI’s priorities and the federal government’s efforts to foster innovation in Canada. These discussions focus on ensuring that government programs and policies effectively support high-growth Canadian technology firms and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem. Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy: advocacy was focused on bringing domestic firms into the value chain through policies and measures that provide equal opportunity for Canadian Head Quartered companies. Discussion on the intangible economy, SR&ED, and economic growth as it relates to domestic expenditures for intellectual property filing, as well as a focus on small and medium-sized companies. US Trade - discussed Tariffs and handling of Canada US Mexico Trade Agreement. Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy. Small Business and Tourism, Changes to Canadian Export Program (CanExport) so it allows more technology companies to apply Procurement – Changes to Request for Proposal (RFP) process to break down large bundles into smaller amounts for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) can apply Health Canada: advocate for an increase of resources for Therapeutics Canada for them to speed up processing times and efficiencies within their department; create working groups and framework with industry leaders and health Canada on digital and data health, and create a therapeutics working group with industry and health Canada. Finance – Changes to Scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) tax incentive program to make the process easier for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) to apply and report on the current program, to further increase the maximum a SME can apply for Export Development Canada (EDC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy. Environment and Climate Change Canada, give input and feedback on the PanCanada Framework, Canada-China agreement for scientific and technological cooperation, and the relationship between Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emitters & CO2 Reducers. Our focus is on involving Canadian high-growth firms in the policies and programs the government is working on regarding climate change and the greening of government. Discussions on international trade, specifically on the North American Free Trade Agreement with respect to data localisation, labour mobility and tariffs. Defence & Security: advocate for a domestic-focused cybersecurity ecosystem that has Canadian companies at the centre of a national cybersecurity defence policy. Citizenship and immigration – Change the current work visa time lines, seek changes to the the Labour Market Impact Assessment for expatiating and a faster process Changes to Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) to make the process easier for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) to apply and report on the current program, to Increase the maximum amount a SME can apply for Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - changes to (scientific research and experimental development) SR&ED program with how it is administered and reviewed. Discussed companies SR&ED claims and issues with their processing. Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy.

Bill C-15 with respect to proposal to change the tax treatment on income earned by Canadian insurance companies on foreign property. Changes programs and policies to increase private sector infrastructure investment and attract foreign capital to Canada Standards for banking (open banking) and regulation of data processing including the use of artificial intelligence. Policies and programs related to Canada trade relations with other countries and Canada's economic competitiveness. Improve the Global Minimum Tax Act to promote international coordination and harmonization on timing and operation. Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and the Supervision of Insurers and Banks in particular to improve the ability of Canadian companies to compete and grow outside of Canada. Insurance Companies Act and regulations to amend the Act to permit greater investment by insurers outside of the financial sector and to improve the ability of Canadian companies to compete and grow outside of Canada. Healthcare policy, specifically in relating to, employee benefits programs, including long-term disability, drug benefit plans and health data standards. Veterans Benefits including programs and policies that provide financial and other assistance to current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Privacy, Human Rights and Insurance including the Privacy Act, Human Rights Act and the Canada Labour Code.

Explore funding opportunities for cybersecurity solutions addressing both classical and quantum threats. Communicate about Qorsa's cybersecurity solutions that protect against current sophisticated attacks and future quantum threats, in support of the Government of Canada's security, technological, industrial and resilience policy objectives — including the National Quantum Strategy, National Cyber Security Strategy, National AI Strategy, and Defence Industrial Strategy and accompanying action plans — to support strengthened cybersecurity, quantum preparedness, and the Canadian cybersecurity ecosystem. Communicate about Bill C-8, an Act Respecting Cyber Security, and other potential future legislative and regulatory initiatives affecting the cybersecurity ecosystem.