Stephanie Jackson

National AI Strategy - Demonstrating the importance of work-integrated learning to drive Canada's national AI strategy and positioning Venture for Canada as a competitive delivery partner for the AI strategy's work-integrated learning objectives. ISED - distribution of VFC's Student-Led AI Deployment for SMEs policy brief, which provides a program model for AI-focused work-integrated learning placements within SMEs. Discussion around work-integrated learning programs, student-led AI adoption for small-to-medium sized enterprises, and Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition skills training programs. Provide updates and seek new opportunities that would support the launch of an Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Academy Canada Economic Development Quebec Regions - Seeking support / consultation or financial support in order to launch an Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Academy Program Prairies Economic Development Canada - Seeking funding from the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) stream to support the advancement of our Fellowship program in rural, remote and northern communities. Pacific Economic Development Canada - Seeking funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund for the advancement of our Fellowship program in the province. Ministry of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development - Seeking renewed funding support for Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) and the Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative (I-WIL) Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) - Seeking core funding support for Venture for Canada, and the renewal of the Student Work Placement Program and Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiatives. Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship - Seeking new funding support and partnerships for Venture for Canada to launch an International Students program pilot Ministry of Forgein Affairs - Seeking new funding support and partnerships with Global Affairs Canada to launch an International Students program pilot Ministry of Finance - Seeking funding renewal for the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) and Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiatives (I-WIL). Ministry of Employment, Future Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion - Maintain connections related to the delivery and renewal of the Student Work Placement Program and Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiatives Ministry of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism - Seeking new funding support for an Artist Entrepreneurship program pilot designed by Venture for Canada. Global Affairs Canada - Seeking new funding support and partnerships for Venture for Canada to launch an International Students program pilot and an international exchange program for Canadian students. Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency - Seeking renewed partial funding from the agency to support the advancement of our Fellowship program.

Provide updates and seek new opportunities that would support the launch of an Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Academy Canada Economic Development Quebec Regions - Seeking support / consultation or financial support in order to launch an Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Academy Program Prairies Economic Development Canada - Seeking funding from the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) stream to support the advancement of our Fellowship program in rural, remote and northern communities. Pacific Economic Development Canada - Seeking funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund for the advancement of our Fellowship program in the province. Ministry of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development - Seeking renewed funding support for Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) and the Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative (I-WIL) Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) - Seeking core funding support for Venture for Canada, and the renewal of the Student Work Placement Program and Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiatives. Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship - Seeking new funding support and partnerships for Venture for Canada to launch an International Students program pilot Ministry of Forgein Affairs - Seeking new funding support and partnerships with Global Affairs Canada to launch an International Students program pilot Ministry of Finance - Seeking funding renewal for the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) and Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiatives (I-WIL). Ministry of Employment, Future Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion - Maintain connections related to the delivery and renewal of the Student Work Placement Program and Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiatives Ministry of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism - Seeking new funding support for an Artist Entrepreneurship program pilot designed by Venture for Canada. Global Affairs Canada - Seeking new funding support and partnerships for Venture for Canada to launch an International Students program pilot and an international exchange program for Canadian students. Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency - Seeking renewed partial funding from the agency to support the advancement of our Fellowship program.

Seeking sustainable, long-term funding from the federal government in the form of a grant, for a training program for individuals from underserved communities in the information technology sector. The funds will be used to hire educators, pay salaries, and purchase equipment for the delivery of the program.

Discussion of upskilling cyber security capabilities within the workforce of law enforcement to combat domestic and transnational crime. A conversation regarding AI-focused data centre infrastructure in Canada, including dedicated sovereign capacity, to retain economic value, strengthen domestic innovation capacity, and reinforce Canada’s position as a global AI leader. Introduction to the Rogers' Cybersecure Catalyst's mandate and scope of work across cybersecurity training, entrepreneurship, research, policy development, and public education for individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations of all sizes. Discussion to support robust government regulation to curb harmful content, with calls for measures addressing online harms such as removing child sexual abuse material, labelling AI-generated content, and increasing parental controls. Discussion regarding the development of an AI Intelligence Unit to supplement the work of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology Measurement Program (TechStat) Briefed about community based seniors services sector. Discussed Aging with Dignity bilateral agreements. Suggested amendments on Bill C-16 about coercive control to include non-intimate partner relationships (relatives and caregivers) to ensure equal protection for older adults. Email with an endorsed letter supporting TMU's National Institute on Aging's proposal for amending the Canadian Pension Plan to implement a Pension Delay Guarantee policy Conversation about TMU's Creative School and the implications of Artificial Intelligence and workforce development, SME adoption, applied research, and sector-wide innovation in the creative sector Conversation about TMU's National Institute on Aging's proposal for amending the Canadian Pension Plan to implement a Pension Delay Guarantee policy Discussion about the innovation economy, emerging technology, and business adoption with government leaders as part of the Innovative Economy table with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Discussion of National Cyber Strategy and its integration with specific needs for small and medium businesses related to workforce development Discussion of cyber capacity building in Indo-Pacific Region and Latin America Conversation about innovation in housing as a follow-up to funding that was received from Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario for the Centre for Housing Innovation Conversation regarding the development and adaption dual-use technology Conversation about IP Clinic Program, specifically regarding client and student experiences within the program and about Canada’s IP landscape. Conversation with FedDev ON to discuss a funding proposal for building national defence capacity and a discussion about programming to include supporting ON based SMBs to position themselves to sell into Canadian defence supply chains Discussion to introduce the Diversity Institute and it's work to the policy team at WAGE Conversation about the Industrial Research Program with the new advisor to help with advice, connections, and to help with Canadian small and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity. Discussion about a potential project at TMU's School of Engineering Discussing artificial intelligence, adoption, and impacts on workforce skills/labour market. Conversation about veteran transition and mental health initiatives that the university offers Conversation about financial literacy and tax education research Conversation about arctic and northern community research Conversation about workforce development to drive innovation and collaboration in the labour market by developing digital solutions and fostering partnerships that enhance connectivity and inclusivity and creating Northern Ontario partnerships Conversation about the modernization of student financial aid and digital inclusion Discussion about school of medicine and health force expansion Conversation around capital funding and student housing Conversation about primar

Advocating for direct funding through the federal budget to support the organization's employment services, including job-matching and wrap-around supports. Setting up meetings to position ApprenticeSearch.com as a recipient of funding under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy's Canadian Apprenticeship Service, and the Skilled Trades Awareness Readiness Program.

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.

Seeking government funding and support to expand and deliver job and skills learning opportunities for learners across Canada to help Canadians of all ages obtain the skills they need for high quality jobs and help maximize labour force participation.