Laurel Chester
Senior Advisor, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)·0 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Telesat
62Work with the Government of Canada on international engagements as it relates to the digital economy and Internet connectivity. Work with government to promote and support Canada's digital economy, specifically in regards to advancing rural broadband. Work with Government of Canada to promote and support Canada's space economy Providing input to discussions or proceedings regarding support for expansion of broadband service to rural areas. Providing industry input to the Government on the Canadian Space Agency regarding the future of the Agency. Provide input to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada regarding spectrum and orbital slot allocation procedures, as well as spectrum fees. Engage with the Strategic Innovation Fund regarding communication technologies. Engage with the government of Canada on funding programs aimed at advancing the deployment of rural broadband Engage with the government of Canada on federal funding programs aimed at supporting communication technologies. Engage in discussions with the Government of Canada on the creation of a National Space Council Encourage the Government of Canada to fulfill unique communications, scientific or military requirements through new satellite programs Discussions with the Government of Canada on immigration as it relates to attracting and retaining a highly skilled workforce Changes to the regulatory fees charged by government for spectrum and orbital slots
TELUS
23Engage with government to raise awareness on copper theft and advance policy solutions. Raise awareness about Telus businesses. Spectrum policy framework as related to incumbent wireless carriers with respect to all technological and financial implications of proposed government policies. Review of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) as relates to communications service providers obligations Replacement Worker Legislation - TELUS is interested in legislation that bans replacement workers during a labour dispute as it would hinder our ability to operate our organization and serve our customers. Regulatory environment affecting the Canadian wireless market, including regulatory framework with regard to the requirements around rural network infrastructure builds, the policy framework around spectrum auction rules and regulations on the purchase of existing Canadian wireless companies. Proposed Digital Economy Strategies with respect to spectrum and environmental policy. Potential Amendments to the Broadcasting and Telecommunication Acts, with respect to streamlining regulation of the broadcasting and telecommunication industry. Policy framework with respect to the relationship between digital/wireless connectivity and climate policy. Policy Framework with regard to the terms and conditions of auction for Spectrum Licenses. Informing Federal officials around TELUS initiatives in the Health Care field and communicating the need for increased cooperation in developing next generation health care services between all levels of Government. Critical infrastructure and cybersecurity - protection of facilities, networks, technology, assets and systems. Copyright regulations and the Copyright Modernization Act with respect to the scheduled five year review. Communicating with the government about adopting digital tools in the agriculture sector. Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission review of Basic Telecommunications Services Broadcasting Policies Relating to Specialty Television Broadcasting Policies Relating to Conventional Television Broadband Canada – Connect to Innovate program which is of interest to TELUS, with respect to advancing rural and remote network connectivity in Canada. Bills related to lawful access obligations that will have a direct impact on the Company from a financial and operational perspective, as well as impact on TELUS customers from a privacy perspective, and with respect to obligations imposed on carriers with respect to intercept and subscriber information. As a supplier to the Government of Canada, TELUS regularly engages in discussions related approaches to reduce costs in the procurement of end-user devices, networks and associated support services and solutions.
Informing federal officials about the effects of recent regulatory decisions made regarding internet access as it relates to competition in the telecommunications sector.
Advocacy regarding pending CRTC review of Wireless Code Replacement Worker Legislation - TELUS is interested in legislation that bans replacement workers during a labour dispute as it would hinder our ability to operate and provide ongoing service to customers. Providing input to the government for development of an anti-fraud strategy to create an integrated fraud takedown framework. Discussions regarding federal support for science and research talent development, with a focus on creating public-private partnerships that enhance education and training opportunities. These efforts aim to advance social good by increasing the participation of women and marginalized groups in the digital economy and STEM sectors. Developing protocols for Canadas Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Advocacy for potential amendments to the Copyright Act, with respect to updating unclear regulation of Internet Service Providers. Advocacy regarding fibre-to-the-premises wholesale access; including discussions about TELUS' expansion and extended offerings. Advocacy regarding improving resilience and redundancy in TELUS network, including the potential to expand remote network connectivity and build out critical infrastructure in the North. Communicating with the government about how to support adopting digital tools in the agriculture sector. Advocacy concerning the development and implementation of national artificial intelligence policies, including but not limited to the Sovereign AI Compute Strategy and the AI Compute Access Fund. Informing officials about TELUS' plans to monetize passive infrastructure. Informing Federal officials about the risks posed by copper theft to public safety and telecommunications infrastructure, and advocating for enhanced collaboration between governments (provincial and federal) and industry to address this growing issue effectively. Advocating for stricter regulations around theft and damage of telecommunications infrastructure through Bill C-26: An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts. Review of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) as relates to communications and data service providers obligations Regulatory environment affecting the Canadian wireless market, including regulatory framework with regard to the requirements around rural network infrastructure builds, the policy framework around spectrum auction rules and regulations on the purchase of existing Canadian wireless companies. Potential Amendments to the Broadcasting and Telecommunication Acts, with respect to streamlining regulation of the broadcasting and telecommunication industry. Policy framework with respect to the relationship between digital/wireless connectivity and climate policy. Policy Framework with regard to the terms and conditions of auction for Spectrum Licences Informing Federal officials around TELUS initiatives in the Health Care field and communicating the need for increased cooperation in developing next generation health care services between all levels of Government. Critical infrastructure and cyber security - protection of facilities, networks, technology, assets and systems. Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission review of Basic Telecommunications Services Broadcasting Policies Relating to Specialty Television Broadcasting Policies Relating to Conventional Television Broadband Canada – Connect to Innovate program which is of interest to TELUS, with respect to advancing rural and remote network connectivity in Canada. Bills related to lawful access obligations that will have a direct impact on the Company from a financial and operational perspective, as well as impact on TELUS customers from a privacy perspective, and with respect to obligations imposed on carriers with respect to intercept and subscriber information. As a supplier to the Government of Canada, TELUS regularly engages in di
Rubicon Strategy
Bell Canada
12Discussions regarding procedures and policies as well as best practices and reducing costs in procurement associated with end user devices, networks, support services and solutions, including development and deployment of sovereign AI capacity. Seeking to raise awareness about Bells technological innovations, including AI, with an aim to convey how policies affect investments in innovation and research. Copyright Act amendments affecting internet service providers and/or broadcasting distribution undertakings and/or broadcasting programming undertakings Discuss and sharing of best practices with respect to Bell Lets Talk mental health initiative. Proposed government broadband programs, policies and initiatives including in rural and Northern Canada. The Comprehensive Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), provisions related to copyright, culture, telecommunications and broadcasting. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), provisions related to copyright, culture, telecommunications and broadcasting. Spectrum policy framework with respect to technological and financial implications of government policies. Replacement Worker Legislation - legislation that bans replacement workers during a labour dispute hindering our ability to operate our networks and serve our customers Regulatory modernization of the Canada Labour Code. Proposing amendments pursuant to Income Tax Act. Potential Amendments to the Broadcasting Act. Potential Amendments to the Broadcast Act and Telecommunications Act as per legislative review. Policies relating to signal piracy, and copyright infringement Policies Relating to Broadcasting Distribution Undertakings with regard to the terms of carriage of our services by terrestrial and satellite television distributors Pension plan regulations with regard to their impact on the solvency funding and other requirements for Bell as a plan sponsor Legislation regulation or policies focused on critical infrastructure, cyber security and lawful access Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) labour force -- policies related to increasing the talent supply in Canada Broadcasting Policies Relating to Specialty and Pay Television Broadcasting Policies Relating to Conventional Television Broadcasting Policies Relating to Commercial Radio Broadcasting Licence Fee Regulations, 1997 under section 11 of the Broadcasting Act. An Act to amend the Consumer Privacy Protection Act and the Personal Information and Date Protection Tribunal Act, as well legislation, policies or regulation having impact on Bell customers from a privacy perspective, and with respect to obligations imposed on carriers with respect to intercept and subscriber information. Act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada
Cogeco Communications
12Télécommunications: discussions sur la Loi sur les Télécommunications (L.C. 1993, ch. 38) en ce qui concerne le cadre qui devrait guider le gouvernement dans l'éventualité d'une révision de la loi. Radiodiffusion: discussions sur la Loi sur la radiodiffusion (L.C.1991, c.11) en ce qui concerne le cadre qui devrait guider le gouvernement dans l'éventualité d'une révision de la loi. Politiques et réglementations en matière de spectre et de télécommunications, y compris les politiques et réglementations relatives aux interférences transfrontalières, aux réseaux sans fil 5G, aux interconnexions, à l'itinérance sans fil, à la mise aux enchères du spectre et aux stratégies économiques numériques Politiques et réglementations en matière de large bande, y compris les politiques et réglementations relatives au déploiement de la large bande en milieu rural, à la mesure des performances de l'internet, à la dynamique concurrentielle de la large bande, à la disponibilité de l'accès à l'internet en gros et à la disponibilité de l'internet à un prix abordable Impôts et Finances: Discussions sur le transfert intergénérationnel d'entreprise à contrôle familial Électrification des véhicules: Discussion avec les cabinets ministériels et les ministères au sujet de lélectrification de la flotte de véhicules de la compagnie Droit d'auteur: discussions sur la Loi sur le droit d'auteur (L.R.C. (1985), ch. C-42) en ce qui concerne le cadre qui devrait guider le gouvernement dans l'éventualité d'une révision de la loi.
Politiques et réglementations en matière de spectre et de télécommunications, y compris les politiques et réglementations relatives aux interférences transfrontalières, aux réseaux sans fil 5G, aux interconnexions, à l'itinérance sans fil, à la mise aux enchères du spectre et aux stratégies économiques numériques Télécommunications: discussions sur la Loi sur les Télécommunications (L.C. 1993, ch. 38) en ce qui concerne le cadre qui devrait guider le gouvernement dans l'éventualité d'une révision de la loi. Radiodiffusion: discussions sur la Loi sur la radiodiffusion (L.C.1991, c.11) en ce qui concerne le cadre qui devrait guider le gouvernement dans l'éventualité d'une révision de la loi. Impôts et Finances: Discussions sur le transfert intergénérationnel d'entreprise à contrôle familial Électrification des véhicules: Discussion avec les cabinets ministériels et les ministères au sujet de lélectrification de la flotte de véhicules de la compagnie Droit d'auteur: discussions sur la Loi sur le droit d'auteur (L.R.C. (1985), ch. C-42) en ce qui concerne le cadre qui devrait guider le gouvernement dans l'éventualité d'une révision de la loi. Politiques et réglementations en matière de large bande, y compris les politiques et réglementations relatives au déploiement de la large bande en milieu rural, à la mesure des performances de l'internet, à la dynamique concurrentielle de la large bande, à la disponibilité de l'accès à l'internet en gros et à la disponibilité de l'internet à un prix abordable
Rogers Communications
11Implications of lawful access legislation, C-22 on telecommunications service providers Provide information on the consultation processes between the CRTC and telecommunication providers. Government measures to combat financial crimes and fraud Matters related to internet connectivity for new housing developments in Canada and Build Canada Homes. Lawful access requirements of Electronic Service Providers as outlined in Bill C-2, "Strong Borders Act." Policies and regulations relating to First Nations identification and eligibility for affordable telecommunications services. Policies and regulations related to the operation of Rogers Bank, with respect to financial sector regulations governing the Bank including issues under the Bank Act and consumer protection regulations. Matters related to Rogers acquisition of further shares in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Canada, US, Mexico Free Trade Agreement (CUSMA), specifically provisions related to copyright, culture, telecommunications and broadcasting. Matters relating to Canadas cybersecurity, specifically issues relating to public/ private partnerships designed to prevent the disruption of critical infrastructure and cyber systems. Policies, consultations and regulations related to the Broadcasting Act, Online News Act, Telecommunications Act, Copyright Act, and PIPEDA, the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act. Spectrum and telecommunications policies including wireless networks and roaming, spectrum auctions and digital economy, satellite to mobile technology, as well as public safety broadband network. Commitments related to the acquisition of Shaw Communications. Policies and programs that promote equity of opportunities and address accessibility issues for Canadians. Issues pertaining to professional sports and sport programs in Canada, alongside policies related to a growing Canadian sports economy. Broadcasting policies and regulations related to a modernized broadcasting system that fosters competition in the Canadian industry. Broadband policies and regulations, including rural broadband, the measurement of internet performance, competitive dynamics of broadband and availability of wholesale internet access and affordable internet. Bringing awareness of rising rates of network theft, tampering and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure, retail robberies and sharing industry experiences of a need for criminal justice responses. Implementation of Bill C-18, the Online News Act, which gained royal assent in June 2023, as well as production supports for Canadian local news. Marketing of food and beverages to children as it relates to Bill C-252, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), specifically provisions related to copyright, culture, telecommunications and broadcasting. Telecommunications industry experiences with emergency outages and resolutions in the context of Bill C-58, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Industrial Relations Board Regulations, 2012. Single event sports betting, as it relates to the impact on gaming in Canada. Safety Code 6, limits for exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy Radiocommunications Act, specifically sections related to satellite signal theft. Procurement policies, specifically polices related to mobile devices and associated support services and solutions. Policies related to the adoption of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) by Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SMEs). Corporate taxation under the Income Tax Act, specifically the calculation of tax on digital infrastructure, the calculation of Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) and the calculation of country-by-country (CbC) reporting. Copyright Act, specifically sections related to fairing dealing, anti-piracy and claimed infringement. An Act to enact the Consumer Privacy Protection Act and the Personal Information and Date Protection Tribunal
Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine
8Seeking support from the Strategic Innovation Fund to support application of automation and AI technology in our recently opened cell and gene therapy manufacturing facility operated by the subsidiary OmniaBio. The support will result in lower cost of life saving cell and gene therapy products. Pursue opportunities to benefit the Canadian cell and gene therapy ecosystem caused by global uncertainty.
Katzie Kwantlen Semiahmoo Nations
6Reconciliation and economic development with respect to acquiring crown lands within the traditional territories of KKS.
GlaxoSmithKline
5Engagement with the Government regarding the Life Science Fund seeking partnership and funding to support completion of Phase I and Phase II clinical research program associated to AMR (antimicrobial resistance) Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) - Seek funding and support for pilot projects making anti-infective medications available to equity seeking populations, helping to combat AMR. Also discuss any applicable conditions regarding this funding. Programs and policy to support Canadian biomanufacturing and access to medicines and vaccines for Canadians. National Immunization Strategy and policies and programs that impact public access to vaccines and disease prevention in Canada. Patented Medicines Review Board (PMPRB), certified under the Patent Act and whose guidelines seek to ensure a balance between the prices set by manufacturers for patented medicines sold in Canada and the maintenance of an attractive environment for pharmaceutical research and development. Engagement with federal officials regarding the Biomanufacturing & Life Sciences Strategy and policies and programming related to biomanufacturing in Canada Access to medicines - government policies, processes, legislation, and/or regulation with potential impact on access to medicines in Canada. Trade-related matters, including policies and tariffs impacting medicines and vaccines. Policies and programs related to the health of new immigrants to Canada. Policies, programs, and funding related to Canada's Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBI) Action Plan 2024-2030. Engagement with federal officials regarding Health Emergency Readiness Canada. The National Pharmaceutical Strategy (NPS) as agreed by First Ministers in 2004. Advocacy for ways to increase access to medicines and vaccines for Canadian patients. The Common Drug Review (CDR) process for reviewing new drugs and providing listing recommendations to publicly funded drug benefit plans in Canada. Ensuring the access needs of Canadian patients are met by advocating on activities undertaken in the context of the CDR. Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy: Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage. Advocacy for measures which will allow for commercialization in health care to occur and for Canada to remain competitive internationally on Intellectual Property and other fronts. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) Integrity Framework - Clarifying the process for procurement of vaccines and possibly pharmaceuticals under the evolving procurement framework. Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations which seek to balance the protection of Intellectual Property (IP) and patents with cost containment. Advocacy to ensure that IP rights are respected and internationally competitive in order to promote Research and Development. Legislation, regulations, policies and programs concerning the federal government's response to COVID-19, including pandemic preparedness, pharmaceutical and vaccine supply-chain management, and general administration of justice. Food and Drugs Act and the bill formerly known as Bill C-51: An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts. Specifically, with respect to the renewal of the drug approval process. Advocacy to ensure that Canada's review and approval process is timely, safe, effective, competitive and consistent with other jurisdictions. FedDev Ontario Advanced Manufacturing Fund - advancing manufacturing of innovative pharmaceutical products in southern Ontario Engage with government to strengthen the Priority Review for Drug Submissions process. Engage the Government regarding the need for clear and efficient procurement processes for COVID-19 medical countermeasures, including COVID-19 therapeutics, to ensure access for Canadians. Engagement with the Government regarding the Strategic Innovation Fund Drug Re-importation - Raise awareness regarding the potential risks to drug and vaccine supply fo
Engage with government to strengthen the Priority Review of Drug Submissions process. The Government of Ontario has passed legislation requiring the public disclosure of payments made to Health Care Providers and Health Care Organizations by the broader health care industry, including pharmaceutical companies, generic manufacturers, and medical device companies. GlaxoSmithKline seeks to advocate for a national approach to disclosure through either the support of similar provincial initiatives, coordinated action through the Federal / Provincial and Territorial meetings of the Ministers of Health, and / or the establishment of national requirements. Sharing information with government and Members of Parliament on different models for national pharmacare, specifically as it relates to access to medicines. Renewal of national vaccine strategy to close gaps in vaccination coverage for Canadians, especially among seniors. Reforms to the Patented Medicines Review Board (PMPRB), whose guidelines seek to ensure a balance between the prices set by manufacturers for patented medicines sold in Canada and the maintenance of an attractive environment for pharmaceutical research and development. Specifically with regard to ensuring that any actions and proposed changes by the PMPRB do not negatively impact access to patented medicines in Canada. Raise awareness regarding the potential risks to drug and vaccine supply for Canadian patients arising from new U.S. state-level reimportation legislation. Participation in consultations regarding the Digital Charter and the federal government's plans to overhaul Canada's privacy regime, to enable the use of anonymized health data for new medication research and development. Input on the work of the Advisory Committee on the Implementation of National Pharmacare, specifically as it relates to access to medicines. Harmonizing rules for the sampling of natural health products under the proposed Canada-United States-Mexico trade agreement. Ensure the National Advisory Committee on Immunization has sufficient resources to undertake timely reviews of new vaccines that are made available to the Canadian marketplace. Engaging Health Canada on the Self-Care Products Initiative as it pertains to plain language labelling and a risk-based approach to regulatory oversight for non prescription drugs. Engage the government regarding the need for clear and efficient procurement processes for COVID-19 medical countermeasures, including COVID-19 therapeutics, to ensure access for Canadians. Engagement with government officials on disruptions to business, health & safety requirements, and opportunities to help with the COVID-19 pandemic. Engage government officials regarding domestic manufacturing of seasonal and pandemic flu vaccine. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) - Identification of the need for a multi-sectoral stakeholder working group to pursue joint goals under a Pan-Canadian AMR strategy and to strengthen Canada's end-to-end research capacity in AMR. Allow for the regulation of products containing cannabidiol (CBD) as natural health products.
Centre for the Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine
4Discussing the value of the subsidiary OmniaBio, as soveriegn capacity that is critical to Canada's needs in the event of future pandemics or national emergency, leading to support from federal entitities that supply capital and other financial products. Continued effort to maintain strong support for strategic value of the Strategic Response Fund support for the project re the application of automation and AI technology in our recently opened cell and gene therapy manufacutring facility operated by the subsidiary OmniaBio. The support will result in lower cost of life saving cell and gene therapy products. Pursue opportunities to benefit the Canadian cell and gene therapy ecosystem caused by global uncertainty.
STEMCELL Technologies Canada
4Engage with federal government officials on possible funding mechanisms under various innovation funds for potential construction of production and other facilities. Discuss with government officials regarding modernization of tax benefits and associated funding programs
Keith Serry Counsel