Laural Porth-Jones

The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) is engaging with government officials to discuss the alignment between CCI’s priorities and the federal government’s efforts to foster innovation in Canada. These discussions focus on ensuring that government programs and policies effectively support high-growth Canadian technology firms and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem. Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy: advocacy was focused on bringing domestic firms into the value chain through policies and measures that provide equal opportunity for Canadian Head Quartered companies. Discussion on the intangible economy, SR&ED, and economic growth as it relates to domestic expenditures for intellectual property filing, as well as a focus on small and medium-sized companies. US Trade - discussed Tariffs and handling of Canada US Mexico Trade Agreement. Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy. Small Business and Tourism, Changes to Canadian Export Program (CanExport) so it allows more technology companies to apply Procurement – Changes to Request for Proposal (RFP) process to break down large bundles into smaller amounts for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) can apply Health Canada: advocate for an increase of resources for Therapeutics Canada for them to speed up processing times and efficiencies within their department; create working groups and framework with industry leaders and health Canada on digital and data health, and create a therapeutics working group with industry and health Canada. Finance – Changes to Scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) tax incentive program to make the process easier for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) to apply and report on the current program, to further increase the maximum a SME can apply for Export Development Canada (EDC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy. Environment and Climate Change Canada, give input and feedback on the PanCanada Framework, Canada-China agreement for scientific and technological cooperation, and the relationship between Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emitters & CO2 Reducers. Our focus is on involving Canadian high-growth firms in the policies and programs the government is working on regarding climate change and the greening of government. Discussions on international trade, specifically on the North American Free Trade Agreement with respect to data localisation, labour mobility and tariffs. Defence & Security: advocate for a domestic-focused cybersecurity ecosystem that has Canadian companies at the centre of a national cybersecurity defence policy. Citizenship and immigration – Change the current work visa time lines, seek changes to the the Labour Market Impact Assessment for expatiating and a faster process Changes to Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) to make the process easier for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) to apply and report on the current program, to Increase the maximum amount a SME can apply for Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - changes to (scientific research and experimental development) SR&ED program with how it is administered and reviewed. Discussed companies SR&ED claims and issues with their processing. Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy.

Seek increased support for entrepreneurs and startups in a range of sectors—from health and cleantech to finance and education—helping them grow and scale into global market leaders by providing expert advice Seek increased access to funding to support innovation companies at all stages of their growth. Collaborating with the Government of Canada on how to commercialize innovation businesses of the future, and making a positive difference in the lives of Canadians and others around the world.

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.