Lobbied Canada

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Varun Srivatsan

Director of Policy, Finance Canada (FIN)211 communications in the past year

Lobbied by

Canadian Bankers Association

8

Discussions relating to the legislative, regulatory, and policy developments related to digital currencies and cryptoassets Providing input on the prudential regulation of the banking sector Providing input on amendments to the Bank Act Providing input on federal budget measures that may impact the banking sector Discussions on supporting women’s advancement, career opportunities, and equitable outcomes in the financial services sector Discussing the Accessible Canada Act with the purpose of identifying, removing and preventing barriers for people with disabilities Discussions on strategies to mitigate tariff risks and navigate the review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Providing input on effective Artificial Intelligence regulation to balance risks and foster innovation Providing input on the regulatory framework to facilitate the process to become a federal credit union and support their operations Discussing plans on the Data Collection Modernization initiative Providing views on the Macroeconomic Stress Test (MST) 2.0 review Discussing Bill C-27 – Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022, relating to the privacy and artificial intelligence provisions Discussions relating to the efficiency and effectiveness of the financial sector regulatory system Discussions on consumer issues relating to potential postal strike ensuring an appropriate scope of guidance Providing inputs on criminal interest rate as it relates to the calculation of the rate and exclusions Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions guidelines with respect to capital adequacy requirements, prudential limits and restrictions, accounting and disclosure, and sound business and financial practices Providing inputs on OSFI regulations and draft guidelines including in connection with culture, integrity and security, third-party risk, and operational risk Providing input on the development of the Consumer-Driven Banking Framework Providing inputs on Basel III Implementation with respect to capital floor phase-in and risk weights Providing inputs on Competition Act amendments Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA): seeking workable, practical approaches in the reform of PIPEDA Excise Tax Act with respect to Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Support the development of an innovative, efficient, and secure payments ecosystem in Canada that benefits consumers Support the goals outlined in the National Cyber Security Strategy and collaborate with government, including the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, to strengthen Canada’s cyber resiliency The Access to Basic Banking Services: seeking to clarify appropriate identification for opening accounts and to make account opening procedures more workable U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), trade agreements with other jurisdictions, World Trade Organization rules regarding cross-border trade in financial services Support the Government initiative of modernizing the Employment Equity Act and provide input to further strengthen the Act. Discussion relating to agricultural financing, including the efficient administration of the Advance Payments Program and the Canada Loan Administration Act Discussions relating to the development of Financial Consumer Protection Framework and voluntary commitments to promote protection for consumers Capital markets statutory, regulatory and self-regulatory organization regime applicable to banks as corporate issuers and their provincially regulated subsidiaries that are capital markets participants Discussion relating to housing finance framework, including reforms to expand housing supply, mortgage underwriting regulations and covered bonds Providing inputs on climate standards and disclosures Corporate governance statutory and regulatory regime for banks Canada Labour Code with respect to (i) impact on bank management of human resources, (ii) review of Part III of the Canada Labour Code, (iii) flexible work

Amazon Canada Fulfillment Services, ULC

5

Work with government to promote and support Canada’s digital economy, including ensuring the availability of a high-skilled tech workforce. Work with government to facilitate the process of selling goods and services online, and delivering them to consumers.

Canadian Renewable Energy Association

5

Trade - 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.

Advocacy on amendments to carbon pricing to incentivize renewable energy Infrastructure - Advocating for the federal government to support the clean energy transition with payments for transmission to the provinces. 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. Housing - Implementation of CMHC Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program Infrastructure - Expansion of Canada Infrastructure Bank Clean Power Fund Program for Deployment of Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Systems Government Procurement - Implementation on greening government commitments to procure renewable energy Trade - 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.

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 Canada’s 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

Philips Electronics Ltd. (doing business as Philips Canada)

5

promote innovations in medical technologies (equipment, services and digital solutions) that support better care for more people across Canada. This includes mobile and virtual solutions which can improve access to care in rural and remote regions of the country, while reducing costs and environmental impacts.

Transat A.T.

5

Reduction in federal taxation regarding the collection of airport rents, aeronautical fees, aviation fuel excise taxes, air navigation charges and the Air Transport Security Charge. Labour laws and regulations, health and occupational safety standards impacting the airline industry, including collective bargaining and labour relations. COVID-19 Pandemic: Communications and interactions regarding potential economic and financial assistance / relief in the context of the revenue collapse resulting from the COVID-19 crisis and post-pandemic recovery. Competitiveness of Canada's air transportation network and underlying infrastructure including airports, air traffic control, customs and security pre-screening services. Canada's post-pandemic strategy as it relates to travel and tourism, including financial support for Transat. Canada's national tourism strategy and enhancement of the overall competitiveness of Canada's travel and tourism industry. Canada's international air policy (Blue Sky) and resulting negotiating mandates extended to the Chief Air Negotiator in establishing international air transport framework. Designation and allocation of frequencies to Air Transat under applicable air agreements. Aviation environmental policy concerning the application of emissions trading schemes, carbon taxes and domestic policies related to aviation, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Air transportation policies, legislation and regulations. Accessibility-related policies, laws and regulations as they relate to the airline industry and all related standards and regulations.

Air Products Canada

4

"Hydrogen Related Incentives" On behalf of the client, I will be advocating to various departments and agencies to promote hydrogen production and carbon capture and storage (CCS) in Alberta. In addition, I will be pursing various department and agencies to adopt hydrogen and CCS incentives.

Policies, regulations and programs regarding zero emissions vehicles and the use of hydrogen in transportation applications, the supply of hydrogen and equipment for hydrogen fueling stations, including technology relating to compression, storage and dispensing. Engaging government regarding support for clean hydrogen production and emissions reductions, including the proposed Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit and the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage Investment Tax Credit.

Discussions regarding support for the development of clean hydrogen and net-zero technology, including through the Strategic Response Fund. Policies and regulations regarding zero emissions vehicles and the use of hydrogen in transportation applications, the supply of hydrogen and equipment for hydrogen fueling stations, including technology relating to compression, storage and dispensing. Engaging government regarding hydrogen and emissions reductions, including the proposed Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit and the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage Tax Credit. Engaging government on regulations relating to hydrogen, including the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS) regulations. Engaging government on regulations relating to CO2 production and reduction. Engaging government on policies and programs that encourage the production and use of hydrogen as an alternative source of fuel, including hydrogen produced from by alternative processes and the purchased and retrofit of third-party facilities. Engaging government on issues relating to Greenhouse Gas rules and their impact on third-party producers and sellers of hydrogen. Discussions regarding support for hydrogen mobility and transportation solutions.

Ian Murray & Company & 1 other

Public Service Alliance of Canada

4

Educating and informing Canadian government officials and Parliamentarians about the impacts and risks of eliminating public service workers to the policies and programs on which people rely. Advocating for fair pension and retirement benefits for PSAC-Customs and Immigration Union members with the Government of Canada. Amend the policies within the Public Service Superannuation Act (PSSA) that determine when an individual may qualify for full benefits. Eligibility criteria was changed in the 2012 federal Budget for new participants as of January 1, 2013.

Providing input into the federal comprehensive expenditure review, while engaging the government on strengthening federal programs and services, respecting the workforce adjustment appendix, and reducing job cuts. Reversal of the federal government’s universal in-office telework mandate. Properly fund public health care in order to meet the Canada Health Act. Reverse the privatization of health care, including the use of staffing agencies.? Child care with respect to a national, publicly funded child care system and the inclusion of non-traditional childcare (including that available for shift work/precarious work) in subsidy and funding programs.? Employment Insurance with respect to coverage, benefits, premiums and service delivery.? Pay equity including improvements to pay equity legislation, and with respect to the Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act.? Changes to the Canada Labour Code in respect of replacement workers, unpaid internships, minimum employment standards and health and safety. Provision of unreduced pension benefits for public safety officers who have worked 25 years or more.? Federal public service group insurance benefit plans including; health and dental care benefits, disability insurance, and life insurance and how these benefits are administered.? Enhancements and improvements to federal women's programs by Women and Gender Equality Canada, including the funding of women's advocacy groups. Also, engaging with the federal government on pay equity issues.? Changes to the Employment Equity Act, improving equity and inclusion within the public service and overall human rights application within places of work. Changes to the Federal Public Service Labour Relations Act to make for more effective bargaining, dispute resolution, pay, grievance adjudication, expanding the scope of what can be negotiated and representation in the sector.? Federal pension law reform including rules and regulations with respect to solvency requirements, and protection against the conversion of defined benefit plans to target benefit plans.? Canada Pension Plan/Québec Pension Plan: improvements, including in benefit levels and expansion of coverage.? The changes to the Public Service Superannuation Act which increased the retirement age for federal public service workers from 60 to 65 years as of 2013. Damages/compensation for the issues caused by the transfer of the administration of the Public Service Health Care Plan from Sun Life to Canada Life.? The overreliance of the federal government on the use of temporary help agencies, consultants and contracting out to agencies rather than using the talents, skills and expertise of indeterminant federal public service workers.? The need for a public inquiry into the implementation and management of the Phoenix pay system.? Federal public service payroll and compensation systems including Phoenix pay system; damages/compensation in connection with Phoenix pay system (including the taxability of such damages/compensation); all other matters related to Phoenix and pay; the development of a new generation pay system.?

Crestview Strategy

BMO Financial Group

3

The Consumer Driven Banking Act and related regulations as it applies to banks The federal government’s framework for stablecoins and digital assets Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act as it relates to banks and the administration of the deposit insurance framework Federal government programs and policies related to Artificial Intelligence regulation Housing finance framework, including reforms to expand housing supply, mortgage underwriting regulations and covered bonds Financial institutions with respect to Canada/US relationship and trade policy Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions guidelines with respect to capital, liquidity, and non-financial risk The Canadian Payments Act, as it relates to management of Canada’s payment system and payments modernization The modernization of the supervisory framework for financial institutions as it relates to the responsibility for administering prudential and consumer measures Requirements for financial institutions as they relate to corporate governance rules under the Bank Act Promotion of the importance of a competitive financial sector in achieving improved economic development in Canadian regions Providing inputs with respect to capital requirements as they relate to Basel III and lending for businesses Official languages policy as it relates to financial services. Federal government programs and policies supporting growth for small businesses Federal government programs and policies respecting financing for infrastructure projects Federal government programs and policies on employment and training as they pertain to financial institutions Federal government programs and policies respecting consumers as they pertain to relationships with financial institutions Federal government programs respecting financing for the agriculture industry Federal government programs respecting financial services for Indigenous communities The Bank Act and the National Housing Act as they relate to potential measures affecting housing affordability and lending Promotion of resources to support mental health and well-being of Canadians Promotion of financial services available to finance Canadian infrastructure development; sharing of international best practices with respect to infrastructure policy, particularly in terms of options for project financing arrangements Privacy legislation and acts with respect to the banking industry’s collection, use and protection of personal information Office of Superintendent of Financial Institutions Guidelines regarding accounting rules regulating financial institutions Income Tax Act with respect to corporate income tax, capital tax, international taxation, personal taxation, and registered saving products Impact of federal national security policy as it relates to the banking sector Financial services policy with respect to study of retirement income security Federal government programs and policies to combat financial crimes Federal government programs and policies related to sustainability, natural resources and climate change in support of achieving net zero targets Federal government position with regard to ongoing discussions on international financial regulation reform, as it pertains to Canadian banks Federal government policies affecting Canada’s payment systems as well as access to financial data Bank Act with respect to its impact on financial sector

Canada Rocket Company

3

Discussions around Alignment with Talent Retention and Acquisition. Leverage experience in the team to create new job opportunities in Canada. Discussions around launch licences and export controls. Leverage Government of Canada investment in capital-intensive activities leading to economic growth and innovation. Develop tech in Canada for dual-use and commercial activities. Contribute to global responsive sovereign missions and open new commercial markets for Canadian tech companies Positioning Canadian technology for future dual use technologies.

Contribute to global responsive sovereign missions and open new commercial markets for Canadian tech companies Discussions around Alignment with Talent Retention and Acquisition. Leverage experience in the team to create new job opportunities in Canada. Discussions around launch licences and export controls. Positioning Canadian technology for future dual use technologies. Leverage Government of Canada investment in capital-intensive activities leading to economic growth and innovation. Develop tech in Canada for dual-use and commercial activities.

Discussions around Alignment with Talent Retention and Acquisition. Leverage experience in the team to create new job opportunities in Canada. Contribute to global responsive sovereign missions and open new commercial markets for Canadian tech companies Positioning Canadian technology for future dual use technologies. Discussions around launch licences and export controls. Leverage Government of Canada investment in capital-intensive activities leading to economic growth and innovation. Develop tech in Canada for dual-use and commercial activities.

Sandstone Group

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

3

GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT - Reform Canada’s procurement system to support investment and ensure a competitive business environment. GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT - Ensuring fair and open procurement practices to drive innovation and technology adoption in Canada. HOUSING - Advocate for policies and legislation that enable the creation of more housing supply, incentivize investment in residential construction and housing – enabling infrastructure, and support the development of skilled labour we need, whether domestically or through immigration, to restore housing affordability to Canadian families. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to the measurement and improvement of Canada’s tax competitiveness, including: reforming the taxation, remittance, filing and audit processes of Canadian businesses and tax policy which improves the competitiveness of the Canadian business environment INTERNATIONAL TRADE – With respect to issues relating to trade controls, including tariffs, import and export controls, sanctions, and trade remedies. INDUSTRY - Improving the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit program to drive innovation; increase the role that the federal government plays in creating opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to digitalize and conduct more business activities online; developing a digital economy strategy for Canada. HEALTH – Ensuring we improve access to necessary medicines by building on rather than displacing the important role of private insurers and respecting provincial and territorial jurisdiction. CYBER SECURITY - Encouraging the government to prioritize cybersecurity innovation, talent development, and critical infrastructure resilience; modernize research and development; accelerate commercialization in the space; support the secure digitalization of small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and improve the global competitiveness of Canada’s cybersecurity industry. IMMIGRATION - Reducing regulatory burdens for employers; promoting immigration to small, rural and northern communities; supporting regional and local community immigration strategies; maintaining and modernizing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program; Facilitating pathways to permanent residency for temporary residents (international students and TFWs; expediting and simplifying foreign credential recognition, calling for an international student and global talent strategy; improving language training as well as settlement and employment supports to newcomers, aligning immigration programs with labour market needs, improving the Start-Up Visa process, improving client services to potential immigrants and newcomers. EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING – National Workforce Strategy, programs that support small and medium sized enterprises, improving collection and dissemination of Labour Market Information, establishing the Employment Insurance Council to institutionalize social dialogue between workers and employers on issues related to employment and training needs, addressing barriers to labour mobility, improving effectiveness of employment supports and skills training. EDUCATION - Aligning employer and workforce needs with education and training; expanding skilling, upskilling, reskilling and work integrated learning opportunities. INFRASTRUCTURE – Improvement of Canada’s infrastructure through the National Infrastructure Assessment, National Supply Chains Strategy, and establishment of a Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan. TRANSPORTATION - Regarding the consistent funding of trade-enabling infrastructure projects; the development of a competitive and efficient transportation network including all modes of transportation; the fluidity and stability of supply chain operations, minimizing disruptions. LABOUR - Ensuring that any changes to the Canada Labour Code are implemented in response to defined and demonstrated issues and not to increase regulatory burdens for employers; minimizing labour disruption impacts on Canadian bus

Recent activity

Aug 14, 2026
Jul 9, 2026