Riya Khanna
Director of Operations, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)·5 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia
2Workforce development - retention and recruitment - for the marine transportation sector New mandate for the Canadian Coast Guard under the Department of National Defence and need for a new Act to authorize and transition CCG to become Canada's maritime authority. Bill C-12's information sharing of intelligence data to support maritime single window and maritime domain awareness. Canada Border Services Agency with respect to the regulatory amendments under the Customs to streamline vessel conveyance reporting in a national maritime single window. To advance container examination capabilities with more non-intrusive technology. Seek improvements to expedite the issuance of visas to expedite crew changes in Canada and transfers of Internationally Trained Workers Seeking amendments to the Canada Marine Act with respect to the governance of Canadian port authorities. Labour availability and instability due to collective bargaining affecting the marine transportation sector. Review of the Canada Labour Code and Industrial Inquiry. Development of the National Supply Chain Strategy and proposals put forward for consideration by the National Supply Chain Office. The Pilotage Act and its implementation with respect to pilot certificates, compulsory areas, and safety management systems. Supporting green shipping corridors and funding opportunities to establish alternate fuels and shore power for domestic and international ocean carriers. Proposal to expand Canada's marine and coastal protected areas with respect to a target of 30% by 2030. Policies considered to establish oversight of anchorages outside of the jurisdiction of port authorities. Cargo, Fumigation & Tackle Regulations with respect to vessel inspections and the safety associated with the movement of cargo. Supporting best practices and streamlined inspections. Canadian Food Inspection Agency with respect to Plant Protection and export measures as they relate to vessel and cargo requirements and inspections. Canada Shipping Act 2001 with respect to its review and potential amendment to address concerns associated with marine safety, the management of vessel traffic, and marine pollution preparedness and prevention.
Engaging with Government of Canada representatives on issues pertaining to marine policy, marine safety & security regulatory and compliance matters, and other items relevant to the Western Canadian maritime industry.
Canadian Alliance of Student Associations
1Dedicate 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
Climate Action Network Canada
1Ensuring federal funding for programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Enhance regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, such as developing a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Canada's federal budget with regards to removing all subsidies to the oil, coal and gas industry, including subsidies provided through preferential tax treatments; development of renewable energy and fossil fuels, conservation and efficiency
Imagine Canada
1Communications about the review of the Lobbying Act, including the Commissioner of Lobbyings recommendations to the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics. Discussion about the impact of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review on the Nonprofit sector Preparation for e-filing webinars for charities; Discussion about the Comprehensive Expenditure Review Supporting implementation of Senate Committee recommendations on the charitable sector. Addressing disruptions to donations due to postal strikes; tax credit timing adjustments. Advocating for financial relief and policy responses to emergencies and rising issues (e.g., tariffs). Inclusion of charities in SME-focused programs like Mitacs and BDC advisory services. Budget consultations re: charitable giving incentives, regulatory reforms, and program access. Bill S-222 and S-216: Amendments enabling partnerships with non-qualified donees. Support for the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience and digital skills development. Supporting sector-wide digital capacity and transformation. Advancing reform of the disbursement quota for registered charities. Improving access and equity in federal funding programs for nonprofits and charities. Strengthening workforce supports for paid and unpaid nonprofit labour. Supporting federal data collection (e.g., Satellite Account, national nonprofit surveys). Advocating for a federal home in government for the nonprofit sector. Building knowledge on the activities of the nonprofit sector.
International Justice Mission Canada
1Lobbying Global Affairs Canada to increase investment in programs and policies that will improve access to justice to women and children experiencing violence. Introducing International Justice Mission's programs in Latin America to end violence against women and children. Lobbying for legislation, policies, law enforcement and investments that will prevent the online sexual exploitation of children.
National Association of Federal Retirees
1Veterans Independence Program, respecting extension to Royal Canadian Mounted Police veterans. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act, respecting marriage after retirement or over the age of 60; immediate indexation of Canadian Forces Superannuation Act and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act pensions; pension plan funding and security of benefits; and Pension Advisory Committee. Registered Retirement Savings Plans, Registered Retirement Income Fund and Tax Free Savings Accounts, respecting coordination and enhancement of programs. Public Service Superannuation Act, respecting annual statement of benefits for pensioners. Public Service Health Care Plan and Pensioner Dental Service Plan, respecting coordination of plans and maintenance/enhancement. Previously known as Bill C-357 of the 42nd Parliament, An Act to amend the Public Service Superannuation Act (Group 1 contributors); with respect to discussions with government officials the implications of this bill and current legislation on retirees, and the need to fix a gap that emerged following 2012 changes to the federal public service pension plan (specifically, veterans who transfer their pensionable military service to the public service pension plan after 2013 are subject to a later retirement date, even though they have served Canada prior to the cut-off date). Policies and programs which may enhance and protect the rights and well-being of veterans and their families, included, but not limited to The Veterans Well-being Act (S.C. 2005, c. 21), the Pension Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-6 as amended and the Veterans Benefit Act, R.S.C. 1970, V-2 as amended. Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement, respecting coordination and enhancement of programs. Marriage after retirement or over the age of 60; Pension Advisory Committee; pension plan funding and security of benefits. Maintain Canada Health Act and equitable health care access. Implementation of a national pharmacare program that responds to recommendations made by the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare. Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) and recognition of Federal Retiree as the leading representative body for retirees (or retired public servants, members of the CAF and members of the RCMP). Ensure that the Pension Benefit Standards Act remains unchanged with respect to protecting defined benefit pension plans and changes that would undermine them. Discussions with government officials to ensure and discuss the progress of implementing a national seniors strategy which will encourage and promote the wellness and independence of older Canadians. Canadian Forces and Public Service Supplementary Death Benefit, respecting discriminatory differences. Canada Pension Plan/Quebec Pension Plan, respecting coordination of superannuation plans and enhancement.
Rick Hansen Foundation
1Work with the various government programs that support accessibility, inclusion, and a world without barriers, particularly in the built environment around an accessibility Certification Program which will assess and rate the built environment of Canada against a common standard (example Canadian Standards Association). Work with the Government of Canada to seek funding and support for RHF national initiatives designed to educate and engage Canadians about the importance of promoting accessibility, in coordination with National AccessAbility Week. Work with the Government of Canada to provide leadership in salmon and sturgeon conservation and related initiatives and research. Work with the Government of Canada to promote the Rick Hansen School Program to promote the adoption of this already existing program in every school in Canada. Work with Government of Canada to endorse and support the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Program Program as the national standard to assess and certify the built environment. Communication with the Government of Canada, to keep them informed of the use and outcomes of their investment in spinal cord injury research, as well as the outcomes of any projects around which we collaborate in order to maintain funding and to seek future funding.
Vancouver International Airport Authority
1Seeking to liberalize air policy and bilateral air transportation agreements. Seeking to change border facilitation processes and policies. Seeking to amend security screening policies, regulations and resourcing. Seeking to amend proposed changes to airport policies. Advocate for the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Canada. Collaboration to support efforts to strengthen workforce development for continued economic growth and resilience. Collaboration to support efforts to diversify market opportunities through air connectivity. Seeking to enable opportunities for future infrastructure development. Seeking to amend existing airport lease agreements. Seeking to enable technology and innovative solutions to maximize efficiency and safe movement of goods and people. Seeking to amend and expand electronic travel authorization programs. Seeking to amend aviation policies and regulations to protect the current and future viability and accessibility of an airport. Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), associated standards, Advisory Circulas and Notice of Proposed Amendments with respect to Aerodromes, Airports and Heliports.