Sarah Taylor

Working with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to improve visa processing times, the Study Direct Stream program, and lower refusal rates for international students accepted to Canadian universities Lobbying to maintain fair dealing for education. Lobbying for an explicit exception for charities, not-for-profits and/or educational institutions to Canada’s Anti-Spam Law (CASL). Increased supports for Indigenous students seeking to access post-secondary education. Harmonization of immigration policies with regard to the improvement of study and work permit processing to identify areas where policies and procedures could be strengthened. Engaging with reviews of existing legislation covering charities to clarify how they apply to educational institutions. Engage with Statistics Canada regarding postsecondary education and research data collection and analysis with particular attention to the University and College Academic Staff System survey and labour market information. Engage with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada regarding the role of universities in supporting innovation through the full suite of innovation initiatives (eg. Superclusters, economic sector tables, Innovation Canada, knowledge mobilization, digital research infrastructure etc.) Engage with Global Affairs Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and ESDC on the implementation of the government’s International Education Strategy – including the targeting and recruitment of international students and the design of the outbound student mobility program for Canadian students to study abroad. Engage with Department of Status of Women and Statistics Canada regarding data collection and policies/frameworks regarding student safety on campus. Discussions with Employment and Social Development Canada concerning international student mobility and internship programs. Discussions concerning federal budget priorities. Priority topics include: federal government's support for university research through the federal granting agencies and other government programs; support for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows; changes to the Canada Research Chairs program; university infrastructure; international research collaboration; knowledge mobilization; equity diversity and inclusion; cybersecurity; and expanding university education opportunities for Indigenous Canadians. Discuss effective strategies and programs to support student transition to the work place and access to upskilling and reskilling programs for mid-career Canadians with Employment and Social Development Canada, including the Student Work-Integrated Learning Program (SWILP) and the Canada Training Benefit.

Seek funding to boost tourism at the Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo, one of the top tourism attractions west of Ontario. Request funding to support capital, research and animal care activities associated with a joint federal/provincial and other initiatives on species at risk or in serious decline. sources include Environment and Climate Change Canada and Parks Canada Agency Propose and advance robust standards and credible accreditation to govern keeping of non-domestic and exotic species in human care. Major capital infrastructure funding to update, renew or replace exhibits and facilities. Sources may include Prairies Economic Development and Canadian Heritage Contribute input on Senate and House animal welfare bills and regulation such as on Senate bills S-241 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (great apes, elephants and certain other animals) and S-15 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act) Canadian Food Inspection Agency processing of animal movement permit applications for international imports and exports. Canadian Cultural Spaces Fund or other funding to enhance/upgrade facilities for conservation, education and experiential learning. Business development funding to promote investment in facilities and infrastructure, programs and research.