Weldon Epp

INTERNATIONAL TRADE: Legislative proposals, regulations, policies or programs related to Canada's international trading and investment relationship with foreign markets. WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION: Input to federal deliberations regarding international negotiations to implement the Doha Round of trade liberalization U.N. CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE: Input to federal deliberations on ongoing international negotiations respecting the Convention, as well as decisions about implementation of Convention provisions in Canada TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP: Input to federal consultations re Canada's entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership; and consideration of Canadian interests with respect to increasing economic ties with several nations of the Asia-Pacific, including trade in goods and services, foreign investment protections, intellectual property, immigration, labour mobility, etc. TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY: Federal policy and rules related to provision of telecommunications services in Canada, including competition among service providers, access to wireless spectrum, ownership and foreign investment, and access by new entrants SECURITY AND PROSPERITY IN NORTH AMERICA, with respect to rules governing the flow of goods, services and people across the border; cooperation among agencies in the three countries to streamline and harmonize rules and regulations governing the conduct of business; policies to enhance energy trade and energy security SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY: Input regarding policies that can support research and development of new science and technology and the broader adaptation of advanced technologies across the Canadian economy PUBLIC SERVICE: Rules and regulations governing the conduct of public servants in their relations with corporations and business associations, processes for consulting with business on the impact of new laws and regulations governing the conduct of business in Canada POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION: Rules governing federal-provincial financing arrangements for post-secondary education; and development of acceptable national standards for graduate degrees in various disciplines PARLIAMENTARY REFORM: Input regarding changes to rules governing Parliament; Senate reform NORTH AMERICAN LEADERS' SUMMIT: Input to the federal government regarding policy priorities for the annual summit of the leaders of Canada, the United States and Mexico NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT: Amendments, sub-agreements and regulations governing trade relations between Canada, the United States and Mexico; with respect to the enhanced trade in goods and services, regulation of investment between countries, admittance of qualified immigrants and recognition of professional credentials for employment purposes NORTH AMERICAN DEFENCE: Input regarding the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) and other means to enhance collaboration among governments regading defence of the North American continent NORTH AMERICAN COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION: Input to federal deliberations regarding possible enhancement and coordination of environmental standards among Canada, the United States and Mexico NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY: Input regarding policies that Canada's national security policies and regulations impacting the private sector. NATIONAL SECURITIES REGULATOR: Supporting efforts by the federal government to work with the provinces and establish a single national regulatory authority for the regulation of corporations which issues shares to the public LOBBYING ACT: Regulations governing the conduct of lobbyists and their relations with the federal government with respect to the rules regarding communications and meetings between senior public office holders and corporations and organizational lobbyists INVESTMENT CANADA ACT: Regulations and policies with respect to the foreign ownership of Canadian companies; takeovers of Canadian companies by foreign corporations or state entities, thresholds that trigger review

Tourism - Program or policy to promote tourism to Canada. Including, renewal and continued funding and associated federal financial commitments for the International Convention Attraction Fund Tourisme – Programme ou politique pour promouvoir le tourisme au Canada. Incluant le renouvellement et la poursuite du financement ainsi que les engagements financiers associés pour le Fonds d’attraction des congrès internationaux Transportation – Aviation related policies, legislation and regulations, such as the Air Passenger Rights Regulations. Transport - Politiques, législations et réglementations liées à l’industrie du transport aérien telles que le règlement sur la protection des passagers aériens. Taxation and Finance – Policies related to the competitiveness of the aviation industry at the international and domestic level. Fiscalité et finances – Politiques liées à la compétitivité de l’industrie du transport aérien à l’échelle internationale et nationale. Official Languages- Obligations under the Official Language Act in the context of the aviation industry and the modernization of the Official Languages Act. Langues officielles – Obligations en vertu de la Loi sur les langues officielles dans le contexte de l’industrie du transport aérien, et modernisation de la Loi sur les langues officielles. Labour –Labour laws and regulations, health and occupational safety standards impacting the airline industry. Relations du travail – Lois et règlements sur le travail et normes de santé et de sécurité au travail qui ont une incidence sur l’industrie du transport aérien. International Trade - Canada's international trade and aviation agreements under Canada's Blue Sky policy. Commerce international – Accords du Canada en matière de commerce international et de transport aérien dans le cadre de la politique Ciel bleu. Industry - Overall competitive position of Canada's aviation and tourism industry. Industrie – Position concurrentielle globale des secteurs canadiens du transport aérien et du tourisme. Environment - International Civil Aviation Organization process on emission management and domestic policies related to aviation. Environnement – Processus de gestion des émissions de l’Organisation de l’aviation civile internationale et politiques nationales liées au secteur du transport aérien. Accessibility – Accessibility-related policies, laws and regulations as they relate to the airline industry, including the Accessible Canada Act and all related standards and regulations.

Increase support and funding on issues related to global migration and forced displacement, including on operational responses to new arrivals in Canada. Engage in governmental dialogue on issues related to international humanitarian law (IHL), with specific reference to ensuring the protection of populations experiencing increased vulnerabilities and the delivery of humanitarian assistance during times of armed conflict. Build support and obtain grant funding for community service organizations in Canada. Build support for health and public initiatives, including but not limited to supports targeted to mental health and seniors. Increase support and investment in diverse programming for indigenous communities, including preparedness, risk reduction, emergency response and recovery. Secure investments in readiness for all-hazard response, including health emergencies and public health crises in Canada and around the world.

Bill C-15 with respect to proposal to change the tax treatment on income earned by Canadian insurance companies on foreign property. Changes programs and policies to increase private sector infrastructure investment and attract foreign capital to Canada Standards for banking (open banking) and regulation of data processing including the use of artificial intelligence. Policies and programs related to Canada trade relations with other countries and Canada's economic competitiveness. Improve the Global Minimum Tax Act to promote international coordination and harmonization on timing and operation. Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and the Supervision of Insurers and Banks in particular to improve the ability of Canadian companies to compete and grow outside of Canada. Insurance Companies Act and regulations to amend the Act to permit greater investment by insurers outside of the financial sector and to improve the ability of Canadian companies to compete and grow outside of Canada. Healthcare policy, specifically in relating to, employee benefits programs, including long-term disability, drug benefit plans and health data standards. Veterans Benefits including programs and policies that provide financial and other assistance to current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Privacy, Human Rights and Insurance including the Privacy Act, Human Rights Act and the Canada Labour Code.

Supporting legislative changes to allow the electronic delivery of governance documents in the financial sector as proposed in the 2024 federal budget. Veterans Benefits including programs and policies that provide financial and other assistance to current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Pension Benefits Act and the Tax Act including annuities. The Income Tax Act and Budget 2023 proposal to change the tax treatment on Canadian dividends received by Canadian insurance companies. Standards for banking and health data (open banking, health information). Privacy, Human Rights and Insurance including the Privacy Act, Human Rights Act and the Canada Labour Code. Policies and programs related to Canada trade relations with other countries. Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Guidelines on Insurance and Banking. Insurance Companies Act and regulations. Healthcare policy, specifically in relating to, employee benefits programs, including long-term disability and drug benefit plans. Global Minimum Tax Act to promote international coordination and harmonization on the timing and operation. Ensuring the passage of Bill C-27 - the Consumer Privacy Protection Act as drafted by the government. Canada’s system and programs for detecting and deterring money laundering. Access to Hong Kong Pensions for permanent residents of Canada

Encouraging support for peacebuilding and civic space in Canada. Monitoring Canadian policies relating to environmental justice and encouraging Canada to take concrete steps to rectify past environmental injustices and prevent future environmental harms. Monitoring Canadian restorative justice programming and policies related to Public Safety and the Justice Department and encouraging more Canadian support for restorative justice programming. Monitoring Canadian policies related to grassroots peacebuilding and encouraging more Canadian support for peacebuilding programming especially to address the root causes of forced displacement. Monitoring Canada's international assistance policy and programs as they relate to the countries of focus; overall budget numbers; women, peace and security agenda; and support for small-scale farmers in developing countries. Monitoring Canada's foreign and defence programs and policies as they relate to the signing of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), peacebuilding, and conflict prevention initiatives. Monitoring and encouraging implementation of Canada's Paris Agreement commitments around climate change. MCC advocates around Canada's sanctions policies, as they impact our ability to do our work and impact vulnerable communities. International development initiatives as they relate to Global Affairs Canada's grant proposals program. Immigration and refugee protection policies and regulations relating to the sponsorship and settlement of refugees--in particular, with respect to Canada's Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. Expressing concern around Canada's military response to global conflict, with encouragement for investing instead in diplomacy, more development aid, support for peacebuilding efforts, and humanitarian assistance for displaced peoples. Encouraging strengthened, nation-to-nation relations with Indigenous peoples through the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission final recommendations (i.e. a public inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women, implementing the UNDRIP, etc.). Encouraging more support for peacebuilding initiatives in Palestine Israel. Support for Canadian policies in Palestine and Israel that uphold human rights and promote a just peace for all in the region, including Palestinian refugees. Encouraging continued human rights oversight and accountability for Canadian extractive industries operating outside of Canada.

System Performance, Supply Chain Resiliency with respect to policies and programs that affect rail fright services and performance, port services and performance and other components of Canada's supply chain network that may affect shipment of agricultural commodities from Canada to export markets. Legislation Regulation with respect to rail freight services, port operation and services Labour Disruptions with respect to rail freight services, transloading services, and port operations. Canadian Agricultural Program ( CAP), Consultations with respect to scope and funding of Canadian Agricultural Program development and funding and support of Pulse Canada activities under this program Working to maintain and strengthen market access for Canadian pulses and special crops in China and India. Working to maintain and strengthen market access for Canadian pulses and special crops. World Trade Organization negotiations with respect to tariffs and subjects regarding pulses. The Canadian Food Aid Program with respect to Canadian government contributions tied to Canadian origination. Rail Freight Service Review. With respect to concerns and interests of the Canadian Special Crop Industry. International Bi-Lateral trade agreement with Morocco with respect to tariff levels for Canadian pulses. International Bi-Lateral trade agreement with Japan with respect to tariff levels for Canadian pulses. International Bi-lateral trade agreement with European Union with respect to tariff levels for Canadian pulses. International Bi-Lateral trade agreement with Dominican Republic with respect to tariff levels for Canadian pulses. International Bi-Lateral trade agreements with Trans-Pacific partnership with respect to tariff levels for Canadian Pulses. Food Labeling and Food & Drug Regulations with respect to the need for changes to food labeling related to the health benefits of pulses. Food and Drug Act with respect to the need for clearer regulations regarding the registration of novel food products and opportunities for health claims for foods to accommodate new research findings on the health benefits of pulses. Canada Grain Commission with respect to proposed changes to user fees for services. Canada's Food Guide with respect to representation of pulses within the guide and accuracy of information. Bill C-30, formally known as an Act to amend Canada Grain Act and Canada Transportation Act with respect to provisions that affect shippers

Working to maintain and strengthen international market access for Canadian pulses and special crops.

Discussions about financial sustainability measures for universities. Discussions about shared priorities related to universities including workforce, talent, and employment. Discussions on the Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy. Government of Canada - Universities Working Group roundtable discussion on research security. Discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) funding as it relates to universities. Student housing and community enabling campus infrastructure programs. Working group meeting to discuss academic contributions to the Defence Industrial Strategy. Immigration policies and programs related to international students and affecting universities. Discussions of education and international relations opportunities. Engaging in discussions on research priorities for Canadian universities. Discussions about research policy and programs, Canada-US relations, and their impacts on the post-secondary sector Discussions about international students, the workforce, and the benefits of a university degree. Discussions about the Global Excellence Initiative (GEI) and future funding commitments. Meeting to discuss science policy and programs, impact of Canada-US relations Recent policy changes and development of other policy tools including the Recognized Institutions Framework.

Global Affairs Canada is a partner in providing funds for ongoing development programs and projects and AKFC communicates with its partners on an ongoing basis. Global Affairs Canada is a partner in providing funds for ongoing development programs and projects and AKFC communicates with its partners on an ongoing basis.

Advocate for place-based solutions to Canada’s biggest challenges, which support the region-specific mandates of public colleges and ensure local training needs are considered in policy development. Increase support to developing countries and other partner countries to build technical and vocational training capacity, strengthen skills development and education systems, and enhance Canada’s global education brand. Advocate for support for college-led research as a core component of federal research and innovation funding and policy. Discuss how colleges can support immigration programs, such as foreign credential recognition or international students, to meet Canada’s labour market needs, and share with officials impacts of policy changes on the college sector. Share with officials how colleges can support Canada’s training and workforce development needs to meet Canada’s biggest challenges. Share with officials the role of colleges and institutes in delivering high quality education for Canadians, and ensuring access to education for Canadians. Advance reconciliation through partnerships with Canada’s public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, and Indigenous Institutes of Education. Promote the role and expertise of colleges in deepening Canada’s relationships with other countries. Promote the value of educational fair dealing in supporting colleges and institutes in their mandate to provide advanced skills and to enable them to better respond to the skills shortage. Increase investments and support to address colleges’ infrastructure needs to increase Canada’s training space and access in key high-demand fields that align with federal priority areas. Enable post-secondary institutions to obtain grants and loans to develop student housing projects, with additional supports for housing that supports students from vulnerable populations. Ensure Canada’s colleges and institutes have the necessary federal support to provide high-quality training for future healthcare professionals. Ensure the specific needs of institutions, including French institutions and those in minority linguistic communities, are taken into account when federal policies and programs are designed and delivered.

Taxation and Finance and Trade: Canada's finance and energy policies with respect to the development of, and tax treatments of, natural gas liquids (NGLs), natural gas and petrochemical facilities and pipelines in Canada, as well as taxation of government incentive programs. Innovation, Science and Economic Development: discussing investment attraction and industrial development in Canada. Canada's policy on economic development and investment promotion: raising awareness of current and potential new industrial development in Canada. Canada's environment policies with respect to energy development and sustainability: discussion regarding oil sands development, air, transportation, water, and GHG initiatives in industrial development. Canada's energy policy with respect to upgrading, transporting or manufacturing of petroleum products.

Taxation and Finance and Trade: Canada's finance and energy policies with respect to the development of, and tax treatments of, natural gas liquids (NGLs), natural gas, carbon capture, utilization, and storage, and petrochemical facilities and pipelines in Canada. Innovation, Science and Economic Development: discussing investment attraction and industrial development in Canada. Canada's policy on economic development and investment promotion: raising awareness of current and potential new industrial development in Canada. Canada's environment policies with respect to energy development and sustainability: discussion regarding oil sands development, air, transportation, water, and GHG initiatives in industrial development. Canada's energy policy with respect to upgrading, transporting or manufacturing of petroleum products.