Vanessa Vermette

Proposed transparency reporting guidelines with respect to law enforcement requests for data. Procurement modernization, as it relates to the standards, terms, conditions and policies that underpin the Government of Canada's procurement of enterprise ICT products and services, including cloud-based services. Privacy policy as it relates to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, including the regulations thereunder. Policies or programs related to the regulation of digital platforms. Policies or programs related to the protection of Canadian democratic institutions and electoral systems. Policies or programs related to the increased cross-border transportation links connecting the Cascadia Innovation Corridor. Policies or programs related to technology and environmental sustainability. Policies or programs related to internet connectivity and broadband access. Policies or programs related to innovation, the digital economy and the adoption of information and communication technologies. Policies or programs as they relate to the development and applications of artificial intelligence and the ethical use of artificial intelligence, including facial recognition technology. Policies or programs as they relate to internet safety and online harms. Policies concerning the regulation of personal and sensitive information, including lawful access policies and cybersecurity. Policies concerning the promotion and development of computer science education and digital skills. Internet safety and security policy affecting information technology companies. Internet policy specifically the implementation of policy affecting the governance of the internet. Internet policy specifically as it relates to cybersecurity and national security. International trade as it relates to intellectual property and digital trade. Intellectual property and competition policy affecting information technology companies. Information and communications technology adoption, including cloud and AI technologies, by business and public sector entities. Immigration policy and programs as they relate to attracting and retaining high skilled global talent to Canada. Cybersecurity policy as it relates to the creation of international norms. Communicating with the Government of Canada about Bill C-27 (Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022), more specifically the creation of the Consumer Privacy Protection Act, the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act, and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act. Communicating with the Government of Canada about Bill C-26 (An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts). Communicating with the Government of Canada about Bill C-18 (An Act Respecting Online Communications Platforms), more specifically about the regulation of online content. Accessibility policy as it relates to the enactment of the Accessible Canada Act, including the establishment of the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization and the creation of IT standards.

Working with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to improve visa processing times, the Study Direct Stream program, and lower refusal rates for international students accepted to Canadian universities Lobbying to maintain fair dealing for education. Lobbying for an explicit exception for charities, not-for-profits and/or educational institutions to Canada’s Anti-Spam Law (CASL). Increased supports for Indigenous students seeking to access post-secondary education. Harmonization of immigration policies with regard to the improvement of study and work permit processing to identify areas where policies and procedures could be strengthened. Engaging with reviews of existing legislation covering charities to clarify how they apply to educational institutions. Engage with Statistics Canada regarding postsecondary education and research data collection and analysis with particular attention to the University and College Academic Staff System survey and labour market information. Engage with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada regarding the role of universities in supporting innovation through the full suite of innovation initiatives (eg. Superclusters, economic sector tables, Innovation Canada, knowledge mobilization, digital research infrastructure etc.) Engage with Global Affairs Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and ESDC on the implementation of the government’s International Education Strategy – including the targeting and recruitment of international students and the design of the outbound student mobility program for Canadian students to study abroad. Engage with Department of Status of Women and Statistics Canada regarding data collection and policies/frameworks regarding student safety on campus. Discussions with Employment and Social Development Canada concerning international student mobility and internship programs. Discussions concerning federal budget priorities. Priority topics include: federal government's support for university research through the federal granting agencies and other government programs; support for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows; changes to the Canada Research Chairs program; university infrastructure; international research collaboration; knowledge mobilization; equity diversity and inclusion; cybersecurity; and expanding university education opportunities for Indigenous Canadians. Discuss effective strategies and programs to support student transition to the work place and access to upskilling and reskilling programs for mid-career Canadians with Employment and Social Development Canada, including the Student Work-Integrated Learning Program (SWILP) and the Canada Training Benefit.