Lawrence Zhang

Discussing encouraging the federal government to work with the provinces to break down interprovincial trade barriers as they relate to labour and credentials Discussing promotion of trades to youth, including marketing programs, advertisements, trade shows, working in collaboration with schools and the provinces. Discussing labour mobility policy in Canada, ensuring workers have the correct certification to work throughout the country. Discussing enhancing credentialing to enable faster and more streamlined certification for new Canadian workers. Discussed program structure and policy direction of the upcoming workforce alliances and the sectorial workforce innovation fund initiatives Advocated for opportunities within Canada's manufacturing sector to support future infrastructure initiatives in housing and/or public works projects. Discussing issues within Quebec's manufacturing sector, including Temporary Foreign Workers. Advocating for improvements to Canada's trade-enabling transportation infrastructure. Advocating for specific implementation measures related to recent policies or measures outlined in the latest budget process. Advocating for Health Canada-related policies that impact manufacturing. Advocate for support for Canada's steel industry Matters related to advancing female workforce in the manufacturing industry. Matters related to the renewal of CUSMA. Matters related to military and defence procurement Discuss the upcoming priorities of the RNNR Committee and its impact on the industry Advocate for policies to enhance Canadian manufacturing productivity Plastic issues as they are related to waste, pollution, health, single-use plastics, sources of plastic waste, government-industry cooperation in reducing plastic pollution, strengthening sustainable economies, protecting the environment, plastic registry, PFAS, etc Matters related to the impacts of rules limiting the intake of temporary foreign workers on manufacturing business. Matters related to upcoming RNNR Committee priorities on energy, forest, minerals and metals, and earth sciences sectors, and the impacts on the industry. Advocating for extension of existing IRCC pilot programs Matters related to trade with USA as they related to trade policies, tariffs, trade agreements, regulatory reform, retaliatory measures, tariff policy, remissions/relief policies considered by the federal government, provincial impact of implementing tariffs, etc. Matters related to the expected impact of US tariffs on manufacturing sectors and discuss funding opportunities for BuyCanada and BuyOntario Campaigns. Matters related to EI, worksharing program Critical minerals issues as they are related to barriers to extraction and processing, environmental impacts, social impacts, technological challenges, limited energy options, etc. Advocate for assistance to manage the frequent disruption of critical transportation infrastructure due to trade conflict and better financial support for trade corridors and a flexible regulatory approach for trucking regulations, renewal of iZEV program, removal of the luxury tax which impacts aircraft manufacturing Advocate for supply chain issues as they related to transportation and logistics, labour shortages/strikes, rising fuel and energy costs, regulatory changes such as ESG compliance laws, broken supply chains due to transportation barriers/strikes and long wait times for materials, etc. Advocated for broad supports to Canada's manufacturing sector to cope with U.S. trade developments. This includes relief for technology investment, on-the-job training, excise duty, broad red tape reduction, using both grants (e.g. SIF) and taxation (e.g. capital gains, corporate tax, excise duty). Advocate for Labour and skills shortages, support for workforce development training and education Advocate for the simplification, modernization and harmonization of the Canada's border regulations, including Beyond the Border. Advocate for reform to the Tempo

Policies to ensure the financial and operational stability of Canada Post. Policies related to sustainable practices within the federal government, with respect to economic development and trade. Policies related to de minimus rate threshold, with respect to economic development and trade.

Engaging in government stakeholder conversations as it relates to postage rates and the sustainability of Canada Post. Engaging in government stakeholder conversations around international ecommerce transactions including the collection of duty and tax and the clearance of customs. Engaging in government stakeholder consultations on the operations of the Canada Border Services Agency.

Support science and research to inform the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. Support for a national migratory bird science and conservation interpretation centre. Policies and programs that support the implementation of the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Species at Risk Act. Invest in Latin American and the Caribbean to support programs that conserve habitat for migratory birds. Advocate for the use and advancement of conservation technologies for wildlife surveying and tracking including the data platforms and standards that support integration with policies and programs. Advocate for the reduction of threats to migratory birds particularly stemming the loss of native grasslands, addressing the drivers of insect declines, curbing coastal and marine threats to birds and their habitat, and safeguarding birds of cultural significance. Advance policies and programs to modernize and enhance the monitoring and assessment of migratory birds. Advance policies, programs, and regulations that protect and restore important habitat for migratory birds.

Support from Heritage Recovery Funds Increased funding for the Canada Cultural Investment Fund

We engage with various elected and staff officials in the federal government on issues relevant to urban life, including the governance and financing of municipal governments. and specific federal funding and policies that affect urban life, including housing, mental health, economic development, small businesses, land use, infrastructure, urban planning and design, heritage, support for tourism and culture, immigration, skills development and employment, climate, and equity, the health of neighborhoods and downtowns as places. This has been particularly true during COVID.

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.

Government support with regards to innovative hydrogen technology development. Government support with regards to clean technology manufacturing. Engagement with regards to Hydrogen strategy for Canada

Engaging with government regarding economic, employment, social, and environmental impact of Value Village stores across Canada.

Engaging with government departments with respect to regulations affecting marine craft manufacturers, recreational harbours and navigable waters, environmental protection, emissions reduction and noise reduction. Engaging with government departments with respect to zero-emissions-vehicle (ZEV) policy, including ZEV charging infrastructure and ZEV market acceleration. Engaging with government departments and agencies with respect to business support programs for economic development, skilled jobs, innovation and R&D, and export promotion. Engaging with government departments and Parliamentarians with respect to the proposed Luxury Tax, including potential for market impact to innovative zero-emissions marine craft relative to traditional fossil-fuel powered competitors.