Katelin Cummings
Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Senate of Canada·0 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Grain Farmers of Ontario
4 Canada's policy on Free Trade Agreements to ensure that any proposed Agreements improve foreign market access for wheat, corn and soybeans Regulation of pesticides under the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Canada's program regarding research for wheat, corn and soybeans under Agriculture Canada's A-base funded Research Projects. Canada's policy with respect to the rules governing the design and funding of Agristability and Agrirecovery programs that are part of Canada's Business Risk Management Programs for Agriculture. Canada's policy regarding the carbon pricing system treatment of fuels used for drying grain
Regulation of pesticides under the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Canada's program regarding research for wheat, corn and soybeans under Agriculture Canada's A-base funded Research Projects. Canada's policy with respect to the rules governing the design and funding of Agristability and Agrirecovery programs that are part of Canada's Business Risk Management Programs for Agriculture. Canada's policy regarding the carbon pricing system treatment of fuels used for drying grain Canada's policy on Free Trade Agreements to ensure that any proposed Agreements improve foreign market access for wheat, corn and soybeans
Canada's policy on Free Trade Agreements to ensure that any proposed Agreements improve foreign market access for wheat, corn and soybeans the rules and regulations pertaining to requirements for farmer in the Clean Fuels Standard Removal of carbon tax on grain drying as part of the pollution pricing Regulation of pesticides under the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Canada's program regarding research for wheat, corn and soybeans under Agriculture Canada's A-base funded Research Projects. Canada's policy with respect to the rules governing the design and funding of Agristability and Agrirecovery programs that are part of Canada's Business Risk Management Programs for Agriculture.
Tariffs on fertilizer coming into Canada The labelling provisions under Canada's Feeds Regulations 1983 (Regulations to the Feeds Act, administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency). To ensure that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency requires the same labelling of imported soymeal as soymeal produced in Canada. Removal of the carbon tax on fuel used by farmers for drying grain Regulation of pesticides under the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Proposed changes to the Income Tax Act. GFO opposes the changes to the Act that impact farm businesses. Clean Fuels Standard regulations and how they work for farmers Canada's proposed policy that would establish an allowable amount of low level presence of Genetically Modified Organisms in imported grain. Canada's program regarding research for wheat, corn and soybeans under Agriculture Canada's A-base funded Research Projects. Canada's policy with respect to the rules governing the design and funding of Agristability and Agrirecovery programs that are part of Canada's Business Risk Management Programs for Agriculture. Policies related to the Clean Fuels Standard Canada's policy regarding Plant Breeders Rights legislation; specifically, the need for Canada to adopt the provisions of UPOV91 into the Plant Breeders Rights legislation. Canada's policy on Free Trade Agreements to ensure that any proposed Agreements improve foreign market access for wheat, corn and soybeans.
Canadian Produce Marketing Association
3Sustainability - Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), In relation to sustainable packaging policies and their impact on the fresh produce supply chain Sustainable Agriculture Strategy - Policies to support the adoption of more environmentally sustainable practices across the fresh produce supply chain National School Food Program - Improve and increase access to the nutritious food all students need and supporting food insecure households National Food Security Strategy– in respect of strengthening the systems that support the safe, timely movement and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetable products across Canadas borders and domestic supply chains. Federal Budget 2025 - specifically related to measures of relevance and impact to the fresh produce supply chain. Red Tape Review - Federal department efforts under Treasury Board's Red Tape Review initiative. Grocery Sector Code of Conduct - including the development and implementation of the voluntary code to support fair business practices in the fresh produce sector. International trade, including opportunities for export and import market diversification in the fresh produce sector. Measures to facilitate internal trade in Canada, including through Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act. Canada-U.S. trade and Canada's response to U.S. trade action against Canada, including tariffs. Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Safe Foods for Canadians Regulations - Labelling. In relation to addressing industry challenges in the application of labelling requirements. Supply Chains Act - in relation to providing necessary supports to industry to effectively address and eradicate forced labour. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Destination Inspection Service - In relation to ensuring consistent and efficient CFIA service model for delivery of enhanced destination inspection for produce. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grades. In respect of the maintenance and modification of Canadian grade standards. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Organic. In respect to the Canadian Organic Regime and the Canadian Organic Standards. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program - In relation to enabling a sufficient workforce to support domestic fruit and vegetable production. Temporary Foreign Worker Program - In relation to enabling a sufficient workforce to support domestic fruit and vegetable production. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - In respect to supporting the development and implementation of a safe food supply chain while ensuring efficient and consistent licensing and inspection requirements and streamlined regulations for industry. Safe Food for Canadians Act. In respect of managing risk to food safety and supporting a safe food system for Canada. Ports Modernization Review - In respect to ensuring that ports are well positioned to facilitate the free flow of goods and enabling uninterrupted trade. Plant Protection Act & Regulations. In respect to consistent delivery by CFIA of plant health regulations. Pest Control Products Act - Pesticide Residue Tolerances - In respect of international harmonization of maximum and default residue limits (mrls). National Supply Chain Strategy - in respect of supporting the smooth movement of fresh fruit and vegetable products across the Canadian border and throughout the country. Health Canada Food & Nutrition - A cooperative approach between government and industry / NGOs to support increased health of Canadians via focus on childhood obesity, establishment of nutrient database, harmonization between Canada and US of health claims, health & nutrition labelling, and consumer food safety education. Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act and accompanying regulations - In respect to rebates for the greenhouse industry, expanding the definition of farming and ensuring consistency, and in providing an exemption in the Act and/or regulations for diesel and propane as well as heating and
Canadian Airports Council
1Aviation safety and security: Canadian Aviation Regulations ( CARs ), Canadian Aviation Security Regulations (CASRs), Canadian Aviation Security Screening Airport Investment Statement – Lease Extension Implementation Enhancing the traveller journey - the evolving role of technology and innovations in the airport experience The needs of the modern Canadian airport system - Financial support for regional air service, protection of Canadas airspace from interference, and funding support for airport infrastructure Transportation Modernization Act - implementing certain aspects of the proposed legislation Short term relief and long term economic recovery for Canadas Airports as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 CBSA services at air borders - with respect to CBSA resources Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Act - with respect to implementing commitments made in Transportation 2030 Bill C-52: with regards to service level standards, noise, environmental reporting, and diversity. Bilateral Trade and Air Service Agreements - general support for increased or expanded bilateral air agreements for Canada. Observer or neutral party for information purposes at discussions Airport Rent, Fees and Taxes - with respect to reforms to airport rent Airport Capital Assistance Program - program eligibility
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
1GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT - Reform Canadas procurement system to support investment and ensure a competitive business environment. GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT - Ensuring fair and open procurement practices to drive innovation and technology adoption in Canada. HOUSING - Advocate for policies and legislation that enable the creation of more housing supply, incentivize investment in residential construction and housing – enabling infrastructure, and support the development of skilled labour we need, whether domestically or through immigration, to restore housing affordability to Canadian families. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to the measurement and improvement of Canadas tax competitiveness, including: reforming the taxation, remittance, filing and audit processes of Canadian businesses and tax policy which improves the competitiveness of the Canadian business environment INTERNATIONAL TRADE – With respect to issues relating to trade controls, including tariffs, import and export controls, sanctions, and trade remedies. INDUSTRY - Improving the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit program to drive innovation; increase the role that the federal government plays in creating opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to digitalize and conduct more business activities online; developing a digital economy strategy for Canada. HEALTH – Ensuring we improve access to necessary medicines by building on rather than displacing the important role of private insurers and respecting provincial and territorial jurisdiction. CYBER SECURITY - Encouraging the government to prioritize cybersecurity innovation, talent development, and critical infrastructure resilience; modernize research and development; accelerate commercialization in the space; support the secure digitalization of small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and improve the global competitiveness of Canadas cybersecurity industry. IMMIGRATION - Reducing regulatory burdens for employers; promoting immigration to small, rural and northern communities; supporting regional and local community immigration strategies; maintaining and modernizing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program; Facilitating pathways to permanent residency for temporary residents (international students and TFWs; expediting and simplifying foreign credential recognition, calling for an international student and global talent strategy; improving language training as well as settlement and employment supports to newcomers, aligning immigration programs with labour market needs, improving the Start-Up Visa process, improving client services to potential immigrants and newcomers. EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING – National Workforce Strategy, programs that support small and medium sized enterprises, improving collection and dissemination of Labour Market Information, establishing the Employment Insurance Council to institutionalize social dialogue between workers and employers on issues related to employment and training needs, addressing barriers to labour mobility, improving effectiveness of employment supports and skills training. EDUCATION - Aligning employer and workforce needs with education and training; expanding skilling, upskilling, reskilling and work integrated learning opportunities. INFRASTRUCTURE – Improvement of Canadas infrastructure through the National Infrastructure Assessment, National Supply Chains Strategy, and establishment of a Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan. TRANSPORTATION - Regarding the consistent funding of trade-enabling infrastructure projects; the development of a competitive and efficient transportation network including all modes of transportation; the fluidity and stability of supply chain operations, minimizing disruptions. LABOUR - Ensuring that any changes to the Canada Labour Code are implemented in response to defined and demonstrated issues and not to increase regulatory burdens for employers; minimizing labour disruption impacts on Canadian bus
Chamber of Marine Commerce
1Seeking remission of federal duties to be paid or already paid on the purchase of foreign-built vessels. Previously known as Bill C-549, National Marine Day Act: in respect of identifying a specific day each year to be officially recognized as Canada Marine Day. Policy, regulatory proposals and potential legislation dealing with ballast water and aquatic invasive species. Pilotage Act: in respect of ensuring efficient and cost-effective pilotage services Pacific Pilotage Regulations: in respect of ensuring efficient and cost-effective pilotage services Marine Navigation Services Fees: working towards reduction and eventual removal of government fees on industry Laurentian Pilotage Authority Regulations: in respect of ensuring efficient and cost-effective pilotage services Immigration and Refugee Protection Act: working towards changes that might make it less difficult and restrictive for more skilled shipping industry labour to work in the Great Lakes - Seaway marine transportation industry. Hazardous Materials Information Review Regulations: informing clients of the existing and potential status of the regulations, and assisting them representing their business interests through inclusion or exclusion of their commodities in the regulations. Great Lakes Pilotage Regulations: in respect of ensuring efficient and cost-effective pilotage services General Pilotage Regulations: in respect of ensuring efficient and cost-effective pilotage services EcoFreight Program: informing clients of the program and assisting them with application and approval process Canadian Grain Act: working towards an efficient and cost-effective grain transportation system, especially as it pertains to the marine mode Canada Marine Act: working towards an efficient, safe, cost-effective marine transportation system, especially regarding Canada's ports and Seaway systems. Canada Labour Code: working towards ensuring Canadian labour laws are as pluralistic and democratic as possible, especially insofar as providing openness and fair competition to labour markets affecting shipping. Atlantic Pilotage Authority Regulations: in respect of ensuring efficient and cost-effective pilotage services
Climate Caucus, via the Public Voice Fund
1Seek to improve existing federal revenue streams for climate change programming which flow to local governments through the provinces and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Engage government officials to advocate for a new municipal climate action fund to address significant challenges with municipal climate funding.
News Media Canada
1Ensure retailer flyer printing and distribution in Canada remains competitive. At a time when the news publishing industry is facing soaring costs due to inflation, advertising competition from foreign Big Tech giants, and the theft of journalistic content by AI companies, ensure Canada Post offers community newspaper publishers the same rates and level of service they are offering to the dominant commercial printer in Canada. Ensure there is healthy competition in the flyer printing and distribution markets across Canada. Amend the definition of a Qualified Canadian Journalism organization (QCJO), requiring that an organization regularly employ two or more journalists to include: journalists who do not deal at arms length with the organization. This would generally include owners/partners who actively pursue, research, analyze, explain, edit, format, design, write or report the news, or select, plan, or assign work, in accordance with journalistic processes and principles. They would work, on average, a minimum of 26 hours per week and spend at least 75% of their time engaged in the production of original written news content, including researching, collecting information, verifying facts, photographing, writing, editing, designing and otherwise preparing content. To halt the theft of copyright protected news content, Public Services and Procurement Canada and Treasury Board should ensure those on the governments list of interested artificial intelligence suppliers sign a "supplier commitment to support the Government of Canadas effort in leading the way on ethical AI that includes a commitment to the principles of transparency, consent, and attribution with respect to all copyright-protected source content. Ensure that the Online News Act continues and that funding is distributed in accordance with the Act and its Regulations. Ensure social media services covered by the Online News Act do not allow publisher content to be reproduced (screen shots, copied text, etc.) without providing compensation to news businesses. Protect intellectual property by preventing LLMs from scraping journalistic content. Ensure search engines cannot abuse their dominant position by de-indexing Canadian news sites if publishers block their AI bots from crawling our protected content without consent, credit, and compensation. Ensure any policy changes to the Aid to Publishers component of the Canadian Periodical Fund take into account the importance of the program, especially to smaller rural community newspapers. Align the Government of Canada advertising policy with the Government of Canada's "Buy Canadian Policy" by directing the Agency of Record to ensure a minimum of 25% of the Government of Canada domestic advertising budget to Canadian private sector news businesses. Ensure Canada Post continues to perform its vital role deliver community newspapers to Canadians. Have Canada Post return to the long-standing policy of exempting community newspapers with commercial inserts (e.g., flyers from local hardware and grocery franchisees) from the Consumers Choice program. Community newspapers with commercial inserts are not junk mail. Ensure that the Copyright Act is not modified through an exception permitting Text and Data Mining (TDM) allowing AI companies to use Canadian news publishers' protected works to train generative AI systems without consent, credit, or compensation. For transparency and to facilitate verification of eligible news publishers under the Online News Act, make the list of Qualified Canadian Journalism Organizations public. Keep advertising in dollars in Canada by closing the loophole in Section 19 of the Income Tax Act that allows for the deductibility of foreign internet advertising. Maintaining the Canadian Journalism Labour Tax Credit at 35%. Abuse of dominance and anti?competitive business practices related to online search, search advertising and display advertising services in Canada. Extending the Local Journali
Xplore
1Seeking meetings with government officials concerning policies in respect to Spectrum management Policies or Program - Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians Program with respect to eligibility to the program Grant, Contribution or Other Financial Benefit: Seeking funding from the Connecting Rural Canadians Program for the operation of broadband infrastructure.