Shawn Abel
Parliamentary Affairs Advisor, Senate of Canada·9 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Canadian Civil Liberties Association
4Bill S-256, An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act (seizure) and to make related amendments to other Acts. Advocacy related to the legal standard to search Canada Post mail. The policies of the Canada Border Services Agency in relation to the use of digital devices and tools at the border when carrying out CBSA functions. The federal government's role in the operation of the bail system, such as: setting standards for data collection; legislation affecting bail, e.g. amendments to the Criminal Code; and engagement with the provinces/territories on considerations related to the bail system generally, e.g. bail and public safety. The Criminal Code, respecting prospective amendments around provisions concerning penalties for auto theft Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Citizenship Act. Bill S-235:An Act to amend the Citizenship Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Participation in coalition advocating to provide citizenship for survivors of child welfare system and ensure removal orders against such persons are not enforceable. Extradition Act. Letter to the Prime Minister regarding the case of Dr. Hassan Diab and urging the government to review provisions of the Extradition Act. Bill C-63, An Act to enact the Online Harms Act, with respect to the creation of the Digital Safety Commission of Canada, state-compelled limitation on free speech by social media operators, Criminal Code amendments pertaining to hate propaganda and hate motivated offences, introduction of hate speech as a ground of discrimination in federal human rights legislation, and the compliance of the legislation as a whole with expressive freedom, privacy and protest rights. Bill C-48, An act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform). The passage and content of the bill as a whole are subject to lobbying activity, specific provisions where CCLA is advocating amendments can be found in our public brief to the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (LCJC). Bill C-27, the Digital Charter Implementation Act. Lobbying around the private-sector privacy and artificial intelligence portions of the bill, with an intention to make these proposed legislations more respecting of privacy and human rights. Bill C-26, An Act respecting cybersecurity, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts. Lobbying around telecommunications and cybersecurity, with an intention of making proposed legislation more respecting of privacy and human rights. Bill C-20, An Act establishing the Public Complaints and Review Commission and amending certain Acts and statutory instruments. The content of the bill as a whole are subject to lobbying activity, specific provisions where CCLA is advocating amendments can be found in our public brief to the House Standing Committee on Public Safety and Security (SECU). Automated Sequestering of Criminal Records Legislation. The CCLA, as a member of the civil society entity the Fresh Start Coalition, is seeking the introduction of legislation creating legislation to automatically sequester criminal records.
Introduction to the Canadian Civil Liberties Association Meet with new senior officials to provide an introduction to CCLA staff, activities and priorites Bill C-36, An Act to enact the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act, respecting the need to include robust restrictions on private-sector handling of personal data and on the adoption and use of artificial intelligence tools to ensure protection of privacy and human rights. Bill C-34, An Act to enact the Digital Safety Act and the Digital Safety Commission of Canada Act, with respect to state-compelled limitations on free speech on social media, generative AI, and other online services, imposition of age verification requirements onto various online services, and compliance of the proposal with freedom of expression and privacy rights. Bill C-2, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures, with respect to legal standards for peace officers/CSIS to obtain information, a proposed regime to require surveillance-enabled digital services, cross-border information sharing (which are also replicated in Bill C-22, An Act respecting lawful access), and amendments to IRPA that would impact refugee protection and permit categorical cancellation of documents, and which are also replicated in Bill C-12, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canadas borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures. The federal government's adoption of a public registry for its use of artificial intelligence tools, and how to improve the utility of this registry as a government accountability tool. Bill C-4, An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure, and Bill C-25, An Act respecting the Canada Elections Act and to enact An Act to change the names of certain electoral districts, 2026 with respect to the information privacy framework applicable to federal political parties. Bill C-8, An Act respecting cybersecurity, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts. Lobbying around telecommunications and cybersecurity, with an intention of making proposed legislation more respecting of privacy and human rights. Bill C-15, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025, and concerns regarding Part 5, Division 5, of that Bill and its proposed introduction of a "Henry the VIII" clause that would empower the government to exempt private and public entities from the application of federal laws. Bill C-16, Protecting Victims Act. Charter and civil liberties concerns about the legislation, particularly in relation to impact on s. 11(b) of the Charter. Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places), and specifically that its new anti-protests provisions risk criminalizing peaceful protestors; its problematic removal of Attorney General consent requirement for hate propaganda charges; that its new standalone hate crime offence is unduly stigmatizing and paves the way to excessive sentences; that its proposed definition of hatred does not align with Supreme Court of Canada precedents; and concerns regarding the addition of a "promotion of terrorism" offence. The civil liberties implications of forced detox under the Protective Detention and Care of Intoxicated Persons Act, SM 2025, c 49. Consultation on prospective amendments to the Criminal Code related to offences against children. Prospective amendments to the Criminal Code related to mandatory minimum sentences and remedies for violations of s. 11(b) of the Charter. Bill S-209, An Act to restrict young persons online access to pornographic material, regarding the privacy implications of a proposed age verification requirement that would be imposed by the Bill on online enti
Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities
3Business Risk Management Programs: Ensure program design and delivery effectively meet the needs of both new and established agricultural producers, with supports that reduce operational risk and assist the long-term stability of agriculture producers. Livestock traceability: Ensuring agricultural stakeholders are engaged in the early development of legislative and regulatory changes to address cost pressures, implementation feasibility, and regulatory burden. Bill C-273 An Act to Amend the Feeds Act, the Fertilizers Act, the Seeds Act, the Pest Control Act and the Food and Drugs Act: to ensure it give farmers faster access to safe and reliable new technologically advanced products or more crop input options. Bill S-238: An Act to enact the Climate-Aligned Finance Act and to make related amendments to other Acts – climate-aligned financial reporting will be a cost burden for agricultural producers, local municipal governments and small businesses in rural Saskatchewan. Agriculture-advocating on policies with regards to research and technology that drives innovation, maximizing productivity, and/or ensuring the sustainability of food systems. National Highway Funding - the need for a dedicated and permanent funding model. Infrastructure: The importance of dedicated funding for rural municipal infrastructure projects to Canada's economy. Firearms: Participating in consultations on reducing rural crime and policy consultations to acts, regulations and programs relative to the possession, acquisition of firearms and disposal of firearms. Emission reductions - Focus on the agricultural practices in Saskatchewan that are contributing to carbon emission reductions while improving the competitiveness and profit of producers. Emergency Management - concerns that rural municipalities have with respect to obtaining operational and capital funding for training, equipment and infrastructure for rural Saskatchewan emergency responders. Critical Minerals - The importance to rural economic development, future energy needs, the economy and agricultural producers in Saskatchewan as well the importance to the Canadian economy and to global food security. Telecommunications: Radio license fees and renewals for public safety responders- discuss the importance for radio license fees and renewals to be at reasonable rates for volunteer emergency responders. Bill C-2: An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures. Concerns over wait times, drug trafficking, immigration, and funding. Bill S-230: An Act respecting the development of a natural strategy for soil health protection, conservation and enhancement. The importance of working with municipal governments when determining a national strategy. Water treatment systems; alternative water treatment technologies continue to be explored to allow options for rural municipalities. Water Infrastructure – the need for funding to develop and enhance water storage, conservation and distribution infrastructure for potable and non-potable water. Vaccines: SARM would like more federal investments into VIDO here in Saskatchewan for vaccine development, research and storage. Trade Agreements: Canada European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, (CETA) and Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), our request is to better international trade for agriculture producers. The Rural Municipal (RM) Tax Loss Compensation Fund and the Rural Municipal Specific Claims Tax Loss Compensation Fund, which are tied to the Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement, continue to decrease in funds and is unsustainable without municipalities absorbing significant reduction in monies from the Funds. The Agreement need to be reviewed. Species at Risk Act (SARA) - providing input on consultations to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada and amendments to SARA. Rural Health
Business Risk Management Programs: Ensure program design and delivery effectively meet the needs of both new and established agricultural producers, with supports that reduce operational risk and assist the long-term stability of agriculture producers. Livestock traceability: Ensuring agricultural stakeholders are engaged in the early development of legislative and regulatory changes to address cost pressures, implementation feasibility, and regulatory burden. Bill C-273 An Act to Amend the Feeds Act, the Fertilizers Act, the Seeds Act, the Pest Control Act and the Food and Drugs Act: to ensure it give farmers faster access to safe and reliable new technologically advanced products or more crop input options. Bill S-238: An Act to enact the Climate-Aligned Finance Act and to make related amendments to other Acts – climate-aligned financial reporting will be a cost burden for agricultural producers, local municipal governments and small businesses in rural Saskatchewan. Agriculture-advocating on policies with regards to research and technology that drives innovation, maximizing productivity, and/or ensuring the sustainability of food systems. Irrigation infrastructure for agriculture in Saskatchewan. Need a joint infrastructure agreement with Saskatchewan. National Highway Funding - the need for a dedicated and permanent funding model. Infrastructure: The importance of dedicated funding for rural municipal infrastructure projects to Canada's economy. Firearms: Participating in consultations on reducing rural crime and policy consultations to acts, regulations and programs relative to the possession, acquisition of firearms and disposal of firearms. Emission reductions - Focus on the agricultural practices in Saskatchewan that are contributing to carbon emission reductions while improving the competitiveness and profit of producers. Emergency Management - concerns that rural municipalities have with respect to obtaining operational and capital funding for training, equipment and infrastructure for rural Saskatchewan emergency responders. Critical Minerals - The importance to rural economic development, future energy needs, the economy and agricultural producers in Saskatchewan as well the importance to the Canadian economy and to global food security. Telecommunications: Radio license fees and renewals for public safety responders- discuss the importance for radio license fees and renewals to be at reasonable rates for volunteer emergency responders. Bill C-2: An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures. Concerns over wait times, drug trafficking, immigration, and funding. Bill S-230: An Act respecting the development of a natural strategy for soil health protection, conservation and enhancement. The importance of working with municipal governments when determining a national strategy. Water treatment systems; alternative water treatment technologies continue to be explored to allow options for rural municipalities. Water Infrastructure – the need for funding to develop and enhance water storage, conservation and distribution infrastructure for potable and non-potable water. Vaccines: SARM would like more federal investments into VIDO here in Saskatchewan for vaccine development, research and storage. Trade Agreements: Canada European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, (CETA) and Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), our request is to better international trade for agriculture producers. The Rural Municipal (RM) Tax Loss Compensation Fund and the Rural Municipal Specific Claims Tax Loss Compensation Fund, which are tied to the Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement, continue to decrease in funds and is unsustainable without municipalities absorbing significant reduction in monies from the Funds. The Agreement need to be reviewed. Species at Risk Act (SARA) - providing input o
Amazon Canada Fulfillment Services, ULC
1Work with government to promote and support Canadas digital economy, including ensuring the availability of a high-skilled tech workforce. Work with government to facilitate the process of selling goods and services online, and delivering them to consumers.
Amazon Web Services Canada
1Seeking clarity on Part 2 of Bill C-22 – Supporting Authorized Access to Information Act – including technical capabilities regarding electronic service provider compliance Seeking government contract with multiple government departments and institutions with regards to Amazon Cloud based solutions and related support services. Communicating with the Government of Canada about Bill C-2 (An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures). AWS Canada is seeking government contracts with the Department of National Defence and other National Security Agencies with regard to Amazon Cloud-based solutions and related support services. Communicating with the Government of Canada about the bill formerly known as C-27 (Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022), more specifically the creation of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act. Seeking to influence policy direction related to cloud based services. Communicating with the Government of Canada about Bill C-8 (An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts). Work with government to promote and support Canadas digital economy, including advocating for the development of a high-skilled tech workforce.
NorthStar Public Affairs
Canadian Produce Marketing Association
1Sustainability - Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), In relation to sustainable packaging policies and their impact on the fresh produce supply chain Sustainable Agriculture Strategy - Policies to support the adoption of more environmentally sustainable practices across the fresh produce supply chain National School Food Program - Improve and increase access to the nutritious food all students need and supporting food insecure households National Food Security Strategy– in respect of strengthening the systems that support the safe, timely movement and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetable products across Canadas borders and domestic supply chains. Federal Budget 2025 - specifically related to measures of relevance and impact to the fresh produce supply chain. Red Tape Review - Federal department efforts under Treasury Board's Red Tape Review initiative. Grocery Sector Code of Conduct - including the development and implementation of the voluntary code to support fair business practices in the fresh produce sector. International trade, including opportunities for export and import market diversification in the fresh produce sector. Measures to facilitate internal trade in Canada, including through Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act. Canada-U.S. trade and Canada's response to U.S. trade action against Canada, including tariffs. Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Safe Foods for Canadians Regulations - Labelling. In relation to addressing industry challenges in the application of labelling requirements. Supply Chains Act - in relation to providing necessary supports to industry to effectively address and eradicate forced labour. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Destination Inspection Service - In relation to ensuring consistent and efficient CFIA service model for delivery of enhanced destination inspection for produce. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grades. In respect of the maintenance and modification of Canadian grade standards. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Organic. In respect to the Canadian Organic Regime and the Canadian Organic Standards. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program - In relation to enabling a sufficient workforce to support domestic fruit and vegetable production. Temporary Foreign Worker Program - In relation to enabling a sufficient workforce to support domestic fruit and vegetable production. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - In respect to supporting the development and implementation of a safe food supply chain while ensuring efficient and consistent licensing and inspection requirements and streamlined regulations for industry. Safe Food for Canadians Act. In respect of managing risk to food safety and supporting a safe food system for Canada. Ports Modernization Review - In respect to ensuring that ports are well positioned to facilitate the free flow of goods and enabling uninterrupted trade. Plant Protection Act & Regulations. In respect to consistent delivery by CFIA of plant health regulations. Pest Control Products Act - Pesticide Residue Tolerances - In respect of international harmonization of maximum and default residue limits (mrls). National Supply Chain Strategy - in respect of supporting the smooth movement of fresh fruit and vegetable products across the Canadian border and throughout the country. Health Canada Food & Nutrition - A cooperative approach between government and industry / NGOs to support increased health of Canadians via focus on childhood obesity, establishment of nutrient database, harmonization between Canada and US of health claims, health & nutrition labelling, and consumer food safety education. Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act and accompanying regulations - In respect to rebates for the greenhouse industry, expanding the definition of farming and ensuring consistency, and in providing an exemption in the Act and/or regulations for diesel and propane as well as heating and
Chemistry Industry Association of Canada
1Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance Program: making it permanent or extending it to align with Canadas ITCs for emissions reduction. Water policy in terms of providing input on the impact of chemical manufacturing operations and the substances used/produced by the industry Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act: providing input related to the Transportation Code contained in the chemical industry's Responsible Care® Ethic and the safe management of chemicals in transport Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Credit: providing input on its applicability to research in the chemical industry Occupational Health and Safety Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) and Globally Harmonized System (GHS): input on the impact of the chemical industry within the context of the Responsible Care® Ethic Impact of Carbon Pricing or emission intensity criteria on industry. Environmental Policy: input on chemical manufacturing operations and the substances produced and used by the industry Energy Policy: greater federal/provincial alignment on energy policies and streamlined environmental assessments for energy projects. Economic and Fiscal Policy: input on federal financial and tax issues Competition Act: impact of federal policies on the competitiveness of the Canadian chemical and plastic industries; Bill C-59 and amendments to greenwashing provisions. Concerns regarding climate change policies: impact of carbon pricing and emissions criteria on the industry. Climate Change Policy: input on federal federal strategies and processes to address greenhouse gas emissions Clean Air Regulatory Framework and Comprehensive Air Management System: Impact on the chemical and plastic industries. Chemical Industry Statistics: Data related to the chemical and plastic industries. Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA): Application to substances produced or used in the chemical and plastic industries. Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and Regulations: impact on assessments of projects in the chemical and plastic industries. Canada Transportation Act: provisions related to railways and impact on the Canadian chemical and the plastic industries. Bill S-5 An Act to Amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999, to make related amendments to the Food and Drugs Act and to repeal the Perfluorooctane Sulfonate Virtual Elimination Act (CEPA Modernization). Key areas: changes to the assessment and management of Chemicals and Products; the Right to a Healthy Environment; the protection of Vulnerable Populations; the creation of a "Watch List" for chemical substances; and the protection of confidential business information. Amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to remove plastic manufactured items from the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1 – Bill C-380 International Trade Issues associated with cross border trade between Canada and the USA. This includes negotiations with the USA on the implementation of the Canada, US, Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and other trade agreements including the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). World Trade Organization (WTO) and regional free trade negotiations and policies in terms of providing input on the impact of exports and imports in Canada. Marine Policy in terms of providing input on chemical emergency response plans Impact of Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) on industrial operations in Canada Federal government plan to set explicit targets for diverting plastic waste and eliminate the unnecessary use of single-use plastics in government operations Amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act relating to the export of plastic waste – Bill S-234
Ethical Capital Partners
1Supporting government with their Buy Canadian procurement plan designed to build a stronger homegrown military industrial base. The federal government stated clearly that this commitment to Canadas defences cannot be done by government alone, they are calling on industry to step up. Supporting government and law enforcement in our shared commitment to child protection and intimate image security.
Independent Jewish Voices Canada
1Strengthening monitoring and enforcement mechanisms as they pertain to charities engaged in supporting non-charitable and/or illegal activities, including support for Israel's military and illegal settlements in occupied territory. Cancellation of the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement for being in violation of international law and in contradiction to Canadas recognition of Palestinian statehood. Regarding possible government actions, including studies, to follow up on Palestinian statehood recognition, promote Palestinian human rights, and hold Israel accountable for human rights violations Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture as it relates to antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism. Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy and associated policies and programs, as they relate to efforts to fight antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism. The imposition of sanctions on the State of Israel under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA), including the Extremist Settler Violence Regulations, on account of its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory and other gross violations of international law. Bill C233 and other efforts to close the US Loophole in the Export and Import Permits Act, which allows Canadian arms and components to reach third-party states without adequate oversight and transparency.