Levent Ozmutlu

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.

Communicating with government officials regarding Bill formerly known as C-63, the Online Harms Act. Engaging with government to better understand the Defence Investment Agency and its potential impact on defence procurement policy and processes. Engaging with government on the Defence Industrial Strategy and its implications on defence procurement. Communications with public office holders regarding policies and initiatives to encourage trade between Canada and the United States, including with regard to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Communicating with government officials about Bill formerly known as C-27 (Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022), more specifically the creation of the Consumer Privacy Protection Act, the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act, and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act Communicating with the Government of Canada about Bill C-22 (An Act respecting lawful access) Discussions with federal officials regarding the government’s proposed Buy Canada policy, including its potential impacts on cross-border trade, investment, and supply chains. Engaging in policy development related to data sovereignty and the storage, use, and control of Canadian data. Lawful access requirements of Electronic Service Providers as outlined in Bill C-2, "Strong Borders Act." Canada's contribution to Continental Defence, including future investments in NORAD modernization. Communications with public office holders regarding the implementation of the Digital Services Tax Act, Online News Act, Online Streaming Act, including as it relates to regulations and conditions applicable to American corporations operating in Canada.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act, in respect to any and all amendments or develoments of regulations that would impact RCMP members. Modernizing procurement processes as it pertains to RCMP operations. Advocating for RCMP benefits as administered by Veterans Affairs Canada. Bill C-29 Engagement on 'An Act to establish the Financial Crimes Agency and to make consequential amendments to certain Acts and regulations' as it relates to legislative changes that might impact policing and core function of RCMP Members, with the purpose of providing information and recommendations to guide future decisions. Bill C-31 Engagement on 'A second Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025' as it relates to legislative changes that might impact policing and core function of RCMP Members, with the purpose of providing information and recommendations to guide future decisions. Bill C-22 engagement on 'An Act respecting lawful access', as it relates to legislative changes that might impact policing and core function of RCMP Members, with the purpose of providing information and recommendations to guide future decisions. Bill C-9- Engagement 'An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places)', as it relates to legislative changes that might impact policing and core function of RCMP Members, with the purpose of providing information and recommendations to guide future decisions. Bill C-2 - Engagement on 'An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures', as it relates to legislative changes that might impact policing and core function of RCMP Members, with the purpose of providing information and recommendations to guide future decisions. RCMP Mental Health, in relation to the creation of a strategy, resources or investments. Implementation of inquiry or report recommendations that have examined the RCMP, including the Public Order Emergency Commission, the Mass Casualty Commission Final Report and others. The RCMP's core responsibilities, Federal Policing, Contract and Indigenous Policing and Specialized Policing Services, in respect to promoting investments, resources, modernization and contract renewals. Firearms in Canada, in respect to increased mandates of RCMP Members and the need for additional resourcing or investments.

Work with the various government programs that support accessibility, inclusion, and a world without barriers, particularly in the built environment around an accessibility Certification Program which will assess and rate the built environment of Canada against a common standard (example Canadian Standards Association). Work with the Government of Canada to seek funding and support for RHF national initiatives designed to educate and engage Canadians about the importance of promoting accessibility, in coordination with National AccessAbility Week. Work with the Government of Canada to provide leadership in salmon and sturgeon conservation and related initiatives and research. Work with the Government of Canada to promote the Rick Hansen School Program to promote the adoption of this already existing program in every school in Canada. Work with Government of Canada to endorse and support the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Program Program as the national standard to assess and certify the built environment. Communication with the Government of Canada, to keep them informed of the use and outcomes of their investment in spinal cord injury research, as well as the outcomes of any projects around which we collaborate in order to maintain funding and to seek future funding.

Advocate for the recognition of office customization tools to be included in U.S Counter Tariff Exemptions.