In addition to our COVID-19 related advocacy, we also represented our members needs in other formats.
- As always, we took part in pre-budget consultations and outlined our recommendations in our submission to the Standing Committee on Finance. In addition, this year we submitted a joint submission specifically on innovation with our regional counterparts and key stakeholders.
- We also continued our work on Copyright, taking part in a federal consultation on how to Implement Canada’s CUSMA commitment to extend our general copyright term of protection. In addition, we obtained intervener status in the Supreme Court of Canada appeal of the York Decision, presenting oral arguments at the hearing on May 21, 2021, with a decision by the Court expected within six months.
- On applied research, we worked with the College Applied Research Taskforce and our National Research Advisory Committee, to launch a national letter-writing campaign to highlight how college and institute applied research supports community innovation. SMEs, innovation partners, and national stakeholders sent 115 letters to 79 members of parliament, including Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry Navdeep Bains; and Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, sharing the impact of college applied research on job creation, skills development, and innovation.