RECOMMENDATION 1

That the Government of Canada, in negotiating a new Health Care Accord, ensure that the accord honours the principles of the Canada Health Act, and includes an accountability framework. The accord’s areas of focus should include:

• a national prescription drug program;
• enhanced investments in home care;
• a mental health strategy; and
• investments in information technologies that support improved management and accountability measures.

RECOMMENDATION 2

That the Government of Canada participate in the creation of a national Alzheimer’s disease and dementia partnership to support the implementation of a comprehensive and integrated national dementia strategy.

RECOMMENDATION 3

That to meet the demands of an increasingly knowledge-based economy, the Government of Canada increase funding to organizations and initiatives that deliver literacy and essential skills programs and services.

RECOMMENDATION 4

That the Government of Canada work with the provinces/territories, trade unions and post-secondary institutions to develop and/or expand pre-apprenticeship training programs.

RECOMMENDATION 5

That the Government of Canada work with the provinces/territories to launch a pilot program that identifies and establishes regional or sectoral consortia of firms that connect apprentices to employers.

RECOMMENDATION 6

That the Government of Canada increase funding to initiatives aimed at filling Canada’s information and communications technology skills gap through programming in digital skills and coding education. In particular, these initiatives should be targeted to those working to engage diverse communities and to improve the representation of women in technology.

RECOMMENDATION 7

That in relation to the federal portion of any loan, the Government of Canada establish a six-month, interest-free grace period for those accessing the Canada Student Loans Program.

RECOMMENDATION 8

That the Government of Canada review all federal spending on skills training and labour market development, whether cost-shared with the provinces/territories or otherwise, in order to determine the relevance and responsiveness of this spending to labour market needs across the country. This review should consider the priority that should be given to the following:

• renewing accountability, performance and transparency measures, as well as program objectives;
• directing Statistics Canada to create, deliver and disseminate enhanced labour market information, as well as – in relation to public colleges, institutes and universities – data on enrolment and graduation rates for the full range of education programs, as well as on tuition rates, and the number of – and spending on – faculty and other staff;
• creating a national stakeholder advisory panel on labour market information; and
• enabling individuals in underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities, youth and Indigenous persons, to access the labour market information required to undertake career planning.

RECOMMENDATION 9

That the Government of Canada review the effectiveness of the disability tax credit and consider making it refundable.

RECOMMENDATION 10

That the Government of Canada either expand the Canada Revenue Agency’s interpretation of the Income Tax Act, or amend section 118.3 of the Income Tax Act, to include all activities related to insulin administration in the disability tax credit’s eligibility criteria.

RECOMMENDATION 11

That the Government of Canada ensure that the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program operates throughout the year and assists individuals in determining their eligibility for benefits.

RECOMMENDATION 12

That the Government of Canada implement a senior’s index to determine the amount by which Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits should be increased.

RECOMMENDATION 13

That the Government of Canada support the aims of the First Nations Financial Authority to improve economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples, and explore whether its funding model should be expanded nationally.

RECOMMENDATION 14

That the Government of Canada conduct an immediate review of, and undertake reforms to, the First Nations child welfare system in order to keep children with their families and strengthen communities.

RECOMMENDATION 15

That the Government of Canada ensure that federal employees receive training on the recommendations contained in the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

RECOMMENDATION 16

That the Government of Canada review the Post-Secondary Student Support Program to ensure that it is as efficient as possible, and that it is resulting in the maximum amount of student success and motivation. As well, the Government should remove the 2% funding cap in an effort to address the program backlog in relation to Inuit, Métis and First Nations students.

RECOMMENDATION 17

That the Government of Canada invest in reconciliation education at post-secondary institutions that request such education.

RECOMMENDATION 18

That in building on a Nation-to-Nation relationship, the Government of Canada invest in Indigenous leadership and education programs that enable youth, elders and community members to serve as environmental stewards of lands and waters in traditional territories.

RECOMMENDATION 19

That the Government of Canada provide additional funding to the Indspire Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards program to support Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education, with particular attention paid to those with the highest financial need.

RECOMMENDATION 20

That the Government of Canada fund the establishment of Indigenous-controlled universities that respect traditional knowledge and Indigenous languages, have a strong Indigenous governance structure, and demonstrate a commitment to Indigenous values.

RECOMMENDATION 21

That the Government of Canada, in partnership with a province/territory, undertake a multi-year, longitudinal study and implement a pilot project consistent with the concept of a guaranteed income.

RECOMMENDATION 22

That in relation to veterans, the Government of Canada recognize the loss of career progression in its financial benefits. The Government should ensure that those who have incurred a serious service-related illness or injury and who have had their careers end prematurely receive an income support that includes an escalating feature that accounts for this lost career opportunity.

RECOMMENDATION 23

That the Government of Canada implement a life-long benefit as an option for injured veterans. As well, the Government should ensure that injured veterans have access to financial advice and support in order to determine the form of compensation that is the most advantageous for them and their families.

RECOMMENDATION 24

That the Government of Canada create a veterans education benefit in order to help veterans re-enter the workforce and to expand Canada’s skilled labour force. This benefit should fund the full costs of up to four years of college, university or technical education for Canadian Forces veterans after they complete their service.

RECOMMENDATION 25

That the Government of Canada continue to work towards the implementation of a national post-traumatic stress disorder program for veterans, as well as other safety and security personnel under the federal jurisdiction.

RECOMMENDATION 26

That the Government of Canada invest funds to reduce wait times for processing immigration applications and work visas.

RECOMMENDATION 27

That the Government of Canada amend the Income Tax Act and the Copyright Act in order to provide for artists’ resale rights in Canada.

RECOMMENDATION 28

That the Government of Canada increase funding for the Athlete Assistance Program in order to reflect the increasing costs of living. In doing so, the number of athletes funded through the program should not be reduced.

RECOMMENDATION 29

That the Government of Canada support Canada’s cultural sector by increasing funding for the Canada Book Fund and the Canada Music Fund, and by creating a music export fund.

RECOMMENDATION 30

That the Government of Canada conduct an exhaustive review of the tax treatment of intergenerational transfers of businesses.

RECOMMENDATION 31

That the Government of Canada recognize the income earned by campgrounds and storage facilities as “active business income” for the purpose of determining eligibility for the small business deduction.

RECOMMENDATION 32

That the Government of Canada review and alter capital cost allowance rates to reflect changes in technology and the useful life of assets.

RECOMMENDATION 33

That the Government of Canada take the following actions to enhance Canada’s federal regional development agencies and ensure their  full participation in, and implementation of, the country’s innovation agenda:

• establish a process by which the agencies are able to access additional core funding for large-scale investments;
• continue to deliver programming that enables the adoption of green infrastructure, upgraded access and connectivity to high-speed broadband, and support for recreation and social infrastructure in small communities; and
• ensure improved service standards, which currently require that a decision on an application be made within 75 days, 90% of the time.

RECOMMENDATION 34

That the Government of Canada support angel investment by investing in a nationally coordinated network supporting angel investment, and enabling both data collection and the reporting of angel investment–related outcomes at the national level.

RECOMMENDATON 35

That the Government of Canada address processing issues and inflexible features of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program that are negatively affecting employers’ access to workers in a range of sectors.

RECOMMENDATION 36

That the Government of Canada improve the Express Entry program, with a view to enhancing service standards and processing applications more quickly.

RECOMMENDATION 37

That the Government of Canada address the processing issues and inflexible features of the Temporary Resident Visa Program, particularly in order to assist Canada’s tourism sector.

RECOMMENDATION 38

That the Government of Canada improve the Temporary Foreign Workers Program Agriculture Stream and the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program.

RECOMMENDATION 39

That the Government of Canada work with provincial/territorial governments to provide greater financial incentives to small and medium-sized employers that hire people with disabilities.

RECOMMENDATION 40

That the Government of Canada increase its contribution to the various federal and provincial/territorial labour market agreements in relation to people with disabilities.

RECOMMENDATION 41

That the Government of Canada support the establishment of a Canadian centre for international research partnerships dedicated to building multisectoral, multinational research programs focused on late-stage technology development.

RECOMMENDATION 42

That the Government of Canada consider the establishment of an automotive research and development centre within the National Research Council of Canada.

RECOMMENDATION 43

That the Government of Canada establish targets for investments in discovery research, and develop a long-term strategy for achieving these targets.

RECOMMENDATION 44

That the Government of Canada commit to a multi-year increase in direct federal investments in applied research at colleges and institutes.

RECOMMENDATION 45

That the Government of Canada contribute to cluster capacity–building through the establishment of a small cluster coordinating office. The Government should also develop tools to collect and share data about the performance of globally competitive innovation clusters.

RECOMMENDATION 46

That the Government of Canada work with stakeholders to encourage the growth of innovative Canadian companies by promoting their integration into high-value global supply chains.

RECOMMENDATION 47

That the Government of Canada create a first patent program, with a design that is similar to that launched by the Government of Quebec. This program should subsidize the expenses incurred by small and medium-sized businesses obtaining a first patent.

RECOMMENDATION 48

That the Government of Canada continue its vigorous pursuit of the removal of internal trade barriers through direct negotiations with provincial/territorial governments designed to ensure the free flow of people, goods and services throughout Canada.

RECOMMENDATION 49

That the Government of Canada, in supporting western Canadian grain and oilseed producers, suggest that the Auditor General conduct a complete audit of the sale and disposition of the assets of the Canadian Wheat Board since the Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act received Royal Assent.

RECOMMENDATION 50

That the Government of Canada provide additional funding to rebuild scientific, technical and research capacity at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

RECOMMENDATION 51

That the Government of Canada enable the agricultural sector to contribute to Canada’s economic growth through reversing the reductions made to AgriStability and AgriInvest.

RECOMMENDATION 52

That the Government of Canada enhance AgriInvest by allowing farmers to make a withdrawal from Fund 1 without first having to make a withdrawal from Fund 2, provided that any such withdrawal is invested in eligible projects.

RECOMMENDATION 53

That the Government of Canada establish a limited statutory deemed trust that protects produce sellers and growers during bankruptcy in Canada.

RECOMMENDATION 54

That the Government of Canada support innovation in the Canadian wine sector through improved operational and infrastructure investments.

RECOMMENDATION 55

That the Government of Canada strengthen its commitment to Canada’s forestry sector through the following actions:

• Support the manufacturing, innovation and promotion of forest products;
• ensure the stability of wood supply through aggressively combatting the spruce budworm, and through renewing and enhancing commitments to research efforts;
• support investments that can improve competitiveness and address the climate change agenda; and
• consistent with Canada’s international trade obligations, explore possible support measures for Canadian softwood lumber producers in the event that the U.S. government imposes countervailing or anti-dumping duties on Canada’s softwood lumber exports to the United States.

RECOMMENDATION 56

That the Government of Canada continue to support Canada’s fisheries through the owner-operator model.

RECOMMENDATION 57

That the Government of Canada develop a national auto strategy that would ensure a timely and coordinated approach to maintaining current, and attracting new, assembly plants. As well, the strategy should facilitate innovation within the sector – including among auto parts suppliers – through tangible and effective supports.

RECOMMENDATION 58

That the Government of Canada continue its commitment to innovation and technology by supporting advanced manufacturing through investments in sectoral development initiatives, particularly in the aerospace and space sector.

RECOMMENDATION 59

That the Government of Canada work with, and provide direct support to, Canada’s resource extraction sector to assist in the development of clean technologies designed to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

RECOMMENDATION 60

That in order to ensure the competitiveness of the mining sector, the Government of Canada review the recent changes made to:

• the Atlantic Investment Tax Credit;
• the Corporate Mineral Exploration and Development Tax Credit;
• accelerated capital cost allowance rates;
• the Canadian Exploration Expense and the Canadian Development Expense.

RECOMMENDATION 61

That the Government of Canada prioritize measures in relation to strategic green, social and core infrastructure that have a direct and measurable impact on the Canadian economy, and that attract or facilitate foreign investment and trade. These measures include:

• ensuring that infrastructure funds for northern and remote communities have a focus on transportation infrastructure, such as bridge replacement and roadway renewals, that will effectively enable trade and growth for Canada’s agricultural sector;
• investing in higher speed, high frequency passenger rail service, allocating funding to VIA Rail’s Quebec City-Windsor Corridor fleet-renewal project and proceeding with VIA Rail’s procurement process;
• ensuring that small National Airports System airports are eligible for infrastructure funds;
• working with telecommunication companies that agree to participate in a rural broadband program that would be funded through changes to the capital cost allowance rates for classes 8, 42 and 46, which address communications networks equipment, including broadband networks; and
• working to develop a support program for cellular coverage (mobile Internet) for regions that are not served or are underserved.

RECOMMENDATION 62

That the Government of Canada undertake a review of the municipal infrastructure funding formula to ensure that – like the permanent and indexed Gas Tax Fund – funding is long-term, predictable, sustainable and dedicated.

RECOMMENDATION 63

That the Government of Canada ensure that access to infrastructure funding occurs through streamlined and timely approval processes, and that coordination and consistency between federal and provincial/territorial infrastructure funding programs are enhanced.

RECOMMENDATION 64

That the Government of Canada commit long-term funding to address the forthcoming expiration of federal operating agreements in relation to geared-to-income rental housing.

RECOMMENDATION 65

That the Government of Canada re-examine the definition of housing affordability that is used by the government and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

RECOMMENDATION 66

That the Government of Canada renegotiate the funding agreements in relation to housing to ensure the existence of firm targets for the number of new rental units to be built annually.

RECOMMENDATION 67

That the Government of Canada extend the affordable housing programs for seniors and for victims of violence that were announced in the 2016 federal budget and that are set to end in two years.

RECOMMENDATION 68

That the Government of Canada proceed with the infrastructure bank to increase private-sector investment in the Canadian economy.

RECOMMENDATION 69

That in order to stimulate growth and ensure economic viability, the Government of Canada work with the community of Churchill, Manitoba to develop a long-term strategy for the Port of Churchill, as well as rail transport to and from the community.

RECOMMENDATION 70

That the Government of Canada improve access to child care in order to help fulfill the government’s promises to invest in social infrastructure.

RECOMMENDATION 71

That the Government of Canada engage, support and bring together Canadian businesses and organizations to find innovative solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

RECOMMENDATION 72

That the Government of Canada take action to support and encourage Canada’s geothermal sector.

RECOMMENDATION 73

That the Government of Canada encourage the use of electric vehicles by investing in the infrastructure that is needed to support these vehicles, such as charging stations.

RECOMMENDATION 74

That the Government of Canada reduce the use of diesel power for electric power generation in Indigenous communities through clean energy projects.

RECOMMENDATION 75

That the Government of Canada work with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority and the Canada Border Services Agency to raise service level standards and reduce wait times without increasing fees charged to travellers.

RECOMMENDATION 76

That the Government of Canada, at the earliest opportunity, undertake a comprehensive tax review with the objective of simplifying the Income Tax Act.

RECOMMENDATION 77

That the Government of Canada work within a fiscal framework that ensures a debt-to-gross domestic product ratio that is stable or declining.

RECOMMENDATION 78

That the Government of Canada follow through on its commitment to increase funding for palliative care in accordance with provincial need.

RECOMMENDATION 79

That the Government of Canada consider the effects of federal policy decisions on particular groups, sectors and communities, including women, seniors and rural regions.

RECOMMENDATION 80

That the Government of Canada ensure that financially vulnerable Canadians have access to the government benefits to which they are entitled. As well, the Government should reinstate in-person Canada Revenue Agency services so that these individuals have more individualized supports.

RECOMMENDATION 81

That the Government of Canada increase its investments in official development assistance with the goal of investing 0.35% of gross domestic product within the next three to four years.