Stephen Scheidl

Transportation - long-term strategic transportation policy and trade corridors. Talent and Immigration- The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada is advocating for a review of immigration policies and processes to facilitate the global recruitment of specialized roles by consulting engineering firms that support innovation and infrastructure project delivery, as experienced engineers and technical specialists are critical for the delivery of complex projects. Additionally, delays in work permit processing for foreign students graduating from Canadian engineering programs and restrictions on Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility is limiting graduates. Additionally, caps on international students is impacting programs of engineering faculties and the capacity of the future talent pipeline. Major Projects: Coordinated and timely approval of major infrastructure and resource projects. Infrastructure: The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada is advocating that a long-term sustainable infrastructure programs be created to provide better value to taxpayers. In particular, funding for Communities and Infrastructure, Defence Construction Canada and Public Works and Government Services Canada are of interest. ACEC is also interested in the investment, delivery and renewal of Crown-owned infrastructure and real property assets. Unintended impact of bilingualism requirements on public procurement. International Trade - ensure that international trade agreements respect engineering services as a professional service, rather than a commodity. Government Procurement - The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada is advocating that Treasury Board, government departments and agencies, change the policy by which it procures consulting engineering services. Use of Qualifications-Based Selection procurement policy is recommended. Economic Development - ACEC is looking to encourage government departments to develop infrastructure investment programs that will sustain and grow the expertise and capacity of the Canadian consulting engineering sector in order to make it more competitive and to provide long-term value to tax-payers. Budget - monitoring government infrastructure investment on behalf of our members. This includes ongoing and new programs. Lobbying for a long-term and sustainable level on infrastructure funding that focuses on value term value rather than short term expenditures.

Establishing a Federal Co-operative Investment Plan, inspired by the one in Quebec. Educating Parliamentarians, staffers and public servants on the co-operative model, the advantages and challenges faced by co-ops. Lack of awareness causes oversight and issues in programs and policies, when co-operatives should have access to the Business support and other programs offered by, or supported by, the government. Ensuring increased support to co-operatives and social enterprises, as underserved business models, by the BDC. As per the recent Legislative Review, co-operatives are significantly underserved by the BDC. Carbon Rebate for Small Business - Ensuring that co-operatives and credit unions are qualify, as they are currently excluded. Discuss the pro-active inclusion of co-operatives and social enterprises, in the procurement process. CMC would like co-operatives to be both eligible and prioritized in government procurement programs. Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy. Advocating for renewal of commitments related to the Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy, such as the Investment Readiness Program and SISF-related funding for co-operatives. Promoting Business Conversions to Co-operatives as a means of safeguarding jobs and economic drivers in communities Harmonizing tax rules and incentives related to Employee-Ownership Trusts, to ensure that business succession (conversions) to employee-owned worker co-operatives are eligible. To review and propose possible changes to the Canadian Co-operative Act To promote the renewal of the Tax-deferred Co-operative Share Program to help agricultural co-operatives meet their capitalization needs and remain a viable option for agribusinesses while allowing Canadian co-operatives to be stronger in the face of international competitors. To expand the definitions and exemption criteria so that all qualifying co-operatives can remain eligible for the Small Business Deduction (SBD). Support or investment in the Canadian Co-operative Investment Fund which provides patient capital and lending to finance the capitalization of new and emerging co-operatives. The fund exists and was set up with $25 million from the co-operative sector. Review and propose changes to the Income Tax Act, in terms of the treatment of Indivisible Reserves in co-operatives. Amounts earmarked for Indivisible resserves cannot return to members and as such those amounts are thus outside the governments' definition of "for-profit", Investments in co-operative-led programs to provide bridges to employment, support entrepreneurship, safeguard local businesses, create jobs and make life more affordable for Canadians, in particular women, newcomers, Indigenous people, youth, and Canadians living in rural communities. Establishing a Canadian Co-operative Capacity Building Program (CCBP) equipped with federal funding to help co-operatives either start up, scale up, gain skills and expertise, and or prepare for their next steps.

"Restoring Apprenticeship Supports" Seeking training support, as seen through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant, and encouraging the Government to restore and new training investment programs to better support the skilled trades. "Raising Awareness" Highlighting Local 787's critical role in Canada's economy and communities to ensure that the Government delivers meaningful policies that specifically promote skilled trades and safer workplaces.