Ajay Rakhra

Regulations, policies and programs related to the reimbursement recommendations decision-making process and framework done by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)/Common Drug Review as well as the review times and processes conducted by Health Canada for the purpose of obtaining a notice of compliance. National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Disease as it relates to separate regulatory pathways for drugs for rare diseases and the government strategy. Monitoring and engaging the Government and Parliamentarians on policies and programs that would provide greater clarity and predictability in the tax outcomes and improvements to tax measures such as the Manufacturing & Processing (M&P) credit and the Scientific Research & Developmental (SR&ED). Common Drug Review Policies as it relates to reimbursement recommendation decision-making process and framework. Federal Public Drug Plans, with respect to the reimbursement of therapeutic products for Federal plan beneficiaries Policies related to the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Disease as it relates to separate regulatory pathway for drugs for rare diseases and the government strategy. Policies related to Subsequent Entry Biologics (SEBs) pertaining to Draft Guidance for Sponsors; Information and Submission requirements for SEBs, regulations and intellectual property policies, naming conventions Monitoring and engaging on the Government’s commitment (Budget, SFT, Fall Economic Update) to create a national strategy for drugs for rare diseases; create a new Canadian Drug Agency; and the implementation of national, universal pharmacare. Pharmaceutical policy and any negotiations of a Health Accord or agreement with the Provinces/Territories, as it relates to National Pharmacare/universal or catastrophic drug coverage, Drug policies & Pricing. The Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Innovation Agenda for the life sciences sector: policy or program initiatives to support life science research and development conducted in Canada and manufacturing capability, and as it relates to Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy. Monitoring and engaging the Government and Parliamentarians on policies and programs related to Canada's biomanufacturing and life sciences sector strategy National Pharmacare (Bill C-64, An Act respecting pharmacare) Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Regulations in respect of modern, science-based regulations to reflect rapidly changing new technologies. Patent Act as it relates to reporting requirements and pricing guidelines, and the protection of intellectual property in biopharmaceutical products. Income Tax Act as it relates to biopharmaceutical industry. Annual federal Budgets and Budget updates as it relates to the biopharmaceutical industry, and related updates and to Federal budgetary policy. Discussions around the World Trade Organization consideration of a TRIPS Patent Waiver - Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) with respect to the protection of data, Access to Medicines, and TRIPs "flexibility". The Food and Drugs Act, or the Export and Imports Permits Act (Export Control List) or any other legislative and regulatory means in order to protect the Canadian supply of drugs in light of importation legislation in the United States. Standing Committee on Finance (FINA) as it relates to pre-budget consultations. Pharmaceutical intellectual property protection as it relates to international trade agreements Patent Act and Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations, as it relates to the regulation of intellectual property, approval for therapeutic products, changes to modernize the Right of Appeal House of Commons Standing Committee of Science and Research (SRSR) as it relates to Science in Canada and/or any other pertinent legislative proposal before the committee House of Commons Standing Committee of Industry and Technology (INDU) as it

World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations with respect to cheese customs tariffs, Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ), treaty implementation legislation, regulations, and policies International Trade negotiations policy regarding dairy products Global Affairs Canada Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) Notices to Importers, allocation policies, and consultations with stakeholders Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with respect to Cheese Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) treaty implementation legislation, regulations, and policies Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) with respect to Cheese customs tariffs, Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ), treaty implementation legislation, regulations, and policies Canada and European Union (EU) Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with respect to Cheese Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) treaty implementation legislation, regulations, and policies

CFIB supports the principle behind the Canada Jobs Grant but encourages flexibility in its implementation and consideration of small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs)' needs. For example, introducing a permanent refundable tax credits for co-op and internship hires and reducing red tape from programs like Canada Summer Jobs to make it easier for small businesses to continue hiring youth. Advocating on behalf of small and medium-sized businesses to facilitate trade between Canada and other countries (CAN-US tariffs, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, Chinese tariffs). Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) shares its suggestions for Budget 2026 focusing on: reducing the small business tax rate from 9% to 6% and increasing the small business deduction (SBD) threshold to $700,000 and index it to inflation going forward. Canada is experiencing an “entrepreneurial drought”: a sustained period where business closures consistently outpace new business starts, leading to a shrinking entrepreneurial base and declining confidence in entrepreneurship. CFIB recommends that reversing this trend should be treated as a national economic priority. Sharing small businesses' views on Labour Code changes, impact on small businesses and the need to ensure the fluidity of the supply chain. Sharing survey results on improving CFIA customer service to encourage the review of their operations to better meet the needs of small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) - reducing red tape and facilitating food mobility within Canada. Sharing data information and recommendations related to the state of small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) overall and for specific sectors which could also include provincial data. Promoting reforms to the Competition Act that will ensure small businesses have an equitable opportunity to compete in today’s economy, especially as small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) have noted an increase in large corporate giants within Canada. Shipping costs pose a significant barrier for small business, as such we continue to advocate for favourable shipping rates with carriers (including the cost of shipping along with better service levels and addressing the work stoppage at Canada Post). Presenting the views of small business owners based on our survey data to the Canada Revenue Agency to share ways of improving customer service interactions with small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) and suggest ways to ease the tax burden on small business owners as well as increase accountability within the agency. CFIB continues to monitor the effects of the Consumer Product Safety Act on small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) and other issues raised related to the mandate of Health Canada. We also continue to monitor customer service interactions between our members and Health Canada. Any issues are raised with officials. CFIB advocates for simplification to the federal procurement process on behalf of small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). Lobbying to reduce Red Tape by focusing on removing interprovincial trade barriers, facilitating labour mobility and improving government customer service. This includes providing input for the consultations on the Annual Regulatory Modernization Bill. Goods and Services Tax/ Harmonized Sales Tax Administration with regards to Transitional Rules, Out of Province Sales Rules, Point-of-Sale Rebate, and fillings. Retirement Income Policies, and proposed Canada Pension Plan increases. CFIB is against mandatory increases in Canada Pension Plan, and has provided alternative approaches. CFIB has also shared recommendations to reduce disincentives to work for older workers. Presenting the views of small business owners on infrastructure spending through member survey results, mandate votes and other CFIB research. Offering funding solutions and alternatives to government proposals on transit and infrastructure expansion. Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)

Engaging with policymakers about issues affecting Canadian technology companies. Engaging with policymakers about issues affecting Canadian small business owners, particularly soloproneurs and microproneurs. We are seeking funding from ISED Canada as well as the Regional Development Agencies to accelerate the creation and adoption of FreshBooks’ research and development innovation pipeline.

Canada's Drug Agency policies as it relates to reimbursement recommendation decision-making process and framework Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy (BLSS) as it relates to the biopharmaceutical industry. Federal policies that relate to possible models of pharmacare Federal Buy Canadian Procurement Policy as it relates to government drug procurement practices and the implications for the biopharmaceutical industry Policies and frameworks to accelerate access to innovative medicines post-Health Canada approval, including efforts to reduce time-to-reimbursement and streamline federal/provincial listing processes Policy measures to ensure security of drug supply in Canada and preserve Canada's attractiveness for biopharmaceutical launches, including in response to foreign pricing regulations National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases World Trade Organization (WTO) issues concerning the agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) with respect to the protection of data, Access to Medicines, and TRIPs "flexibility" World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) issues concerning the biopharmaceutical industry World Health Organization (WHO) issues concerning the biopharmaceutical industry Scientific Research and Educational Design (SR&ED) Tax Credit in respect of updating the system and increasing the expenditure limit for refundable credits Pharmaceutical pricing policy issues arising from the jurisdiction of the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board (PMPRB) Patented Medicines Regulations as it relates to the regulation and protection of biopharmaceutical products Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations with respect to ensuring that patent rights are respected and are internationally competitive Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations as it relates to the regulation of intellectual property for biopharmaceutical products Patent Act as it relates to reporting requirements and pricing guidelines, and the protection of intellectual property in biopharmaceutical products Income Tax Act as it relates to biopharmaceutical products Health Canada's Regulatory Roadmap for Health Products and Food as it relates to the biopharmaceutical industry Free trade agreements as they relate to the biopharmaceutical industry Food and Drugs Act and Regulations and the Import and Export Permits Act with respect to cross-border trade as it relates to the export of Canadian biopharmaceuticals Food and Drug Regulations as it relates to data protection and the regulation and protection of biopharmaceutical products Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Clinical Research Initiative as it relates to public/private research and development partnerships Annual federal Budgets and Budget updates as it relates to the biopharmaceutical industry

Seek increased support for entrepreneurs and startups in a range of sectors—from health and cleantech to finance and education—helping them grow and scale into global market leaders by providing expert advice Seek increased access to funding to support innovation companies at all stages of their growth. Collaborating with the Government of Canada on how to commercialize innovation businesses of the future, and making a positive difference in the lives of Canadians and others around the world.

Free trade agreements as they relate to the biopharmaceutical industry. Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy (BLSS) as it relates to the biopharmaceutical industry. Policies and frameworks to accelerate access to innovative medicines post-Health Canada approval, including efforts to reduce time-to-reimbursement and streamline federal/provincial listing processes. Bill C-64, the Pharmacare Act, with respect to definitional questions related to terms contained in Section 6.1, and concerns regarding the increased risk of drug shortages. Communication around existing drug shortages and shared solutions to mitigate the impact on Canadians. Advocate for the implementation of a federal diabetes and obesity strategy. Advocate for the establishment of public-private partnerships to support chronic disease prevention.

Intend to arrange meetings for (client) to discuss new funding application and proposal for FedDev under the Regional Innovation Ecosystem and Community Economic Development and Diversification Streams about training programs for newcommer entrepreneurs and women tech founders, job creation in tech and innovation within Eastern Ontario.

Visa Canada conducts infrequent communication with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and Industry Canada regarding privacy matters related to payment systems, and policies concerning privacy generally. Disscuss opportunities for greater government acceptance of Visa products. Discuss potential cost savings for government disbursement programs with the elimination of cheques and their replacement with electronic payments. Discuss policy options and industry evolution with respect to the Department of Finance's ongoing review of Open Banking, also know as Consumer Directed Finance. Discuss implementation and clarifications of the Code of Conduct for Credit and Debit Card Networks, including potential future amendments to the Code. Discuss government programs to promote Financial Literacy and Financial Inclusion. Discuss financial sector policy matters, in particular: privacy legislation; payments system developments; government policies related to payments, e-commerce and data security; Bank Act legislative and regulatory changes.

Meetings with elected and non-elected officials regarding Bill S-4,on Bill S-4, An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act. Meetings with elected and non-elected officials to discuss the Canada Free Trade Agreement and provincial regulatory burden. Meetings with elected and non-elected officials to discuss the Energy Efficiency regulations and harmonization with the United States Department of Energy and the United States Environmental Protection Agency technical standars and test procedures. Meetings with elected and non-elected officials regarding the United States tariffs and the 2026 negotiations on the United States, Mexico and Canada Trade Agreement.