Joël Raby Fernandes

Policies aimed at reinforcing pharmaceutical supply chain. Discussion regarding the launch of new branded product in the rare disease space Improvements to the supports offered by the federal government to support R&D; in particular, generic drug research and development. Seeking support from the Strategic Innovation Fund Program for support of biomanufacturing expansion project. Policies aimed at facilitating generic drug repurposing. Discussion on the opioid crisis and the Health minister's expectations from pharmaceutical manufacturers Discussion of regulatory impediments to the launch of pediatric formulations of branded and generic products. Discussion of a possible Therapeutics Products Directorate ("TPD") workstream on complex generics regulatory pathways.

Canada Labour Code - Section 107 and the right to strike Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care program Communications with Members of Parliament regarding federal policies, programs, and funding related to post-secondary education in British Columbia. Advocacy will focus on increased federal investment in trades and vocational education and training: professional, technical, information technology, and emerging-sector programs; and research and innovation at public universities. Implications of outsourcing telecommunications work to international vendors in the context of Bill C-8. Mandatory unpaid work in the Airline industry. Rights of people with disabilities and associated social support programs. Labour Mobility and Agreement on Internal Trade with respect to the impact on collective agreements, qualifications standards in trades. GAC and ESDC - Negotiation and implementation of labor rights in trade and investment agreements ESDC - Labour Program - International Labour Activities and Canada's Positions at International Labour Organisation to facilitate trade Union involvement at the International Labour Organisation. Current lack of affordable housing in Canada and policy approaches to address market shortcomings. Canada Labour Code Part I - Industrial Relations and appointments of the Canadian Industrial Relations Board members. Anti-scab legislation (i.e. prohibitions on the use of replacement workers during strikes and lockouts).

Visibility in Trade & Cultural Promotion – Recognize video games as a key part of Canada’s creative diplomacy and export strategy. Intellectual Property as Foundation of Innovation – Maintain strong copyright protection to encourage investment and international competitiveness. Games as Next-Generation Creative Exports – Include video games in trade missions, export programs, and creative-industry promotion efforts. Healthy Play & Digital Literacy – Promote balanced, informed engagement through education and digital-literacy initiatives for youth and families. In-Game Spending & Player Confidence – Support transparency and parental-oversight tools to maintain consumer confidence in digital markets. Player Safety – Promote evidence-based frameworks to address harmful online behaviour while recognizing the structured nature of video games. Privacy and Data Protection – Support modern, interoperable privacy laws that protect users while enabling innovation and global data flows. Improving Labour Mobility – Align federal-provincial frameworks to allow faster movement of talent across provinces. Domestic Skills Development (STEAM) – Strengthen post-secondary alignment with industry needs through digital-skills training and partnerships. Retaining Talent in Canada – Ensure permanent residency programs (e.g., Express Entry) recognize digital occupations to retain global talent. Bringing Talent into Canada – Maintain fast, predictable Global Talent Stream processes and immigration pathways for specialized roles in the video game sector. Foreign Investment – Support transparent, predictable implementation of Investment Canada Act reforms that maintain investor confidence in creative industries. Digital Trade – Promote tariff-free digital trade, open data flows, and recognition of digital goods under trade agreements like CUSMA and the Indo-Pacific Strategy. Right-to-Repair – Exclude video game consoles from repair exceptions under the Copyright Act to protect TPMs and prevent security risks (including implementation of C-244). Copyright & Intellectual Property – Maintain strong technological protection measures (TPMs) and copyright frameworks to safeguard creative investment and prevent piracy. AI and Emerging Technologies – Advocate for clear, innovation-friendly rules for AI applications in video games.

Encouraging greater action by government to address the prevalence of contraband tobacco products in Canada. Proposals related to the Customs Act and Duty Free Regulations as it applies to the licensing of land border duty free stores Obtain a Canadian Food Inspection Agency ruling that alcohol sold in 1 litre bottles at Duty Free Stores is for Export and exempted from CFIA rules for internal Canadian alcohol sales. The creation of a tourist HST rebate program to encourage foreign tourists to shop more in Canada while visiting.

ADVOCATE FOR IMPROVED AWARENESS, PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF WOMEN'S HEART AND BRAIN HEALTH RISK FACTORS THROUGH BILL S-243, AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH IN CANADA ADVOCATE FOR A MODERNIZED CHARITABLE TAXATION FRAMEWORK THAT STRENGTHENS CHARITIES AND THEIR ABILITY TO MOBILIZE RESOURCES FOR THE BENEFIT OF CANADIANS. FINALIZE REGULATIONS TO RESTRICT VAPE FLAVOURS (INCLUDING MINT/MENTHOL); INTRODUCE PLAIN AND STANDARDIZED PACKAGING FOR VAPING PRODUCTS; INCREASE TOBACCO AND VAPE TAXES; IMPLEMENT A TOBACCO COST RECOVERY FEE; PROTECT EXISTING NICOTINE POUCH REGULATIONS; BAN INTERNET/ONLINE SALES FOR TOBACCO AND E-CIGARETTES; PROHIBIT THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS AMONGST INDIVIDUALS BORN BEFORE A DETERMINED YEAR; INCREASE THE MINIMUM LEGAL AGE OF SALE FOR TOBACCO AND VAPING PRODUCTS TO 21 YEARS OF AGE. SUPPORT POLICIES THAT ELIMINATE FINANCIAL BARRIERS TO SPORT PARTICIPATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH, WHILE ENSURING SPORT PARTICIPATION FUNDING IS ROLLED OUT IN AN ACCESSIBLE, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE MANNER. ADVOCATE FOR GOVERNMENT ACTION TO REDUCE THE CONSUMPTION OF, AND HARMS ASSOCIATED WITH, ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS. ADVOCATE FOR AND FUND EQUITABLE ACCESS TO PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAMS FOR CANADIANS, INCLUDING EQUITY-SEEKING GROUPS. INTRODUCTION OF A NATIONAL PHARMACARE PROGRAM IMPLEMENT REGULATIONS TO RESTRICT COMMERCIAL MARKETING OF UNHEALTHY FOODS AND BEVERAGES TO CHILDREN IMPLEMENT A TAX ON SUGARY DRINKS. REVENUES FROM SUCH A TAXATION STREAM SHOULD BE USED TO SUBSIDIZE HEALTHY EATING INITIATIVES FUND PUBLIC AWARENESS FOR IMPROVED USE OF DEFIBRILLATORS AND CPR. ADVOCATE FOR A TAX-EXEMPTION ON THE SALE OF DEFIBRILLATORS. ENSURE THAT THE DEDICATED FEDERAL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FUND BECOMES A PERMANENT ENVELOPE IN CANADA'S INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING.

Monitor developments relating to oversight of cryptocurrency, including stablecoin. Monitor development of Consumer Directed Banking - consultations and studies, legislation and regulation. Monitor developments relating to government support for small business in Canada. Monitor development of the RPAA with respect to regulation of payment networks. Monitor development of privacy and AI policy, with respect to payments and data. Monitor implementation of Payment Card Networks Act with regard to debit and credit cards and other ecosystem developments. Monitor implementation of and compliance with the Code of Conduct for the Credit and Debit Industry in Canada. Monitor developments to immigration policy as it relates to skilled labour. Monitor developments the Payment Card Networks Act with respect to payment card network operators, and any other legislation seeking to amend that Act. Monitor developments relating to the Voluntary Interchange Commitment and other initiatives related to cost of acceptance. Monitor developments relating to international trade discussions, including the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement and WTO reform with respect to data flows and electronic payments. Monitor developments relating to government-supported tree planting programs, Monitor developments regarding Proceeds of Crime and Terrorist Financing Act and regulations with respect to credit card accounts and prepaid. Monitor developments regarding breach tracking and reporting regulations under, and review of, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Monitor developments associated with global humanitarian aid efforts with respect to financial inclusion and electronification of aid and exploring opportunities for private-public sector partnerships in administering aid. Monitor developments and opportunities regarding greater government use of electronic payments. Seek opportunities for greater usage of products and services by federal government. Monitor development of the Government’s innovation agenda with respect to the digital economy and Digital ID. Monitor development of regulations pursuant to the Bank Act with respect to credit card issuer practices. Monitor development of Faster Payments initiatives as the government moves toward payments modernization. Monitor development of cybersecurity policies with respect to payments. Monitor Bank Act policies with respect to prepaid cards.

Monitor the advancement of policies related to: Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence: Advance laws and policies that ensure cybersecurity and artificial intelligence frameworks are robust, maintain appropriate internal controls and independent objective assurance over those controls, and minimize the organizational and operational risks of various threats, including Denial-of-service, Ransomware, Social engineering, Corporate software vulnerabilities. Support the Internal Audit Profession and Its Legal & Regulatory Framework by Protecting the public interest by providing independent, competent, and objective assurance. Support internal audit functions, integrated within the Federal government. Encourage the inclusion of internal audit function in provincial ministries and municipalities. Preserve self-regulation of the internal audit profession by maintaining objectivity and independence; and Promote professional competence through The IIA’s professional designations, Standards, and high ethical standards Monitor the advancement of policies related to: Fraud, Corruption, and Retaliation: Support public policies that require strong internal controls and independent objective assurance over those controls to prevent the misuse of organizational resources. Advance appropriate public policies that support whistleblowers and prevent fraud and corruption. Safeguard internal auditors from retaliation and intimidation in performance of their duties. Monitor the advancement of policies related to: Environmental, Social Governance: Ensure the internal audit functions of organization enable them to meet reporting requirements and adherence to environmental and related legislation and regulations. Monitor the advancement of policies related to: Data Privacy and Security: Support the passage of strong national and multinational data privacy laws – and corresponding regulations – to minimize the risk of organizational non-compliance with inconsistent local requirements. Provide assurance that organizations have robust security architectures mitigating the operational and financial risks of data breaches and other technology-based threats. Monitor the advancement of policies related to: Cryptocurrencies and Stock Exchanges: Require all cryptocurrency and stock exchanges to Establish and maintain an independent internal audit function.; and Have their senior management annually certify that their exchanges’ internal controls are adequate, based on an internal audit assessment.

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.