Vidya ShankarNarayan
Assistant Deputy Minister, Treasury Board Of Canada Secretariat (TBS)·3 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
ASSOCIATION OF EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS
1Regulations and directives developed under the Canadian Environment Protection Act in regard to equipment powered by diesel engines. Reference: https://ec.gc.ca/lcpe-cepa/default.asp?lang=En&n=5C98F8FB-1%20 Regulations, directives and policies developed under the Pest Control Products Act in regard to equipment and potential operator exposure. Reference: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/registrants-applicants.html Ongoing discussions with federal officials regarding Canada-US bilateral trade of construction, forestry, mining and agriculture equipment under the terms of the Canada-US-Mexico Trade Agreement (CUSMA). Reference: https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/cusma-aceum/index.aspx?lang=eng Discussions with officials regarding labour training opportunities for skilled workforce in the agriculture and construction equipment sectors. Reference: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/initiatives/skills-success.html Amendments to the Income Tax Act and Regulations which may affect agriculture and the tax treatment of capital expenditures on equipment. Reference: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/I-3.3/index.html Amendments to the Copyright Act and Regulations which may affect the service and operation of agriculture and construction equipment. Reference: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-42/Index.html
TACTIX GOVERNMENT CONSULTING
Amazon Web Services Canada
1Seeking government contracting opportunities in the area of Cloud and Information Technology Service Management Tools
Canadian Canola Growers Association
1Agricultural trade: multi and bi-lateral trade negotiations to maintain and expand opportunities for canola farmers through reduction in tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers. Provide farmers necessary support through trade disruptions. Support the modernization of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a mechanism to promote rules-based trade. Support additional government resources to help solve technical trade barriers. Inter-provincial regulations support canola production, market access, and growth. Agriculture Policy Framework: ensure that business risk management programs and strategic initiatives are suitable for canola farmers. Federal research programming and initiatives support production needs on farm. Support right to repair and interoperability programs, policies, laws, and regulations that support farmer's choice and right to repair. Canada Transportation Act and regulations as it relates to the transportation of grain. Support development of transportation and trade infrastructure that facilities market demand and growth for canola. Ensure governments recognize the benefits that farmers provide to the environment, including in relation to offset protocols, ecological goods and services, and rebates. Support on-farm exemptions for carbon pricing. Climate change laws, policies, programs, research, and regulations related to agriculture promote competitiveness and production on farms. Environment and international trade: to advance the good management practices that are implemented on canola farms that contribute to environmental stewardship and competitive markets for farmers and to advance the canola biodiesel market domestically and abroad. Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations incentivizes the use of canola-based biofuels. Transportation: to advocate for a fair and efficient railway transportation system that serves the needs of grain producers. The creation and implementation of the Canada Water Agency and adoption of a pan-Canadian water monitoring framework have positive impacts for canola farmers. Support enhanced resources for federal regulatory bodies to make science-based decisions on crop protection products and seed varieties. Seeds Act and regulations as it pertains to seed variety registrations. Plant Breeders Rights Act and regulations as it relates to intellectual property rights. Patent Act and regulations as it pertains to intellectual property rights specific to seed technologies. Income Tax Act and other financial regulations, policies or programs: To promote the fair treatment of farmers in any proposed changes to the Income Tax Act or other financial mechanism that may impact farmers financially. Fisheries Act regulations and polices as it relates to fish habitats on farmland. Ensure Government recognizes and works with the agriculture sector to ensure farmers have access to skilled, competitive on-farm labour. Discussions concerning railway and port strikes as it relates to economic development and trade labour disruptions. Canadian Food Inspection Act and regulations as it relates to canola production and trade. Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Pest Control Products Act and regulations as it relates to agricultural pest control products. Canada Grain Act and Canada Grain Act Regulations as it relates to grain handling and transportation. Broadband: Expedite and support efforts to bring affordable, reliable high-speed internet and mobile coverage to rural and remote communities. Agricultural Marketing Programs Act and regulations as it pertains to the Advance Payments Program.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
1CYBER SECURITY - Encourage the government to invest in cybersecurity innovation, talent, and infrastructure; 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 Canadas cybersecurity industry. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - Advocate for future-proofed, globally competitive, and interoperable policies that position artificial intelligence as a positive economic driver, and support the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI in business. PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION - Ensure that the modernization of Canadas privacy legislation strikes the right balance between protecting consumers and promoting the ability of firms to innovate and compete by responsibly and securely using data. HOUSING - Support policies that enable the creation of more housing supply, incentivize investment in residential construction, and restore housing affordability for Canadian families. NATIONAL SECURITY/ECONOMIC SECURITY - Advancing policies related to enhancing Canadas economic and national security. Key priorities include strengthening economic resilience, prudently navigating geopolitical challenges to trade and international relations, safeguarding business operations against new and emerging threats, and fostering conditions for economic growth. TRANSPORTATION - Regarding the consistent funding of trade-enabling infrastructure projects; the development of a competitive and efficient transportation network including all modes of transportation. TELECOMMUNICATIONS - Creating the right investment incentives to foster vibrant competition in the sector as a whole; responding to decisions regarding third-party access that will impact the deployment of internet services in rural and remote communities; and responding to regulatory proposals re: cell phone pricing. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to undertaking a comprehensive and independent tax system review. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to the measurement and improvement of Canadas tax competitiveness, including: reforming the taxation, remittance, filing and audit processes of Canadian businesses; removing tax barriers for childcare expenses; addressing the taxation of family business transfers; and mobilizing private capital for recovery and growth. TAXATION AND FINANCE - With regard to modernizing our financial systems through open banking and digital currencies TAXATION AND FINANCE - Responding to proposals addressing taxation of digital services. TAXATION AND FINANCE - Maintaining and expanding real-time data made freely available to Canadian businesses, municipalities, academic researchers, and community groups. SMALL BUSINESS – Legislation, regulations and support programs that give Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the tools to grow in Canada and internationally, including reducing their red tape and compliance burden. PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION - Improving digital privacy legislation to meet the needs of industry. PENSIONS - Treatment of corporate pensions in the event of bankruptcy. NATURAL RESOURCES - Support for the adoption of policy recommendations to strengthen Canadas world-leading position in the mining industry, oil and gas, and forestry products. OPEN DATA - Maintaining and expanding real-time data made freely available to Canadian businesses, municipalities, academic researchers, and community groups. 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. INTERNATIONAL TRADE – With respect to issues relating to import and export controls INTERNATIONAL TRADE - Negotiating bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade agreements and promoting them to Canadian businesses. INTERNATIONAL TRADE - Improving federal laws and regulations pertaining to responsible business conduct r
Deans Council - Agriculture, Food & Veterinary Medicine, (Deans Council AFVM)
1Communicating to Members of Parliament and Senate, federal departments and agencies a long term and comprehensive view of the role of research and post-secondary education as it relates to agriculture, food and nutrition, animals and health, in the growth of economic and societal wealth of Canada. Identification of critical infrastructure for food safety, security, sustainability and sovereignty, and public health related to nutrition, disease surveillance and prevention. Provide advice to federal departments and agencies regarding Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Medicine policies and priorities, and in particular Agricultural, Food and Veterinary Medicine policies and priorities related to skills development and capacity, funding and partnerships in scientific research and the technology transfer / extension to users of the research findings. Advice on regulations in related subjects. Communicating with public office holders in the areas of research funding priorities, funding cycles, processes and results; and skills and HQP (highly qualified personnel) needs for governments, industry and academia. Collaboration among Science and Technology and Policy Branches, and Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Medicine faculties of member universities, regarding the development and implementation of research clusters of federal and university organizations. Collaborating with Federal Government on strengthening Canadian universities arrangements with universities abroad
Syngenta Canada
1To request that the Government of Canada extend, in accordance with the Pest Control Products Act under Article 21 (3), the implementation timeline of Health Canadas Re-evaluation Decision RVD2021-04, Lambda-cyhalothrin and Its Associated End-use Products (the Decision) which cancelled the use of this product for feed, while maintaining it for food. The implementation extension period should be sufficient to allow grains produced from crops treated with lambda-cyhalothrin in 2023 and previous years to be used as both food and feed and to be marketed in the years to come. A realistic and reasonable extension timeframe is necessary to provide certainty to growers and agri-business on what constitutes regulatory compliance in 2023 and beyond.
The Capital Hill Group
TALQ
1Request funding from the Development of Official-Language Communities Program - Community Life Component – for the purpose of meeting operating costs for the of the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN). Obtain funding to help improve life outcomes for vulnerable groups within Canadas Official Language Minority Communities the Social Financing Initiative, and other programs contained in the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration Obtain funding for, and ensure equitable access to the Government of Canada's new official languages' strategy (Action Plan) 2023-2028 Modernization of the Official Languages Act. Inter-Action: Multiculturalism Grants and Contributions Funding to assist the socio-economic integration of individuals and communities and their contributions, strengthening the vitality of Canada's English linguistic minority communities, and building an integrated and socially cohesive society. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Research on Official Language Minority Communities. Funding to lead research projects related to immigrants and Canada's English linguistic minority communities.
TECHNATION Canada
1Work with government on the restoration of SR&ED credits and to discuss ideas to fuel a more innovative and R&D intensive economy. Working with Government to transform service delivery through digital adoption. Working with Government to ensure the modernization of procurement systems are done in a fair, transparent, and collaborative manner. Working with Government to develop and execute a national strategy to grow Canada's digital economy, drive innovation and competitiveness in the ICT sector, and modernize the public sector in its use of information technology. To engage in consultation and discussion with Government regarding any regulation that impacts the ICT sector To engage in consultation and discussion with Government regarding any legislation that impacts the ICT sector Helping Government develop a pan-Canadian certification and licensing mechanism to ensure the safety, security, and privacy of digital health solutions. Encouraging Government to work with the provinces and territories to develop a pan-Canadian strategy for digital health. Encouraging Government to continue with existing policies and programs that help Canadian information and communications technology (ICT) companies scale by accessing to global markets. Collaborating with Government on ways to strengthen socio-economic considerations within large IT modernization initiatives. Collaborating with government on changes made to the Integrity Framework.
TELUS
1Advocacy regarding pending CRTC review of Wireless Code Replacement Worker Legislation - TELUS is interested in legislation that bans replacement workers during a labour dispute as it would hinder our ability to operate and provide ongoing service to customers. Providing input to the government for development of an anti-fraud strategy to create an integrated fraud takedown framework. Discussions regarding federal support for science and research talent development, with a focus on creating public-private partnerships that enhance education and training opportunities. These efforts aim to advance social good by increasing the participation of women and marginalized groups in the digital economy and STEM sectors. Developing protocols for Canadas Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Advocacy for potential amendments to the Copyright Act, with respect to updating unclear regulation of Internet Service Providers. Advocacy regarding fibre-to-the-premises wholesale access; including discussions about TELUS' expansion and extended offerings. Advocacy regarding improving resilience and redundancy in TELUS network, including the potential to expand remote network connectivity and build out critical infrastructure in the North. Communicating with the government about how to support adopting digital tools in the agriculture sector. Advocacy concerning the development and implementation of national artificial intelligence policies, including but not limited to the Sovereign AI Compute Strategy and the AI Compute Access Fund. Informing officials about TELUS' plans to monetize passive infrastructure. Informing Federal officials about the risks posed by copper theft to public safety and telecommunications infrastructure, and advocating for enhanced collaboration between governments (provincial and federal) and industry to address this growing issue effectively. Advocating for stricter regulations around theft and damage of telecommunications infrastructure through Bill C-26: An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts. Review of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) as relates to communications and data service providers obligations Regulatory environment affecting the Canadian wireless market, including regulatory framework with regard to the requirements around rural network infrastructure builds, the policy framework around spectrum auction rules and regulations on the purchase of existing Canadian wireless companies. Potential Amendments to the Broadcasting and Telecommunication Acts, with respect to streamlining regulation of the broadcasting and telecommunication industry. Policy framework with respect to the relationship between digital/wireless connectivity and climate policy. Policy Framework with regard to the terms and conditions of auction for Spectrum Licences Informing Federal officials around TELUS initiatives in the Health Care field and communicating the need for increased cooperation in developing next generation health care services between all levels of Government. Critical infrastructure and cyber security - protection of facilities, networks, technology, assets and systems. Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission review of Basic Telecommunications Services Broadcasting Policies Relating to Specialty Television Broadcasting Policies Relating to Conventional Television Broadband Canada – Connect to Innovate program which is of interest to TELUS, with respect to advancing rural and remote network connectivity in Canada. Bills related to lawful access obligations that will have a direct impact on the Company from a financial and operational perspective, as well as impact on TELUS customers from a privacy perspective, and with respect to obligations imposed on carriers with respect to intercept and subscriber information. As a supplier to the Government of Canada, TELUS regularly engages in di
The Canadian Internet Society
1Digital Policy- requesting participation in a conference that will discuss various aspects of Digital Access in Canada.