William Des Marais
Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)·14 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Deep Sky
3Communicating with government officials about government funding for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) initiatives. Communicating with government officials about emissions reductions initiatives, including carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) initiatives. Communicating with government officials about proposed federal investment tax credits under the Income Tax Act for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) initiatives.
Communications with federal officials concerning the regulatory framework, market access, and export mechanisms for Canadian-generated carbon credits in international markets. Communications with federal officials regarding policies and programs related to electricity supply, pricing, and infrastructure to support the operation and development of Direct Air Capture (DAC) facilities in Canada. Communicating with government officials about proposed federal investment tax credits under the Income Tax Act for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) initiatives. Communicating with government officials about government funding for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) initiatives. Communicating with government officials about emissions reductions initiatives, including carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) initiatives.
Communicating with government officials, including via government-led consultations, about budgets and fiscal updates, including Budget 2027. Communicating with government officials, in general, about international trade, including as it relates to Team Canada Trade Missions. Communicating with government officials about Climate Competitiveness Strategy (announced in November 2025), including as it relates to carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Communicating with government officials about the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the Government of Canada and Alberta on November 27, 2025, more specifically as it relates to carbon, capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) initiatives. Communicating with government officials about the Canada Infrastructure Bank Act, S.C. 2017, c. 20, s. 403, more specifically the mandate for the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), including potential support for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) initiatives. Communicating with government officials about the Paris Agreement (2016), more specifically the creation of a policy framework for the export of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) credits under article 6 of that Agreement. Communicating with government officials about the Direct Air Carbon Dioxide Capture and Geological Storage (DACCS) Federal Offset Protocol, including the issuance of federal offset credits under the Canadian Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Regulations (SOR/2022-111). Communicating with government officials about proposed federal investment tax credits under the Income Tax Act for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) initiatives. Communicating with government officials about government funding for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) initiatives. Communicating with government officials about emissions reductions initiatives, including carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) initiatives.
Clear Strategy
Nature United
2Implementation of the Government of Canada's A Force of Nature Strategy, including Expert Taskforce on Natural Capital Accounting and Nature Financing Supporting the advancement of sustainable fisheries and oceans strategy, marine protected areas, and mitigation opportunities under the Fisheries Act review Targeted fiscal policies to unlock private capital and de-risk investment in nature, particularly land-based productive sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and Indigenous-led land management. Inclusion of funding for conservation and sustainable agriculture programs in Budget 2025 Sustainable agriculture policies and programs that support producers with the uptake of Beneficial Management Practices. Policies and programs that support Indigenous-led stewardship and education, as well as land use management policies that conserve environmentally sensitive landscapes and marine areas while promoting economic prosperity and sustainable development in those communities. Policies and programs related to Canada's Net-Zero goals and its commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and Convention on Biological Diversity. Grants and program funding for Indigenous-led environmental stewardship, education and land-use planning, including funding and programs administered through Environment and Climate Change Canada. Specifically funding for projects in Northwest Territories, British Columbia and Manitoba. Future Biodiversity target accountability act related to commitments under UN Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Stand Environmental Society
2Regulations Amending the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-fired Generation of Electricity Regulations, with respect to thermal coal Pension investment guidelines and decisions with respect to investing in climate safe and reduced pollution scenarios Trade Diversification Corridors Fund, Green Shipping Corridors with respect to climate safe and reduced pollution scenarios Canada Green Buildings Strategy, Canada Greener Homes Initiatives & Build Canada Homes, with respect to energy and efficiency, fossil fuels, and other environmental metrics. Recovery strategy and programs for endangered Southern Mountain Caribou under the Species at Risk Act The Oceans Protection Plan and associated programs with respect to maritime incident prevention, preparedness and response One Canadian Economy: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act with respect to the inclusion of renewable energy and exclusion of fossil fuels Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations under the Canada Shipping Act with respect to environmental and ocean pollution from discharges, scrubbers, and transportation of oil and dangerous goods Strengthen Canadian climate policy and federal regulation of the oil and gas sector, including through the implementation of the Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, the Impact Assessment Act, the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, the cap on oil and gas emissions, oil and gas methane regulations, and the Sustainable Jobs Act The Energy Efficiency Act with respect to energy and efficiency, fossil fuels, and other environmental metrics of buildings and the built environment. The Canada Health Act with respect to misleading advertising Green Taxonomy with respect to regulation of financial institutions. Federal Nature Plan with respect to ensuring old growth forest landscapes are included and supported in all goals including 30% protection by 2030. Corporate Climate Disclosures with respect to regulation of financial institutions. Competition Act, and Climate Aligned Finance Act (CAFA) with respect to regulation of financial institutions.
David Suzuki Foundation
1Finalizing the BC salmon aquaculture transition plan to achieve 2029 ban on open net-pen salmon aquaculture in BC Advocating against policies and decisions that promote the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure. Achieving Canada's commitments to protect 30% of its marine environment by 2030 Addressing key science and management gaps for managed fish stocks. Standard for assessing equivalency under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act Full implementation of the 2023 amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (Bill S-5), and decisions under the Act Integration of environment and human rights obligations in Canadian trade policy, negotiations and implementation statutes Modernizing BC commercial fisheries: licensing and quota Building out interprovincial clean electricity grid and economy-wide electrification Maintaining strong federal environmental laws, regulations, standards and safeguards, and avoiding regression Strengthening and finalizing of the proposed Oil and Gas Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap Regulations Strengthening the regulations Respecting Reduction in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (Upstream Oil and Gas Sector) Addressing gaps in regulation of BC aquaculture - federal role Implementation of the Clean Electricity Regulations, the Federal Clean Electricity Strategy and other policies related to achieving a zero-emissions electricity system Implementation of the Species at Risk Act Strengthening environmental protection in decisions under the Pest Control Products Act and Pest Control Products Regulations, and related activities of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Development of the national strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice and establishment of Office of Environmental Justice Protecting the environment and respecting Indigenous and human rights obligations in the implementation of the One Canadian Economy Act Banning fossil fuel advertising Input to fish stocks prescribed to the fish stocks provisions of Fisheries Act Input to national strategy for implementing ecosystem approach to fisheries management Advancing sustainable forestry and repair of forest degradation Supporting Indigenous-led conservation and governance Implementation of Canadas Electric Vehicle Availability Standard High level input on climate and energy policy and governance Expanding prohibitions on non-essential single-use plastics Advocating for Canada to be a leader in negotiations of the Global Agreement on Plastics Advocating for Canada to be a leader in international meetings on climate change. Introduction and passage of a Nature Accountability Bill Implementation of the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area Network Implementation of Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative Implementation of 2030 Nature Strategy and Global Biodiversity Framework, including budget measures (resourcing). Strengthening Canada's industrial carbon pricing system (Output-Based Pricing System Regulations) Implementation of the Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, including setting ambitious emissions reduction targets and developing and implementing robust emission reduction plans. Ending public financing for fossil fuels Control of plastic waste exports under proposed amendments to Cross-Border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations, and ratification of the Basel Ban Amendment Advancing proposal to tax the excess profits of oil and gas companies to help finance climate adaptation and energy affordability measures. Proposal to add the class of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, on Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Comprehensive public policy reform to protect the environment and well-being, now and for the future. Adoption of the Green Budget Coalition recommendations in the federal Budget and budget bill
Definity Insurance Company
1Engage with the Government of Canada on public policy matters affecting the property and casualty insurance sector, with the objective of raising awareness of industry-related issues and providing informed input to support a resilient Canadian economy and a competitive financial services sector. Advocate for a national auto theft strategy led by the federal government, in coordination with provincial and territorial partners. Support investments in climate adaption to protect Canadians from the effects of severe weather, a public-private partnership to stand up a national flood insurance program for high-risk residential properties, and a public-private partnership to protect Canadians from a major earthquake. Engage on the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada consultation on proposed federal privacy legislation reforms to implement Canada's Digital Charter.
Ecojustice Canada
1Advocating to prevent the proposed weakening of robust environmental impact assessment processes, species at-risk legislation, meaningful fisheries and habitat protections, and other environmental regulations and policies as outlined in the "Getting Major Projects Built in Canada" discussion paper Advocating to amend provisions related to changes to the Pest Control Product Act in the Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act (Bill C-30) and the Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2 (Bill C-31) to ensure adequate protection of the environment and health. Advocating for the effective implementation of the National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice Act (Bill C-226), including through the development of the national strategy on environmental racism and environmental justice Advocating against the expansion of oil and gas production which increases greenhouse gas emissions including via opposing a new oil pipeline to the west coast; new subsidies to enable more production of oil and gas; as well as the weakening of climate and environmental laws and regulations such as the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, Clean Electricity Regulations, and Methane regulations. Advocating to protect and maintain the greenwashing provisions contained in the Competition Act Advocating to maintain or increase funding of federal environmental and health programs related to issues including the Enhanced Nature Legacy Fund, Chemicals Management Plan or climate emissions reduction programs Advocating for the implementation and enforcement of the Coal Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Advocating to oppose proposed legislative amendments to change the Pest Control Product Act to remove cyclical pesticide re-evaluations as stated in the 2025 federal budget Advocating for amending Bill C-5, An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act Advocacy for the addition of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) class to schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and risk management measures. Advocating for the phase out of open net fish farm technologies. Advocating for the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans. Advocating for federal policies and laws to halt and reverse the biodiversity crisis and to meet Canadas commitments under the Global Biodiversity Framework. Meetings and advocacy with respect to the federal protected areas strategy and policies and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. Advocating for the assessment, listing, risk management and regulation of substances under the Canadian Enviromental Protection Act. Meetings and Advocacy related to government laws, policies and programs regarding critical minerals and mining. Obtaining recognition of constitutionally-protected environmental rights, including the codification of these rights through the proposed Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights; Advocating to strengthen the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) regulations and policies Advocating for regulating plastics under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Advocating for the implementation of the changes made to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act with passage of Bill S-5. Advocating for the adoption of recommendations provided by the Green Budget Coalition in the federal government's budget or budget bill. Statutory review of the Pest Control Products Act, engagement on Pest Control Products regulatory transformation, renewal and cancellation policy. Statutory review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and amendments to other toxics law policies and/or regulations including the Pest Control Products Act and the Consumer Product Safety Act. Implementing the Fisheries Act to better protect fish, fish habitat and water flows. Implementation of the Species at Risk Act in a manner that ensures protection of species-at-risk. Implementation of the Impact Assessment Act i
Ecostrat
1Engaging with the federal government on the development and implementation of policies and programs to fund or promote the growth of Canada's biofuels sector.
Vantage Canada
The Mining Association of Canada (MAC)
1Fisheries Act - Section 35 in respect of compliance for projects near water in the mineral industry Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations (MDMER) respecting Export and Import of Hazardous Wastes as it relates to mining and economic development Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Mining Regulations in respect of Mineral Tenure management in the Yukon, NWT and Nunavut. Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Mining Regulations in respect of amendments to the administration of prospecting permits and mineral claims Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) as it relates to substances produced or used by the mining industry United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act as it relates to mining sector activities UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan in relation to providing input on the implementation of measures that intersect with mining activities Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act in regards to mining The Income Tax Act in relation to corporation taxation and the use of fiscal policy with regard to the mineral industry. Species at Risk Act as it relates to mining sector activities Safety of Life as Sea Convention at the International Maritime Organization Recommended Nunavut Land Use Plan in relation to land use implications for the mining sector of Nunavut Policies or programs at Infrastructure Canada, Transport Canada. CANNOR and other departments and agencies that pertain to trade-enabling infrastructure investment in remote and norther regions. Policies or programs at Environment and Climate Change Canada that relate to biodiversity conservation, including the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy Policies and programs that relate to energy renewal, energy efficiency and management, energy technology, clean technology and innovation. Oceans Act in respect to Marine protected areas Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act as it relates to mining sector activities Northwest Territories and Nunavut Mining Regulations in respect of royalty administration and diamond valuation, as applicable. Northern Northwest Territories and Nunavut Mining Regulations in respect of Mineral Tenure management in the NWT and Nunavut. Nature Accountability Legislation (anticipated in 2024) National Benefits Sharing Framework in relation to providing input on the design and implementation of the framework Migratory Birds Regulations as it relates to mining sector activities Migratory Birds Convention Act as it relates to mining sector activities MacKenzie Valley Resource Management Boards and Agencies in respect of effluent regulations for diamond mining in Canada Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Boards, Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, Yukon Environment and Socio-economic Assessment Board, Yukon Water Board, Nunavut Impact Review Board, Nunavut Water Board as they relate to (published or unpublished) reasons for decisions made in environmental assessment and permitting; appointments with respect to relevant qualifications and professional and technical experience of Board appointees, and policy decision that affect effluent standards set in water permits. Impact Assessment Act & Regs. as they affect assessment of projects in the mineral industry Human Resources - Human Resources Development Canada - Mining skills development and training programs for Indigenous and under-represented groups in mining (female, new Canadians), with the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MIHR) Formerly Bill C-17 - Amendments to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESSA) and subsequent engagement on related issues as it pertains to the mining industry. Foreign investment and trade as it relates to Foreign Investment Agreements (FIPAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) Fisheries Act in respect of the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations (MDMER), the proposed Coal Mining Effluent Regulations (CMER) and proposed regulations for
Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo
1Seek funding to boost tourism at the Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo, one of the top tourism attractions west of Ontario. Request funding to support capital, research and animal care activities associated with a joint federal/provincial and other initiatives on species at risk or in serious decline. sources include Environment and Climate Change Canada and Parks Canada Agency Propose and advance robust standards and credible accreditation to govern keeping of non-domestic and exotic species in human care. Major capital infrastructure funding to update, renew or replace exhibits and facilities. Sources may include Prairies Economic Development and Canadian Heritage Contribute input on Senate and House animal welfare bills and regulation such as on Senate bills S-241 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (great apes, elephants and certain other animals) and S-15 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act) Canadian Food Inspection Agency processing of animal movement permit applications for international imports and exports. Canadian Cultural Spaces Fund or other funding to enhance/upgrade facilities for conservation, education and experiential learning. Business development funding to promote investment in facilities and infrastructure, programs and research.
World Wildlife Fund Canada
1Ongoing advocacy, policy and management recommendations for recovery and protection of southern resident killer whales. Regarding development of programs for, and implementation of, Canadas 2030 Nature Strategy. The federal budget, in respect of the Green Budget Coalition's recommendations for prioritized government actions that would promote environmental sustainability Operationalization and Implementation of the MPA Protection Standard to restrict discharges in federally designated protected and conserved areas. Amendment of the Arctic Waters Pollution Act and the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 to better regulate ship source pollution including greywater, black carbon, scrubbers, and sewage. Advocated for an integrated approach to managing and mitigating underwater noise nationally through the release and implementation of Canadas Ocean Noise Strategy.