Sarah Strapps

Tax 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.

To arrange meeting with officials to explain nature and contribution of BC Colleges to Canada's economic and social development.

Federal policies that unlock public land for affordable housing by providing incentives for land trusts and private developers to acquire it at below-market rates, ensuring its dedicated use for affordable housing. That the government make Blue Door a key partner in establishing a Skilled Trades Talent Hub in the 905 area, in the style of the Workforce Hubs created by the Biden administration across the United States. Pursue federal investment in Blue Door's enterprise training model to facilitate housing creation, skills development, and homelessness reduction. Engage government on skills training for newcomers to Canada and the country's existing workforce. That the government develop a National Workforce Strategy that features support to expand pre-apprenticeship programs to support the creation of a complete pipeline of talent into the construction workforce.

Launch an LEC-led pilot program through Intergovernmental affairs to help with interprovincial skilled trades certification and employment. Position LEC as a lead delivery partner in the National Workforce Strategy to develop Skilled Trades Talent Hubs serving racialized, newcomer, youth, and women-led communities Launch an LEC-led pilot program funded by the Foreign Credential Recognition Program to help newcomers prepare for skilled trades certification and employment. Include LEC in Build Canada Homes to lead modular housing workforce development and co-create micro-credentials for prefabrication technologies.