Mary-Catherine Speirs
Director General, Global Affairs Canada (GAC)·5 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Gildan Activewear
2Seek government support to improve access to foreign market for goods manufactured by this company Seek government support in helping the Haitian government on security enforcement in the country. Negotiation of Canada-Pacific Alliance Free Trade Agreement Negotiation of Canada-MERCOSUR free trade agreement Negotiation of Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Prospectus Associates
AtkinsRéalis
1Engagement with the federal government on the Defence Industrial Strategy, defence-related infrastructure projects and other governemnt priorities related to defence and security, such as the development of a domestic defence industrial base, developing sovereign defence capabilities and defending the Artic. To discuss international project financing opportunities in engineering, construction management, large project delivery and financing, infrastructure and energy Global Affairs Canada (GAC) re engagement and support support of Canadian business abroad by the trade commissioners service. Support broadly for bilateral, regional and multilateral trade and services liberalization agreements as well as nuclear cooperation and other permits. This also includes policy support for Canada Account as well as Export Credit Financing. Federal nuclear policy related to large conventional nuclear reactors as well as small modular reactors. This includes financial and other contribution for the design of nuclear reactor technologies. Transportation -- Existing and future course of action associated with delivery of infrastructure projects. Support the federal government's priorities in the health sector. Recommendations on Federal policy re nuclear power development in Ontario, as well as in other Canadian provinces and territories. Nuclear Cooperation Agreements governing nuclear power services exports/trade to countries, inclusive of small modular reactor and new and existing reactor development globally. Infrastructure funding at the federal level, inclusive of the National Infrastructure Assessment, and new approaches to structure large infrastructure projects. Immigration policy with respect to improved business travel visa services; Foreign policies as they affect trade; maintaining and increasing diplomatic resources in various foreign markets; Federal priorities in the Canadian Mining and Energy sectors. Federal government priorities on transitioning to a lower carbon environment in Canada. Federal Budgets -- support for framework economic policies that support business development, economic growth and job creation, including infrastructure spending and renewal, innovation policy, support for the manufacturing sector, policy changes related to white collar crime, tax policy, regulatory policy, international development and trade, support for the trade commissioner service Efficient approval processes for major resources (energy, mining and metallurgy) projects
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
1CYBER SECURITY - Encourage the government to invest in cybersecurity innovation, talent, and infrastructure; modernize research and development; accelerate commercialization in the space; support the secure digitalization of small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and improve the global competitiveness of Canadas cybersecurity industry. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - Advocate for future-proofed, globally competitive, and interoperable policies that position artificial intelligence as a positive economic driver, and support the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI in business. PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION - Ensure that the modernization of Canadas privacy legislation strikes the right balance between protecting consumers and promoting the ability of firms to innovate and compete by responsibly and securely using data. HOUSING - Support policies that enable the creation of more housing supply, incentivize investment in residential construction, and restore housing affordability for Canadian families. NATIONAL SECURITY/ECONOMIC SECURITY - Advancing policies related to enhancing Canadas economic and national security. Key priorities include strengthening economic resilience, prudently navigating geopolitical challenges to trade and international relations, safeguarding business operations against new and emerging threats, and fostering conditions for economic growth. TRANSPORTATION - Regarding the consistent funding of trade-enabling infrastructure projects; the development of a competitive and efficient transportation network including all modes of transportation. TELECOMMUNICATIONS - Creating the right investment incentives to foster vibrant competition in the sector as a whole; responding to decisions regarding third-party access that will impact the deployment of internet services in rural and remote communities; and responding to regulatory proposals re: cell phone pricing. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to undertaking a comprehensive and independent tax system review. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to the measurement and improvement of Canadas tax competitiveness, including: reforming the taxation, remittance, filing and audit processes of Canadian businesses; removing tax barriers for childcare expenses; addressing the taxation of family business transfers; and mobilizing private capital for recovery and growth. TAXATION AND FINANCE - With regard to modernizing our financial systems through open banking and digital currencies TAXATION AND FINANCE - Responding to proposals addressing taxation of digital services. TAXATION AND FINANCE - Maintaining and expanding real-time data made freely available to Canadian businesses, municipalities, academic researchers, and community groups. SMALL BUSINESS – Legislation, regulations and support programs that give Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the tools to grow in Canada and internationally, including reducing their red tape and compliance burden. PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION - Improving digital privacy legislation to meet the needs of industry. PENSIONS - Treatment of corporate pensions in the event of bankruptcy. NATURAL RESOURCES - Support for the adoption of policy recommendations to strengthen Canadas world-leading position in the mining industry, oil and gas, and forestry products. OPEN DATA - Maintaining and expanding real-time data made freely available to Canadian businesses, municipalities, academic researchers, and community groups. LABOUR: Ensuring that any changes to the Canada Labour Code are implemented in response to defined and demonstrated issues and not to increase regulatory burdens for employers. INTERNATIONAL TRADE – With respect to issues relating to import and export controls INTERNATIONAL TRADE - Negotiating bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade agreements and promoting them to Canadian businesses. INTERNATIONAL TRADE - Improving federal laws and regulations pertaining to responsible business conduct r
DIAGEO Canada
1Engaging with the Ministry of Transport on supply chain matters and impact on business operations. Trade policy as it relates to the import and export of spirits (EU and UK Free Trade Agreements; Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) Tax policy on alcohol related to the enabling environment and competitiveness of spirits (addressing the impact of the escalator excise tax on the alcohol industry) Policy affecting women and gender equality, as it relates to empowering women and promoting the representation of women in the food & beverages industry Interprovincial trade barriers related to the spirits business, including e-commerce/direct-to-consumer Environmental policy as it relates to the alcohol industry; measures on plastic/polyethylene terephthalate, carbon, recycling (extended producer responsibility programs) Engaging with Ministry of Transportation, Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada and Foreign Affairs on WHOs Global Alcohol Strategy and actions undertaken by the industry in Canada to reduce harmful drinking Agriculture policy as it relates to promoting sustainable agriculture
United Parcel Service Canada
1Commercial transportation policy, as it relates to ground and air modes of transport, particularly for the movement of goods. Obligations and implementation information for customs brokers and transportation logistics regarding the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour International trade policy, customs and border security policy, programs, and processes. Legislation, regulations, and/or policies or programs that affect procedures relating to importing and exporting goods, and the collection of duties and taxes at the border. Regulations concerning fuel and vehicle emissions. Infrastructure and incentive programs to encourage increased uptake of sustainable vehicle and fueling technology. Immigration policies as they relate to work permit conditions. Data privacy and cyber security, as they relate to the movement of goods, and the provision of services. Changes to the Canada Labour Code, and other labour and employment policy changes impacting federally regulated employers.
Universities Canada
1Discussions about financial sustainability measures for universities. Discussions about shared priorities related to universities including workforce, talent, and employment. Discussions on the Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy. Government of Canada - Universities Working Group roundtable discussion on research security. Discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) funding as it relates to universities. Student housing and community enabling campus infrastructure programs. Working group meeting to discuss academic contributions to the Defence Industrial Strategy. Immigration policies and programs related to international students and affecting universities. Discussions of education and international relations opportunities. Engaging in discussions on research priorities for Canadian universities. Discussions about research policy and programs, Canada-US relations, and their impacts on the post-secondary sector Discussions about international students, the workforce, and the benefits of a university degree. Discussions about the Global Excellence Initiative (GEI) and future funding commitments. Meeting to discuss science policy and programs, impact of Canada-US relations Recent policy changes and development of other policy tools including the Recognized Institutions Framework.
University of Saskatchewan
1Seek funding and support for the institutions teaching, and research and development enterprise in life sciences, basic and applied sciences, social sciences, humanities and fine arts and mental health. Support for the implementation and operation of the Canada Water Agency Support for institutional compliance with federal research security requirements. Seek program development and support for Indigenous-led research Seeking program development for career opportunities for Indigenous post-secondary graduates Seeking greater efficiencies and continued funding of the Canada Student Loan Program Seek funding for international opportunities in student experience through academic exchanges, study abroad and international student visits to Canada Secure funding for Major Science Infrastructure Policy development and research funding for knowledge transfer and the commercialization of research Increase federal funding to the Canada Graduate Scholarship Program and other national initiatives in support of graduate students Funding for research and campus infrastructure Funding for internships, fellowships and student work-integrated learning Facilitation of improved policies that impact international students and other highly qualified personnel Discuss post-secondary institutions' role in securing Canada's water future through education and research. Discuss post-secondary institutions' role in securing Canada's energy future through research and teaching. Development of a national program for the provision of long-term operating funding for major science initiatives like the Canadian Light Source (CLS) and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) Continue and increase funding to the Tri-Agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) in order to maintain an internationally competitive research and development infrastructure. Continue and increase funding to the Indirect Costs of Research Program in order to maintain an internationally competitive research and development infrastructure Continue and increase funding to the Canada Foundation for Innovation in order to maintain an internationally competitive research and development infrastructure. Budget bills in support of the federal role in post-secondary education, research and the science and technology framework