Richard Ovcharovich

Urging Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, in collaboration with Health Canada, to reconsider introducing copayments for medications and supplemental health services under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for refugees and asylum seekers. Pandemic Planning: ensure all nurses are properly supported and protected by maintaining appropriate stockpiles of personal protective equipment (PPE), providing mental health supports for those working on the front lines, and ensuring nursing students receive adequate assistance. Increase access to education and training for nurses returning to work or working across various care settings during public health emergencies. Ensure clear guidelines and resources are developed and disseminated, and that senior nurses are included in discussions and advisory boards during emergency planning phases as well as in post-emergency reviews. Discussions aim to ensure that artificial intelligence and emerging health technologies are developed, assessed, and approved in ways that meet the needs of the Canadian population. Communications emphasize the importance of integrating nursing perspectives into governance, regulation, clinical and ethical evaluation, and approval processes for new technologies. Communications relate to ongoing efforts to strengthen the collection, harmonization, and use of nursing workforce data at the pan-Canadian level. Discussions include modelling future health and workforce needs, supporting evidence-based health human resource planning, and investing in robust data systems to inform public policy and decision-making. Discussions include a request for federal funding to support the organization of CNA's 2026 national conference, which will bring together nursing leaders, health system partners, and policy-makers to advance dialogue on workforce priorities, innovation, public health, and health system transformation. Communications address the need for federal investment in strategies to improve retention of nursing professionals, including support for mental health and well-being, improved working conditions, continuing professional development, and initiatives to reduce burnout and strengthen workforce stability across all regions of Canada. Discussions focus on measures to expand the capacity to educate and support Indigenous nurses across Canada, including targeted investments in nursing education programs, partnerships with Indigenous and community-based institutions, and initiatives that improve access, retention, and graduation outcomes for Indigenous nursing students. Support the development of a national licensure framework for nurses. Enhance nursing leadership at the federal level and ensure ongoing support, resources, and sustainability for Chief Nursing Officer roles in all provinces and territories. Communications relate to federal measures aimed at protecting health-care workers, including initiatives to improve workplace safety, prevent harassment and violence, and strengthen legislative and regulatory frameworks that support a safe and respectful environment for health professionals. Bill S-233, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assault against persons who provide health services and first responders) Harmonize nursing regulatory practices to support a responsive and sustainable nursing workforce Support a Canadian Nurse Practitioner Initiative based on past similar initiatives Allow nurses to certify the Disability Tax Credit form Seek funding for nursing research, including Indigenous nursing Create a pan-Canadian health human resources strategy Urging the federal government to lead the development of and work with the provinces and territories to implement a pan-Canadian digital health strategy. That the federal government lead efforts to educate health-care workers on the importance of medication safety and deprescribing Support for regulated nurses working at full scope of practice Strengthening of programs and supports for vulnerable po

Dedicate 35 million of the existing funding commitment for student and Indigenous housing under Build Canada Homes towards the construction of student residences by post-secondary institutions Increase post-secondary student funding to the First Nations, Inuit and Métis education strategies by $200 million per year, permanently Research funding for graduate students, and adjusting the funding envelope for student research by inflation. Funding for non-profit housing and post-secondary institution residences. Investment in the Student Work Placement Program to strengthen work-integrated learning opportunities for students in small and medium enterprises. On-campus student mental health resources, with respect to implementing the new fund of $500 million over 4 years for more and improved mental health services on post-secondary campuses. Double the Express Entry Program immigration points in Part D of the Comprehensive Ranking System allocating 60 points for a three or more year Canadian post-secondary credential, or 30 points for a one or two year Canadian post-secondary credential to retain those most likely to economically succeed in Canada. Contracts for federal infrastructure construction and maintenance contracts ensure hours worked on federal projects are worked by apprentices. Also establish that apprenticeship hours requirement for recipients of grants and contributions for federal housing programs such as the Affordable Housing Fund, Apartment Construction Loan Program, and Federal Lands Initiative. The Off-Campus Work Permit Program, with respect to extending the benefits of off-campus work permits to international students studying part-time at recognized universities and colleges in Canada. The Copyright Act, with respect to Educational exemptions listed under fair dealing provisions. The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, with respect to ensuring the weekly loan limit rises with the needs of students by increasing the weekly loan limit amount from $210 to $300. The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, with respect to eliminating the expected parental and spousal contribution in the assessment of resources for borrowers. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), with respect to including student households in its rental market data. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), with respect to including post-secondary institutions and university residences in existing housing funding programs and projects. SSHRC, CIHR, and NSERC, with respect to increasing the number, and value of scholarships provided to student researchers through the federal granting agencies. SSHRC, CIHR, and NSERC, with respect to improving governance and broadening considered perspectives via the addition of a student seat on the governing boards of the federal granting agencies. Repayment Assistance Program, with regard to changing eligibility requirements, removing entry barriers for students in loan default, exempting EI recipients, and creating program streams for underrepresented groups. Protecting student intellectual property rights at Canada's universities and colleges, with respect to creating a set of criteria for institutions to abide by in order to be eligible for research funding granted by the CIHR, SSHRC, and NSERC. Post-Secondary Student Support Program Funding, with respect to lifting the 2% cap on this funding, increases in the number of students funded, and the amount given to each student. International Student working hours, with respect to permanently eliminating the off-campus working hour limit for students while studying in Canada. International Student visas, with respect to allowing for visa holders to participate in co-op opportunities without having to apply for an additional permit. Indirect Costs Program, with respect to increasing the funding provided by the Indirect Costs Program to qualified universities, colleges, and affiliated institutions. Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrang

Meeting with Public Office Holders and elected officials for funding to increase capacity for First Nations police forces and the enforcement of First Nations laws. Meetings with Public Office Holders and elected officials for funding for First Nations environmental priorities and for policy changes to the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. Meetings with Public Office Holders and elected officials for funding and policy changes that work to advance economic development opportunities for Ontario First Nations; support educational and language revitalization initiatives; address infrastructure and housing gaps; support Ontario First Nations’ social services; support environmental initiatives; enable Ontario First Nations engagement in the mining sector; promote clean drinking water and water protection; support income assistance and disability support programming; support First Nations police services; address violence against Indigenous women and girls; and support childcare and early learning initiatives. These priorities represent policies that Chiefs of Ontario is advocating for to be included in Budget 2025.

Drafting submissions for government-led consultations on the gig economy and Just Transition. Supporting competition in the construction industry based only on price and productivity. Lobbying related to construction, infrastructure, commercial and industrial issues. Suicide Prevention: Participating in government-led consultations on the creation of a 3-digit phone number (similar to 9-1-1) for mental health emergencies. The number would be used to connect individuals to appropriate mental health crisis services and suicide prevention services in their geographic area. Employment Insurance: Participating in government-led consultations on the modernization of the Employment Insurance (EI) program, more specifically about the impact on workers in the construction industry” to the list of subject matters. Communicating with government officials about mental health initiatives in the construction industry, including the Mental Health First Aid Kit. The goal of these communications is to inform government officials of private-sector mental health initiatives -- and to secure support for private-sector mental health initiatives. National Pharmacare program. The impact of a Canadian Drug Agency or related body, a pharmacare universal model, and the differences between a single-payer versus fill-in-the-gap model. Relating to the national framework as well as the provincial jurisdictions. National Infrastructure Assessment: Communicating with government officials about the design and establishment of the ‘National Infrastructure Assessment’, more specifically about the construction industry’s role in planning, building and maintaining infrastructure Engaging with government on Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) policy regarding federal-provincial-territorial infrastructure project. The goal of these communications is to inform government of the policy impacts on the construction industry and skilled labour market. Undertake initiatives to support newcomers and mental health in the construction industry. Economic policy relating to: the development and implementation of economic policies that reflect market realities, support for future economic sustainability and growth; economic certainty for contractors; skilled labour shortages and supports free movement of labour across Canada: infrastructure investment; and, controls for commodity price volatility. Activities include submitting input during the budget consultation. Engaging with government regarding reskilling and training programs to increase the labour force and address workforce shortages. Specifically in the skilled trades.