Karen Sorensen

Promoting Business Sustainability and Industry Competitiveness – TIAC promotes optimal forms of government intervention that support the competitiveness of Canada’s tourism companies via public grants, tax credits, repayable financing contributions and policies and programs that augment entrepreneurship, innovation and commercial protections. During this critical period as the sector looks to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, TIAC is working to ensure that government loans provided through the CEBA, RRRF, HASCAP and related initiatives have an optimal impact through guidelines and repayment conditions that are conducive to business growth. Improving Access for Visitors to and within Canada – TIAC supports the efficient movement of travellers to and within Canada through enhancements to the visitor visa process in order to meet international demand for travel to Canada. TIAC also works to ensure that regulations and policies related to transportation, air travel, waterways and ports of entry are developed and implemented to optimally connect, and not impede, domestic and international travellers to urban and rural destinations, key attractions, sporting events, and business meetings in Canada. Developing and Promoting World-class Tourism Assets – Ensuring Canada maintains and promotes the development of world-class tourism assets requires considerable investment from both public and private sources. TIAC advocates for continued investment, particularly in respect to under-serviced communities, and effective promotion of existing assets as well as the development of new, more competitive ones for both Canadian and world travellers to discover and experience. TIAC’s efforts on this front include monitoring and raising policy issues that directly affect Indigenous tourism development with a goal of empowering Indigenous communities in generating their own economies while also providing Canadians and foreign visitors alike the opportunity to connect with Indigenous peoples and to experience their unique and diverse culture in a deeply meaningful way. Building a Regenerative and Inclusive Tourism Industry – TIAC works with government to support a tourism sector that is more resilient, sustainable, and equitable through priority investment in regenerative tourism and specialized recruitment programs for equity seeking groups. Attracting and Retaining a Sustainable Tourism Workforce – TIAC supports the creation and optimization of policy and programs aimed at addressing the significant labour shortages that now exist in the tourism sector due to the affects of restrictive public health measures, border closures, and increased operational costs that were related to the COVID-19 pandemic. TIAC also advocates for a strong tourism workforce via regulations and policies in regard to immigration, including issues related to pathways to permanent-residency and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

TIAC advocates for the continuation of the International Convention Attraction Fund Promoting a strong recreation and entertainment industry- A competitive tourism sector includes local and national cultural, heritage and sporting events, as wells as arts and heritage institutions that draw visitors and provide an economic driver for local communities. TIAC values the government's partnership in promoting and supporting a vibrant recreation and entertainment industry. Ensuring a diverse and equatable tourism sector - TIAC’s efforts on this front include monitoring and raising policy issues that directly affect Indigenous tourism development with a goal of empowering Indigenous communities in generating their own economies while also providing Canadians and foreign visitors alike the opportunity to connect with Indigenous peoples and to experience their unique and diverse culture in a deeply meaningful way. Building a Regenerative Tourism Industry – TIAC works with government to support a tourism sector that is more resilient and sustainable through priority investment in regenerative and eco-tourism. Transportation and connectivity - TIAC also works to ensure that regulations and policies related to transportation, air travel, waterways and ports of entry are developed and implemented to optimally connect, and not impede, domestic and international travellers to urban and rural destinations, key attractions, sporting events, and business meetings in Canada. Access for Visitors to Canada – TIAC supports the efficient movement of travellers to and within Canada through enhancements to temporary residency policies and entry program requirements (including the visitor visa and electronic travel authorization processes) in order to meet international demand for travel to Canada. Promoting Industry Competitiveness – TIAC promotes optimal support for the competitiveness of Canada’s tourism companies via public grants, tax credits, repayable financing contributions and policies and programs that augment entrepreneurship, innovation and investment. Attracting and Retaining a Strong Tourism Workforce – TIAC supports the creation and optimization of policy and programs aimed at building a robust and diverse workforce across the country and redressing labour volatility. TIAC also advocates for a strong tourism workforce via regulations and policies in regard to employment, housing, and immigration.

Support for the hotel industry (taxation, marketing, workforce) Advocating for $10 million in funding annually over four years for the International Convention Attraction Fund to strengthen Canada’s ability to compete for high-value global events. Domestic workforce strategy, better alignment of youth employment programs with the hotel industry, connecting newcomers to hotel career Building a competitive investment climate through targeted fiscal measures to stimulate private sector investment in hotels Ensure the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is responsive to labour market needs Access to CMHC financing for mixed use hotel/housing developments, higher Capital Cost Allowance rate for staff housing Fraudulent Hotel Bookings through temporary resident visa applications Transportation - proposed new international bilateral air routes with Canada. Consideration of airport rents at formerly owned federal airports across Canada. Regulations and policies regarding fees to SOCAN and Re:Sound Engage with the Federal Government on proposed new or amended taxation laws with respect to short-term accommodations.

Transportation - proposed new international bilateral air routes with Canada. Consideration of airport rents at formerly owned federal airports across Canada. Tourism - Canadian Tourism Commission Budget as announced in the 2010 Federal Budget. Development of the proposed Federal Tourism Strategy as announced by the Prime Minister in June 2009. Taxation and Finance - Ammendments to the Foreign Convention Tour and Incentive Program. Regulations and policies regarding fees to SOCAN and Re:Sound Immigration Canada - Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program. Engage with the Federal Government on proposed new or amended taxation laws with respect to short-term accommodations. Employment and Training - Support for the Temporary Foreign Workers Program. Criminal Code regulations pertaining to impaired driving Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic - Seeking changes on EI reform. Ensuring access to financial impact measures. Monitoring developments and assessing impacts on members.

Affordable Housing Supports - as an industry, tourism is disproportionately disadvantaged to other sectors of the economy given a high housing price to income ration and therefore requires purpose-built policies and incentives to ensure the sector's future success. Sustainable Tourism within Canada's National Park System - TIAA's interests relate to sustainable investment within national parks, support of Indigenous tourism development, policy and strategic alignment between the ministries of ISED and ECCC in support of the aims of national parks to protect and present these places to Canadians. Canadian Wildfire Preparedness and Response Strategy - TIAA advocates for the establishment of a National WIldfire Task Force that aims to create a non-military forest prevention and firefighting force. TIAA also advocates for the design and funding of a program that provides predictable and scalable financial supports to individuals, businesses and communities impacted by the effects of wildfire TIAA is interested in the working with the Government of Canada to advance its federal tourism goals, as articulated in the Canada 365: Welcoming the World. Every Day. The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy TIAA is interested in ensuring that any proposed changes to labour and immigration policy support the unique needs of the tourism industry, by sector, by region and, by season. TIAA is interested in any proposed changes to policy that positively/negatively impact the ability of small-to-medium-sized tourism enterprises to compete for tourists on a regional/international scale. TIAA is interested in any changes to transportation policy or regulation that positively/negatively impact Canada's ability to compete on an international level for visitors. TIAA desires to see the cost of air travel become more competitive relative to other global markets by reducing fees, levies and taxes on air travel. TIAA desires to see Canada's tourism industry become a zero-rated export product by removing the GST on tourism products sold outside Canada to global tourists. TIAA aims to see improvements to the visa application process, ensuring that the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is available to low-risk countries. Discussions regarding the state of Canada's (and Alberta's) visitor economy amidst growing inflationary, interest rate and supply chain pressure

Regulatory and program efficiencies in the approval of new products for use in the production of food (i.e. pesticides, vet drugs, feed additives). Investment in national supply chain corridors for movement of agriculture products including reliable port and rail service. Investment in road and bridges necessary to move agriculture products from the farm to the national corridors. Advocating for the alignment of Canada regulations with the US for specified risk materials for cattle processing Temporary Foreign Workers Program - National Occupation Codes for herds person. Development of new agriculture and fisheries labour program. Housing requirements for TFW. Regulatory Cooperation Council Agenda - alignment with US regulations for livestock transport, product approval and border livestock inspection requirements Anti-microbial use and resistance - classification of growth promotants Advocating government for appropriate preparedness for animal disease outbreaks including Food and Mouth Disease. Traceability Systems and regulations Trade policy and regulations as it relates to import and export of cattle to the United States and increased market access to global markets for for Canadian beef products Climate Change policy as it relates to emissions from production of cattle/beef. Canadian Agriculture Policy - business risk management programming, environmental programming, Canada Food Policy

Regulatory and program efficiencies in the approval of new products for use in the production of food (i.e. pesticides, vet drugs, feed additives). Investment in national supply chain corridors for the movement of agriculture products including reliable port and rail service. Investment in roads and bridges necessary to move agriculture products from the farm gate to the national corridors. Temporary Foreign Workers Program - National Occupation Codes for herd persons, development of new agriculture and fisheries labour program, housing requirements for TFW. Advocating for the alignment of Canadian regulations with the US for specified risk materials for cattle processing Antimicrobial use and resistance - classification of growth promotants Regulatory Cooperation Council Agenda - alignment of Canada/ US regulations for livestock transport, product approval and border livestock inspection requirement Trade policy and regulations as it relates to import and export of cattle to the United States and increased market access to global markets for Canadian beef products. Traceability systems and regulations Canadian Agriculture Policy - business risk management programming, environmental programming, Canada Food Policy Advocating government to appropriately prepare for animal disease outbreaks including Foot and Mouth Disease. Climate policy as it relates to emissions from producing cattle/beef.

Agricultural trade: multi and bi-lateral trade negotiations to maintain and expand opportunities for canola farmers through reduction in tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers. Provide farmers necessary support through trade disruptions. Support the modernization of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a mechanism to promote rules-based trade. Support additional government resources to help solve technical trade barriers. Inter-provincial regulations support canola production, market access, and growth. Agriculture Policy Framework: ensure that business risk management programs and strategic initiatives are suitable for canola farmers. Federal research programming and initiatives support production needs on farm. Support right to repair and interoperability programs, policies, laws, and regulations that support farmer's choice and right to repair. Canada Transportation Act and regulations as it relates to the transportation of grain. Support development of transportation and trade infrastructure that facilities market demand and growth for canola. Ensure governments recognize the benefits that farmers provide to the environment, including in relation to offset protocols, ecological goods and services, and rebates. Support on-farm exemptions for carbon pricing. Climate change laws, policies, programs, research, and regulations related to agriculture promote competitiveness and production on farms. Environment and international trade: to advance the good management practices that are implemented on canola farms that contribute to environmental stewardship and competitive markets for farmers and to advance the canola biodiesel market domestically and abroad. Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations incentivizes the use of canola-based biofuels. Transportation: to advocate for a fair and efficient railway transportation system that serves the needs of grain producers. The creation and implementation of the Canada Water Agency and adoption of a pan-Canadian water monitoring framework have positive impacts for canola farmers. Support enhanced resources for federal regulatory bodies to make science-based decisions on crop protection products and seed varieties. Seeds Act and regulations as it pertains to seed variety registrations. Plant Breeders Rights Act and regulations as it relates to intellectual property rights. Patent Act and regulations as it pertains to intellectual property rights specific to seed technologies. Income Tax Act and other financial regulations, policies or programs: To promote the fair treatment of farmers in any proposed changes to the Income Tax Act or other financial mechanism that may impact farmers financially. Fisheries Act regulations and polices as it relates to fish habitats on farmland. Ensure Government recognizes and works with the agriculture sector to ensure farmers have access to skilled, competitive on-farm labour. Discussions concerning railway and port strikes as it relates to economic development and trade labour disruptions. Canadian Food Inspection Act and regulations as it relates to canola production and trade. Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Pest Control Products Act and regulations as it relates to agricultural pest control products. Canada Grain Act and Canada Grain Act Regulations as it relates to grain handling and transportation. Broadband: Expedite and support efforts to bring affordable, reliable high-speed internet and mobile coverage to rural and remote communities. Agricultural Marketing Programs Act and regulations as it pertains to the Advance Payments Program.

Agricultural Trade - Support multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and policies that provide more free and open access to existing and new markets through reduced tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers on canola and its products. Provide farmers necessary support through trade disruptions. Support the modernization of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a mechanism to promote rules-based trade. Support additional government resources to help solve technical trade barriers. Agriculture - Work to ensure the existing and upcoming Agricultural Policy Framework addresses the needs of canola farmers including business risk management, marketing and research. Maintain support for federal and shared funded programs. Federal research programming and initiatives support production needs on farm. Ensure Government recognizes and works with the agriculture sector to ensure farmers have access to skilled, competitive on-farm labour. Transportation: to advocate for a fair and efficient railway transportation system that serves the needs of grain producers. Support right to repair and interoperability programs, policies, laws, and regulations that support farmer's choice and right to repair. Discussions concerning railway and port strikes as it relates to economic development and trade labour disruptions. Environment and international trade: to advance the good management practices that are implemented on canola farms that contribute to environmental stewardship and competitive markets for farmers and to advance the canola biodiesel market domestically and abroad. Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations incentivizes the use of canola-based biofuels. Canada Transportation Act and regulations as it relates to the transportation of grain. Support development of transportation and trade infrastructure that facilities market demand and growth for canola. Support a review of the Canada Grains Act to modernize role of Canadian Grain Commission to align with needs of the grain sector. Income Tax Act and other financial regulations, policies or programs: To promote the fair treatment of farmers in any proposed changes to the Income Tax Act or other financial mechanism that may impact farmers financially. Ensure governments recognize the benefits that farmers provide to the environment. Including in relation to polices and regulations concerning carbon pricing, as it pertains to on-farm exemptions, offset protocols, rebates, and research. Climate change laws, policies, programs and regulations related to agriculture promote competitiveness and production on farms. Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Pest Control Products Act and regulations as it relates to agricultural pest control products. Support enhanced resources for federal regulatory bodies to make science-based decisions on crop protection products and seed varieties. Advocate for clear, science and risk-based approach to regulation of pesticides and new plant breeding innovation and that it is facilitative for trade.

Agricultural Trade - Support multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and policies that provide more free and open access to existing and new markets through reduced tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers on canola and its products. Provide farmers necessary support through trade disruptions. Support the modernization of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a mechanism to promote rules-based trade. Support additional government resources to help solve technical trade barriers. Transportation: to advocate for a fair and efficient railway transportation system that serves the needs of grain producers. Support right to repair and interoperability programs, policies, laws, and regulations that support farmer's choice and right to repair. Environment and international trade: to advance the good management practices that are implemented on canola farms that contribute to environmental stewardship and competitive markets for farmers and to advance the canola biodiesel market domestically and abroad. Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations incentivizes the use of canola-based biofuels. Ensure Government recognizes and works with the agriculture sector to ensure farmers have access to skilled, competitive on-farm labour. Discussions concerning railway and port strikes as it relates to economic development and trade labour disruptions. Canada Transportation Act and regulations as it relates to the transportation of grain. Support development of transportation and trade infrastructure that facilities market demand and growth for canola. Support a review of the Canada Grains Act to modernize role of Canadian Grain Commission to align with needs of the grain sector. Income Tax Act and other financial regulations, policies or programs: To promote the fair treatment of farmers in any proposed changes to the Income Tax Act or other financial mechanism that may impact farmers financially. Ensure governments recognize the benefits that farmers provide to the environment. Including in relation to polices and regulations concerning carbon pricing, as it pertains to on-farm exemptions, offset protocols, rebates, and research. Climate change laws, policies, programs and regulations related to agriculture promote competitiveness and production on farms. Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Pest Control Products Act and regulations as it relates to agricultural pest control products. Support enhanced resources for federal regulatory bodies to make science-based decisions on crop protection products and seed varieties. Advocate for clear, science and risk-based approach to regulation of pesticides and new plant breeding innovation and that it is facilitative for trade. Agriculture - Work to ensure the existing and upcoming Agricultural Policy Framework addresses the needs of canola farmers including business risk management, marketing and research. Maintain support for federal and shared funded programs.

Support for new research and campus infrastructure. Increased funding and program design for various programs administered by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Funding or support with respect to international development cooperation (student and academic mobility, internships, research collaboration, exchanges, technical assistance). Discussions regarding possible research and development initiatives for, and investments in, partnerships with the University of Calgary. Discussions concerning potential research and development initiatives and investments related to clean energy, environmental research and climate change policy. Discussions about policy implementation regarding the academic visa process in support of international faculty recruitment with respect to changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. Budget bills in support of federal funding for post-secondary education, research, innovation, science and technology.

Seek increased funding for type 1 diabetes research Discussions and information sharing on improving regulatory pathways for cell and gene therapy Discussions and information sharing around: Procurement and tariffs impact Insulin production Stock piles To seek funding to expand the foundation's educational program to raise awarenes of type 1 diabetes and diabetes management in Canada. Ensuring Bill C-64, the National Pharmacare Act, meets the needs of Canadians living with type 1 diabetes by having adequate insulin and diabetes devices coverage, while respecting patient choice. Seek an increase funding for the Canadian Clinical Trial Network to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Ongoing conversation with Health Minister's Office regarding JDRF-CIHR Partnership to Defeat Diabetes renewal funding. Meeting with Juvenile Diabetes Caucus Co-Chairs to discuss strategies and tactics to move JDRF Canada Pre-Budget Submission priorities forward including additional funding for research towards a cure for type 1 diabetes Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Strategy for Patient-Orientated Research (SPOR) Discussions with CIHR and SPOR Network about collaboration towards the creation of a type 1 diabètes registry

Enhancing global market access for Alberta exports by expanding pipeline access to tidewater, including through the removal of the Tanker Ban, investing in trade-related transportation infrastructure, and addressing internal trade barriers. Supporting the federal government's defence and economic security priorities by exploring opportunities for Alberta to strengthen Canada's defence industrial base, attract investment, and contribute to resilient supply chains and strategic infrastructure. Exploring opportunities to support the federal government's One Canadian Economy agenda through greater economic integration, reduced interprovincial trade barriers, and strengthened collaboration on nation-building projects. Supporting a strong Alberta within a united Canada by exploring policies that address fairness in the federation, strengthen Alberta’s economic contribution, and improve federal-provincial collaboration on shared priorities. Exploring strategies to support economic growth in Alberta and Canada while ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability and broad-based prosperity. Providing an update on the Business Council of Alberta’s priorities, including productivity, competitiveness, labour shortages, infrastructure, and housing, and identifying opportunities to collaborate with the federal government on advancing shared policy goals. Attracting investment to Alberta and Canada by exploring ways to address regulatory barriers to business investment and create a competitive business landscape. Proposing amendments to the new greenwashing provisions which, as written, will undermine Canadian businesses’ ability to raise capital, take risks, innovate, and make good-faith environmental progress in uncertain conditions. The federal government should respect the CRTC’s Fibre to the Premise decision, which supports a more competitive telecommunications sector and reinforces regulatory autonomy, a principle that is key to investor confidence and a dynamic business environment across all sectors of the Canadian economy. Federal natural resources and environment policy. Unlocking investment and growth in Canada's natural resource industries, and how they can contribute to Canada's productivity, prosperity, and environmental goals. Discriminatory and/or counterproductive impacts on Alberta and Alberta-concentrated industries. Maintaining access to US markets in the face of tariff threats and CUSMA renewal. Discussing how issues related to defence spending, border crossings and illegal drug/gun trafficking impact trade and trade policy. Preserving and enhancing Canada’s access to trade opportunities in global markets; addressing trade disputes, including the differing impact of those disputes across Canada. Exploring opportunities to increase economic activity and value-added processing in agriculture; and discussing the removal of barriers to achieving that goal. Expressing our opposition to the proposed emissions cap as being bad for the environment, the economy, the federation, and Canada’s international standing. Improving Canada's system of major project approvals and permitting to allow projects to get built faster, generate economic growth and advance Indigenous Economic Diversification. Issues range from speeding up environmental impact assessments, to removing fed/prov duplication, to better coordinating permitting processes across the federal government. Removing barriers to interprovincial trade. Providing information via our "Alberta Update" to senior government officials on economic developments in the province. Exploring ways to improve co-operation and collaboration between the federal and provincial governments. The merits and drawbacks of the federal government's proposed oil and gas sector emissions cap; and the most efficient, cost-effective ways to promote a competitive energy sector in Alberta while working towards deep emissions cuts. Proposing amendments to the Clean Electricity Regulations that reflect the concerns

research into blockchain technology in traceability programs, Business risk management programs, Livestock Tax Deferral, Livestock Price Insurance, Agristability, Animal Health programs. Regulations and legislation related to beef cattle and meat production, exports and imports. Market access for beef and cattle, achieving new and defending existing trade agreements. Farm policy and programs with respect to business risk management, innovation, environment, etc. "Taxation policies and programs related to farm income, capital gains, generational transfer of assets, family income sharing, investment income, and tax deferrals for extraordinary revenue due to inventory liquidation during a declared disaster."

Regulatory approval process, in respect to the egg supply management system Agriculture as a strategic priority, in respect to economic growth and tools to support the agriculture sector and support food security. Policy on Salmonella Enteritidis in Canadian shell eggs, in respect of on-farm testing and vaccination pilot program Availability of animal health products and tools, in respect to disease response and preparedness in Canada Agriculture inputs into egg supply chain, in respect to pricing and availability for farmers Sustainability initiatives as they relate to agriculture, including emissions reduction programs and on-farm green transition Trade policy, in respect of supply management and international and domestic trade Programming to mitigate the market impacts caused by trade agreements Private sector risk management program, in respect of insurance Growing forward, in respect of suite of business risk management and supply management Egg regulations, in respect to egg grades, weights and labelling Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations with respect to production claims on labels Canadian Food Inspection Agency On-Farm Food Safety Recognition Program, in respect to program development for pre-lay sectors Agriculture international development projects, in respect to supporting vulnerable communities and empowering egg farmers around the world

Availability of animal health products and tools, in respect to disease response and preparedness in Canada Agriculture inputs into egg supply chain, in respect to pricing and availability for farmers Sustainability initiatives as they relate to agriculture, including emissions reduction programs and on-farm green transition Trade policy, in respect of supply management and international and domestic trade Programming to mitigate the impacts caused by trade agreements Private sector risk management program, in respect of insurance Policy on Salmonella Enteritidis in Canadian shell eggs, in respect of on-farm testing and table eggs Growing forward, in respect of suite of business risk management and supply management Egg regulations, in respect of egg grades, weights and labelling Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations with respect to production claims on labels Canadian Food Inspection Agency On-Farm Food Safety Recognition Program, in respect to program development for pre-lay sectors Agriculture international development projects, in respect to supporting vulnerable communities and empowering egg farmers around the world