Nora Draper
Parliamentary Secretary Assistant, Health Canada (HC)·18 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Canadian Medical Association
2HEALTH DATA INTEROPERBILITY: Provide CMAs perspective as it relates to health data interoperability that would ensure providers have access to the right information at the right time when providing care, and improve patient outcomes and their health care experience. BUDGET: Provide CMAs perspective on the Government of Canadas budget, particularly as it relates to modernizing Canadas health care system by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and promoting equitable access to care. HARMFUL ONLINE CONTENT: Advocate to address the escalation of online harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence targeting physicians, other health workers, and anyone seeking health care treatment, including measures to strengthen the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Act. TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: provide CMAs perspective on the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on the health care sector and the means through which advancements can be foreseen and managed. HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION: Increased investments in health and social-determinants-of-health related programs, including measures to address the opioid crisis, mental health and addictions, and the regulation of natural health products. ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN: Advocate for measures to alleviate the administrative burden on physicians and support their professional wellbeing, including investment to facilitate the development of EHRs and EMRs in Canada, improved remuneration for the completion of federal health forms, the development of a Federal Disability Benefit, ensuring that physicians are not captured in the definition of "promoters" in the Disability Tax Credit Promoters Restrictions Regulations, providing clarity and guidance on federal forms, and advocacy on discontinuing the requirement that employees present sick notes to their employers. The CMA is advocating that the trade of medical goods and medications be protected to avoid disruptions to patient care. Specifically, that the government: Continue to ensure pharmaceutical products and medical devices are not included in any countermeasures on tariffs. Improve safeguards for Canadian health data. Improve labour mobility so physicians can work across the country. Make it easier for qualified physicians to immigrate and work in Canada, including by fast-tracking immigration steps for US physicians. PAN CANADIAN LICENSURE: Advocate for the ability for physicians with full licences to practise independently without restrictions or for medical resident trainees registered in any Canadian jurisdiction to practise or train in any other Canadian jurisdiction without having to acquire more than one licence or pay additional licensing fees. This includes exploring enabling legislation in the provinces and territories. INTEGRATED HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES Advocate for an Integrated Health Human Resources Strategy, including creating retention incentives and addressing administrative burden for health care professionals, increasing the number of doctors and nurses and ensuring that every Canadian has access to a family doctor or primary health team, increasing access to virtual care, creating an action plan to get internationally trained health care professionals to work, improving workforce data collection across health systems and investing in a supply needs-based planning tool, and facilitating team-based health care. MEDICAL MIS/DISINFORMATION: Provide CMAs perspective on the impacts of medical misinformation and disinformation, including on public trust in science, medicine, and public health experts. INDIGENOUS HEALTH: Improvement to the health and health care services provided to Indigenous peoples in Canada including adding inclusive lettering on health cards across Canada. Advocating for the creation of a national Chief Health Accountability Officer. PUBLIC-PRIVATE HEALTHCARE: The CMA is conducting a series of in-person sessions across the country to engage key s
BUDGET: Provide CMAs perspective on the Government of Canadas budget, particularly as it relates to modernizing Canadas health care system by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and promoting equitable access to care. HARMFUL ONLINE CONTENT: Advocate to address the escalation of online harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence targeting physicians, other health workers, and anyone seeking health care treatment, including measures to strengthen the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Act. TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: provide CMAs perspective on the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on the health care sector and the means through which advancements can be foreseen and managed. HEALTH DATA INTEROPERBILITY: Provide CMAs perspective as it relates to health data interoperability that would ensure providers have access to the right information at the right time when providing care, and improve patient outcomes and their health care experience. The CMA is advocating that the trade of medical goods and medications be protected to avoid disruptions to patient care. Specifically, that the government: Continue to ensure pharmaceutical products and medical devices are not included in any countermeasures on tariffs. Improve safeguards for Canadian health data. Improve labour mobility so physicians can work across the country. Make it easier for qualified physicians to immigrate and work in Canada, including by fast-tracking immigration steps for US physicians. MEDICAL MIS/DISINFORMATION: Provide CMAs perspective on the impacts of medical misinformation and disinformation, including on public trust in science, medicine, and public health experts. PAN CANADIAN LICENSURE: Advocate for the ability for physicians with full licences to practise independently without restrictions or for medical resident trainees registered in any Canadian jurisdiction to practise or train in any other Canadian jurisdiction without having to acquire more than one licence or pay additional licensing fees. This includes exploring enabling legislation in the provinces and territories. INTEGRATED HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES: Advocate for an Integrated Health Human Resources Strategy, including creating retention incentives and addressing administrative burden for health care professionals, increasing the number of doctors and nurses and ensuring that every Canadian has access to a family doctor or primary health team, increasing access to virtual care, creating an action plan to get internationally trained health care professionals to work, improving workforce data collection across health systems and investing in a supply needs-based planning tool, and facilitating team-based health care. ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN: Advocate for measures to alleviate the administrative burden on physicians and support their professional wellbeing, including investment to facilitate the development of EHRs and EMRs in Canada, improved remuneration for the completion of federal health forms, ensuring that physicians are not captured in the definition of "promoters" in the Disability Tax Credit Promoters Restrictions Regulations, and advocacy on discontinuing the requirement that employees present sick notes to their employers. INDIGENOUS HEALTH: Improvement to the health and health care services provided to Indigenous peoples in Canada, including adding inclusive lettering on health cards across Canada. Advocating for the creation of a national Chief Health Accountability Officer. PUBLIC-PRIVATE HEALTHCARE: The CMA is conducting a series of in-person sessions across the country to engage key stakeholders, including the public, physicians, patients/PWLE, policymakers, system leaders and others, in a dialogue on public-private healthcare. What we hear will inform CMA policy moving forward, and our recommendations for action at a national level. PHYSICIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN CAUCUS: advocate for the formation of a Physician Parliamentarian
Council of Canadian Innovators
2The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) is engaging with government officials to discuss the alignment between CCIs priorities and the federal governments 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 countrys 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.
NESTLE CANADA
2Discuss labour issues related to youth employment and immigration as it pertains to Nestlés employees and business in Canada. Discuss regulations related to Nestlé product manufacturing, food safety, and product sale in Canada. Labeling policies and regulations related to the nutrition facts table on food and beverage products. Discuss Nestlés efforts related to sustainability and emissions reduction and identify opportunities for collaboration with government on shared objectives. Arrange meetings between Nestlé and government officials during which they will discuss certain topics highlighting Nestlé's products, technologies and economic contributions. Communicating with federal departments and agencies about the impacts of various forms of international trade disputes on Nestlé's business and supply chains. Engage government officials regarding federal wheat fortification regulations impacting confectionery products.
Obtain financial support through the Dairy Processing Investment Fund to support improvements to productivity, sustainability and competitiveness for Nestlé products. Food labeling policies and regulations related to the nutrition facts table on food and beverage products. Discuss regulations related to Nestlé product manufacturing and product sale in Canada. Engage government officials regarding federal wheat fortification regulations impacting confectionery products. Communicating with federal departments and agencies about the impacts of various forms of international trade disputes on Nestlé's business and supply chains. Meeting with government officials to discuss key topics that showcase our products, technologies, and economic contributions. Addressing policy related to emissions, recycling, labelling, sustainability, labour issues such as youth employment and immigration.
Proof Strategies
AbbVie
1Communications regarding opportunities to speed patient access to live-saving medicines on publicly-funded drug formularies in Canada by reducing red tape. Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED)'s Health Emergency Readiness program, insofar as it pertains to growth and development of the life sciences industry in Canada. Communication regarding free trade agreements as they relate to the biopharmaceutical industry. The pan Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) with respect to public formulary listing of new medicines, insofar as the federal government is a participating jurisdiction and holds a seat on the Board of Directors. Public Health Agency of Canada, regarding the federal response to the hepatitis C virus. Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) Guidelines with regard to prices charged by Rights Holders for patented medicines sold in Canada. Federal Government Non Insured Health Benefits program with respect to reimbursement of a prescription medicine and changes in type of reimbursement Engagement with Health Canadas Regulatory Operations & Enforcement branch regarding supply chain resilience & integrity; mitigating and alleviating drug shortages. Communications with Heath Canada regarding modernization of the medical devices regulatory framework. Communications with Health Canada regarding the evolution of the regulatory framework to address advanced therapeutic products. Communications with Health Canada regarding the application of its nitrosamine guidelines. Communications with Health Canada regarding modernization of clinical trials regulations, including diversity and inclusivity of clinical trials. Communications with Health Canada regarding guidelines for pediatric action plans. Communications regarding the value assessment of new medicines by Canada's Drug Agency (CDA) and the design of proposed new work streams, insofar as the federal government is a funder and holds a seat on the Board of Directors. Communications regarding the design and implementation of the federal Drugs for Rare Diseases strategy. Communications regarding national pharmacare legislation, regulations, policies or programs. Communications regarding intellectual property protection of prescription drugs, including the Patent Act, the Patented Medicines Regulations, the Patented Medicine Notice of Compliance (PMNOC) Regulations, the Patent Term Adjustment regime and Health Canadas Data Protection regime. Communications regarding Health Canada's Regulatory Innovation Agenda regarding proposed regulatory amendments and guidelines to enable agile licensing of drugs and medical devices. Communications regarding access to and approval of medicines addressing the growing public health threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Boehringer Ingelheim Canada
1Pharmaceutical pricing policy arising from the jurisdiction of the patented medicine prices review board (PMPRB). Arranging meetings to brief government officials on the business of Boehringer Ingelheim Canada Ltd.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
1GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT - Reform Canadas procurement system to support investment and ensure a competitive business environment. GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT - Ensuring fair and open procurement practices to drive innovation and technology adoption in Canada. HOUSING - Advocate for policies and legislation that enable the creation of more housing supply, incentivize investment in residential construction and housing – enabling infrastructure, and support the development of skilled labour we need, whether domestically or through immigration, to restore housing affordability to Canadian families. 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 and tax policy which improves the competitiveness of the Canadian business environment INTERNATIONAL TRADE – With respect to issues relating to trade controls, including tariffs, import and export controls, sanctions, and trade remedies. INDUSTRY - Improving the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit program to drive innovation; increase the role that the federal government plays in creating opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to digitalize and conduct more business activities online; developing a digital economy strategy for Canada. HEALTH – Ensuring we improve access to necessary medicines by building on rather than displacing the important role of private insurers and respecting provincial and territorial jurisdiction. CYBER SECURITY - Encouraging the government to prioritize cybersecurity innovation, talent development, and critical infrastructure resilience; 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. IMMIGRATION - Reducing regulatory burdens for employers; promoting immigration to small, rural and northern communities; supporting regional and local community immigration strategies; maintaining and modernizing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program; Facilitating pathways to permanent residency for temporary residents (international students and TFWs; expediting and simplifying foreign credential recognition, calling for an international student and global talent strategy; improving language training as well as settlement and employment supports to newcomers, aligning immigration programs with labour market needs, improving the Start-Up Visa process, improving client services to potential immigrants and newcomers. EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING – National Workforce Strategy, programs that support small and medium sized enterprises, improving collection and dissemination of Labour Market Information, establishing the Employment Insurance Council to institutionalize social dialogue between workers and employers on issues related to employment and training needs, addressing barriers to labour mobility, improving effectiveness of employment supports and skills training. EDUCATION - Aligning employer and workforce needs with education and training; expanding skilling, upskilling, reskilling and work integrated learning opportunities. INFRASTRUCTURE – Improvement of Canadas infrastructure through the National Infrastructure Assessment, National Supply Chains Strategy, and establishment of a Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan. TRANSPORTATION - Regarding the consistent funding of trade-enabling infrastructure projects; the development of a competitive and efficient transportation network including all modes of transportation; the fluidity and stability of supply chain operations, minimizing disruptions. 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; minimizing labour disruption impacts on Canadian bus
Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA)
1Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Innovation Agenda regarding the need for a balanced intellectual property regime and the important role competition plays in encouraging innovation. Provide input into policy discussions with respect to the implementation of a national pharmacare program. Provide input into the Government of Canada's negotiations regarding trade negotiations with respect to pharmaceuticals, counterfeit medicines, and intellectual property. Provide input into the Canada-US trade relationship as it pertains to medicines, including the impact of tariffs on medicines and medicine manufacturing inputs for the Canadian healthcare system, patients and industry. Provide input into the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). To encourage the Government of Canada to continue to participate in truly international discussions with respect to effective measures to combat substandard and falsified medicines in Canada and around the world. Seeking harmonization of regulatory regimes and administrative processes nationally and internationally. Providing input with respect to the approval pathway for biosimilar medicines by Health Canada. Provide input into the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) consultations regarding its Policies, Guidelines and Procedures. Provide input into the modernization of the Food and Drugs Act and related Regulations, Guidelines and Policies as they pertain to pharmaceuticals. Proposals to enhance transparency of the Health Canada Reconsiderations Policy for drug submissions. Proposals related to Health Canada's Identical Medicinal Ingredient Policy. Participation in Competition Bureau consultations with respect to pharmaceuticals. Participate in Government of Canada consultations with respect to the Regulatory Cooperation Council. Health Canada with respect to user fees for therapeutic product regulatory programs. Health Canada with respect to the process for the approval and renewal of foreign sites for Drug Establishment License (DEL) holders. Related guidance documents include the Guidance on Evidence to Demonstrate Drug GMP Compliance of Foreign Sites (GUI-0080), the Guidance on Drug Establishment Licences and Drug Establishment Licensing Fees (GUI-0002) and the Guidance on Good Manufacturing Practices for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (GUI-0104). Health Canada with respect to its Regulatory Systems Review for Therapeutic Products. Health Canada regarding the development of a national pharmacare strategy. Discussions with ISED towards a national strategy for the biomanufacturing and the life sciences sector.
Children's Healthcare Canada
1Protect children and youth from online harms by advancing evidence-informed policies (Bill C-34) that promote safer digital environments, support healthy development and well-being, and strengthen protections against harmful online content, interactions, and platform practices. PT stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund, specifically the $5 billion announced specifically for healthcare infrastructure, making sure that children's healthcare needs are taken into account in the program development. Creation of an Indigenous Guiding Circle within Children's Healthcare Canada to provide guidance and counsel on how to better advocate for FNIM children and youth health issues. Protect the Public Health Agency of Canadas critical work, building confidence in vaccines for children and combatting mis and disinformation influencing decisions impacting childrens health. Protect and expand capacity to deliver on Jordans Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative (a federal responsibility); Top up and broaden the eligibility for the Youth Mental Health Fund, with a focus on prevention, early assessment and rapid intervention in the early years; Include Childrens Priorities in Nation-Building Investments : Asking for capital investments in the childrens healthcare system, including support for research, workforce planning, and the implementation of learning health systems. Advancing a National Children's Strategy to advance child and youth health and well-being outcomes.
EMD Serono
1EMD Serono is exploring Health Canadas regulatory modernization and accelerated pathways for rare diseases. EMD Serono wants to collaborate with the government in shaping a competitive rare disease strategy that works for Canadians, in light of the increasingly competitive global landscape. EMD Serono wants to collaborate with the government in shaping a competitive rare disease strategy that works for Canadians and stands out globally EMD Serono supports the Government of Canada's commitment to funding fertility treatment. As part of its outreach, EMD Serono is calling on the federal government to advance this commitment in Budget 2025. EMD Serono is working towards establishing long-lasting relationships with government. EMD Serono will be meeting with targeted government officials and agencies to provide an overview of their current treatment offering and how they have supported Canadian patients over the years. As an industry leader in the healthcare space, EMD Serono would like to build trust with government and be available to support with future decision making in their key therapeutic areas, where possible.
NATIONAL Public Relations
Equal Voice (Foundation)
1Research and share information from Equal Voice's election tracker and other research projects and initiatives (e.g. national polling). Modernization of legislatures are more gender-inclusive, family-friendly and a workplace free from harassment Addressing the barriers faced by women and gender diverse people seeking, and serving in elected office, such as financial, harassment, gender bias. Obtain funding from the Department of Women and Gender Equality for leadership programming to increase the participation of women and gender diverse people in Canada's political life.