Trevor Todd

Discussions with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and other relevant departments and agencies regarding the role of universities in supporting federal innovation initiatives, policies and programs. Advocacy to secure federal support to develop and upgrade university infrastructure, including but not limited to research and learning facilities, digital infrastructure, and transit infrastructure. Advocacy to increase support for university research, including research funding and granting programs administered by the tri-agencies (SSHRC, NSERC and CIHR) and other departments and agencies. Advocacy to improve immigration policies and programs for university students, faculty and staff. Advocacy to ensure that proposals to develop or amend federal legislation, regulations, policies or programs that directly or indirectly impact the post-secondary system reflect the needs of universities and support our research and education mission. Advocacy to enhance support for university research mobilization and commercialization activities. Advocacy to enhance student supports, including but not limited to Canada Student Grants and Loans, the Canada Graduate Scholarship Program, supports for Indigenous students, and work-integrated learning programs.

The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) is engaging with government officials to discuss the alignment between CCI’s priorities and the federal government’s efforts to foster innovation in Canada. These discussions focus on ensuring that government programs and policies effectively support high-growth Canadian technology firms and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem. Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy: advocacy was focused on bringing domestic firms into the value chain through policies and measures that provide equal opportunity for Canadian Head Quartered companies. Discussion on the intangible economy, SR&ED, and economic growth as it relates to domestic expenditures for intellectual property filing, as well as a focus on small and medium-sized companies. US Trade - discussed Tariffs and handling of Canada US Mexico Trade Agreement. Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy. Small Business and Tourism, Changes to Canadian Export Program (CanExport) so it allows more technology companies to apply Procurement – Changes to Request for Proposal (RFP) process to break down large bundles into smaller amounts for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) can apply Health Canada: advocate for an increase of resources for Therapeutics Canada for them to speed up processing times and efficiencies within their department; create working groups and framework with industry leaders and health Canada on digital and data health, and create a therapeutics working group with industry and health Canada. Finance – Changes to Scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) tax incentive program to make the process easier for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) to apply and report on the current program, to further increase the maximum a SME can apply for Export Development Canada (EDC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy. Environment and Climate Change Canada, give input and feedback on the PanCanada Framework, Canada-China agreement for scientific and technological cooperation, and the relationship between Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emitters & CO2 Reducers. Our focus is on involving Canadian high-growth firms in the policies and programs the government is working on regarding climate change and the greening of government. Discussions on international trade, specifically on the North American Free Trade Agreement with respect to data localisation, labour mobility and tariffs. Defence & Security: advocate for a domestic-focused cybersecurity ecosystem that has Canadian companies at the centre of a national cybersecurity defence policy. Citizenship and immigration – Change the current work visa time lines, seek changes to the the Labour Market Impact Assessment for expatiating and a faster process Changes to Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) to make the process easier for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) to apply and report on the current program, to Increase the maximum amount a SME can apply for Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - changes to (scientific research and experimental development) SR&ED program with how it is administered and reviewed. Discussed companies SR&ED claims and issues with their processing. Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy.

Seeking government support through repayable or non-repayable contributions towards the First Nation's acquisition of a company.

The Vancouver Maritime Museum wants to raise funding for one of their museum exhibits

Seeking government support through repayable or non-repayable contributions towards economic and environmental reconciliation including potential business development and acquisitions.

Seek ways for Metis Artists in British Columbia can participate in the diplomatic gifting program and ensure government buildings include metis art in their buildings. Negotiate revisions to the terms of reference for the Recognitions of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination table. Ensure the Government of Canada continues to engage Metis Nation British Columbia in advancing self government discussions. Additionally, provide updates to government officials on the research work being done across British Columbia to advance self government discussions. Seek adequate funding for housing, education, child services and cultural programs. Seek ways to participate and advance Metis Nation British Columbia housing priorities through Build Canada Homes. Seek opportunities and engagement on the development of the Major Projects Office. Additionally, ensure Metis business in British Columbia are included in the procurement opportunities that flow from Major Projects initiated in British Columbia. Seek understanding and adequate funding supports on programs that will help Metis women and LGBTQ community in BC. Understand what supports are available for adoption of digital governance and seek federal funding for updates and adoption of digital governance. Ensure the Indigenous Justice Strategy includes perspectives from the Metis Nation British Columbia. Ensure MNBC is included in the program delivery stream of the National School Food Program. Lead the negotiations for a self government agreement.

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.

Work with the various government programs that support accessibility, inclusion, and a world without barriers, particularly in the built environment around an accessibility Certification Program which will assess and rate the built environment of Canada against a common standard (example Canadian Standards Association). Work with the Government of Canada to seek funding and support for RHF national initiatives designed to educate and engage Canadians about the importance of promoting accessibility, in coordination with National AccessAbility Week. Work with the Government of Canada to provide leadership in salmon and sturgeon conservation and related initiatives and research. Work with the Government of Canada to promote the Rick Hansen School Program to promote the adoption of this already existing program in every school in Canada. Work with Government of Canada to endorse and support the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Program Program as the national standard to assess and certify the built environment. Communication with the Government of Canada, to keep them informed of the use and outcomes of their investment in spinal cord injury research, as well as the outcomes of any projects around which we collaborate in order to maintain funding and to seek future funding.

Discussions regarding universities' role in science diplomacy and export development opportunities Discussions regarding Canada's defence industrial strategy and related programs Advocacy to maintain and enhance funding of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and Canada Foundation for Innovation. Advocacy to secure federal support to develop and upgrade university infrastructure, including but not limited to research and learning facilities, digital infrastructure, and transit infrastructure Discussion regarding support for Indigenous post-secondary students, faculty and staff Discussion regarding research and development, infrastructure initiatives and investments in the area of agri-tech Discussion regarding research and development, infrastructure initiatives and investments in clean and conventional energy, and critical minerals Advocacy to improve immigration policies and programs for students, faculty and staff Discussion regarding research and development, infrastructure initiatives and investments in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI), quantum, and dual-use technologies Discussion regarding increasing training pipelines and work integrated learning opportunities for students in the federal government

National Adaptation Strategy in relation to Action #1 Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative to creating a program to establish a Centre of Excellence for Wildland Fire Innovation and Resilience to fund related activities including support for mobilizing knowledge, increasing uptake of innovations in technology and training, supporting Indigenous fire stewardship, and help strengthening wildland fire management in Canada. Creation of, expansion of, and renewal of potential infrastructure; and research and development initiatives and investments Changes to the International Student Program and the Post-Graduate Work Permit criteria.