Masud Husain

Advocating for the creation an independent Ombudsperson for the international extractive-sector in Canada. Introducing mechanisms to ensure government support to Canadian mining, oil and gas companies overseas is conditioned on their respect of international human rights and environmental standards, including the right of indigenous peoples to free prior and informed consent. Introducing regulatory mechanisms in Canada, such as mandatory corporate accountability standards, to ensure respect of human rights by Canadian extractive companies in overseas operations. Introducing reforms to facilitate access to Canadian courts by foreign plaintiffs alleging serious harm associated with Canadian companies operating overseas. Discussing with public officer holders to ensure the application of the United Nation’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and fulfillment of Canada's international human rights obligations.

Fisheries Act - Section 35 in respect of compliance for projects near water in the mineral industry Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations (MDMER) respecting Export and Import of Hazardous Wastes as it relates to mining and economic development Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Mining Regulations in respect of Mineral Tenure management in the Yukon, NWT and Nunavut. Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Mining Regulations in respect of amendments to the administration of prospecting permits and mineral claims Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) as it relates to substances produced or used by the mining industry United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act as it relates to mining sector activities UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan in relation to providing input on the implementation of measures that intersect with mining activities Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act in regards to mining The Income Tax Act in relation to corporation taxation and the use of fiscal policy with regard to the mineral industry. Species at Risk Act as it relates to mining sector activities Safety of Life as Sea Convention at the International Maritime Organization Recommended Nunavut Land Use Plan in relation to land use implications for the mining sector of Nunavut Policies or programs at Infrastructure Canada, Transport Canada. CANNOR and other departments and agencies that pertain to trade-enabling infrastructure investment in remote and norther regions. Policies or programs at Environment and Climate Change Canada that relate to biodiversity conservation, including the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy Policies and programs that relate to energy renewal, energy efficiency and management, energy technology, clean technology and innovation. Oceans Act in respect to Marine protected areas Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act as it relates to mining sector activities Northwest Territories and Nunavut Mining Regulations in respect of royalty administration and diamond valuation, as applicable. Northern Northwest Territories and Nunavut Mining Regulations in respect of Mineral Tenure management in the NWT and Nunavut. Nature Accountability Legislation (anticipated in 2024) National Benefits Sharing Framework in relation to providing input on the design and implementation of the framework Migratory Birds Regulations as it relates to mining sector activities Migratory Birds Convention Act as it relates to mining sector activities MacKenzie Valley Resource Management Boards and Agencies in respect of effluent regulations for diamond mining in Canada Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Boards, Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, Yukon Environment and Socio-economic Assessment Board, Yukon Water Board, Nunavut Impact Review Board, Nunavut Water Board as they relate to (published or unpublished) reasons for decisions made in environmental assessment and permitting; appointments with respect to relevant qualifications and professional and technical experience of Board appointees, and policy decision that affect effluent standards set in water permits. Impact Assessment Act & Regs. as they affect assessment of projects in the mineral industry Human Resources - Human Resources Development Canada - Mining skills development and training programs for Indigenous and under-represented groups in mining (female, new Canadians), with the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MIHR) Formerly Bill C-17 - Amendments to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESSA) and subsequent engagement on related issues as it pertains to the mining industry. Foreign investment and trade as it relates to Foreign Investment Agreements (FIPAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) Fisheries Act in respect of the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations (MDMER), the proposed Coal Mining Effluent Regulations (CMER) and proposed regulations for

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.

Advocacy to design and fund a summer food program in Canada Updating Canadian regulations for flooding, wildfires and more including insurance for natural disasters Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 66, with respect to equitable funding and implementation. The renewal of the Canada Water Act legislation, including the practice of co-governance and co-creation with Indigenous Governments The prioritization of British Columbia River Basins for investments through the Freshwater Action Plan The need for the Federal government to invest $1Billion in the Freshwater Action Plan Seeking strengthening of fish habitat protections and implementation of the Wild Salmon Policy and Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI). Regulatory development for the implementation of the modernized Fisheries Act, including the creation of Ecologically Significant Areas and rebuilding plans Regulation of genetically engineered organisms including regulatory guidance on novel foods and which plants are subject to Part 5 of the Seeds Regulations. Policies relating to the use of genetically engineered organisms in food and agriculture, in particular environment health and human safety, and public transparency. Increased support for expanding birthwork (e.g., midwifery, doula, and abortion) services in the Northwest Territories Discussing government decisions around the release of the Athabasca oil sands tailing ponds into the Athabasca River (Alberta, Northwest Territories and Federal governments) Discussing financial investment by the federal government through economic stimulus in watershed projects in British Columbia and beyond as opportunity for economic recovery and employment generation. Discussing engaging pension fund beneficiaries and supporting pension fund managers to be a part of the transition to a low-carbon economy to achieve the inextricably linked goals of pension wealth and planet health. Sharing research and discussing new laws and programs that various states and governments have been passing related to this area. Creating guidelines/adaptation strategies/resilience strategies for wildfires, droughts, flooding and climate-related disasters Advocating for Canada-USA international waters relationships and problem-solving, notably in BC, Alberta and the Great Lakes regions. Advocating establishment of a Canada Water Agency before 2023, and working with government to create a successful, meaningful Agency both at its headquarters in Winnipeg and other branches (Montreal, Burlington) Advocacy for a Federal government investment in the BC Watershed Security Fund. Advance robust policy and law reform to end Canada’s public finance for the fossil fuel sector, including by providing analysis on, the Export Development Act, Bill S-243 (An Act to enact the Climate-Aligned Finance Act and to make related amendments to other Acts), the Guidelines for Canada’s International Support for the Clean Energy Transition, and the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Government of Canada Guidelines. Advance robust policy and law reform to address human rights and environmental abuse in Canadian business activity abroad, including by providing analysis on, the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, the Customs Tariff, Bill C-262 (An Act respecting the corporate responsibility to prevent, address and remedy adverse impacts on human rights occurring in relation to business activities conducted abroad), Bill C-263 (An Act to establish the Office of the Commissioner for Responsible Business Conduct Abroad and to make consequential amendments to other Acts), and the Responsible Business Conduct Abroad strategy (2022-2027).