Karen Sorenson

Aligning Canada's financial system with the climate science. Recommendations: climate taxonomy, sustainable investment guidelines that exclude fossil fuels, climate-aligned transition plans, emissions targets, disclosure requirements regarding climate-related financial risk, tighter regulations surrounding who can be on boards of federally regulated entities, factoring climate risk into capital adequacy requirements, Sustainable Development Working Group. Signed a petition with the following asks (e-7114): "We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Prime Minister to 1. Provide a legislative foundation that supports our stated commitment to protect our shared environment as we develop energy infrastructure by ensuring that any federal investment, use of tax-credits or financial support for the development of hydrocarbon-based infrastructure, including carbon capture and storage infrastructure, be matched, dollar for dollar, by federal funding for renewables-based infrastructure; and 2. Enact legislation to end coal-fired power generation by 2035." Signed a petition with the following asks (e-7133): "We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Mandate a study by the appropriate House of Commons committee or committees into risks of foreign interference and foreign funding associated with political advocacy in Canada, including advocacy related to separatist movements; 2. Request that relevant federal authorities assess and report to Parliament, consistent with national security and privacy obligations, on the nature and scope of any risks identified; and 3. Consider any legislative or policy measures necessary to strengthen transparency, enforcement, and safeguards against foreign interference and foreign-funded political activity in Canada." Signed a petition with the following ask (e-7148): "We, the undersigned, citizens, call upon the House of Commons to require all federal party leaders to obtain and maintain top-secret security clearance to ensure they are fully informed of threats to Canada’s national security and able to act decisively to protect Canadians and our democracy." Debt Justice. Conversations focus on the effects that debt has on the Global South and Indigenous communities, including paying down debt instead of investing in climate-resilient infrastructure. The three main asks are: debt cancellation for unjust and unsustainable debts; global financial reform to prevent future crises; and a debt resolution framework within the United Nations that is transparent, binding and fair. Bill S-238, the Climate-Aligned Finance Act. Bill S-238, which was developed through extensive consultation with national and international experts, provides a practical framework to mobilize finances toward projects that meaningfully reduce emissions; mitigate systemic climate risks threatening our economy; and promote transparency and accountability, helping investors make informed decisions. Citizens' Climate Lobby Canada is currently advocating for the bill to be passed by the Senate and sent to the House of Commons. Industrial carbon pricing in Canada. Industrial carbon pricing gives large industrial emitters an incentive to reduce emissions that cause climate change. Points of discussion: commitment to annual price increases, periodic review of provincial and territorial systems, oversupply of emission reduction credits, offset credits, transparency, expanded scope of the federal Benchmark, potential conflicts with the Alberta-Canada MOU.

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.

Advocacy related to university engagement in Canadian priorities in artificial intelligence, data systems and related computing science and energy subjects, including but not limited to specific calls for proposals. Advocacy for university initiatives related to Canadian priorities across the defence spectrum, including initiatives relevant to both Defence and Veterans' Affairs, among other federal departments. Advocacy to enhance support for university research mobilization and commercialization activities. Research security, with respect to international research partnerships Discussions with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and other relevant departments and agencies regarding the role of universities in supporting federal innovation initiatives, policies and programs. Discussions regarding research and development initiatives and federal support related to energy and environment, and climate change research, innovation, commercialization, talent and knowledge mobilization. Discussions regarding official language funding amounts and mechanisms. Discussions about the Copyright Act and details of its implementation in a post-secondary setting. Advocacy to secure support in the budget for post-secondary education, research, innovation, and science and technology. Advocacy to secure federal support to develop and upgrade university infrastructure, including but not limited to research and learning facilities, digital infrastructure, and transit infrastructure. Advocacy to increase support for university research, including research funding and granting programs administered by the tri-agencies (SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR) and other departments and agencies. Advocacy to improve immigration policies and programs for prospective and current university students, faculty, and staff. Advocacy to ensure that proposals to develop or amend federal legislation, regulations, policies or programs that directly or indirectly impact the post-secondary system reflect the needs of universities and support our research and education mission. Advocacy to enhance student supports, including but no limited to Canada Student Grants and Loans, the Canada Graduate Scholarship Program, supports for Indigenous students, and work-integrated learning programs. Advocacy to advance Canadian leadership in priority areas to support world class research, talent attraction and retention, and knowledge mobilization. Advocacy related to reconciliation efforts, including but not limited to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action

Development of policies and programs - or if required, regulatory amendments - to support skills, training and job growth in the aviation sector. Development of funding and policy to support inbound tourism to Canada and support market entry for WestJet's growth strategy. Accessibility policy, laws and regulations as they relate to the airline industry, including the Accessible Canada Act and all related standards and regulations. Competitiveness of the airline industry with respect to reduction in federal taxation of Air Transport Security Charge, airport ground rent, fuel excise tax, foreign ownership regulations, competition policy and all government/3rd party fees. Competitiveness of the airline industry and consumer protection policy, with specific regard to air passenger protection regulations (APPR) and cost recovery proposals Canada's international trade policy and bilateral aviation agreements and market access to and from other nations Aviation environmental policy with regard to development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), clean fuel standard, carbon pricing for aviation and green capital expenditures. Labour, as regards to the Canada Labour Code and the collective bargaining process In regard to the approval of proposed transactions under the Competition Act and the Canada Transportation Act