Paul Thompson
Deputy Minister, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)·30 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
5GOVERNMENT 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
CYBER SECURITY - Encourage the government to invest in cybersecurity innovation, talent, and infrastructure; 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. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - Advocate for future-proofed, globally competitive, and interoperable policies that position artificial intelligence as a positive economic driver, and support the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI in business. PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION - Ensure that the modernization of Canadas privacy legislation strikes the right balance between protecting consumers and promoting the ability of firms to innovate and compete by responsibly and securely using data. HOUSING - Support policies that enable the creation of more housing supply, incentivize investment in residential construction, and restore housing affordability for Canadian families. NATIONAL SECURITY/ECONOMIC SECURITY - Advancing policies related to enhancing Canadas economic and national security. Key priorities include strengthening economic resilience, prudently navigating geopolitical challenges to trade and international relations, safeguarding business operations against new and emerging threats, and fostering conditions for economic growth. TRANSPORTATION - Regarding the consistent funding of trade-enabling infrastructure projects; the development of a competitive and efficient transportation network including all modes of transportation. TELECOMMUNICATIONS - Creating the right investment incentives to foster vibrant competition in the sector as a whole; responding to decisions regarding third-party access that will impact the deployment of internet services in rural and remote communities; and responding to regulatory proposals re: cell phone pricing. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to undertaking a comprehensive and independent tax system review. 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; removing tax barriers for childcare expenses; addressing the taxation of family business transfers; and mobilizing private capital for recovery and growth. TAXATION AND FINANCE - With regard to modernizing our financial systems through open banking and digital currencies TAXATION AND FINANCE - Responding to proposals addressing taxation of digital services. TAXATION AND FINANCE - Maintaining and expanding real-time data made freely available to Canadian businesses, municipalities, academic researchers, and community groups. SMALL BUSINESS – Legislation, regulations and support programs that give Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the tools to grow in Canada and internationally, including reducing their red tape and compliance burden. PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION - Improving digital privacy legislation to meet the needs of industry. PENSIONS - Treatment of corporate pensions in the event of bankruptcy. NATURAL RESOURCES - Support for the adoption of policy recommendations to strengthen Canadas world-leading position in the mining industry, oil and gas, and forestry products. OPEN DATA - Maintaining and expanding real-time data made freely available to Canadian businesses, municipalities, academic researchers, and community groups. 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. INTERNATIONAL TRADE – With respect to issues relating to import and export controls INTERNATIONAL TRADE - Negotiating bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade agreements and promoting them to Canadian businesses. INTERNATIONAL TRADE - Improving federal laws and regulations pertaining to responsible business conduct r
Polytechnics Canada
5Tax 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.
Business Council of Alberta
3Enhancing 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 Albertas 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 Albertas 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 CRTCs 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 Canadas 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 Canadas 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
Colleges and Institutes Canada
3Advocate for place-based solutions to Canadas 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 Canadas 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 Canadas labour market needs, and share with officials impacts of policy changes on the college sector. Share with officials how colleges can support Canadas training and workforce development needs to meet Canadas 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 Canadas public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, and Indigenous Institutes of Education. Promote the role and expertise of colleges in deepening Canadas 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 Canadas 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 Canadas 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.
Davie Canada Yard
3Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (CDCI) seeks the promotion of procurement practices and policies and other government action that foster the development of an internationally competitive Canadian icebreaker and ferry technology and construction hub centered in the Province of Québec. As a strategic partner of the Government of Canada under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (CDCI) communicates with public office holders about modernizing procurement, creating business opportunities, ensuring the success of the NSS and renewal of the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy fleets.
The Vimy Foundation
3Program funding for youth and heritage projects, through Museums Assistance Program and Youth Take Charge. Budget 2025-2026, with respect to commemorative funding from Veterans Affairs for digital initiatives leading up to the celebration of Vimy 110 in 2027. Wearing of Vimy pins by the House each March and April to mark Vimy Day on 9th April.
University of Alberta
3Advocacy related to university engagement in Canadian priorities in artificial intelligence, data systems and related computing science and energy subjects, including but not limited to specific calls for proposals. Advocacy for university initiatives related to Canadian priorities across the defence spectrum, including initiatives relevant to both Defence and Veterans' Affairs, among other federal departments. Advocacy to enhance support for university research mobilization and commercialization activities. Research security, with respect to international research partnerships Discussions with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and other relevant departments and agencies regarding the role of universities in supporting federal innovation initiatives, policies and programs. Discussions regarding research and development initiatives and federal support related to energy and environment, and climate change research, innovation, commercialization, talent and knowledge mobilization. Discussions regarding official language funding amounts and mechanisms. Discussions about the Copyright Act and details of its implementation in a post-secondary setting. Advocacy to secure support in the budget for post-secondary education, research, innovation, and science and technology. Advocacy to secure federal support to develop and upgrade university infrastructure, including but not limited to research and learning facilities, digital infrastructure, and transit infrastructure. Advocacy to increase support for university research, including research funding and granting programs administered by the tri-agencies (SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR) and other departments and agencies. Advocacy to improve immigration policies and programs for prospective and current university students, faculty, and staff. Advocacy to ensure that proposals to develop or amend federal legislation, regulations, policies or programs that directly or indirectly impact the post-secondary system reflect the needs of universities and support our research and education mission. Advocacy to enhance student supports, including but no limited to Canada Student Grants and Loans, the Canada Graduate Scholarship Program, supports for Indigenous students, and work-integrated learning programs. Advocacy to advance Canadian leadership in priority areas to support world class research, talent attraction and retention, and knowledge mobilization. Advocacy related to reconciliation efforts, including but not limited to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
2Discussing the development and implementation of measures to eliminate forced labour in supply chains. Discussing aerospace industry skilled labour requirements, including government immigration and employment support programs. Strategic Response Fund (SRF) – this program administered by ISED Canada co-invests with Canadian aerospace companies in funding their Research & Development (R&D) projects. AIAC advocates to ensure that the programs mandate, funding level, and investment terms and conditions align to the R&D financing needs of Canadian aerospace companies and that they are equivalent to what other countries provide their aerospace companies. Strategic Response Fund (SRF) - proposal to support the development of an ecosystem in Canada by providing an environment for the pursuit of collaborative projects. Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy – AIAC advocates to the government for a policy framework and eligibility rules that ensure high quality industrial benefits are placed into Canada by the primes. Discussing regional development in the province of British Columbia. Discussing the aerospace industry perspective on international trade negotiations and agreements to ensure their effectiveness. Discussing Canadian export controls and trade measures, including the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, to provide the industrys perspective and ensure their effectiveness. Discussing how Transport Canada can improve its resources and governance structure for civil aviation, including improvements to certification processes and alignment with bilateral partners. Communications regarding the implementation of the Defence Industrial Strategy, including related policies, programs, regulations and legislation which support production capacity of the aerospace industry in Canada, increase supports for export opportunities and development of international markets. Ensuring the Defence Industrial Strategy implementation, including related policies, programs, regulations and legislation supports the growth of the aerospace industry in Canada. Advocate on current or future environmental, legislation, policy or regulations of potential impact. The Aeronautics Act and Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) - AIAC advocates for internationally harmonized implementation of regulations to get the highest practical level of safety and to keep Canadian industry economically competitive. Taxation Policy – AIAC advocates for a taxation policy regime that strengthens Canada as a place for new aerospace investment and for growing existing aerospace businesses. e.g. lowering of corporate taxation rates, allowing for greater and accelerated write-up of the purchase of new capital and equipment. Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SRED) Tax Credit – this program administered by Revenue Canada provides a tax credit to companies in proportion to their investments in Research & Development. AIAC advocates for eligibility rules and terms and conditions that meet the needs of Canadian aerospace companies regardless of their public or private ownership. Safety Management System (SMS) - The development of an internationally-recognized SMS Standard consistent with Annex 19. Obtain support from relevant government departments in dealing with the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme to ensure fairness to Canadian companies. Export Financing – Export Development Canada provides financing assistance to foreign buyers of Canadian products and systems. AIAC advocates for adequate financing support of aerospace exports and that the program's terms and conditions are aligned to market circumstances as well as keeping Canada's industry competitive internationally. Enhancement and growth of the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council to cover all aviation human resource issues with particular focus on aerospace manufacturing, human resource issues; to include possible funding and activities Employment Insurance Policy – administered by Emp
BHP Canada
2Support for work done in support of indigenous partners Potential engagement in support of securing rail access to port Lobbying in support of National Trade Corridor Fund and Strategic Innovation Fund applications General updates on the progress of BHP Potash Developments Exploration of low emissions energy options for BHP Canada developments or projects Engagement in support of the development of potash export facility
Support for work done in support of indigenous partners Support for community stakeholders needs, including economic development, employment and training, and municipal-level infrastructure Potential engagement in support of securing rail access to port Exploration of low emissions energy options for BHP Canada developments or projects Engagement in support of the development of potash export facility Contribute to the development of Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy, including discussing the importance and inclusion of potash, and other policies related to natural resource development
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
2Seeking funding for youth sport and physical activity programming. Seeking funding for delivery of youth programming and childcare services to military families. Youth employment with respect to the Youth Employment Strategy and Canada Summer Jobs. Seeking funding to support front line workers in the charitable sector with mental health and burnout Seeking funding from the Public Health Agency for a food literacy program Seeking funding for mental health training for front line staff working with children and youth to better support youth mental health outcomes Seeking funding for impact evaluation for out of school programming for children and youth Seeking funding for before and after school programs for children, youth and families Seeking funding for a program that introduces young people to the science, technology, engineering, arts/design, and math fields. Federal budget with respect to investments in the social service sector, and programs for children and youth Child and youth mental health, with respect to prevention and early intervention Canadian government's policies and programs with respect to crime prevention and restorative justice for youth. Canada's policies and programs with respect to programs and supports for Indigenous children and youth. Advocate for the adoption of Bill C-322, An Act to develop a national framework to establish a school food program, with respect to the implementation of a countrywide school food program Advocate for the adoption of Bill C-273, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (Corinnes Quest and the protection of children), in order to repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code Advocate for policies and programs concerning child and youth rights, including to prevent identity-based hate and corporal punishment Adoption and implementation of the Spirit Bear Plan
Youth employment with respect to the Youth Employment Strategy and Canada Summer Jobs. Seeking funding to support front line workers in the charitable sector with mental health and burnout Seeking funding from the Public Health Agency for a food literacy program Seeking funding for mental health training for front line staff working with children and youth to better support youth mental health outcomes Seeking funding for impact evaluation for out of school programming for children and youth Seeking funding for before and after school programs for children, youth and families Seeking funding for a program that introduces young people to the science, technology, engineering, arts/design, and math fields. Federal budget with respect to investments in the social service sector, and programs for children and youth Child and youth mental health, with respect to prevention and early intervention Canadian government's policies and programs with respect to crime prevention and restorative justice for youth. Canada's policies and programs with respect to programs and supports for Indigenous children and youth. Advocate for the adoption of Bill C-322, An Act to develop a national framework to establish a school food program, with respect to the implementation of a countrywide school food program Advocate for the adoption of Bill C-273, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (Corinnes Quest and the protection of children), in order to repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code Advocate for policies and programs concerning child and youth rights, including to prevent identity-based hate and corporal punishment Adoption and implementation of the Spirit Bear Plan