Paul Thoppil

Bill C-15 with respect to proposal to change the tax treatment on income earned by Canadian insurance companies on foreign property. Changes programs and policies to increase private sector infrastructure investment and attract foreign capital to Canada Standards for banking (open banking) and regulation of data processing including the use of artificial intelligence. Policies and programs related to Canada trade relations with other countries and Canada's economic competitiveness. Improve the Global Minimum Tax Act to promote international coordination and harmonization on timing and operation. Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and the Supervision of Insurers and Banks in particular to improve the ability of Canadian companies to compete and grow outside of Canada. Insurance Companies Act and regulations to amend the Act to permit greater investment by insurers outside of the financial sector and to improve the ability of Canadian companies to compete and grow outside of Canada. Healthcare policy, specifically in relating to, employee benefits programs, including long-term disability, drug benefit plans and health data standards. Veterans Benefits including programs and policies that provide financial and other assistance to current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Privacy, Human Rights and Insurance including the Privacy Act, Human Rights Act and the Canada Labour Code.

Supporting legislative changes to allow the electronic delivery of governance documents in the financial sector as proposed in the 2024 federal budget. Veterans Benefits including programs and policies that provide financial and other assistance to current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Pension Benefits Act and the Tax Act including annuities. The Income Tax Act and Budget 2023 proposal to change the tax treatment on Canadian dividends received by Canadian insurance companies. Standards for banking and health data (open banking, health information). Privacy, Human Rights and Insurance including the Privacy Act, Human Rights Act and the Canada Labour Code. Policies and programs related to Canada trade relations with other countries. Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Guidelines on Insurance and Banking. Insurance Companies Act and regulations. Healthcare policy, specifically in relating to, employee benefits programs, including long-term disability and drug benefit plans. Global Minimum Tax Act to promote international coordination and harmonization on the timing and operation. Ensuring the passage of Bill C-27 - the Consumer Privacy Protection Act as drafted by the government. Canada’s system and programs for detecting and deterring money laundering. Access to Hong Kong Pensions for permanent residents of Canada

INTERNATIONAL TRADE: Legislative proposals, regulations, policies or programs related to Canada's international trading and investment relationship with foreign markets. WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION: Input to federal deliberations regarding international negotiations to implement the Doha Round of trade liberalization U.N. CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE: Input to federal deliberations on ongoing international negotiations respecting the Convention, as well as decisions about implementation of Convention provisions in Canada TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP: Input to federal consultations re Canada's entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership; and consideration of Canadian interests with respect to increasing economic ties with several nations of the Asia-Pacific, including trade in goods and services, foreign investment protections, intellectual property, immigration, labour mobility, etc. TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY: Federal policy and rules related to provision of telecommunications services in Canada, including competition among service providers, access to wireless spectrum, ownership and foreign investment, and access by new entrants SECURITY AND PROSPERITY IN NORTH AMERICA, with respect to rules governing the flow of goods, services and people across the border; cooperation among agencies in the three countries to streamline and harmonize rules and regulations governing the conduct of business; policies to enhance energy trade and energy security SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY: Input regarding policies that can support research and development of new science and technology and the broader adaptation of advanced technologies across the Canadian economy PUBLIC SERVICE: Rules and regulations governing the conduct of public servants in their relations with corporations and business associations, processes for consulting with business on the impact of new laws and regulations governing the conduct of business in Canada POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION: Rules governing federal-provincial financing arrangements for post-secondary education; and development of acceptable national standards for graduate degrees in various disciplines PARLIAMENTARY REFORM: Input regarding changes to rules governing Parliament; Senate reform NORTH AMERICAN LEADERS' SUMMIT: Input to the federal government regarding policy priorities for the annual summit of the leaders of Canada, the United States and Mexico NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT: Amendments, sub-agreements and regulations governing trade relations between Canada, the United States and Mexico; with respect to the enhanced trade in goods and services, regulation of investment between countries, admittance of qualified immigrants and recognition of professional credentials for employment purposes NORTH AMERICAN DEFENCE: Input regarding the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) and other means to enhance collaboration among governments regading defence of the North American continent NORTH AMERICAN COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION: Input to federal deliberations regarding possible enhancement and coordination of environmental standards among Canada, the United States and Mexico NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY: Input regarding policies that Canada's national security policies and regulations impacting the private sector. NATIONAL SECURITIES REGULATOR: Supporting efforts by the federal government to work with the provinces and establish a single national regulatory authority for the regulation of corporations which issues shares to the public LOBBYING ACT: Regulations governing the conduct of lobbyists and their relations with the federal government with respect to the rules regarding communications and meetings between senior public office holders and corporations and organizational lobbyists INVESTMENT CANADA ACT: Regulations and policies with respect to the foreign ownership of Canadian companies; takeovers of Canadian companies by foreign corporations or state entities, thresholds that trigger review

Work with the Government of Canada on international engagements as it relates to the digital economy and Internet connectivity. Work with government to promote and support Canada's digital economy, specifically in regards to advancing rural broadband. Work with Government of Canada to promote and support Canada's space economy Providing input to discussions or proceedings regarding support for expansion of broadband service to rural areas. Providing industry input to the Government on the Canadian Space Agency regarding the future of the Agency. Provide input to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada regarding spectrum and orbital slot allocation procedures, as well as spectrum fees. Engage with the Strategic Innovation Fund regarding communication technologies. Engage with the government of Canada on funding programs aimed at advancing the deployment of rural broadband Engage with the government of Canada on federal funding programs aimed at supporting communication technologies. Engage in discussions with the Government of Canada on the creation of a National Space Council Encourage the Government of Canada to fulfill unique communications, scientific or military requirements through new satellite programs Discussions with the Government of Canada on immigration as it relates to attracting and retaining a highly skilled workforce Changes to the regulatory fees charged by government for spectrum and orbital slots

Advancing biofuels policy and the benefits of biofuels for canola farmers, processors, and rural communities. Working to secure market access for Canadian canola products Working on sustainability and biodiversity policy as it relates to the Canadian canola industry and agriculture sector. Working on rail and labour policy as it relates to the movement and export of canola and canola products. Working on innovation policy to drive growth and investment in the Canadian canola industry. Supporting multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and the implementation of existing agreements to reduce tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers on canola and its products. Implementing a national water monitoring program that supports the environmental safety of plan protection products. Ensuring that the regulation of crop protection products and seed innovations are made using the best available science. Encouraging the development of an Agriculture Policy Framework that supports the competitiveness and growth of the canola sector, including support for the federal and shared funded programs through the Agricultural Policy Framework. Encouraging health/safety/environment approval framework for Plants with Novel Traits and plant breeding innovations that support innovation. Continue obtaining support to resolve market access issues and enhance canola utilization from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's "Agri-Marketing" Program. Continue obtaining support for federal and jointly funded research programs though the Agricultural Policy Framework such as the AgriScience Cluster. The Cluster is a partnership between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the canola industry to produce research that reduces production risk, improves yield, increases market demand and enhances focus on sustainability.

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 Canada’s 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 Canada’s 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 Canada’s 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 Canada’s 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 Canada’s 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

Support the enforcement and aftercare of implemented trade agreements by encouraging and facilitating technical expertise related to non-tariff barriers to trade for Canadian cereals. Support expansion of multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and implementation of agreements to reduce tariffs, technical barriers, and non-tariff barriers to trade for Canadian cereals. Ensuring that the Canadian cereals industry continues to be regulated by the best available science when considering crop protection products, and plant breeding innovation. Encourage the development of infrastructure and innovation initiatives that will allow the Canadian agriculture and cereals industries to continue to be world leaders in science-based research and development, while ensuring the maintenance of our competitive export position into the future. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriScience Program which aims to accelerate the pace of innovation by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and cutting-edge research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector and Canadians. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriMarketing Program which aims to assist in the increase and diversification of Canadian agricultural exports to international markets.

Discussions regarding the safe and reliable operation of Enbridge’s liquids pipelines, natural gas pipelines, and utilities and power assets. Discussions regarding projects, expansions, optimizations, and changes to tolling arrangements relating to Enbridge’s liquids pipelines, natural gas pipelines, and utilities and power assets. Discussions regarding policy developments on Indigenous engagement, consultation and economic inclusion. Discussions regarding market access for energy products, maintaining the integrated North American energy market, Canada-U.S. trade and cross-border issues and Canadian energy exports to other jurisdictions. Discussions regarding climate policies and initiatives, including the federal carbon charge, the Clean Fuel Standard, methane regulations, and the output-based pricing system, as well as policy supports for innovations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions (including Renewable Natural Gas, Compressed Natural Gas, CCUS, hydrogen and power-to-gas). Discussions regarding Canadian competitiveness, including on regulatory efficiency, as it pertains to environmental assessments and climate policies and taxation. Discussions and feedback regarding regulatory efficiency, including environmental assessments, the federal carbon charge, the Clean Fuel Standard, methane regulations, Clean Electricity Regulations, and the output-based pricing system.

Discussions with the federal government on various aspects of Paper Excellence business operations, including, but not limited to, economic growth, innovation, sustainability and environment, and product diversification.

Discussion of upskilling cyber security capabilities within the workforce of law enforcement to combat domestic and transnational crime. A conversation regarding AI-focused data centre infrastructure in Canada, including dedicated sovereign capacity, to retain economic value, strengthen domestic innovation capacity, and reinforce Canada’s position as a global AI leader. Introduction to the Rogers' Cybersecure Catalyst's mandate and scope of work across cybersecurity training, entrepreneurship, research, policy development, and public education for individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations of all sizes. Discussion to support robust government regulation to curb harmful content, with calls for measures addressing online harms such as removing child sexual abuse material, labelling AI-generated content, and increasing parental controls. Discussion regarding the development of an AI Intelligence Unit to supplement the work of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology Measurement Program (TechStat) Briefed about community based seniors services sector. Discussed Aging with Dignity bilateral agreements. Suggested amendments on Bill C-16 about coercive control to include non-intimate partner relationships (relatives and caregivers) to ensure equal protection for older adults. Email with an endorsed letter supporting TMU's National Institute on Aging's proposal for amending the Canadian Pension Plan to implement a Pension Delay Guarantee policy Conversation about TMU's Creative School and the implications of Artificial Intelligence and workforce development, SME adoption, applied research, and sector-wide innovation in the creative sector Conversation about TMU's National Institute on Aging's proposal for amending the Canadian Pension Plan to implement a Pension Delay Guarantee policy Discussion about the innovation economy, emerging technology, and business adoption with government leaders as part of the Innovative Economy table with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Discussion of National Cyber Strategy and its integration with specific needs for small and medium businesses related to workforce development Discussion of cyber capacity building in Indo-Pacific Region and Latin America Conversation about innovation in housing as a follow-up to funding that was received from Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario for the Centre for Housing Innovation Conversation regarding the development and adaption dual-use technology Conversation about IP Clinic Program, specifically regarding client and student experiences within the program and about Canada’s IP landscape. Conversation with FedDev ON to discuss a funding proposal for building national defence capacity and a discussion about programming to include supporting ON based SMBs to position themselves to sell into Canadian defence supply chains Discussion to introduce the Diversity Institute and it's work to the policy team at WAGE Conversation about the Industrial Research Program with the new advisor to help with advice, connections, and to help with Canadian small and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity. Discussion about a potential project at TMU's School of Engineering Discussing artificial intelligence, adoption, and impacts on workforce skills/labour market. Conversation about veteran transition and mental health initiatives that the university offers Conversation about financial literacy and tax education research Conversation about arctic and northern community research Conversation about workforce development to drive innovation and collaboration in the labour market by developing digital solutions and fostering partnerships that enhance connectivity and inclusivity and creating Northern Ontario partnerships Conversation about the modernization of student financial aid and digital inclusion Discussion about school of medicine and health force expansion Conversation around capital funding and student housing Conversation about primar

Global Affairs Canada is a partner in providing funds for ongoing development programs and projects and AKFC communicates with its partners on an ongoing basis. Global Affairs Canada is a partner in providing funds for ongoing development programs and projects and AKFC communicates with its partners on an ongoing basis.