Michael Burton
Chief of Staff, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)·0 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
B'nai Brith Committee for Justice in Canada
3Rescind the June 14 appointment of the new Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission and commence an investigation into its vetting process. Undertake a forensic audit of its UNWRA contributions to determine the amount that is allocated to the creation of host nation curriculums, and conduct a thorough review of the curriculums to ensure that they are compliant with both UNESCO and Canadians standards. The need for Canada to impose sanctions on the political leaders of Hamas (a listed terrorist entity), including Ismail Haniyeh, the Qatar-based head of Hamas's political wing, for their role in the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack against Israel. That the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry work with Canadas federal research funding agencies to amend their funding agreements with institutions to include, as a component of the agreements, a provision that all activities funded by the agencies are conducted in consultation with the IHRA definition of antisemitism and its illustrative examples. Support the utilization of the new mechanism to repurpose assets of sanctioned individuals and entities, and facilitate the establishment of a clear role for victims in this process, including a role for individual claimants, and the possibility of using assets to assist victims in war-torn countries and conflict zones. Support the passage of legislation such as Bill S-247 (An Act to amend the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act that would, in the enforcement of sanctions, enable restrictions and prohibitions on activities in relation to family members, making it more difficult for gross human rights violators and kleptocrats to avoid the enforcement of sanctions by transferring, giving or selling their property to family members. Reinstate the pause on funding for UNWRA and ensure that conditions must be placed on the renewed UNRWA funding. Propose solutions to rectify the general incoherence of Canadas sanctions schemes, including by instituting clear and publicly available policy regarding which legislation is used in which circumstances, and ensuring that the various sanctions legislations are used in an internally consistent and cohesive manner. Listing terrorist organizations to the list of entities under Canadas Criminal Code. Legislate a foreign agent registry. Investigate why the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) is not being used to combat gross violations of human rights. Introduce amendments to the Access to Information Act that would mandate the disclosure of all records relations to all records relating specifically to alleged Nazi war criminals in Canada and to any other Canadian citizen or resident who may have been complicit in carrying out the Holocaust and, all other Holocaust-related records (as defined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) in the possession of the Government of Canada. Increase transparency including by facilitating the establishment of a coordination group, with a clear and formalized pathway for civil society to communicate requests to multiple governments for the implementation of targeted sanctions. Include funding in the 2025 budget to develop a 5-year program to enhance the IHRA literacy of post-secondary students. Help more charitable organizations cover the costs related to the construction of new affordable rental housing projects by revitalizing and improving access to National Housing Strategy (NHS) programs For Canada to maintain its commitment to fighting antisemitism by developing a concrete plan to implement the universal use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antimerism. Ensure that Canadas Hate Laws (under the Criminal Code) are enforced. Since the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack, there has been a significant rise in antisemitic attacks against Canadian Jewry. Canada must take hate speech against the Jewish community seriously. Dissolve
Universities Canada
3Discussions 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.
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN)
2To provide updates on energy projects pursued by MSIFN and to explore potential opportunities for collaboration with the Ministry of Energy. Outreach to area elected representatives to discuss concerns with consultation policies. Indigenous Services Canada - Seeking discussions with elected officials and their staff regarding funding for a water treatment plant on a First Nation. Discuss concerns over the activities of certain groups and individuals falsely claiming Indigenous heritage and status. Department of Justice - enforcement crisis on First Nations communities. First Nations either cannot enforce their laws or cannot do so without extraordinary steps such as private prosecutions. In practice, the real challenges for First Nations people are wide ranging and include limitations in controlling public health laws (evident during the COVID-19 pandemic), halt illegal dumping, or preventing drug dealers from trespassing on reserve. First Nations law enforcement needs support. Crown-Indigenous Relations - Addition to Reserve (ATR) policy with respect to plans to purchase land.
CANADA'S VENTURE CAPITAL AND PRIVATE EQUITY ASSOCIATION
1CVCA 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. CVCAs 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.
Canadian Roofing Contractors Association
1Embodied carbon in roofing and buidling envelope materials Development of Life Cycle Assessment inventory for embodied carbon in roofing and building envelope materials. Our advocacy efforts center on polices that would require roofing contracts for federal infrastructure investments contain qualified CRCA contractors.
First Nations Finance Authority
1Monetizing annual federal infrastructure grants to First Nations to securitize First Nation Finance Authority (FNFA) debentures.
Gilead Sciences Canada
1Canada Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) as it relates to health economics assessment and recommendations made on new medicines o Patent Act Regulations as they relate to the regulation of intellectual property for therapeutic products, specifically the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) Regulations with regard to reporting requirements, pricing, guidelines and dispute resolution. Innovation Agenda, particularly with respect to initiatives to support and attract investments in the life sciences sector Policy and Programs Health Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada policies and programs to prevent and treat HIV and eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, as part of Canada's commitments under the Global Viral Hepatitis Strategy and therapeutic efforts against the fight for COVID-19. Federally-funded Public Drug Plans, with respect to reimbursement for drug products for federal plan beneficiaries. Federal Government First Nations and Inuit Health Branch program with respect to health services.
Hydro One
1Increasing awareness of Hydro One's activities in the electricity sector and advocating for policy responses to increased electrification. We will be actively participating in regulatory discussions regarding the Clean Electricity Standards being proposed by the Government of Canada; Securing funding options to support rural broadband development Securing funding options to support electrification Securing funding options to support electricity transmission development Conducting outreach and advocacy to the Federal Government on: Electrification, Clean Energy Resources, a National Grid Council, Clean Emissions Standard ZEV Vehicles, Electricity Transmission Project Development, Joint Use of Electricity Infrastructure, Funding Mechanisms for Indigenous participation in transmission project ownership; Advocating for tax polices regarding the payment in lieu (PIL) regime associated with the selling of electricity assets. Advocating for removal of trade restrictions on imported products necessary for the energy transition and electricity reliability; Advocating for changes to the incoming regulations banning the use of Pentachlorophenol as a wood pole preservative;
Mattamy Homes Canada
1Engagement regarding the National Building Code of Canada and included energy efficiency standards for construction and subsequent operation Discussions with government on reducing GHG emissions from the housing sector Discussions with government on how to address housing affordability and the supply shortage Discussions with government on addressing the shortage of skilled trade workers Discussions with government officials regarding the scope of the Home Energy Retrofit Initiative, as well as the EnerGuide hiring and training process and other green home programs as they become available.
McMillan Vantage Policy Group
The Canadian National Railway Company
1Supports for the forestry, steel and aluminum industry, by way of government programs and incentives. Changes to, or government actions pursuant to, the Canada Labour Code respecting labour stability in Canadian supply chains or otherwise affecting federally regulated employees. Canada Labour Code as it relates to Sick leave benefits, dispute resolution and Right to Disconnect Operations of Passenger Rail along CN Corridor Extended Interswitching and related pilot projects. Accelerated Depreciation, Capital Cost Allowance and better alignment with US policies. Subjects related to Canada-US Relations, Tariffs and Trade Matters pertaining to the operation of company in both official languages. Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act The Canada Transportation Act and other Acts respecting transportation and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts (Transportation Modernization Act) The Canada Transportation Act and other Acts respecting transportation Revisions to the Railway Locomotive Inspection and Safety Rules Revisions to the Canadian Railway Operating Rules (Various) Revision of the Duty and Rest Period Rules for Railway Operating Employees and fatigue Regulatory and policy alignment between Canada and the U.S. Regulations governing Enhanced Train Control Regulation of transportation of grain and oilseeds Issues of approval related to the CN Milton Hub Infrastructure projects that support Canadas supply chain. Infrastructure funding related to Railway Crossing Safety Improvement Infrastructure funding related to port and terminal access upgrades Funding related to the National Transportation Corridor Fund Funding related to Green Transportation Initiatives including renewable fuels and alternative propulsion methods. Emergency Preparedness and response as it relates to response by government to natural disasters, access to telecommunications and planning for potential climate related emergencies.