Lobbied Canada

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Jessica Spindler

Director of Policy, Justice Canada (JC)0 communications in the past year

Lobbied by

National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM)

16

Advocating for upholding Canada's commitments to international human rights. Advocating for the protection of freedom of religion in Canada and with respect to the reasonable accommodation of religious observances. Advocating for stronger legislation to address hate crime and online hate. Advocating for policy initiatives related to combating Islamophobia and discrimination; Supporting various programs to protect fundamental freedoms in Canada. Advocating for policies to enhance the security and safety of Canadian Muslim communities and other at-risk communities given the rise in hate crimes; countering supremacist violent extremist groups

HIV Legal Network

7

Criminal Code R.S.C. 1985, c. 46 Our interest is in ensuring that this law and its application in practice does not discriminate against people living with HIV or impede access to prevention information, tools and services on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, S.C. 2001, c. 27 Our interest is in ensuring that this law and its application in practice does not discriminate against people living with HIV and other health conditions. Criminal Code R.S.C. 1985, c.46 Our interest is in ensuring that this law and its application in practice does not impede access to prevention information, tools and services (for example needle distribution programs, supervised consumption services, Opioid Agonist Treatment) on the Human Immunodeficiency (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other health services for people who use drugs. Criminal Code, R.S.C 1985, c.46 Our interest is in ensuring that provisions of this statute dealing with sex work do not undermine the health, safety and other human rights of sex workers, including in relation to HIV. Corrections and Conditional Release Act, S.C. 1992, c.20 Our interest is in ensuring that this legislation facilitates access to prevention information tools and services on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and facilitates access to adequate care, treatment and support for prisoners with HIV or HCV. Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, S.C. 1996, c. 19 Our interest is in ensuring that this law and its application in practice, does not impede access to prevention information, tools and services (eg. needle distribution programs, supervised consumption services, Opioid Agonist Treatment) on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other health services for people who use drugs. Case for increasing funding to the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada, and community concerns about the roll-out of the Community Action Fund under said Federal Initiative.

Criminal Code, with respect to HIV criminalization

Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (also known as Humane Canada)

5

Bill C?34, the Safe Social Media Act with regards to adding provisions addressing the growing creation and distribution of animal cruelty and torture imagery online. Discussing Marineland's remaining beluga whales and other cetaceans Asking the new government to support improved or enhanced protocols for farmed animal welfare in Canada Asking the new government to bring back the animal protection bills of the 44th Parliament including: Bill C-355, An Act to prohibit the export by air of horses for slaughter and to amend other related Acts. Discussions about issues related to animal abuse in coercive behaviour and gender-based violence Policy regarding the addition of pet inclusive housing in the proposed Renter's Bill of Rights Transportation of Animals Regulations, with respect to enforcement. Working with senior policy advisors at Agriculture Canada and Transport Canada on changes to regulations impacting farm animals Consultations with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, with regards to the importation of dogs and puppy mills Consultations with Public Safety Canada on Animals in Emergency Management Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) with regards to Part 5 (Controlling Toxic Substances) and development, validation and adoption of non-animal methods

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs

4

WAR CRIMES PROSECUTIONS (continuing advocacy to push the denaturalization and deportation of persons found in Canada who lied about their records in the Second World War or more recent conflicts and the prosecution of war criminals when sufficient evidence is adduced.) Update the Criminal Code of Canada with respect to combating antisemitism and online hate. Create a national strategy to tackle online hate and radicalization using the 2019 Justice Committee report, "Taking Action to End Online Hate", as a foundation. A strategy should draw upon the Christchurch Call, and use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Transportation: Assisting in the development of briefings on airport security by Israeli officials for Transport Canada - including ministerial staff. The project ‘United Against Online Hate’ aims to develop a national coalition with numerous targeted communities to actively combat online hate, following recommendations from the study conducted by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. We have been granted $141,000 for the government’s current fiscal year (ending March 31 2021). We were also awarded $31,800 for the year April 1 2021 to March 31 2022. Tax credit for volunteerism: proposing that a process be added to provide tax credits for individuals who contribute time to charitable activities on a sustained basis. Taxation and Finance: Discussions regarding CRA tax policies with respect to charitable organizations, and general policies. Raoul Wallenberg "Park of the Righteous": For the Government to establish a national park in honour of Raoul Wallenberg paying tribute to individual Canadians who have made a significant contribution to humanitarian causes. Qualifications for refugee status claimants and citizenship and immigration requirements for new immigrants related to standards for qualification for entry Public Security threats to the safety and security of the Jewish community of Canada and the extension of funding of capital costs and staff training for security of communities at risk PSC (Public Safety Canada) and Infrastructure Canada seeking program applicability to full range of Jewish communal institutions with respect to the timing of the program and the scope and determination of reimbursements Provide economic support for the charitable and not-for-profit sector through a direct granting program. Donations from Canadians should be incentivized through a temporary enhancement of the charitable giving tax credit, or through a donor matching program, whereby the government matches donations from Canadians. National Holocaust Memorial: To ensure that the Government of Canada provide resources for year-round access to the memorial as well as educations supports for visitors to the Holocaust Memorial Myanmar/Burma/Uighurs: Rohinga refugees and displaced persons: For Canada to augment humanitarian allocations to assist the Rohinga refugees in Burma and Bangladesh and implement elements of the recommendations submitted by The Hon. Bob Rae regarding the Rohinga refugee population. Make the Disability Tax Credit refundable, and increase its accessibility by making it inclusive, especially for those with non-physical and/or episodic disabilities. Reforms should be undertaken in partnership with disability advocates, to ensure the application process is simpler, less subjective, and more accessible for individuals and medical professionals alike. Make the Canada Caregiver Credit a refundable tax credit. Launch a parliamentary inquiry on Canadians and global terrorism: Parliament should launch a study on Canadian victims and perpetrators of foreign terrorism to identify gaps and propose solutions in two areas: federal support for victims, and evidence collection on perpetrators. INTERNATIONAL TASK FORCE ON HOLOCAUST EDUCATION, COMMEMORATION AND RESEARCH; ensure that the Government of Canada fulfills its obligations as a full member. International

Canadian Bar Association

3

Temporary Foreign Workers Program Review, with respect to operational efficiency and eligibility requirements Lobbying Act amendments to improve effectiveness of the registration system pursuant to Parliamentary Committee review. Legislative Proposal on Lawful Access to Name and Address (CNA) with regard to privacy, rule of law and protection of solicitor-client privilege Legislation to fulfill obligations imposed by section 55 of the Constitution Act, 1982, to give full force and effect to the entirety of the Constitution in both official languages Legal Aid for Improved Access to Justice Justice System Improvements for Improved Access to Justice Judges Act : Expansion of Unified Family Courts. Income Tax Act – Amendments on Canadian Controlled Private Corporations Income Tax Act, with regard to protection of solicitor-client privilege Financial Literacy for better Consumer Knowledge and Investment and Retirement planning Creation of a Commissioner for Children and Youth in Canada, in regard to implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Amendments to Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act Regulations with regard to protection of solicitor-client privilege Amendments to Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), Privacy Act and Access to Information Act for operational efficiencies Amendments to Income Tax Act Regulations, with regard to protection of solicitor-client privilege Amendments to Immigration and Refugee Protection Act on authorized representatives, pursuant to Parliamentary Committee review.

African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI)

2

Advocate for the renewed and long-term funding of the Canada Black Justice Strategy.

St-Aude Advocacy

B'nai Brith Committee for Justice in Canada

2

Rescind the June 14 appointment of the new Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission and commence an investigation into its vetting process. Undertake a forensic audit of its UNWRA contributions to determine the amount that is allocated to the creation of host nation curriculums, and conduct a thorough review of the curriculums to ensure that they are compliant with both UNESCO and Canadians standards. The need for Canada to impose sanctions on the political leaders of Hamas (a listed terrorist entity), including Ismail Haniyeh, the Qatar-based head of Hamas's political wing, for their role in the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack against Israel. That the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry work with Canada’s federal research funding agencies to amend their funding agreements with institutions to include, as a component of the agreements, a provision that all activities funded by the agencies are conducted in consultation with the IHRA definition of antisemitism and its illustrative examples. Support the utilization of the new mechanism to repurpose assets of sanctioned individuals and entities, and facilitate the establishment of a clear role for victims in this process, including a role for individual claimants, and the possibility of using assets to assist victims in war-torn countries and conflict zones. Support the passage of legislation such as Bill S-247 (An Act to amend the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act that would, in the enforcement of sanctions, enable restrictions and prohibitions on activities in relation to family members, making it more difficult for gross human rights violators and kleptocrats to avoid the enforcement of sanctions by transferring, giving or selling their property to family members. Reinstate the pause on funding for UNWRA and ensure that conditions must be placed on the renewed UNRWA funding. Propose solutions to rectify the general incoherence of Canada’s sanctions schemes, including by instituting clear and publicly available policy regarding which legislation is used in which circumstances, and ensuring that the various sanctions legislations are used in an internally consistent and cohesive manner. Listing terrorist organizations to the list of entities under Canada’s Criminal Code. Legislate a foreign agent registry. Investigate why the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) is not being used to combat gross violations of human rights. Introduce amendments to the Access to Information Act that would mandate the disclosure of all records relations to all records relating specifically to alleged Nazi war criminals in Canada and to any other Canadian citizen or resident who may have been complicit in carrying out the Holocaust and, all other Holocaust-related records (as defined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) in the possession of the Government of Canada. Increase transparency including by facilitating the establishment of a coordination group, with a clear and formalized pathway for civil society to communicate requests to multiple governments for the implementation of targeted sanctions. Include funding in the 2025 budget to develop a 5-year program to enhance the IHRA literacy of post-secondary students. Help more charitable organizations cover the costs related to the construction of new affordable rental housing projects by revitalizing and improving access to National Housing Strategy (NHS) programs For Canada to maintain its commitment to fighting antisemitism by developing a concrete plan to implement the universal use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antimerism. Ensure that Canada’s Hate Laws (under the Criminal Code) are enforced. Since the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack, there has been a significant rise in antisemitic attacks against Canadian Jewry. Canada must take hate speech against the Jewish community seriously. Dissolve

Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness

2

Implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Innovation Fund Expand funding for community efforts to address homelessness through Reaching Home and make changes to the National Housing Strategy, Reaching Home, and federal housing policy to support ending homelessness and the implementation of the right to housing in Canada. Seeking to secure federal government investment in affordable and supportive housing for Canadians experiencing or at risk of homelessness and expand housing options for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness through Build Canada Homes. Policies and investments in support of ending homelessness in Budget 2026 Taxation relating to Canadian charities Seeking program and policy changes from Women and Gender Equity to address housing need and homelessness for women. Seeking program and policy changes from Veterans Affairs Canada and Housing Infrastructure and Communities Canada to support federal action on ending homelessness for veterans. Seeking funding support for National Conference on Ending Homelessness, funding to support work to prevent and reduce homelessness as well as funding for research on homelessness and housing need in Canada, through Reaching Home (HICC); Veterans Affairs Canada; Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation; and Women & Gender Equality, to support research on homelessness for women and advancing the right to housing. Encouraging the implementation of housing policies in alignment with the human right to housing and National Housing Strategy Act

Canadian Medical Association

2

INDIGENOUS HEALTH: Improvement to the health and health care services provided to Indigenous peoples in Canada including adding inclusive lettering on health cards across Canada. Advocating for the creation of a national Chief Health Accountability Officer. TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: provide CMA’s perspective on the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on the health care sector including input on Bill C-27, and the means through which advancements can be foreseen and managed. PUBLIC-PRIVATE HEALTHCARE: The CMA is conducting a series of in-person sessions across the country to engage key stakeholders, including the public, physicians, patients/PWLE, policymakers, system leaders and others, in a dialogue on public-private healthcare. What we hear will inform CMA policy moving forward, and our recommendations for action at a national level. PHYSICIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN CAUCUS: advocate for the formation of a Physician Parliamentarian Caucus as a means of examining deficiencies in the health care system and proposing solutions. PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL SAFETY: Advocate to address the challenges and opportunities for physical, psychological and cultural safety within Canada’s health system, including the implementation of a nation-wide anti-racism plan, the creation of a Canada Mental Health transfer, improving access to mental health services to physicians and their families, gender-affirming care, creating an emergency National Mental Health Support Services hotline for all health care providers, the creation of a National Physicians Day in Canada, ensuring safe and unimpeded access to health care facilities for health care workers and patients. PERSONAL INFORMATION PROTECTION AND ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT ACT (PIPEDA) PRIVACY PROTECTION OF HEALTH INFORMATION AND THE REGULATORY REVIEW: Improvement to privacy legislation to protect the privacy of health information. PAN CANADIAN LICENSURE: Advocate for the ability for physicians with full licences to practise independently without restrictions or for medical resident trainees registered in any Canadian jurisdiction to practise or train in any other Canadian jurisdiction without having to acquire more than one licence or pay additional licensing fees. This includes exploring enabling legislation in the provinces and territories. NET ZERO: Advocate for sustainable health systems in Canada, including reaching net-zero emissions by 2050; advocate for the establishment of a national climate and health secretariat within the federal government to develop a pan-Canadian approach to addressing the impacts of climate change and health; and advocate for a targeted health infrastructure fund as part of the federal government’s long-term plan for public infrastructure. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IN DYING: Advancing the medical profession’s perspectives on medical assistance in dying. INTEGRATED HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES Advocate for an Integrated Health Human Resources Strategy, including creating retention incentives and addressing administrative burden for health care professionals, increasing the number of doctors and nurses and ensuring that every Canadian has access to a family doctor or primary health team, increasing access to virtual care, creating an action plan to get internationally trained health care professionals to work, improving workforce data collection across health systems and investing in a supply needs-based planning tool, and facilitating team-based health care. INDIGENOUS HEALTH AND RECONCILIATION WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLES: Implementation of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, including addressing the ongoing structural inequities that marginalize Indigenous Peoples, advancing the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in societal systems and sectors, including health systems, and committing to collaborative and respectful relationships with Indigenous patients and communities. The CMA is also advocating to increase trust between Ind

Canadian Online Gaming Alliance

2

Engage public officials and educate them about the internet gaming industry. We are advocating for a consistent regulatory environment from coast to coast to coast.

Engage public officials and educate them about the internet gaming industry. We are advocating for a consist regulatory environment from coast to coast.

Recent activity

Mar 17, 2025
Sep 12, 2024
Jun 19, 2024
May 15, 2024
May 6, 2024
Apr 15, 2024
Jan 30, 2024
Darren Entwistle contacted Jessica Spindler on behalf of TELUS