Neguest Alemayehu

Transport Canada Rail Program related to support for logistics to ship product to Western Canada. Air Quality regulations and compliance pertaining to the ongoing operations of Coke Plants as part of integrated steelmaking. CUSMA review, USA Tariffs and Internal trade Strategic Response Fund (SRF) Entry Visa's to facilitate investment discussions Buy Canada Initiative SIF Net Zero accelerator Fund Requesting that Consular Offices assist in facilitating employees' return to Canada. Communicating with the Government of Canada about Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations SOR/2011-237, more specifically management of ballast on vessels. Communicating with government officials about the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) for Canada's steel sector and Finance Canada about the Investment Tax Credits for investment in equipment to reduce carbon intensity. Communicating with government officials about the imposition of countermeasures (surtaxes) on steel imports from the United States Communicating with government officials about the imposition of national security tariffs on steel exports to the United States. Communicating with government officials about the Federal carbon Pricing backstop, specifically the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS) Communicating with government officials about the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), specifically those provisions related to the steel sector.

Elimination of organized crimes influence on trucking industry. Support and advocate for law enforcement efforts to combat organized crime and the influence of transnational criminal organizations (TCO) on the trucking industry. Crime prevention as it pertains to the trucking industry. Ensure a focus remains on eliminating the influence of Transnational Criminal Organizations from trucking. Maintenance and support for national tables and mechanisms that address inter-provincial trucking issues. That support and promotion for the Council of Ministers and Deputy Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety and associated committees, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, the Task Force on Vehicle Weights and Dimensions and the Transportation Association of Canada continue. It is critical industry and government have established forums to discuss, develop and coordinate on issues of importance the trucking industry. Funding for Federal, Territorial and Provincial Relations to support oversight of trucking industry and support for infrastructure priorities. National Highway System. Support for improvements, upgrades and capital expenditures on the national highways system to support inter-provincial truck transportation. Commercial Vehicle Enforcement – that joint commitments amongst federal government, proveniences and territories to address commercial vehicle safety remain in place and are properly supported and co-ordinated and that information sharing amongst jurisdictions Prevention of fraudulent activities as it relates to commercial trucking. Ensure financial crimes and fraud being committed as a result of labour mis-classification and forced labour are eliminate from the trucking industry. Prevention of Human Trafficking and Forced Labour – ensure forced labour is eliminated from the trucking industry, support all law enforcement programs dedicated to this file and hold non-compliant operations accountable. Regulatory Harmonization – ensure that regulatory harmonization and alignment are the focal points for governments with respect to trucking. That jurisdictions commit to implementing changes in a timely manner and that when necessary that the federal government support jurisdictions in implementing the changes. That mutual recognition is not a suitable mechanism for reducing inter-provincial trade barriers in trucking. Transportation and Supply Chain Security and Integrity. Ensure a focus remains on eliminating the influence of Transnational Criminal Organizations from trucking, establish known employer programs in trucking as well as an expansion of trusted trader networks. Commercial Vehicle Enforcement – ensuring all lawful authorities are engaged in activities with respect to commercial vehicle enforcement to detect and deter criminal activity and hold non-compliant operations accountable. Data Collection, Research and Development – as required provide information and insight to officials to ensure accurate and realistic information on the industry trends, and metrics. Commercial Driver Medical Standards – that standards are consistent between provincial and territorial jurisdictions and that to the extent possible they are aligned with those required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Vehicle Weights and Dimensions – ensure existing mechanisms in place for discussions, collaborations, progression, standards maintenance and development on vehicle weights and dimensions policy remain in place. National Safety Code Standards – that proper attention and maintenance is given to national safety code standards and that jurisdictions are adhering to and implementing the standards consistently. Commercial Vehicle Enforcement – ensure Transport Canada, the provinces and territories maintain adequate oversight of the trucking industry and that Transport Canada remain engaged in supporting commercial vehicle oversight across all jurisdictions. Transportation of Dangerous

Exploring opportunities related to interprovincial bus travel, as it relates to the federal government's motor vehicle transport act.

Federal housing policies, programs, and regulatory frameworks affecting the supply and affordability of housing in Canada, including initiatives that support increased residential construction, innovative building approaches, and the use of Canadian wood products in sustainable and efficient housing development. Federal policies and programs supporting youth employment, workforce participation, and career development opportunities connected to Canada’s forest sector. Federal infrastructure policies and programs affecting economic development and transportation systems relevant to Canada’s forest sector and the communities it supports. Federal rail safety regulations and transportation of dangerous goods frameworks affecting the safe and efficient movement of products and inputs relevant to forest sector operations. Federal budget measures, fiscal policy developments, and economic policy frameworks affecting the forest sector, including measures that support investment, growth, competitiveness, and long-term economic resilience. Federal regulatory frameworks affecting commercial transportation of forest products that support safe and efficient transportation. Federal workforce development and labour market policies affecting employment in Canada’s forest sector, including skills development, labour mobility, immigration pathways, and workforce supports. Canada Transportation Act and related transportation regulatory frameworks affecting freight service, system reliability, and cost competitiveness for forest sector shippers. Federal policies affecting transportation system costs and shipping competitiveness for Canadian forest products, including regulatory and service frameworks. Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Chemicals Management Plan, including substance assessments conducted under the Pest Control Products Act, with respect to science-based regulatory approaches that protect environmental outcomes while supporting industrial competitiveness. Federal tax policy and investment incentive frameworks affecting capital investment, research and development, productivity, and long-term competitiveness in Canada’s forest sector. Federal innovation, clean technology, and industrial development programs that support modernization, advanced manufacturing, and the growth of next-generation forest products. Federal policies and programs supporting Indigenous partnerships, economic participation, and long-term opportunities connected to Canada’s forest sector. Migratory Birds Convention Act and Migratory Birds Regulations as they relate to land management activities and environmental stewardship practices within the forest sector. Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations under the Fisheries Act, including Environmental Effects Monitoring requirements and regulatory approaches affecting pulp and paper operations, environmental performance, and sector competitiveness. Fisheries Act habitat protection provisions and associated regulatory tools affecting forestry operations and land management activities, with respect to effective environmental oversight and practical implementation. Species at Risk Act and related policies regarding species protection, recovery planning, and conservation measures affecting forest landscapes, environmental stewardship, and natural resource activity. Federal policies, programs, and legislative initiatives supporting the development of forest-based bioeconomy opportunities, including biomass energy, biofuels, and other innovative forest-derived products that contribute to economic and environmental objectives. Federal programs and initiatives supporting climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience within Canada’s forest sector and forest-dependent communities. Federal transportation infrastructure policies and programs affecting the movement of forest products, including rail, port, and trade corridor infrastructure that supports economic growth and supply chain efficiency. Federal policies a

Transport Canada, seeking the development of a new standard for seatbelts in buses. Border crossing requirements for buses Any kind of support for the motor coach industry Accessibility regulations for motor coaches. The government is proposing changes, we are responding to their consultation process.

Regulations, policies and programs to support chain efficiency and resiliency in Canada. Discussing with government the Canadian Transportation Act with respect to potential changes that have a direct impact on rail/trucking transportation along with port activities. Discussing with government the Shipping Conference Exemption Act - in Budget 2023 released on March 28, 2023 the federal government committed to launching a review of SCEA to improve marine shipping competition. Discussing with government review of the Canadian Transportation Act and impact on both domestic and international trade. Discussing with government the Rail Passenger Priority Act - this enactment amends the Canada Transportation Act to require that railway companies give priority to passenger rail service over the movement of freight and to provide for administrative monetary penalties for contraventions of this requirement. Discussing with government the Ports Modernization Review - increased accountability of Canadian Port Authorities is required, including introducing potential regulations to challenge excessive fees, charges, common use of the facilities, and protect users from unfair competition by the port against its tenants. Discussing with government Bill C-49, Transportation Modernization Act with respect to potential changes that have a direct impact on rail/trucking transportation along with port activities.

Seeking to develop an infrastructure modernization tax credit for short line railways Provide an essential link between federal government and WCSLRA members, and work collaboratively with departments to provide government with input on the feasibility and impact of federal funding programs Strengthen and accelerate transportation-focused government research investment by creating or adapting programs encouraging rail technology development. Provide an essential link between federal regulators and WCSLRA members, and work collaboratively with departments and agencies to provide government with input on the feasibility and impact of regulatory policies. Encourage trade-enabling, safety-related, and other infrastructure funding support through existing and/or new programs and policies. Legislative changes pertaining to the Canada Transportation Act, Railway Safety Act, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, and other railway-related proposals, bills, or resolutions.