Mark Walsh

Providing feedback and recommendations to Bill C-56, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act and the Competition Act, as it relates to property owners, landlords and tenants. Engaging with government on policy related to housing, housing affordability, rental markets, and rental availability including economic impacts, tax policy and infrastructure.

Providing feedback and recommendations to Bill C-56: An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act and the Competition Act as it relates to property owners, landlords and tenants. Engaging with government on policy related to housing, housing affordability, rental markets, and rental availability including economic impacts, tax policy and infrastructure.

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.

Arranging meetings and outreach, and provision of related documentation, with Public Office Holders to educate officials on matters related to multi-family residential real estate and housing affordability, and to propose policy solutions to strengthen the housing supply and improve housing affordability.

Seeking opportunities to support implementation of the FCAC's National Financial Strategy 2021-2026. Also seeking opportunities to partner with the FCAC and other organizations to deliver upon the National Financial Literacy Strategy. The Income Tax Act and Taxation Policies - Seeking opportunities under the Income Tax Act through a proposed tax credit for low and middle income Canadians to improve the financial resilience of Canadians by improving the financial accessibility of financial planning advice for Canadians.