Soren Halverson
Special Advisor to the Deputy Minister, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)·3 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada)
6Discussions regarding international recognition and mobility of holders of Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designations. To discuss the withdrawal notices issued by CPA Ontario and CPA Quebec. The progress of free trade negotiations and the implementation of free trade agreements as they relate to the provision of professional services and the movement of businesspeople and service providers. Tax simplification/reform, involving discussions with the federal government to undertake a comprehensive review of Canada's tax system to reduce its complexities and inefficiencies. Representation to government with a focus on enhancing services and tax administration to ensure a well-running tax system for Canada. Recommendations for improvements to regulations affecting the operation of Canada's capital markets and reporting, disclosure and verification of information used by these markets Providing recommendations to the government on a proposed digital services tax. Programs related to the labour market for increased participation and inclusion. Programs related to international education, including recruitment of international students to Canada and delivery of education programs and services to international markets. Programs or services to assist in growing and advancing accounting education, professionalization and standard-setting in developing countries, including federal funding and grants to encourage same. Policy advice regarding skills training and programs to address future labour market needs. Policy advice regarding recruitment and integration of internationally trained professionals. Participation in, input and feedback provided to the Financial Action Task Forces Private Sector Consultative Forum. Interested in working with the federal government on financial capacity building in indigenous communities through financial literacy and increasing the number of indigenous finance professionals. Interested in working with federal government on programs and other initiatives with regard to financial literacy Federal government budgets with respect to tax and fiscal policy measures. Dual-designation certification program (CMA/CPFA) for public servants. CPFA is a British-based designation that is now offered with CMA to all levels of government in Canada. CMA is a Certified Management Accountant and CPFA is a Certified Public Finance Accountant. Discussion with government officials in the context of the Learning and Development Stakeholder Advisory Group. Discussion with government officials in the context of a planned review of standard setting in Canada. Discussions with the federal government on various aspects of the Income Tax Act to provide technical expertise that will ensure that tax-related legislation achieves its intended purpose and does not inadvertently affect taxpayers that it was not supposed to impact. Discussions with the federal government on various aspects of the Excise Tax Act to provide technical expertise that will ensure that tax-related legislation achieves its intended purpose. Discussions with the federal government concerning Bill C-27, the Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022. Discussions with the federal government about funding to support standard-setting in Canada through the creation of a Canadian Sustainability Standards Board. Discussions with the federal government about climate related financial disclosures for the purpose of enhancing climate related risk disclosure in both public sector and private sector financial reporting. Discussions with government officials about public sector employment opportunities and international accountancy members and standard-setting bodies. Discussions with government as it relates to the Senates internal and external audits and related matters. Discussions with Canada Revenue Agency with respect to education/training for taxpayers/tax practitioners. CPA Canadas involvement with the Plenary, associated Working Groups and other Comm
Kiwetinohk Energy
4Clean Electricity Regulations - discussing the regulations, including technical feasibility, costs, competitive impacts, emissions reductions Strategic Innovation Fund funding - discussing potential eligibility of company projects for funding. Regulations Respecting Reduction in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (Upstream Oil and Gas Sector) - discussing company methane performance and opportunities for government to support further methane reductions from industry Energy Innovation Program funding - discussing company application to program for funding. Clean Tech, Clean Electricity and Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credits - providing feedback to government on the criteria required for program eligibility
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
3Trade - Engagement with government with respect to the consultation re. surtax on critical manufacturing sectors. And more broadly, engagement respect to economic security and trade policy design. Infrastructure - Advocating for the federal government to support the clean energy transition with payments for transmission to the provinces. Infrastructure - Expansion of Canada Infrastructure Bank Clean Power Fund Housing - Implementation of CMHC Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program Government Procurement - Implementation on greening government commitments to procure renewable energy Program for Deployment of Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Systems Energy - Advocate for support for clean technology and green hydrogen through Investment Tax Credits and capital cost reductions in order to accelerate deployment of these technologies while striving to meet Canada's net-zero goals.
The proposed amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and other Acts as put forward in Getting Major Projects Built in Canada Discussion Paper. Inform federal discussions on how to promote a sustainable domestic clean technology manufacturing industry. Inform amendments to Canada's Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits that support the further deployment of renewable energy and energy storage. Inform the further development of Canada's carbon pricing trajectory, and fix the benchmark and improve the backstop for Canada's GreenhouseGas Pollution Pricing Act. Providing advice on policy measures and improvements to increase Canada's investability in renewable energy sector Providing input on the federal government's new measures to protect and transform Canadas steel and lumber industries Development of a fund or program to provide access to low cost capital for Canadians wishing to purchase and install residential photovoltaic solar and energy storage. Providing advice on Canada's Clean Electricity Strategy, specifically offering input that would accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and energy storage both in front of the meter and behind the meter. Advocating for policies that would encourage the development of a stronger domestic supply chain for the renewable energy and energy storage sectors. Development of financial mechanisms to increase Indigenous communities' and companies' ability to access the capital required to develop renewable energy and energy storage projects. Canada's response to the US Industry and Security Bureau's Notice of Request for Public Comments on Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Wind Turbines and Their Parts and Components
Sussex Strategy Group
ELECTRICITY CANADA
3Wildfires- In respect to the increasing threat of wildfires and measures to ensure protection, mitigation, and prevention of damage to critical electricity infrastructure. Bill C-8 (45-1), with respect to potential cybersecurity requirements on electricity operators. International trade, with respect to direct electricity trade and the trade of goods necessary for electricity infrastructure. Inclusive of foreign and domestic tariffs impacting the Canadian electricity industry. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, in respect to infrastructure development. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency's directive on the phase-out of Pentachlorophenol, with respect to timelines for a responsible depletion of stock to reduce grid reliability and environmental risk. Telecommunications Act, in respect to the Telecommunications policy review and electricity support structures and spectrum management as they may be applicable to the advent of a smart grid. Strategic Innovation Fund, in respect to the application process, the scope of the fund, and Net Zero Accelerator. Statutory Review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), including but not limited to GHG regulations under CEPA 1999 such as the proposed Carbon Dioxide from Natural Gas-Fired Electricity Regulations, and the proposed amendment to the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-Fired Electricity Production Regulations. Species at Risk Act, in respect to the management of habitat, and species at risk in relation to the generation and transmission of electricity; and stewardship policies and programs with on-going efforts to streamline and clarify regulatory process, in relation to electricity industry plans to address the need for new infrastructure development to meet growing demand for electricity and replacing aging electricity assets. Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) - We are seeking to support Beyond Visual Line of Site (BVLOS) operations for RPAS in Canada for our members. RPAS are a cost-effective and safe way of examining linear features like transmission lines. Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) - We are seeking to determine a process by which critical infrastructure owners or operators can apply to have Class F restricted airspace designated over their sites. The purpose is to discourage RPAS operations (or other unwanted aircraft) over critical infrastructure, especially in the energy sector. Radiation Emitting Devices Act, in respect to the potential health effects of electric and magnetic fields (EMF). National Security Policy, in respect to security standards for facilities used for the international trade of electricity, and reliability standards. National Security Policy, in respect to pandemic planning and a national plan for the use of anti-virals, and activities pertaining to threat and risk assessments, security clearances, exercises and drills. National benefits-sharing framework, with respect to major electricity resource projects. Migratory Birds Convention Act, in respect to the management of habitat, species at risk and migratory birds in relation to the generation and transmission of electricity; and stewardship policies and programs with an on-going efforts to streamline and clarify regulatory process, in relation to electricity industry plans to address the need for new infrastructure development to meet growing demand for electricity and replacing aging electricity assets, as well as enabling the maintenance and operations of existing infrastructure. Investment tax credit proposals, with respect to incentives for certain types of renewable and clean energy technologies, including energy storage, hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and small modular reactors (SMRs). Impact Assessment Act, formerly known as Bill C-69, "An Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequenti
Alcoa Canada Co.
2Discussions on measures to support the competitiveness of the Canadian aluminum industry in the current trade climate. Propose changes to the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit to support green transition projects in the manufacturing sector. Promouvoir le développement de nouvelles technologies de production d'aluminium au Canada. Discussion on the design of potential future carbon border adjustment mechanism in Canada. Discussion on CUSMA implementation and impacts of trade barriers (ie 232 tariffs) for market access to the US of Canadian aluminum Démarche avec le Fonds Stratégique pour lInnovation concernant le projet de technologie avancée de fusion daluminium. Demande de financement pour le développement de nouvelles technologies de production d'aluminium au Canada. Sources de financement à déterminer.
Representations to inform the government of opportunities for new aluminum production technologies that could be developed in Canada through the Strategic Innovation Fund. Meetings with the federal government on the various trade agreements (North American Free Trade Agreement, Canada-China bilateral trade)
PAA Advisors | Conseils
AltaLink Management
2Data center integration including grid-connected opportunities to reduce costs of the energy transition. Commenting on potential changes to Migratory Bird Regulations. Promoting measures that facilitate intertie development, including: clarifying the governance of interprovincial electricity transmission; implementing a one permit, one approval framework; encouraging provinces and territories to develop inter-regional transmission infrastructure; creating a national or regional energy strategy to identify potential trade corridors and projects of strategic importance of common interest; and providing financial support to interprovincial transmission projects. Communicating to: learn about Government of Canada initiatives related to climate change and GHG reduction; learn about electricity infrastructure and energy infrastructure; and discuss interties, energy storage and renewable energy generation, including how those tools can help Canada achieve net-zero clean electricity grid by 2050. Open-ended discussions regarding inter-jurisdictional electricity projects and system planning related to the Government of Canadas Clean Electricity Strategy. Engaging government stakeholders in discussions regarding wildfire risk in Alberta, including the development of a mitigation and response strategy in collaboration with affected or at-risk communities. Open-ended discussions regarding spectrum management and radio frequency planning. Requesting funding under the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program to be used towards a high voltage, grid-connected energy storage system, and transmission infrastructure that supports renewable energy development in Alberta. Requesting financial support for transmission infrastructure that supports renewable energy development in Alberta from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Open-ended discussions regarding the status of the Public Safety Broadband Network. Commenting on the investment tax credit of up to 30% for investments in clean technologies. Commenting on the proposed investment tax credit of up to 15% for investments in clean electricity. AltaLink is engaging government stakeholders regarding participating in the Clean Electricity Regulations consultation process to comment on issues such as performance standards, phase-in, facility operations, and end of life for emitting units. As a transmission facility owner in Alberta, we are looking for CER design that helps to achieve a net-zero grid while maintaining reliability and affordability of the system.
Cenovus Energy
2Transportation of Dangerous Goods (Land) related to proposed changes to TDG regulations and the impacts of Protective Direction No. 39 on the competitiveness of the oil and gas sector. The Canada Shipping Act with respect to safe marine transportation Technological innovation related to potential enhancement of Canada's research and innovation policy. This may include but is not limited to discussions regarding new or existing government programs supporting innovation and research in developing energy and cleaner energy (Clean Grown Program, Low Carbon Economy Challenge, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, etc.) Tax structure changes as applicable to the natural resource extraction industry, including tax structures to support emissions reduction investments. Seeking policy levers to improve the utility of emissions credit to support emissions reduction technology deployment, within the Clean Fuel Regulation and OBPS related policy frameworks. Support for West White Rose - Discussion of critical timelines for resumption of West White Rose/White Rose, status of federal/provincial discussions on support for the NL Offshore, including potential support for provincial government investment in West White Rose/White Rose Species at Risk Act with regards to conservation initiatives to protect species and habitat Seeking potential community infrastructure funding to support Cenovus's Indigenous Housing Initiative Regulatory discussions through CAPP - participation through the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) to discuss ways to make the Atlantic offshore oil and gas industry more competitive. Providing industry feedback on Impact Assessment Act relating to how Canada will assess major projects going forward, including the Project List, information requirements, time management regulations and the approach to assessment. Petroleum Research - Participating in meetings with government to collaborate with industry peers on research of benefit to industry and government in Newfoundland. Marine safety and spill response management and discussions around West Coast tanker moratorium Major Projects Management Office as they relate to their coordinating role in improving efficiency and overseeing major oil and gas projects Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Impact Assessment Act, the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, and the Navigation Protection Act, as they relate to cumulative effects assessments, environmental aspects of major oil and gas projects, and upstream greenhouse gas emissions and impacts on project assessments as well as discussions related to the implementation of environmental assessment processes. Greenhouse Gas Offshore Program - discussions with government regarding the development of potential greenhouse gas program related to offshore activities. Federal Real Property Act regarding resource exploration and drilling acitvity in a specific development area Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act implementation of the mandatory reporting standards for the extractive sector Exploring potential partnership with Federal Government in delivering 2B Trees Program Discussion with government regarding efficiency, effectiveness, cost, and safety of the Vancouver Metro Port Authority Discussion with government regarding accurate economic assumptions and calibration of economic models Discussion with government regarding accurate calibration of oil and gas emissions cap and related policies Discussions with regulator about how to improve and align combustion technical standards across provincial and federal jurisdictions Discussions with government seeking policy and funding support for joint gateway listing recommended environmental, social, and governance (ESG) suppliers Discussions with government seeking policy and funding support for a joint gateway listing recommended environmental, social, and governance (ESG) suppliers Discussions with Government regarding environme
Discussion regarding federal support for employment and training programs related to the industry. Discussion regarding Canada-US relations The Canada Shipping Act with respect to safe marine transportation Discussions regarding tax structure to support emissions reduction investments Species at Risk Act with regards to conservation initiatives to protect species and habitat Seeking potential community infrastructure funding to support Cenovus's Indigenous Housing Initiative Regulatory discussions through CAPP - participation through the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) to discuss ways to make the Atlantic offshore oil and gas industry more competitive. Petroleum Research - Participating in meetings with government to collaborate with industry peers on research of benefit to industry and government in Newfoundland. Discussion regarding Marine safety and spill response management Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Discussion regarding environmental assessment processes and requirements for major projects Discussions regarding Federal Real Property Act Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act implementation of the mandatory reporting standards for the extractive sector Discussion with Government regarding the Competition Act Discussion with government regarding efficiency, effectiveness, cost, and safety of the Vancouver Metro Port Authority Discussion with government regarding economic support for indigenous participation in infrastructure and energy projects Discussion with government regarding accurate economic assumptions and calibration of economic models Discussion with government regarding accurate calibration of emissions related policies Discussions with regulator about how to improve and align technical standards across provincial and federal jurisdictions Discussions with Government regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) Discussions with government regarding Atlantic Offshore Health and Safety Regulations Discussions with Government on policy levers to support emission reduction technologies Discussions regarding trade and infrastructure policies to support market access. Discussions regarding the Government of Canada's Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy with the goal of ensuring Canada's IP system fosters research and development in Canada Discussions regarding government support for Indigenous community requests of skills training programs, facilities, infrastructure, and housing Discussions about potential policy levers to enable pathways to net-zero Discussion regarding federal fuel charge rebates and associated tax treatments. Development of regulations and implementation framework to ensure the safe operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems for applications in oil and gas industry. Consultation on Federal/Provincial alignment of greenhouse gas policies. Areas of focus include cost of carbon, provincial equivalency, trading mechanisms, and compliance mechanisms. Discussions regarding Canadian Environmental Protection Act related to greenhouse gas and other air emissions. Discussions regarding policy changes on water and a possible Canadian Water Agency. Canadian Energy Strategy related to national level alignment on energy priorities Canada Wildlife Act with regards to the environmental impacts from mineral resources activities Bill C-26 Discussion with Government regarding effective and efficient design and implementation of Bill C-26 Aboriginal Constitutional and Treaty Rights in relation to aboriginal consultation policy pertaining to resource management
Hydro One
2The government of Canada is moving forward with robust, comprehensive climate change initiatives that may impact the organization and its sector. As a result, Hydro One is advocating for potential funding for electrification (specific funding programs have not been announced, however, the policy was announced in Budget 2021 and Budget 2022). Regulatory discussions regarding the Clean Electricity Standards being proposed by the Government of Canada As well as supporting Hydro One's engagement and advocacy on policy planning exercises, including the Pan Canadian Grid Council, and Regional Energy & Resource Tables, amongst others as further dialogues and consultations emerge. Economic Stimulus funding for transmission and broadband projects.
Increasing awareness of Hydro One's activities in the electricity sector and advocating for policy responses to increased electrification. We will be actively participating in regulatory discussions regarding the Clean Electricity Standards being proposed by the Government of Canada; Securing funding options to support rural broadband development Securing funding options to support electrification Securing funding options to support electricity transmission development Conducting outreach and advocacy to the Federal Government on: Electrification, Clean Energy Resources, a National Grid Council, Clean Emissions Standard ZEV Vehicles, Electricity Transmission Project Development, Joint Use of Electricity Infrastructure, Funding Mechanisms for Indigenous participation in transmission project ownership; Advocating for tax polices regarding the payment in lieu (PIL) regime associated with the selling of electricity assets. Advocating for removal of trade restrictions on imported products necessary for the energy transition and electricity reliability; Advocating for changes to the incoming regulations banning the use of Pentachlorophenol as a wood pole preservative;
Nukik
2Ongoing communications with federal government officials to raise awareness about the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link (a major inter-tie green infrastructure project to connect Nunavut to Canada's national electricity grid and bring fibre-optic to the region) and to secure the necessary funding for this nation-building project to proceed.
Seeking repayable and non-repayable contributions towards the development of the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link.
SUSSEX STRATEGY GROUP
TransAlta
2TransAlta participated in the Canada Electricity Advisory Council launched in 2023 by Minister Wilkinson. The Electricity Council will provide advice to the Minister of Natural Resources to accelerate investment, and promote sustainable, affordable and reliable electricity systems. The Councils work will cover both the reduction of emissions in the electricity sector needed to achieve net-zero by 2035 and the rapid growth of electricity generation needed to power a net-zero-emissions economy in 2050. Work with the government regarding the country's electricity sector, goals for continued leadership in clean energy policies, and support for partnerships between First Nations and industry. Advocate for a policy and regulatory environment that supports Canadian data sovereignty and the development of date centres in Canada.