René Villemure

Les discussions avec les représentants du gouvernement fédéral visent à obtenir un appui financier pour soutenir un projet de développement économique situé dans la région de Victoriaville. Ce projet inclut la mise en place de services destinés à faciliter le déploiement de modèles d'affaires circulaires, viables et durables.

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

Discussions relating to the legislative, regulatory, and policy developments related to digital currencies and cryptoassets Providing input on the prudential regulation of the banking sector Providing input on amendments to the Bank Act Providing input on federal budget measures that may impact the banking sector Discussions on supporting women’s advancement, career opportunities, and equitable outcomes in the financial services sector Discussing the Accessible Canada Act with the purpose of identifying, removing and preventing barriers for people with disabilities Discussions on strategies to mitigate tariff risks and navigate the review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Providing input on effective Artificial Intelligence regulation to balance risks and foster innovation Providing input on the regulatory framework to facilitate the process to become a federal credit union and support their operations Discussing plans on the Data Collection Modernization initiative Providing views on the Macroeconomic Stress Test (MST) 2.0 review Discussing Bill C-27 – Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022, relating to the privacy and artificial intelligence provisions Discussions relating to the efficiency and effectiveness of the financial sector regulatory system Discussions on consumer issues relating to potential postal strike ensuring an appropriate scope of guidance Providing inputs on criminal interest rate as it relates to the calculation of the rate and exclusions Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions guidelines with respect to capital adequacy requirements, prudential limits and restrictions, accounting and disclosure, and sound business and financial practices Providing inputs on OSFI regulations and draft guidelines including in connection with culture, integrity and security, third-party risk, and operational risk Providing input on the development of the Consumer-Driven Banking Framework Providing inputs on Basel III Implementation with respect to capital floor phase-in and risk weights Providing inputs on Competition Act amendments Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA): seeking workable, practical approaches in the reform of PIPEDA Excise Tax Act with respect to Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Support the development of an innovative, efficient, and secure payments ecosystem in Canada that benefits consumers Support the goals outlined in the National Cyber Security Strategy and collaborate with government, including the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, to strengthen Canada’s cyber resiliency The Access to Basic Banking Services: seeking to clarify appropriate identification for opening accounts and to make account opening procedures more workable U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), trade agreements with other jurisdictions, World Trade Organization rules regarding cross-border trade in financial services Support the Government initiative of modernizing the Employment Equity Act and provide input to further strengthen the Act. Discussion relating to agricultural financing, including the efficient administration of the Advance Payments Program and the Canada Loan Administration Act Discussions relating to the development of Financial Consumer Protection Framework and voluntary commitments to promote protection for consumers Capital markets statutory, regulatory and self-regulatory organization regime applicable to banks as corporate issuers and their provincially regulated subsidiaries that are capital markets participants Discussion relating to housing finance framework, including reforms to expand housing supply, mortgage underwriting regulations and covered bonds Providing inputs on climate standards and disclosures Corporate governance statutory and regulatory regime for banks Canada Labour Code with respect to (i) impact on bank management of human resources, (ii) review of Part III of the Canada Labour Code, (iii) flexible work

GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT - Reform Canada’s 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 Canada’s 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 Canada’s 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 Canada’s 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

Transportation: Canada's policies with respect to the Transport of Dangerous Goods; Canada's infrastructure strategy as it pertains to public transit infrastructure and green infrastructure. Transportation: Anticipated regulation amendments pertaining to sulphur levels in real, off-road and marine fuels. Taxation and Finance: Policies with respect to fuel taxation; policies with respect to tax measures to generate more clean technology investments. Science and Technology: Canada's policies with respect to innovation and the use of clean technologies in the energy sector. Research & Development: Fuels emissions testing. Infrastructure: Canada's policies witgh respect to investment in green infrastructure. Health: Chemical Management Plan; implementation of the Global Harmonized System with respect ot WHMIS 2015, Confidential Business Information, the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act and the Hazardous Products Regulations. Environment: National Pollutant Release Inventory; air quality standards; policy discussions on mobile emissions. Environment: Multi-Sectoral Air Pollutants regulations; anticipated regulations regarding Petroleum Refinery Gases. Energy: Canada's energy policy with respect to a North American clean energy and environment agreement; policies with respect to fuel supply security; policies with respect to energy efficiency; SmartWay; policies with respect to emissions life cycle analysis; policies with respect to environmental assessment processes. Consumer Issues: Policies with respect to fuel prices Climate: Canada's pan-Canadian climate change framework, including national emissions-reductions targets and, policies/plans to achieve them.

Seeking remission of federal duties to be paid or already paid on the purchase of foreign-built vessels. Previously known as Bill C-549, National Marine Day Act: in respect of identifying a specific day each year to be officially recognized as Canada Marine Day. Policy, regulatory proposals and potential legislation dealing with ballast water and aquatic invasive species. Pilotage Act: in respect of ensuring efficient and cost-effective pilotage services Pacific Pilotage Regulations: in respect of ensuring efficient and cost-effective pilotage services Marine Navigation Services Fees: working towards reduction and eventual removal of government fees on industry Laurentian Pilotage Authority Regulations: in respect of ensuring efficient and cost-effective pilotage services Immigration and Refugee Protection Act: working towards changes that might make it less difficult and restrictive for more skilled shipping industry labour to work in the Great Lakes - Seaway marine transportation industry. Hazardous Materials Information Review Regulations: informing clients of the existing and potential status of the regulations, and assisting them representing their business interests through inclusion or exclusion of their commodities in the regulations. Great Lakes Pilotage Regulations: in respect of ensuring efficient and cost-effective pilotage services General Pilotage Regulations: in respect of ensuring efficient and cost-effective pilotage services EcoFreight Program: informing clients of the program and assisting them with application and approval process Canadian Grain Act: working towards an efficient and cost-effective grain transportation system, especially as it pertains to the marine mode Canada Marine Act: working towards an efficient, safe, cost-effective marine transportation system, especially regarding Canada's ports and Seaway systems. Canada Labour Code: working towards ensuring Canadian labour laws are as pluralistic and democratic as possible, especially insofar as providing openness and fair competition to labour markets affecting shipping. Atlantic Pilotage Authority Regulations: in respect of ensuring efficient and cost-effective pilotage services

Suivi des négociations commerciales actives afin de défendre l'exemption culturelle Loi sur la radiodiffusion: favoriser des changements pour que la loi s'applique à l'environnement numérique Loi sur le droit d'auteur: assurer la protection effective des droits Convention de l'UNESCO sur la protection et la promotion de la diversité des expressions culturelles : échange avec les représentants gouvernementaux sur l'évolution des débats et les programmes nationaux qui en découlent

Global University Systems would like to bring to the attention of the Federal Government the contribution they make to Canada and discuss the policy relating to Student Visas.

Normes de composition - Représentations auprès du gouvernement du Canada afin que les lois, règlements et pratiques protégeant l'intégrité des produits laitiers (ex. normes de composition), soient non seulement maintenues, mais qu'elles soient respectées. Maintien et protection de la gestion de l'offre - Représentations auprès du gouvernement du Canada afin que l'Agence canadienne d'inspection des aliments et l'Agence des services frontaliers du Canada soient doter des ressources et formation nécessaires pour appliquer adéquatement les normes de production circonscrites dans les règlements (ex. norme de composition des produits laitiers). Maintien et protection de la gestion de l'offre - Représentations auprès du Gouvernement du Canada afin qu'il protège et défende son droit souverain pour déterminer et administrer ses propres politiques nationales telles que celles ayant une incidence sur la gestion de l'offre, y compris l'attribution des contingents tarifaires dans le cadre du PTPGP et de l'ACEUM. Maintien et protection de la gestion de l'offre - Représentations afin que le gouvernement du Canada n'accorde aucun accès supplémentaire au marché laitier intérieur dans un accord commercial permanent avec le Royaume-Uni ou dans tout autre accord commercial, y compris le MERCOSUR, l'Alliance pacifique ou le PTPGP Maintien et protection de la gestion de l'offre - Représentations afin que le cadre législatif requis pour une application uniforme de la politique laitière canadienne, soit mis en place promptement. Développement durable - Représentations auprès du gouvernement du Canada afin qu'il soutienne les investissements en recherche, transfert et innovation de manière à favoriser la mise en place d'initiatives structurantes en matière de développement durable permettant d'assurer la pérennité et la résilience des fermes laitières. Développement durable - Représentations auprès du gouvernement du Canada afin de développer conjointement, avec les instances provinciales, un programme soutenant les investissements requis qui permettront aux fermes laitières canadiennes de mettre en œuvre le Code de pratiques pour le soin et la manipulation des bovins laitiers. Code de conduite de l'industrie de l'épicerie - Représentations afin que les pratiques de l'industrie de l'épicerie soient encadrées par un code obligatoire, lequel permettra un partage équitable des marges bénéficiaires entre les épiciers, les transformateurs et les détaillants.

Obtain contributions for the development of McGill institutes and schools Obtain contributions for inter-sectoral, inter-disciplinary and international partnerships Obtain contributions for a wide array of non-peer reviewed academic, research, and partnership initiatives Discussions with federal officials to improve Canada's immigration policies and procedures Discussions with federal officials to encourage the development of a public policy framework that responds to the needs of post-secondary education and research Discussions with federal officials to advocate for increased support to the base budgets of the three granting councils, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and Genome Canada Discussions with federal officials to advocate for increased funding for the institutional costs of research Discussions with federal officials regarding campus infrastructure and deferred maintenance issues Discussions regarding science, technology and innovation policy frameworks with a view to enhancing Canada's research and innovation capacity Discussions aimed at putting the framework in place to make Canada a top destination for work and study by the best and brightest around the world Communications with federal officials to advocate for increased federal investment in scholarships for graduate students