Martin Thornell
Senior Advisor, Global Affairs Canada (GAC)·10 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Ford Motor Company of Canada
4Discussions concerning policies, that relate to Canadian defense spending, including opportunities to Canada's automotive sector Auto Innovation Fund, Strategic Innovation Fund, Strategic Response Fund, and R&D/Innovation Funds: Financial assistance and funding with ongoing manufacturing investments in Canada for vehicle and engine manufacturing facilities and R&D centres. Discussions about federal efforts to address automotive theft as they relate to vehicle tracking, law enforcement collaboration, and regulatory measures. Discussions about Transport Canadas connected vehicle security policies as they relate to industry standards, cybersecurity risks and regulatory compliance Review of Canada's Bank Act and financial regulations in Canada U.S. policies regarding the auto sector as it relates to Canadian automotive, steel, aluminum and critical mineral exports and imports. U.S. policies regarding tariffs as it relates to Canadian automotive, steel, aluminum and critical mineral exports. U.S. policies regarding trade as it relates to Canadian automotive, steel, aluminum and critical mineral exports. Provide an overview of Canada's integrated auto sector and Canada's role in the global auto sector Promote investments and improvements to new and existing trade infrastructure to support the automotive manufacturing supply chain. Ensure an automotive strategy provides for a competitive environment that encourages maintenance of current and new automotive investment. Discussion concerning policies that relate to import and export of vehicles and parts, including impact on Canada's automotive sector and national security. Discussions concerning investments in Canada as it relates to automotive and automotive parts manufacturing, EV battery and EV battery supply chain manufacturing, critical minerals, including incentive support and taxation. Budget recommendations related to attracting investment to Canada, business competitiveness, taxation, grants and incentives, and any other policies or regulations related to automotive sector, advanced manufacturing and R&D Discussions regarding transportation, vehicle electrification and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including the government's light-duty Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) sales mandate regulation, ZEV charging and refueling infrastructure development, and consumer issues. Discussions related to the broad range of electrified vehicles and multi-energy technologies Discussions regarding consultations, policies and regulations related to technology and IT Communications Discussions regarding consultation, outreach, policies and opportunities related to investment, development, export/import of critical minerals Transportation system policies and disruptions, CBSA Assessment & Revenue Management (CARM); Beyond the Border; Trusted Trader; Customs Self Assessment (CSA); support border policies and administration by CBSA supports and enhances trans-border shipments of goods, cross-border movement of workers who perform essential services, and security. Trade agreement negotiation and policies/regulations/tariffs related to import/exports to support the Canadian automotive sector Bilateral and plurolateral trade agreements comprehend the North American integration of the Automotive industry USMCA: Participation in consultation group in the renegotiation of the United States, Mexico, Canada agreement, administered by Global Affairs Canada. Technology Partnerships Canada (PSIP Project 494063 - Government Support to Renew Oakville Assembly Complex) Section 232 - Participating in discussions to highlight impact of steel and aluminum tariffs on Canadian automotive industry Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change: Participation in working groups (ZEV strategy) administered by various ministries including ISED, Natural Resources Canada and Transport Canada. Other trade agreements (ie: Mercosur, China) - Participating in working groups to promote fair trade agreement supportin
Kia Canada
2Industry Canada - Strategic Policy for Automotive Sector - including importers such as Kia Canada. Ensuring Benefits to the Canadian Market *Motor Vehicle Safety Act with respect to Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations. *Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program Kia Canada Inc. Sells a number of Electric Vehicles (EV) in the Canadian market. We are required to provide the products under Canadas Electric Vehicle Availability Standard this incetive program allows Canadians to access these vehicles. *Canadian Environmental Protection Act with respect to On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations & Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations. Canada, US and Mexico trade agreement (CUSMA). Kia Canada Inc. is vehicle Manufacturer that imports vehicles into Canada from the US, Mexico and Republic of Korea for sale in Canada. We are directly impacted by these agreements. Impacts include access to product, increase costs to consumers and could impact jobs in Canada.
LKQ
2Ensure forthcoming privacy legislation, regulations or guidance provides a level playing field for businesses in the auto-aftermarket and prioritizes consumer control over vehicle data.
Discussions on direct business impacts of tariffs Ensure forthcoming privacy legislation, regulations or guidances provide a level playing field for businesses in the auto-aftermarket and prioritizes consumer control over vehicle data. Discuss business impacts of current tariffs.
eBay Canada
2Domestic and international trade policy - especially in regards to supporting Canadian Small and Medium sized businesses. Ex. Digital Services Tax (DST) Implications of tax measures and eBay's contribution to sustainability efforts in Canada through the circular economy while maximizing value for small businesses. E-commerce regulations in the context of cost related to import/export tariffs and/or the cost of shipping in Canada.
Engagement on Online Harms Legislation Implications of tax measures and eBay's contribution to sustainability efforts in Canada through the circular economy while maximizing value for small businesses. E-commerce regulations in the context of cost related to import/export tariffs and/or the cost of shipping in Canada. Domestic and international trade policy - especially in regards to supporting Canadian Small and Medium sized businesses. Ex. Digital Services Tax (DST)
Counsel Public Affairs
CTIA
1Defence Procurement Startegy - Advocating for federal, provincial and municipal procurement policies that prioritize Canadian-manufactured textiles, apparel, and footwear with a minimum of 50% Canadian content, and that include strong environmental and sustainable development components. CUSMA and US tariffs - Advocating for the preservation of the CUSMA trade agreement and the removal of recent U.S. tariffs to ensure fair trade, market stability, and the protection of the Canadian economy. Canada's Green Procurmenet - advocating the federal and provincial governments to integrate stronger environmental and sustainable development criteria into public tendering and procurement processes. Our clients want procurement requirements in Canadian tenders to take into consideration environmental, social and governance issues. They also want the Canadian gouvernment to prioritaize Canadian manufacturers when procuring products for different applications including defence. This is to protect Canadian manufacturers from low-cost, poor-quality imported products and from unfair foreign competition.
FCA Canada
1Vehicle Fuel Consumption Labelling with respect to harmonizing with the U.S. standard. Strategic Innovation Fund- application submitted to SIFwith respect to funding of projects. Response to COVID-19 pandemic - programs and related policy initiatives and measures Passenger Automobile and Light Truck GHG Emission regulation with respect to consulting with government on an amendment to the regulation and to align with the United States. Ongoing National ZEV strategy discussions Motor Vehicle Safety Act and harmonizing safety regulations between Canada and US through Regulatory Cooperation Council Motor Vehicle Fuel Consumption Act with respect to its relevancy or redundancy. Labour Mobility discussions concerning the integration of the North American manufacturing footproint and impact with border delays Extension of Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance for investments in manufacturing machinery and equipment in the next budget. Extended Producer Responsibility initiatives affecting the auto industry Discussions regarding existing and updates to existing Canada Free Trade Agreements and the trade agenda with additional countries such as CUSMA, TPP, Japan, China, ASEAN, UK and the impacts on the auto industry. Discuss Federal Carbon Pricing - Output Based Pricing System (OBPS) for Canadian based facilities in relation to automotive production. Reduce economic rish and mitiage competitiveness factors, request carbon pricing be revenue neutral and reinvestment in energy efficiencies, product development and cost contaimination Customs Release Service Options for emply racks/containers, A49 elimination and Customs Self-Assessment Offshore Courier Imports Remission Order for low de minimis threshold and seeking to increase the current value to match that of the United States. Chemical Management Plan Canada's Clean Air Regulatory Agenda (CARA) regarding Air Quality Management System with respect to compliance of our manufacturing facilities. Budget Implementation Act and changes being made to SR&ED tax credit with respect to the elimination of capital expenditures from the base for R&D tax credits.
HONDA CANADA
1NATIONAL ZERO-EMISSIONS VEHICLE STRATEGY: Communicating with government officials about the National Zero-Emissions Vehicle Strategy, more specifically (i) providing expert industry input on the strategy, (ii) participating in various advisory groups and (iii) participating in the government review and any future activities related to this topic. These communications will involve discussions about design, infrastructure, incentives, supply, and public awareness. NEW MARKET ENTRANTS: Communicating with government officials about new market entrants into Canada, including ensuring there is a level playing field with automakers regarding the sale and assembly of vehicles in Canada. INTERNATIONAL TRADE: Communicating with government officials about international trade, trade issues and support measures related to the automotive industry and automotive manufacturing, including potential tariffs on automobiles, automotive parts and batteries. GHG REGULATIONS: Communicating with government officials about greenhouse gas regulations and any related consultations with respect to the current or future Canadian standards. COMPETITIVENESS AND ECONOMIC & TRADE UNCERTAINTY: Communicating with government officials about potential support, policies and programs, including but not limited to the Auto Strategy and its pillars, Employment Insurance (EI), preventing labour disruptions (and to re-train employees) and maintain manufacturing competitiveness given the current economic and trade uncertainty. STRATEGIC RESPONSE FUND (SRF) AND STRATEGIC INNOVATION FUND ("SIF"): Communicating with government officials about funding under the Strategic Innovation Fund and the newly created Strategic Response Fund, to ensure and maintain the competitiveness of automobile manufacturing in Canada. REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Communicating with government officials about regional economic development programs and funding, including those offered by the Federal Economic Development Agency. BANK ACT: Communicating with the Government of Canada about the statutory review of the Bank Act, SC 1991, c. 46, more specifically about vehicle leasing. VEHICLE THEFT: Communicating with government officials about vehicle thefts across Canada, including measures to limit vehicle theft. The goal of these communications is, in part, to ensure cross-departmental coordination in addressing the issue. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Communicating with government officials about the processing of travel documents, more specifically visas. MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT: Communicating with government officials about the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, more specifically (i) alignment with American safety standards, (ii) flexibility on regulations for vehicles, (iii) target setting for greenhouse gas emissions and (iv) improved recall completion rates. MEASURES AGAINST FORCED AND CHILD LABOUR: Communicating with government officials about measures to eliminate forced and child labour, more specifically (i) monitoring legislative and regulatory developments to increase supply chain transparency and (ii) ensuring industry has enough time to comply with future supply chain transparency obligations. LUXURY TAX: Communicating with government officials about luxury taxes, more specifically (i) ensuring luxury taxes are removed from electric vehicles ("EVs"), (ii) ensuring luxury taxes are removed (or reduced) on recreational boats and (iii) ensuring luxury taxes do not conflict with other government measures, including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. INVESTMENT TAX INCENTIVES: Communicating with government officials about investment tax incentives under the Income Tax Act, including the Investment Tax Credit ("ITC"). INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WORK: Communicating with government officials about international students, more specifically eligibility for off-campus work during studies at a designated learning institutions (DLIs). ELECTRIC VEHICHLE ("EV") INFRASTRUCTURE: Communicating with government officia