Joel Bowen

Clean electricity regulations and emissions cap Investing in Employment Insurance, care workers, unionized jobs and strong workplace standards Addressing the high cost of living and investing in affordable housing Implementation of universal pharmacare, dental care, long term care and mental health care Labour provisions in the Canada-Ecuador Trade Agreement and Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. The regularization of undocumented workers, update and possible next steps for the CLC Out-of-status Construction Workers in the GTA project Bill C-65, Canada Elections Act With interest in provisions that impact Third Parties and contributions to Third Parties Bill C-27, Digitial Charter Implementation Act - Part III of C-27 and the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and workers.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), new technologies and the impact on workers, members as it pertains to their job security, training, working conditions, surveillance, discipline, etc. International and Internal Trade, including North America, and the impact of Tariffs on workers, especially in the transportation industry Discussions concerning the provisions of the Canada Labour Code as it relates to Labour Relations and Collective Bargaining. United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMC, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) seeking training and compensation funds for dairy workers if affected by the allocation of quota. Transport Canada - Regulated member of the Canadian Council Motor Transportation Administrators by Regulation regarding the safety and security of the motor transportation industry. Transport Canada - Permanent Observers on the Advisory Council to the Minister of Transport on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods by invitation of the Ministry regarding the safety and security of the transportation of dangerous goods. Transport Canada - Member of the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council by invitation of the Department regarding the safety and security of the aviation industry. Transport Canada - Member of the Advisory Council on Railway Safety by invitation of the Ministry redarding the safety and security of the railway industry. to modernize the subrogation agreement between Labour Canada and Transport Canada regarding the work and health and safety standards in transportation standards giving Labour Canada greater oversight. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program negative impact on employment in the film industry The study of Automated Vehicles and Connected Vehicles to ensure safety of drivers and the public is a priority. The Railway Safety Act implementation of regulations on Rail Safety, the oversight and public disclosure of Safety Management Systems and the deregulation of the sector. Support the government’s actions on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project by seeking that it, like the majority of pipeline projects, is built in collaboration with Canada’s Building Trades, thereby protecting the environment and promoting good jobs while denying work to temporary foreign workers unless Canadians are not available seeking changes to the Canada Labour Code and Regulations to mandate mental health awareness at the workplace. Seeking amendments to the Labour Code to gain an amendment to "Make it Mandatory" for mental health prevention and support in the workplace Security and Prosperity Initiative with respect to the creation of a North American security and regulatory regime. Review of Canada Labour Code Part iii to improve minimum labour standards, to resolve problems with contract retendering, to compensate pregnant or nursing women on unpaid leave as part of preventative withdrawal, and mandatory metal health prevention and support. Proposal to Amend the Canadian Industrial Relations Board Regulations with respect to the operation of the Canadian Industrial Ralations Board Notice of Intention to Regulate the introduction of Electronic Logging Devices for commercial truckers seeking a definitive date of application and several minor clarifications Financial Sector Division Department of Finance - regarding the Strengthening the Legislative and Regulatory framework for Private Pension Plans Subject to the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985 Finance Canada - regarding the planning and implementation of the budget Consultation on enhancing retirement security, placing workers in priority to creditors in insolvency, extending lookback on sale of assets or special dividends. An Act to amend the Pension Benefits Standards Act to oppose the conversion of DBP to TBP - vested benefits, valuations, the consent of unions must not be permitted by legislation, application of law, or other than voluntary, and the impact on collective bargaining; in support of TBP volunt

Discuss the importance of closing the loophole in the Anti-scab legislation, where employers are allowed to employ outside managers to do union work while on strike Discuss the changes and their shortfalls to EI in the 2026 spring economic update Discuss the ongoing challenges (e.g., living and working conditions, calls to action) Indigenous peoples are still facing in the wake of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Report Discuss the implementation of the Sustainable Jobs Action Plan, emphasizing the need for action on maintaining and expanding jobs in forestry, steel, building trades, broader manufacturing and critical minerals Discussed a draft of the Sustainable Jobs Action Plan; specifically, we representing labour spoke to concerns about the content of the report, pushed for improvements to the plan to ensure that it would actually protect and create manufacturing jobs, education and resources, for clarity on draft timelines and for continued communications with labour on the draft. Discuss the upcoming CUSMA review and highlight labour's concerns, such as the impact of Section 232 Tariffs on jobs and investments, the necessity of implementing policies and trade measures to bolster the steel sector, and the importance of finding a long-term solution to the softwood lumber crisis. Seeking an update about the proposed Anglo-Teck merger and its potential impacts on the union Advocate for any support money to be tied to expansion into new product lines (rail, structural steel) Discussion of the importance of ensuring that Algoma adheres to its promises connected to various financial supports Provide a technical briefing on the status of DCOI to push for the widespread approval and use of the preservative product across Canada, as it is beneficial to and essential in the Canadian forestry industry Discuss international trade and public procurement policies concerning Canadian steel and industry Discuss the detrimental impact of offshoring jobs in the telecommunications sector. Discuss updates on negotiations with the Trump administration related to steel, aluminum and energy sectors. Ensure that money promised to the forestry sector is deployed to prevent mill closures, as the most recent increase in tariffs puts the sector at immediate threat. Discuss worker support programs in the wake of U.S. tariffs Update on the impact of tariffs on the whole Canadian economic situation Discuss the impact of U.S. tariffs on the Canadian aluminum sector Discuss the impact of U.S. tariffs on the Canadian steel sector Discuss policies for aluminum sector supports amidst U.S. tariffs increases Discuss policies for steel sector supports amidst U.S. tariffs increases Engaging in conversation with public officer concerning impacts of tariffs and bettering communication between cross-border businesses. Discuss countermeasures to the U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods Strengthen rights to citizenship for groups such as temporary foreign workers. Provide effective training for federal law enforcement to uphold 2004 Criminal Code amendments (Westray Law). Ensure the right for unions to launch trade complaints to the Canadian International Trade Tribunal; ensure public benefits for workers (e.g. EI, CPP, etc.) Ensure that government procurement rules focus on Canadian materials – e.g. wood; steel. Ensure pension security for federally-regulated workers. Ensure justice and human rights for workers and citizens impacted by Canadian extractive companies operating abroad. Enact Pharmacare and ensure that it is publicly funded and publicly administered for all Canadians. Curtail privatization of public services, such as health care. Change bankruptcy laws to protect workers’ pensions and benefits.

Provide support toward passing Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and make certain consequential amendments (firearms) expeditiously.

Discussions with government regarding smart surveillance networks for Canadian border and critical infrastructure security to highlight the important role it plays and pursue funding towards its use in strengthening national defence and security.

International development; climate finance and agricultural sustainability; and public engagement and domestic support. Discussions on the clarification of the new trade and development policy. Global Affairs Canada (GAC)'s focus remains on poverty reduction and discussions on tied aid are not a priority. Climate finance should contribute to sustainable agricultural outcomes. There was also a discussion on moving from isolated development interventions toward more integrated systems approaches - silos to systems. With regards to public engagement and support for international development, there was a discussion on potential government support for sector-wide initiatives. Additionally, there was discussion on the possibility of GAC conducting research to understand how civil society organizations (CSOs) engage Canadians on international development issues. International development. Discussion about the strategic importance of international development aid to Canada's economy, national security and values. Additionally, we sought to understand the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC)'s position on aid and asked that resilient food systems be prioritized in the party's international development platform. International development. Make resilient food systems an aid priority and ensure the development-trade approach focuses on poverty reduction. localization and sustainability. Official development assistance should continue to focus on gender and localization. in this regard, at least $5.5 billion of ODA per annum should go towards poverty reduction in developing countries. Climate finance should prioritize vulnerable groups, support biodiversity and minimize debt. Canada should triple climate finance to $15.9 billion for 2026-2031. The 5-year pledge announced in spring 2026 was much lower. We “welcomed” it and will continue to work on quality issues. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy Group (HPAG) and position HPAG as a thought-partner and ally for Canada's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, gaining the ear of the Ambassador and his team for future influencing; highlight the prominence of Canadian international non governmental organizations (INGOs) within the humanitarian sector globally, highlighting the proportion and significance of Canadian aid; and to understand the Ambassador’s priorities and key next steps as he embarks on a new mandate. International Development. Discussion showcasing the results from our Nature Positive project which is part of the Partnering for Climate (P4C) program. The project responds to poverty and hunger, addressing climate change and building long-term economic resilience in sub-Saharan Africa. We asked for support in ensuring Canada’s next climate finance commitment prioritizes smallholder farmers and their communities in the Global South in adapting to climate change. International development. Discussion on Canada's official development assistance (ODA) and the need for it to prioritize food security. As a global leader in agriculture and food, Canada should help communities around the world dealing with rising food prices, climate change and conflict by prioritizing support for agriculture and food systems in its ODA. International development and international relations. Discussion on the importance of focusing on food security in humanitarian efforts, in light of the expected cuts to development funding. Additionally, discussion on the importance of official development assistance (ODA), alongside trade and economic stability to Canada, highlighting that ODA facilitates other aspects of international relationships. Discussion about Canada's official development assistance, its value to Canadian foreign policy and an appeal for Canada not to reduce aid but to show global leadership following the USAID cuts and decreases in aid budgets by some donor countries. Discussion about Canada's official development aid (ODA) and its valu

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.

Work with the Federal Government to promote responsible consumption of beverage alcohol and the appropriate use of Food & Drug Regulations, pertaining to beer and alcoholic beverage labeling. Work with the Federal government to improve domestic trade agreements for craft brewers. Improve existing internal trade agreements and modernize the excise tax structure to better support job creation, investment and economic growth across Canada. Respond to legislative efforts such as Bill S-254 (warning labels on alcoholic beverages) and M-61, that pertain to new labelling regulations for alcoholic products. Food and Drugs Act and Safe Food for Canadians Act as they pertain to the regulation of beer and alcoholic beverages.

Advising on the climate, environmental, and economic risks of new bitumen pipelines and related fossil fuel industry expansion, and seeking to mitigate harms. Seeking to stop proposal changes to Impact Assessment Act, Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act that the federal government released a spring 2026 discussion paper concerning proposed changes to the IAA, Fisheries Act and SARA that would significantly weaken protection of environment and human health Seeking that the federal government deny changes to the Tripartite Agreement, and therefore not enable a process toward expanding the Toronto Island Airport to accommodate jets. Supporting the federal government's plans and financial support for decarbonizing steel production in Canada. Seeking Cabinet Emergency Order to protect the critical habitat of piping plover at Wasaga Beach Supporting the federal government in its negotiation of a strong international treaty on plastic pollution. Supporting federal action establishing a Federal Plastics Registry requiring producers to report annually on the quantity and types of plastic they place on the Canadian market, how it moves through the economy, and how it is managed at its end-of-life. Advising on the climate impacts of existing or proposed LNG projects, as well as the global business environment for LNG, and seeking to mitigate harms. Advising on the environmental impacts of projects enabled by Bill C-5 and seeking to mitigate harms. Environmental and industrial strategy approaches to reducing waste and material inputs Seeking a strengthening of the Output-based pricing system intended to make polluters pay Supporting the implementation, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, of Clean Electricity Regulations to mitigate climate change and build a low carbon future. Supporting stronger regulations under the Fisheries Act on Oil Sands Mining Effluent Release. Supporting investment in systems for reuse and refill as an alternative to single-use packaging. Supporting a Climate-Aligned Finance Act, that would include enforcing science-based targets and holding financial institutions accountable to them. Federal Budget - providing resources for environmental initiatives, including climate change, public transit, renewable energy, climate finance accountability, investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, pollution abatement and enforcement, economic transition, sustainable jobs, aligning federal spending with climate objectives and restricting resources for fossil fuels. Rouge National Urban Park expansion involving the former Pickering Airport lands. Supporting the strengthening of current and future federal government emission reduction targets. Ensure a green investments Taxonomy does not include fossil fuels. Advancing climate transition plans across the economy, requiring federally regulated financial institutions and large companies to develop and implement plans that align their business with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Supporting federal action to protect communities and ecosystems from local impacts in the oil sands, including from seeping oil sands process water. Supporting the establishment, under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), of regulations requiring disclosure, and prohibitions, restrictions, or container requirements for certain human health hazards of concern (HHHOCs) in consumer chemical products. Supporting the establishment of the Canada Public Transit Fund and negotiated infrastructure funding agreements with provinces, territories, and cities, where the federal government would establish land-use standards near federally funded transit stations, establish zero-emission bus procurement requirements and expand operations funding to increase transit service levels. Supporting the establishment, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, of regulations to address plastic pollution. Supporting the establishment, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, of reg

Ensure the smooth transition of the machinery of government change from DFO to GAC