Lindsay Gwyer

The Canadian ETF Association is looking to promote its organization and its priorities with the relevant Parliamentarians, public servants and political staff who have a role in legislating, or an interest in, financial institutions, investments and pensions. Efforts will focus on advancing priorities to strengthen Canada’s investment landscape, restricting distribution incentives for non-Canadian ETFs, and creating tax-advantaged accounts to promote fixed income ETFs.

Encouraging more effective use of TFSAs. Tax fairness and competitiveness with the U.S.

Discussions in connection with amendments to Sections 125.4(1) and 125.5(1) of the Income Tax Act expanding the film tax credit to include contributions to registered pension plans. Discussions in connection with amendments to Sections 125.4(1) and 125.5(1) of the Income Tax Act expanding the film tax credit to include contributions to registered pension plans and application of "eligible service" rules in section 8503(3)(a) to employers in the film and television industry that no longer exist.

Discussions in connection with amendments to Sections 125.4(1) and 125.5(1) of the Income Tax Act expanding the film tax credit to include contributions to registered pension plans and application of "eligible service" rules in section 8503(3)(a) to employers in the film and television industry that no longer exist.

Discussions in connection with amendments to Sections 125.4(1) and 125.5(1) of the Income Tax Act expanding the film tax credit to include contributions to registered pension plans and application of "eligible service" rules in section 8503(3)(a) to employers in the film and television industry that no longer exist.

Discussions in connection with amendments to Sections 125.4(1) and 125.5(1) of the Income Tax Act expanding the film tax credit to include contributions to registered pension plans. Discussions in connection with amendments to Sections 125.4(1) and 125.5(1) of the Income Tax Act expanding the film tax credit to include contributions to registered pension plans and application of "eligible service" rules in section 8503(3)(a) to employers in the film and television industry that no longer exist.

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

Communication with officials regarding federal pension legislation including the Income Tax Act and Pension Benefit Standards Act, as it applies to CAAT’s plan administration, valuation filings, potential new offerings, investments and new employers joining the Plan. Communication with officials regarding how pension plans can support greater infrastructure investments in Canada. Communication with officials regarding climate and sustainability policies as they apply to financial institutions including pension plans. Communication with officials regarding the federal government reissuing Real Return Bonds (RRBs) Exploring areas of opportunity to expand pension coverage across Canada. Describing ways that pensions can be delivered to Early Childhood Educators (ECEs). Communication with officials regarding the development of Variable Payment Life Annuities (VPLAs). Communication with officials regarding pre-budget recommendations related to increasing pension access for Canadians.

CVCA previously co-administered the Start Up Visa Program's Venture Capital stream in partnership with the IRCC. The program allowed Venture Capital funds in CVCA's membership to apply for designated entity status and recommend entrepreneurs and start ups in their portfolio to apply for Canadian permanent residency. Throughout CVCA's contractual relationship with IRCC, the program led to a select and curated number of entrepreneurs growing businesses in Canada with financial backing. CVCA engaged in ongoing conversations with IRCC and provided regular reports. IRCC terminated all SUV contractual relationships in 2024, however, CVCA remains engaged in proactive conversations with IRCC Program officials who oversee the SUV program and who have relationships with CVCA's designated members. CVCA sees value in this program and maintains communication with IRCC on possible future improvements. The CVCA advocates for policies and a regulatory environment that is conducive to stimulating investment. A competitive tax and investment regime that rewards the risks associated with the private capital asset?class is vital for the growth of private equity and venture capital across economic sectors. CVCA’s efforts ensure Canadian companies can access necessary funding amidst challenges such as tightening credit markets, competition for capital, and economic uncertainties, to drive innovation and economic growth, ultimately fostering a resilient and diversified economy for future generations. CVCA also advocates for sustained and predictable access to capital, championing public-private co-investment initiatives. The Venture Capital Action Plan/Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative is still rolling out, matching private capital allocations to disbursed government dollars. CVCA continues to engage with industry and government to ensure awareness within the VC ecosystem and monitoring the flow of funds, underscoring the importance of Canada's VC Emerging Managers and their important role in allocating capital to riskier and underserved corners of the innovation ecosystem. The CVCA actively advocates for a strong and competitive tax and investment environment that attracts and rewards private investment in Canadian entrepreneurial ventures. We provide valuable insights and data to support effective tax policies. Strategically crafted policies can ensure that Canada remains an attractive destination for private capital, which is necessary to drive economic growth, job creation, and innovation. CVCA engages with policymakers to convey perspectives from the private capital industry, and the current economic context.

The Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, initiatives for enhancement of reporting mandatory information, and risk assessment methodology. The introduction of policies, programs or legislation related to "Open Banking". The Canadian labour force and labour mobility as it relates to the Express Entry program. Policies related to Canadian economic growth, and international trade. Policies related to Canada's development of natural resources. Policies related to asset recycling and industry investment in public infrastructure development . Policies and programs that affect the Canadian housing market and lending practices. Policies and programs related to gender diversity, inclusion and accessibility. Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the Privacy Act, and any legislation and associated regulations with regard to privacy and security, identity theft risks, use and protection of information Payment Processing System with regard to rates, fees, oversight of credit and debit procedures Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Act (OSFI) and regulations, in respect of regulatory compliance for banks Immigration policies and programs to address labour shortages and market needs. Canadian Payments Act, as it applies to applicable legislative reviews and the government's Payment's Modernization initiative. Canada Labour Code, Parts II and III Bank Act and regulations, in respect of the five year financial system review, as well as any changes resulting from the review.

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.

Discussions regarding the safe and reliable operation of Enbridge’s liquids pipelines, natural gas pipelines, and utilities and power assets. Discussions regarding projects, expansions, optimizations, and changes to tolling arrangements relating to Enbridge’s liquids pipelines, natural gas pipelines, and utilities and power assets. Discussions regarding policy developments on Indigenous engagement, consultation and economic inclusion. Discussions regarding market access for energy products, maintaining the integrated North American energy market, Canada-U.S. trade and cross-border issues and Canadian energy exports to other jurisdictions. Discussions regarding climate policies and initiatives, including the federal carbon charge, the Clean Fuel Standard, methane regulations, and the output-based pricing system, as well as policy supports for innovations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions (including Renewable Natural Gas, Compressed Natural Gas, CCUS, hydrogen and power-to-gas). Discussions regarding Canadian competitiveness, including on regulatory efficiency, as it pertains to environmental assessments and climate policies and taxation. Discussions and feedback regarding regulatory efficiency, including environmental assessments, the federal carbon charge, the Clean Fuel Standard, methane regulations, Clean Electricity Regulations, and the output-based pricing system.

Communicate to government officials around potential amendments to supportive fiscal policies (i.e. Investment Tax Credits) and federal permitting regimes to support deployment of Canadian Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (ACAES) technology.