Nicholas Chesterley

The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) is engaging with government officials to discuss the alignment between CCI’s priorities and the federal government’s efforts to foster innovation in Canada. These discussions focus on ensuring that government programs and policies effectively support high-growth Canadian technology firms and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem. Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy: advocacy was focused on bringing domestic firms into the value chain through policies and measures that provide equal opportunity for Canadian Head Quartered companies. Discussion on the intangible economy, SR&ED, and economic growth as it relates to domestic expenditures for intellectual property filing, as well as a focus on small and medium-sized companies. US Trade - discussed Tariffs and handling of Canada US Mexico Trade Agreement. Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy. Small Business and Tourism, Changes to Canadian Export Program (CanExport) so it allows more technology companies to apply Procurement – Changes to Request for Proposal (RFP) process to break down large bundles into smaller amounts for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) can apply Health Canada: advocate for an increase of resources for Therapeutics Canada for them to speed up processing times and efficiencies within their department; create working groups and framework with industry leaders and health Canada on digital and data health, and create a therapeutics working group with industry and health Canada. Finance – Changes to Scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) tax incentive program to make the process easier for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) to apply and report on the current program, to further increase the maximum a SME can apply for Export Development Canada (EDC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy. Environment and Climate Change Canada, give input and feedback on the PanCanada Framework, Canada-China agreement for scientific and technological cooperation, and the relationship between Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emitters & CO2 Reducers. Our focus is on involving Canadian high-growth firms in the policies and programs the government is working on regarding climate change and the greening of government. Discussions on international trade, specifically on the North American Free Trade Agreement with respect to data localisation, labour mobility and tariffs. Defence & Security: advocate for a domestic-focused cybersecurity ecosystem that has Canadian companies at the centre of a national cybersecurity defence policy. Citizenship and immigration – Change the current work visa time lines, seek changes to the the Labour Market Impact Assessment for expatiating and a faster process Changes to Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) to make the process easier for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) to apply and report on the current program, to Increase the maximum amount a SME can apply for Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - changes to (scientific research and experimental development) SR&ED program with how it is administered and reviewed. Discussed companies SR&ED claims and issues with their processing. Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy.

Communicating with the federal officials on developing global partnerships, in education, in research and innovation, and in entrepreneurship activities 1) Communication with various designated public office holders to inquire on the status research funding programs; and 2) Communications to various designated public office holders to advocate for continued and increased granting council funding for the sector. (SSHRC, NSERC and CIHR) Communications with various designated public office holders regarding energy policy, innovation, and new technologies. (Policies or Programs) Communications with various designated public office holders regarding investment in sector initiatives related to Arts and Culture (primarily the antisemitism institute would fall under this category) (Policies or Programs) Communications regarding federal housing policies and government initiatives to support student housing development. Communications with various designated public office holders regarding health programming and investments to further health research and population health outcomes. Communications with various designated public office holders regarding jobs, creating skills development and work-integrated learning. Communications with various designated public office holders regarding investment in science and technology Communications with various designated public office holders regarding international education and to discuss policy changes to immigration that impact students and faculty. Communications with various designated public office holders regarding adaptation and mitigation of climate change, and other environmental policies. Communications with various designated public office holders for increased investment in sector infrastructure.

CMC-Canada will be creating more in-depth knowledge regarding the management consulting profession of elected officials and public servants, as well as the public. CMC Canada’s lobbying efforts will be to ensure that elected and departmental government officials understand the role of Certified Management Consultants in supporting federal government departments and the partnership programs they participate in.

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. CVCA was a designated entity by the IRCC to co-administer the Start Up Visa Program, through which Venture Capital funds in CVCA's membership could support entrepreneurs and start ups applying for Canadian permanent residency. This program led to a select and curated number of entrepreneurs growing businesses in Canada, with financial backing. Throughout the program, CVCA engaged in ongoing conversations with IRCC to ensure program continuity. CVCA sees value in reinstating 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. The CVCA advocates for policies that secure access to capital, 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. 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 an

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.

Présenter les projets d’infrastructures de l’ÉTS déposés dans le cadre du Fonds pour bâtir des collectivités fortes, soit la transformation du 990, rue Notre-Dame Ouest et la végétalisation du parvis du 1111, rue Notre-Dame Ouest. Les échanges portaient sur les besoins en infrastructures, la mise à niveau d’actifs existants, l’amélioration de l’accessibilité, de l’efficacité énergétique et de la résilience environnementale du campus, ainsi que sur les retombées pour la collectivité et l’écosystème d’innovation montréalais Informer sur l’écosystème de recherche et d’innovation de l’ÉTS et ses projets de développement - dont un projet d’UMR en sécurité et défense avec l’INRS à Saint-Jean, projet piloté par l’équipe du développement économique du Haut Richelieu, NeXDeV. Discuter des partenariats de recherche, d’innovation et d’infrastructures liés au secteur de la défense et de la sécurité nationale et à l'adaptation aux changements climatiques, incluant : – Le développement d’espaces sécurisés favorisant la collaboration entre le milieu académique, les start-ups et les entreprises du domaine de la défense ; – Les besoins en infrastructures et en financement pour soutenir la recherche en sécurité, résilience et innovation technologique à vocation militaire ou de sécurité nationale ; – La participation de l’ÉTS aux initiatives fédérales telles que le Défense Innovation Secure Hub (DISH). – Le besoin urgent d'adapter les infrastructures essentielles - ponts, routes, hôpitaux, ports, infrastructures de télécommunication, etc., aux défis climatiques. Pour discuter du sous financement des incubateurs de DeepTech au Canada. Présentation de nos capacités et de notre projet d’institut en Santé L’objectif était de présenter le projet Aérocampus, un écosystème d’innovation en aérospatiale visant à soutenir la R&D, l’innovation industrielle et la formation spécialisée, tout en mobilisant des acteurs industriels stratégiques. Nous avons discuté de l’importance du projet pour les partenaires de l’ÉTS, tel que l’ÉNA, le CTA et la Ville de Longueuil. Nous avons établi qu’Il y avait des besoins en infrastructures pour soutenir la recherche. L’ÉTS a sensibilisé ISDE à l’importance du projet pour l’écosystème canadien et à la nécessité d’un soutien fédéral, notamment via les retombées industrielles et technologiques (RIT). Discussions sur la version révisée de la proposition de financement de l’Institut de recherche sur les infrastructures résilientes et circulaires, AdapT. Les échanges portaient sur la bonification de certains aspects de la proposition permettant de mieux saisir l'ampleur du mandat de l'Institut ainsi que les retombées pour la société face aux défis climatiques. Discuter des politiques et des orientations du gouvernement du Canada en vue de favoriser le développement de l'enseignement supérieur et d'en accroître les retombées pour la société, particulièrement dans le secteur du génie. Discuter des politiques et des orientations du gouvernement du Canada en vue d'accroître le soutien à la recherche et développement, à l'innovation, à la science et aux technologies. Discuter de la contribution du secteur du génie au développement économique du Canada, en vue d'en maximiser les retombées pour le Québec en particulier.

To engage with officials with regards to Bill C249, the Encouraging Growth of the Cryptoasset Sector Act. To engage federal financial sector regulators with respect to the supervision of crypto assets under Canada’s anti-money laundering regulations. To advocate for the development of a national strategy to support the growth of Canada’s digital economy and digital assets. Financial Services Policy in respect to adhering to banking and treatment of crypto assets. Cyber Security Policy as it applies to financial institutions and crypto assets.

Discussions with officials regarding the Canada-US bilateral relationship and possible tariffs.

Enhancing global market access for Alberta exports by expanding pipeline access to tidewater, including through the removal of the Tanker Ban, investing in trade-related transportation infrastructure, and addressing internal trade barriers. Supporting the federal government's defence and economic security priorities by exploring opportunities for Alberta to strengthen Canada's defence industrial base, attract investment, and contribute to resilient supply chains and strategic infrastructure. Exploring opportunities to support the federal government's One Canadian Economy agenda through greater economic integration, reduced interprovincial trade barriers, and strengthened collaboration on nation-building projects. Supporting a strong Alberta within a united Canada by exploring policies that address fairness in the federation, strengthen Alberta’s economic contribution, and improve federal-provincial collaboration on shared priorities. Exploring strategies to support economic growth in Alberta and Canada while ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability and broad-based prosperity. Providing an update on the Business Council of Alberta’s priorities, including productivity, competitiveness, labour shortages, infrastructure, and housing, and identifying opportunities to collaborate with the federal government on advancing shared policy goals. Attracting investment to Alberta and Canada by exploring ways to address regulatory barriers to business investment and create a competitive business landscape. Proposing amendments to the new greenwashing provisions which, as written, will undermine Canadian businesses’ ability to raise capital, take risks, innovate, and make good-faith environmental progress in uncertain conditions. The federal government should respect the CRTC’s Fibre to the Premise decision, which supports a more competitive telecommunications sector and reinforces regulatory autonomy, a principle that is key to investor confidence and a dynamic business environment across all sectors of the Canadian economy. Federal natural resources and environment policy. Unlocking investment and growth in Canada's natural resource industries, and how they can contribute to Canada's productivity, prosperity, and environmental goals. Discriminatory and/or counterproductive impacts on Alberta and Alberta-concentrated industries. Maintaining access to US markets in the face of tariff threats and CUSMA renewal. Discussing how issues related to defence spending, border crossings and illegal drug/gun trafficking impact trade and trade policy. Preserving and enhancing Canada’s access to trade opportunities in global markets; addressing trade disputes, including the differing impact of those disputes across Canada. Exploring opportunities to increase economic activity and value-added processing in agriculture; and discussing the removal of barriers to achieving that goal. Expressing our opposition to the proposed emissions cap as being bad for the environment, the economy, the federation, and Canada’s international standing. Improving Canada's system of major project approvals and permitting to allow projects to get built faster, generate economic growth and advance Indigenous Economic Diversification. Issues range from speeding up environmental impact assessments, to removing fed/prov duplication, to better coordinating permitting processes across the federal government. Removing barriers to interprovincial trade. Providing information via our "Alberta Update" to senior government officials on economic developments in the province. Exploring ways to improve co-operation and collaboration between the federal and provincial governments. The merits and drawbacks of the federal government's proposed oil and gas sector emissions cap; and the most efficient, cost-effective ways to promote a competitive energy sector in Alberta while working towards deep emissions cuts. Proposing amendments to the Clean Electricity Regulations that reflect the concerns

Work with the federal government and financial sector regulators on developing clear definitions, categorization and regulatory treatment of crypto assets. To engage federal financial sector regulators with respect to the supervision of crypto assets under Canada’s anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations. To advocate for the development of a national strategy to support the growth of Canada’s Web3 economy and digital assets and create an environment where blockchain technology helps to transform the Canadian economy.

Advocate for place-based solutions to Canada’s biggest challenges, which support the region-specific mandates of public colleges and ensure local training needs are considered in policy development. Increase support to developing countries and other partner countries to build technical and vocational training capacity, strengthen skills development and education systems, and enhance Canada’s global education brand. Advocate for support for college-led research as a core component of federal research and innovation funding and policy. Discuss how colleges can support immigration programs, such as foreign credential recognition or international students, to meet Canada’s labour market needs, and share with officials impacts of policy changes on the college sector. Share with officials how colleges can support Canada’s training and workforce development needs to meet Canada’s biggest challenges. Share with officials the role of colleges and institutes in delivering high quality education for Canadians, and ensuring access to education for Canadians. Advance reconciliation through partnerships with Canada’s public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, and Indigenous Institutes of Education. Promote the role and expertise of colleges in deepening Canada’s relationships with other countries. Promote the value of educational fair dealing in supporting colleges and institutes in their mandate to provide advanced skills and to enable them to better respond to the skills shortage. Increase investments and support to address colleges’ infrastructure needs to increase Canada’s training space and access in key high-demand fields that align with federal priority areas. Enable post-secondary institutions to obtain grants and loans to develop student housing projects, with additional supports for housing that supports students from vulnerable populations. Ensure Canada’s colleges and institutes have the necessary federal support to provide high-quality training for future healthcare professionals. Ensure the specific needs of institutions, including French institutions and those in minority linguistic communities, are taken into account when federal policies and programs are designed and delivered.