Akshala Surendranath

Dedicate 35 million of the existing funding commitment for student and Indigenous housing under Build Canada Homes towards the construction of student residences by post-secondary institutions Increase post-secondary student funding to the First Nations, Inuit and Métis education strategies by $200 million per year, permanently Research funding for graduate students, and adjusting the funding envelope for student research by inflation. Funding for non-profit housing and post-secondary institution residences. Investment in the Student Work Placement Program to strengthen work-integrated learning opportunities for students in small and medium enterprises. On-campus student mental health resources, with respect to implementing the new fund of $500 million over 4 years for more and improved mental health services on post-secondary campuses. Double the Express Entry Program immigration points in Part D of the Comprehensive Ranking System allocating 60 points for a three or more year Canadian post-secondary credential, or 30 points for a one or two year Canadian post-secondary credential to retain those most likely to economically succeed in Canada. Contracts for federal infrastructure construction and maintenance contracts ensure hours worked on federal projects are worked by apprentices. Also establish that apprenticeship hours requirement for recipients of grants and contributions for federal housing programs such as the Affordable Housing Fund, Apartment Construction Loan Program, and Federal Lands Initiative. The Off-Campus Work Permit Program, with respect to extending the benefits of off-campus work permits to international students studying part-time at recognized universities and colleges in Canada. The Copyright Act, with respect to Educational exemptions listed under fair dealing provisions. The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, with respect to ensuring the weekly loan limit rises with the needs of students by increasing the weekly loan limit amount from $210 to $300. The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, with respect to eliminating the expected parental and spousal contribution in the assessment of resources for borrowers. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), with respect to including student households in its rental market data. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), with respect to including post-secondary institutions and university residences in existing housing funding programs and projects. SSHRC, CIHR, and NSERC, with respect to increasing the number, and value of scholarships provided to student researchers through the federal granting agencies. SSHRC, CIHR, and NSERC, with respect to improving governance and broadening considered perspectives via the addition of a student seat on the governing boards of the federal granting agencies. Repayment Assistance Program, with regard to changing eligibility requirements, removing entry barriers for students in loan default, exempting EI recipients, and creating program streams for underrepresented groups. Protecting student intellectual property rights at Canada's universities and colleges, with respect to creating a set of criteria for institutions to abide by in order to be eligible for research funding granted by the CIHR, SSHRC, and NSERC. Post-Secondary Student Support Program Funding, with respect to lifting the 2% cap on this funding, increases in the number of students funded, and the amount given to each student. International Student working hours, with respect to permanently eliminating the off-campus working hour limit for students while studying in Canada. International Student visas, with respect to allowing for visa holders to participate in co-op opportunities without having to apply for an additional permit. Indirect Costs Program, with respect to increasing the funding provided by the Indirect Costs Program to qualified universities, colleges, and affiliated institutions. Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrang

Advocating for easier exchange of students between foreign countries and Canada

Advocacy and consultation regarding Canada's Start Up Visa Program and related economic immigration policies

HEALTH DATA INTEROPERBILITY: Provide CMA’s perspective as it relates to health data interoperability that would ensure providers have access to the right information at the right time when providing care, and improve patient outcomes and their health care experience. BUDGET: Provide CMA’s perspective on the Government of Canada’s budget, particularly as it relates to modernizing Canada’s health care system by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and promoting equitable access to care. HARMFUL ONLINE CONTENT: Advocate to address the escalation of online harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence targeting physicians, other health workers, and anyone seeking health care treatment, including measures to strengthen the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Act. TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: provide CMA’s perspective on the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on the health care sector and the means through which advancements can be foreseen and managed. HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION: Increased investments in health and social-determinants-of-health related programs, including measures to address the opioid crisis, mental health and addictions, and the regulation of natural health products. ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN: Advocate for measures to alleviate the administrative burden on physicians and support their professional wellbeing, including investment to facilitate the development of EHRs and EMRs in Canada, improved remuneration for the completion of federal health forms, the development of a Federal Disability Benefit, ensuring that physicians are not captured in the definition of "promoters" in the Disability Tax Credit Promoters Restrictions Regulations, providing clarity and guidance on federal forms, and advocacy on discontinuing the requirement that employees present sick notes to their employers. The CMA is advocating that the trade of medical goods and medications be protected to avoid disruptions to patient care. Specifically, that the government: Continue to ensure pharmaceutical products and medical devices are not included in any countermeasures on tariffs. Improve safeguards for Canadian health data. Improve labour mobility so physicians can work across the country. Make it easier for qualified physicians to immigrate and work in Canada, including by fast-tracking immigration steps for US physicians. PAN CANADIAN LICENSURE: Advocate for the ability for physicians with full licences to practise independently without restrictions or for medical resident trainees registered in any Canadian jurisdiction to practise or train in any other Canadian jurisdiction without having to acquire more than one licence or pay additional licensing fees. This includes exploring enabling legislation in the provinces and territories. INTEGRATED HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES Advocate for an Integrated Health Human Resources Strategy, including creating retention incentives and addressing administrative burden for health care professionals, increasing the number of doctors and nurses and ensuring that every Canadian has access to a family doctor or primary health team, increasing access to virtual care, creating an action plan to get internationally trained health care professionals to work, improving workforce data collection across health systems and investing in a supply needs-based planning tool, and facilitating team-based health care. MEDICAL MIS/DISINFORMATION: Provide CMA’s perspective on the impacts of medical misinformation and disinformation, including on public trust in science, medicine, and public health experts. INDIGENOUS HEALTH: Improvement to the health and health care services provided to Indigenous peoples in Canada including adding inclusive lettering on health cards across Canada. Advocating for the creation of a national Chief Health Accountability Officer. PUBLIC-PRIVATE HEALTHCARE: The CMA is conducting a series of in-person sessions across the country to engage key s

BUDGET: Provide CMA’s perspective on the Government of Canada’s budget, particularly as it relates to modernizing Canada’s health care system by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and promoting equitable access to care. HARMFUL ONLINE CONTENT: Advocate to address the escalation of online harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence targeting physicians, other health workers, and anyone seeking health care treatment, including measures to strengthen the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Act. TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: provide CMA’s perspective on the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on the health care sector and the means through which advancements can be foreseen and managed. HEALTH DATA INTEROPERBILITY: Provide CMA’s perspective as it relates to health data interoperability that would ensure providers have access to the right information at the right time when providing care, and improve patient outcomes and their health care experience. The CMA is advocating that the trade of medical goods and medications be protected to avoid disruptions to patient care. Specifically, that the government: Continue to ensure pharmaceutical products and medical devices are not included in any countermeasures on tariffs. Improve safeguards for Canadian health data. Improve labour mobility so physicians can work across the country. Make it easier for qualified physicians to immigrate and work in Canada, including by fast-tracking immigration steps for US physicians. MEDICAL MIS/DISINFORMATION: Provide CMA’s perspective on the impacts of medical misinformation and disinformation, including on public trust in science, medicine, and public health experts. PAN CANADIAN LICENSURE: Advocate for the ability for physicians with full licences to practise independently without restrictions or for medical resident trainees registered in any Canadian jurisdiction to practise or train in any other Canadian jurisdiction without having to acquire more than one licence or pay additional licensing fees. This includes exploring enabling legislation in the provinces and territories. INTEGRATED HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES: Advocate for an Integrated Health Human Resources Strategy, including creating retention incentives and addressing administrative burden for health care professionals, increasing the number of doctors and nurses and ensuring that every Canadian has access to a family doctor or primary health team, increasing access to virtual care, creating an action plan to get internationally trained health care professionals to work, improving workforce data collection across health systems and investing in a supply needs-based planning tool, and facilitating team-based health care. ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN: Advocate for measures to alleviate the administrative burden on physicians and support their professional wellbeing, including investment to facilitate the development of EHRs and EMRs in Canada, improved remuneration for the completion of federal health forms, ensuring that physicians are not captured in the definition of "promoters" in the Disability Tax Credit Promoters Restrictions Regulations, and advocacy on discontinuing the requirement that employees present sick notes to their employers. INDIGENOUS HEALTH: Improvement to the health and health care services provided to Indigenous peoples in Canada, including adding inclusive lettering on health cards across Canada. Advocating for the creation of a national Chief Health Accountability Officer. PUBLIC-PRIVATE HEALTHCARE: The CMA is conducting a series of in-person sessions across the country to engage key stakeholders, including the public, physicians, patients/PWLE, policymakers, system leaders and others, in a dialogue on public-private healthcare. What we hear will inform CMA policy moving forward, and our recommendations for action at a national level. PHYSICIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN CAUCUS: advocate for the formation of a Physician Parliamentarian

Seek solutions to challenges related to the international students cap. Seeking funding for health care, aboriginal studies and aerospace program and facility development on campus

Discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on the Canadian job market and opportunities for reskilling. Discuss labour mobility in Canada with the introduction of a National Skills Passport Discuss apprenticeship training, skills development, and digital credentials for the Canadian Armed Forces Expand access to reliable, secure English language testing options for immigration, citizenship and foreign student admission to Canada.

Discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on the Canadian job market and opportunities for reskilling. Discuss apprenticeship training, skills development, and digital credentials for the Canadian Armed Forces Discuss labour mobility in Canada with the introduction of a National Skills Passport Expand access to reliable, secure English language testing options for immigration, citizenship and foreign student admission to Canada.

Square Canada, Inc. seeks to collaborate with policymakers and Canada’s financial services industry to think beyond what’s established and help remove barriers that keep people from having equal access. Discuss challenges confronting Canadian small and medium size businesses and consumers in the digital economy.

The financial sector regulatory framework as it relates to Retail Payment Activities Act, payment processing, consumer-driven banking and data security. Square Canada, Inc. seeks to collaborate with policymakers and Canada’s financial services industry to think beyond what’s established and help remove barriers that keep people from having equal access. Square Canada, Inc. also seeks to discuss challenges confronting Canadian small and medium size businesses and consumers in the digital economy.

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)

Seeking to lift the 2% funding cap on Post-Secondary Student Support Program funding, increase in funding available for Indigenous students and establish dedicated funding to preserve, promote and honour Indigenous languages and cultures. Seeking to increase the Canada Student Grants Program, expand eligibility to include graduate students and improve the Canada Student Loan Program. Seeking to increase funding to improve mental health services available to students. Seeking to establish national framework legislation for post-secondary education funding. Seeking to eliminate tuition fees for all students, restore core funding for post-secondary education, increase investments in skilled trades and apprenticeships and adult education, and increase funding for post-secondary research and scholarships. Immigration regulations, with respect to post-graduate work periods and in-study off-campus work limitations. Fair Elections Act, seeking amendments to the act to ensure students and young people are able to participate in voting. Copyright Act, with respect to interpretation of fair dealing Canada Summer Jobs program, seeking increase to annual budget. Canada Education Savings Act, with respect to converting expenditures on tax credits into need-based grants. BILL C-312 ( Canada Post-Secondary Education Act) An Act relating to cash contributions by Canada and to criteria and conditions in respect of post-secondary education Bankruptcy Act, seeking elimination of prohibition on student loan bankruptcy.

Présenter et soutenir Consider Canada City Alliance (CCCA) pour renforcer sa visibilité dans les discussions fédérales dans les secteurs de l'investissement et du développement économique. Cela inclut la promotion active de politiques et de programmes qui améliorent l'attractivité du Canada pour les investissements, soulignant ainsi le rôle essentiel de la CCCA dans le soutien à la prospérité économique nationale.