Kristina Kisin

Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning offers postsecondary education programming in the Northwest Territories. Budget 2024 made a commitment to provide over two years, starting in 2024. Lobbying activities will seek to secure stable and sustainable sources of funding for years beyond the current commitment. As a leader in Indigenous and Northern education, Dechinta will also be working with Northern Affairs on strategies and policies related to education in the territories. Recommendations and input will be provided to the Minister and to department officials through planned engagement processes and through written submissions. Dechinta will seek to keep updated members of parliament and senators that have supported them.

Innovation policy and programming related to Mitacs domestic and international activity, including the Mitacs Globalink program and efforts to attract top talent and researchers to Canada. Funding to support ongoing growth in work-integrated learning collaborations between industry and academia in relation to Mitacs programs. Funding and policy development to support industry-academic research and development partnerships, commercialization, job creation, training and professional skills development for post-secondary students and post-doctoral fellows, international research collaborations and the promotion of activities that support innovation in Canada.

Discussions related to the Canadian Innovation Pipeline Initiative, as proposed by Tech-Access Canada for consideration in the 2026 federal budget. Discussions related to improving the commercialization outcomes of Canadian university research through the UnivLaunch program, proposed by Tech-Access Canada. Discussions related to Tech-Access Canada's proposed Technical Workforce Resilience Initiative (TWR Initiative): A Proposal for Supporting Displaced Technical Workers Through TACs. Discussions related to maintaining current funding levels for the College and Community Innovation Program administered by NSERC. Discussions related to the Competency Assessment for Newcomers Pilot Program Seeking the participation of content matter experts from the Technology Access Centres in all relevant federal policy discussions concerning applied research and development, and business innovation. Requesting meetings with officials to provide an overview on the nature and contribution of Technology Access Centres to Canada's regional economic development and business innovation outcomes. Discussions related to the Interactive Visits program administered by Tech-Access Canada. Discussions related to designing and building respectful, accessible, sustainable, and functional residential housing in five First Nations communities, as proposed by Tech-Access Canada. Discussions on assisting older learners and growing Canada's talent pool by raising the upper age limit for eligibility in federal internship programs from 30 to 45. Discussions concerning federal budget priorities including support for increasing capacity of Canada's Technology Access Centres, as proposed by Tech-Access Canada.