Olivia Fraser-Kealy

Tax policy affecting philanthropy, small business innovation and post-secondary institutions; tax benefits and credits for apprentices; tax benefits and credits for employers. Participate in all relevant policy discussions and consultations about academic research funding, business innovation and applied research; how businesses, non-profits and other enterprises benefit from innovation supports from academic institutions/polytechnics. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, College and Community Innovation Program; tri-council structure and funding; eligibility of polytechnics and colleges for research funding and research support; Horizon Europe and opportunities for polytechnics to engage in international research partnerships. Highly skilled workforce; in-demand occupations. Supports, programs and policies designed to boost innovation and productivity; technology adoption; respond to skills needs; polytechnics and colleges as innovation intermediaries. Student housing; funding to support equipment purchase for training in high-demand fields, infrastructure programs geared to the post-secondary sector. Respond to consultations and advocate for change to international student policy; consider how polytechnics/colleges support inward and outward student mobility; consider international best practices for workforce development and applied research; better integration of newcomers through credential recognition, prior learning recognition and upskilling. Participate in all relevant policy discussions about skills training and work-integrated learning; upskilling and reskilling policies, programs and funding; apprenticeship training, attraction, retention and completion, including on federal projects. Adequate financial support for learners through the Canada Student Loan Program and other student-centered programs; Edu-Canada marketing and branding initiatives. Participate in all relevant policy discussions and consultations related to productivity, business innovation, technology adoption and artificial intelligence. Seeking funding for the activities of polytechnics and colleges in areas including workforce development, applied research and infrastructure/equipment. Canada Foundation for Innovation - Seek ongoing infrastructure support for the applied research conducted by colleges and Polytechnics.

YMCA Canada is exploring seeking funding through the Youth Climate Corp program Discussions in regards to the ability of not-for-profits to build and maintain community infrastructure. Seeking funding through the Build Communities Strong program. Discussions in regards to the federal government providing adequate, consistent, and long-term resources to cover service providers’ operational and administrative costs, program development, and direct services to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Discussions regarding a youth mental health and program needs. Seeking funding from the Youth Mental Health Fund for a mental health and wellness program. Discussion in regards to the development and implementation of the Housing Builds including prevention strategies for homelessness, innovation, and programmatic supports. Policy proposals respecting the implementation the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) system, agreements and frameworks. Discussion in regards to accessible, affordable, inclusive, and high-quality early learning and child care and seeking funding related to the Canada-wide ELCC agreements such as infrastructure, service deliver and workforce. Discussions on financial measures, policies, programs and sectoral tables to help the the charitable sector and community service charities to adapt and modernize. Funding to support the charitable sector including service continuity and adaption, and labour shortages. Discussion in regards to the design and implementation of a strong Youth Employment and Skills Strategy with respect to program focus, and youth engagement. Seeking funding from Employment and Social Development for out-of-school programs that help youth gain new skills and succeed in their education. Discussion in regards to the legal and regulatory framework for governing charities, and grant contribution reform initiatives and ensuring that funding is allocated to these areas Discussing ways in which to financially support, but not limited to, access to recreation for children, teens, and young adults and for under-served communities, in support of healthy active living, obesity and chronic disease reduction and prevention strategies