Alice Zheng

Strategies to prevent gender-based violence through firearm safety measures, including national firearms buyback program Advancing investments, policies and programs around caregiving and the care economy with a gender equity focus, including supporting the majority-women community services workforce. Investments in Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care, rollout of childcare agreements across Canada. Women's Housing and Homelessness, ensuring a gender equity lens in federal housing policy and affordable housing investments, and the renewal of funding for housing dedicated to women. We are seeking investments in women's labour market participation, including investments in re-skilling programs that are gender-responsive. Advancing policies, programs and investments in gender-based violence prevention and intervention, including the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. Federal budget with respect to investments in the social service sector for funding the supports the mental health of frontline community service workers. Addressing online hate and technology-facilitated violence through online safety legislation, policies or regulations.

GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT - Reform Canada’s procurement system to support investment and ensure a competitive business environment. GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT - Ensuring fair and open procurement practices to drive innovation and technology adoption in Canada. HOUSING - Advocate for policies and legislation that enable the creation of more housing supply, incentivize investment in residential construction and housing – enabling infrastructure, and support the development of skilled labour we need, whether domestically or through immigration, to restore housing affordability to Canadian families. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to the measurement and improvement of Canada’s tax competitiveness, including: reforming the taxation, remittance, filing and audit processes of Canadian businesses and tax policy which improves the competitiveness of the Canadian business environment INTERNATIONAL TRADE – With respect to issues relating to trade controls, including tariffs, import and export controls, sanctions, and trade remedies. INDUSTRY - Improving the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit program to drive innovation; increase the role that the federal government plays in creating opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to digitalize and conduct more business activities online; developing a digital economy strategy for Canada. HEALTH – Ensuring we improve access to necessary medicines by building on rather than displacing the important role of private insurers and respecting provincial and territorial jurisdiction. CYBER SECURITY - Encouraging the government to prioritize cybersecurity innovation, talent development, and critical infrastructure resilience; modernize research and development; accelerate commercialization in the space; support the secure digitalization of small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and improve the global competitiveness of Canada’s cybersecurity industry. IMMIGRATION - Reducing regulatory burdens for employers; promoting immigration to small, rural and northern communities; supporting regional and local community immigration strategies; maintaining and modernizing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program; Facilitating pathways to permanent residency for temporary residents (international students and TFWs; expediting and simplifying foreign credential recognition, calling for an international student and global talent strategy; improving language training as well as settlement and employment supports to newcomers, aligning immigration programs with labour market needs, improving the Start-Up Visa process, improving client services to potential immigrants and newcomers. EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING – National Workforce Strategy, programs that support small and medium sized enterprises, improving collection and dissemination of Labour Market Information, establishing the Employment Insurance Council to institutionalize social dialogue between workers and employers on issues related to employment and training needs, addressing barriers to labour mobility, improving effectiveness of employment supports and skills training. EDUCATION - Aligning employer and workforce needs with education and training; expanding skilling, upskilling, reskilling and work integrated learning opportunities. INFRASTRUCTURE – Improvement of Canada’s infrastructure through the National Infrastructure Assessment, National Supply Chains Strategy, and establishment of a Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan. TRANSPORTATION - Regarding the consistent funding of trade-enabling infrastructure projects; the development of a competitive and efficient transportation network including all modes of transportation; the fluidity and stability of supply chain operations, minimizing disruptions. LABOUR - Ensuring that any changes to the Canada Labour Code are implemented in response to defined and demonstrated issues and not to increase regulatory burdens for employers; minimizing labour disruption impacts on Canadian bus

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)

Enacting legislative changes addressing the use of parental alienation and associated pseudo-concepts, so that our justice system can begin protecting women and children without waiting for a slow change in case law precedent. Banning parental alienation accusations in family court. Federal Budget with respect to sustained funding for WAGE and for Women's Rights organizations. Bill C-21: An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms), with respect to banning assault-style firearms and domestic/family violence provisions.

Bill C-223, An act to amend the Divorce Act, regarding protections for victims of family violence S-206, An Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income, with respect to the need for a basic income guarantee to advance women's security C-16, An Act to amend certain Acts in relation to criminal and correctional matters (child protection, gender-based violence, delays and other measures), with respect to protections for women and victims of violence Amending Bill S-228, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sterilization procedures) Canada Disability Benefit: amount and regulations for the Canada Disability Benefit Amending the Employment insurance Act to remove discriminatory provisions towards women on parental leave Enacting legislative changes addressing the use of parental alienation accusations and associated pseudo-concepts in family law, to ensure safety for women and children who are victims of family violence. Stopping parental alienation accusations in family court. Federal Budget with respect to sustained funding for WAGE and for Women's Rights organizations. Bill C-21: An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms), with respect to banning assault-style firearms and domestic/family violence provisions.

Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada (SDAC) aims to advance equitable and inclusive procurement practices by increasing economic opportunities for diverse suppliers that include Women, Black, Indigenous Peoples, Refugee, Racialized, Persons with Disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

To promote that the Tax-deferred Co-operative Share Program be made permanent to help agricultural co-operatives meet their capitalization needs and remain a viable option for agribusinesses while allowing Canadian co-operatives to be stronger in the face of international competitors. To scale renewable energy co-operatives. Renewable energy co-operatives (RECs) can play a pivotal role in meeting net-zero goals while enhancing affordability and public buy-in. The federal government should invest in scaling RECs by ensuring equitable access to clean energy tax credits, financing, and capacity-building tools—placing Canadians at the heart of the transition. To strengthen co-operative housing. The Co-operative Housing Development Program (CHDP) has enabled billions in shovel-ready projects—complete with land, partnerships, and community backing—but available funding falls short. As Build Canada Homes is designed, the federal government must recapitalize CHDP to unlock the pipeline of shovel-ready projects and prioritize co-op and nonprofit housing development. Establishing a Federal Co-operative Investment Plan, inspired by the one in Quebec. Educating Parliamentarians, staffers and public servants on the co-operative model, the advantages and challenges faced by co-ops. Lack of awareness causes oversight and issues in programs and policies, when co-operatives should have access to the Business support and other programs offered by, or supported by, the government. Ensuring increased support to co-operatives and social enterprises, as underserved business models, by the BDC. As per the recent Legislative Review, co-operatives are significantly underserved by the BDC. Discuss the pro-active inclusion of co-operatives and social enterprises, in the procurement process. CMC would like co-operatives to be both eligible and prioritized in government procurement programs. Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy. Advocating for renewal of commitments related to the Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy, such as the Investment Readiness Program and SISF-related funding for co-operatives. Promoting Business Conversions to Co-operatives as a means of safeguarding jobs and economic drivers in communities Harmonizing tax rules and incentives related to Employee-Ownership Trusts, to ensure that business succession (conversions) to employee-owned worker co-operatives are eligible. To review and propose possible changes to the Canadian Co-operative Act To expand the definitions and exemption criteria so that all qualifying co-operatives can remain eligible for the Small Business Deduction (SBD). Support or investment in the Canadian Co-operative Investment Fund which provides patient capital and lending to finance the capitalization of new and emerging co-operatives. The fund exists and was set up with $25 million from the co-operative sector. Review and propose changes to the Income Tax Act, in terms of the treatment of Indivisible Reserves in co-operatives. Amounts earmarked for Indivisible resserves cannot return to members and as such those amounts are thus outside the governments' definition of "for-profit", Investments in co-operative-led programs to provide bridges to employment, support entrepreneurship, safeguard local businesses, create jobs and make life more affordable for Canadians, in particular women, newcomers, Indigenous people, youth, and Canadians living in rural communities. Establishing a Canadian Co-operative Capacity Building Program (CCBP) equipped with federal funding to help co-operatives either start up, scale up, gain skills and expertise, and or prepare for their next steps.

Représentations et démarches afin que la Banque de développement du Canada puisse participer financièrement à la mise sur pied d’un Fonds spécifiquement dédié à l'entrepreneuriat d'impact, diversifié et inclusif. Demande de soutien financier pour qu'Evol puisse poursuivre le soutien le développement et la consolidation de son offre d’accompagnement personnalisée et adaptée à la clientèle issue de la diversité. Soutenir le développement et la croissance de PME, faciliter l’accès au financement et offrir une expertise en développement durable en vue de générer des impacts environnementaux positifs alignés sur les objectifs de développement durable de l'ONU. Représentations et démarches afin que Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada fournisse une aide financière à Evol spécifiquement pour qu'elle puisse offrir des prêts et de l'accompagnement aux femmes entrepreneures. Représentations et démarches afin que Développement Économique Canada puisse participer financièrement à la mise sur pied d’un Fonds spécifiquement dédié à l'entrepreneuriat d'impact, diversifié et inclusif.

Tax Regulations, with respect to a prescribed payment card corporation share Policies, rules and codes that affect the payments system and payment networks Canada’s digital economy, with respect to secure and convenient digital identity and authentication solutions

Supporting the development and implementation of policies, programs, and regulatory measures aimed at preventing and combating fraud, scams, and financial crime, including measures that enhance information sharing, consumer protection, and the integrity of Canada’s financial system. Supporting an open and competitive technology environment for mobile payments to maximise consumer choice and strengthen Canada’s participation in the digital economy. Promoting the recognition and adoption of modern digital payments infrastructure as a foundation for Canada’s economic resilience and innovation Supporting the development and adoption of secure, convenient digital verification and authentication solutions to enhance consumer protection and confidence in Canada’s digital economy. Tax Regulations, with respect to a prescribed payment card corporation share Policies, rules and codes that affect the payments system and payment networks

Focus on girls' rights and youth leadership in Canada focused on addressing systemic barriers to gender equality in leadership in Canada and globally. Plan International Canada advocates for gender equality and children's rights. Our policy and advocacy spans a number of sectors, including, health, education, child protection, climate change, economic security, water and sanitation, emergencies and child participation.

Interprovincial trade barriers impacting the restaurant and food services industry, including restrictions on interprovincial alcohol shipments, inconsistent packaging standards, varying food safety inspections, etc. Taxation policy with regard to corporate, small business, and personal income taxes. Immigration policies with respect to worker programs and permits. Discussions with officials regarding the Canada-US bilateral relationship, possible tariffs, and the impacts on the food service industry and food supply chains. Seeking the permanent elimination of GST/HST from all food, following the recent GST/HST Tax Holiday.

Advocacy related to the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, as it pertains to youth employment in the restaurant industry. Advocacy related to the National Food Security Strategy, as it pertains to food cost drivers affecting restaurants, food loss and waste, and domestic production capacity and supply chain barriers. Advocacy related to enhancing accelerated investment incentives and seeking modifications to small business deduction eligibility, to better support capital investments for restaurants. Advocacy related to the renewal and continued federal funding of the International Convention Attraction Fund, including a request for a commitment of $10 million annually over four years. Communicating with and arranging meetings with Public Office Holders to discuss the benefits of removing GST on all food in Canada Communicating with the Government of Canada regarding Budget 2026 as it pertains to immigration cuts affecting labour shortages. Engaging the Government of Canada on US led tariffs and the Government of Canada's response as they impact the foodservices industry. Tax policy on alcohol (escalator excise tax). Taxation policy with regard to corporate, small business and personal income taxes Regulations and policies regarding fees to SOCAN and ReSound Regulations and policies pertaining to Canada Pension Plan employer/employee premiums Regulation of financial institutions with respect to credit card fees Nutritional labeling policy with respect to provision of nutrition information Immigration policy with respect to workers programs and permits Healthy Eating Strategy - to ensure that policy and regulation proposals on the restriction of unhealthy food and beverage marketing to children, sodium reduction initiatives, menu labelling requirements, related initiatives are balanced, reasonable and science-based. Providing input into Health Canada's Healthy Eating Strategy consultations. Environmental regulations regarding plastics and recycling Employment Insurance with respect to policy for establishing premium rates Economic Strategy Tables - Continue to work closely with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in contributing to Canada's Economic Strategy Tables by ensuring the discussion help reflect the concerns of our industry Chicken and Turkey Tariff Rate Quota Advisory Committee (TQAC) regarding import quota Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) regarding annual dairy pricing Amendments to the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act to exempt wines purchased by restaurants regarding the transportation and sale of beverage between provinces. Agriculture trade policy with regard to trade liberalization opportunities