Alison O'Leary

Discussions relating to the legislative, regulatory, and policy developments related to digital currencies and cryptoassets Providing input on the prudential regulation of the banking sector Providing input on amendments to the Bank Act Providing input on federal budget measures that may impact the banking sector Discussions on supporting women’s advancement, career opportunities, and equitable outcomes in the financial services sector Discussing the Accessible Canada Act with the purpose of identifying, removing and preventing barriers for people with disabilities Discussions on strategies to mitigate tariff risks and navigate the review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Providing input on effective Artificial Intelligence regulation to balance risks and foster innovation Providing input on the regulatory framework to facilitate the process to become a federal credit union and support their operations Discussing plans on the Data Collection Modernization initiative Providing views on the Macroeconomic Stress Test (MST) 2.0 review Discussing Bill C-27 – Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022, relating to the privacy and artificial intelligence provisions Discussions relating to the efficiency and effectiveness of the financial sector regulatory system Discussions on consumer issues relating to potential postal strike ensuring an appropriate scope of guidance Providing inputs on criminal interest rate as it relates to the calculation of the rate and exclusions Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions guidelines with respect to capital adequacy requirements, prudential limits and restrictions, accounting and disclosure, and sound business and financial practices Providing inputs on OSFI regulations and draft guidelines including in connection with culture, integrity and security, third-party risk, and operational risk Providing input on the development of the Consumer-Driven Banking Framework Providing inputs on Basel III Implementation with respect to capital floor phase-in and risk weights Providing inputs on Competition Act amendments Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA): seeking workable, practical approaches in the reform of PIPEDA Excise Tax Act with respect to Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Support the development of an innovative, efficient, and secure payments ecosystem in Canada that benefits consumers Support the goals outlined in the National Cyber Security Strategy and collaborate with government, including the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, to strengthen Canada’s cyber resiliency The Access to Basic Banking Services: seeking to clarify appropriate identification for opening accounts and to make account opening procedures more workable U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), trade agreements with other jurisdictions, World Trade Organization rules regarding cross-border trade in financial services Support the Government initiative of modernizing the Employment Equity Act and provide input to further strengthen the Act. Discussion relating to agricultural financing, including the efficient administration of the Advance Payments Program and the Canada Loan Administration Act Discussions relating to the development of Financial Consumer Protection Framework and voluntary commitments to promote protection for consumers Capital markets statutory, regulatory and self-regulatory organization regime applicable to banks as corporate issuers and their provincially regulated subsidiaries that are capital markets participants Discussion relating to housing finance framework, including reforms to expand housing supply, mortgage underwriting regulations and covered bonds Providing inputs on climate standards and disclosures Corporate governance statutory and regulatory regime for banks Canada Labour Code with respect to (i) impact on bank management of human resources, (ii) review of Part III of the Canada Labour Code, (iii) flexible work

Advance the interests of Indigenous Peoples. Contribute to clean growth and to meeting Canada’s climate objectives Strengthen Canada’s autonomy, resilience and security. Provide economic or other benefits to Canada Clean Electricity ITC, consultation and advising on how Manitoba Hydro is perusing implementation of the regulation and reducing GHG, while maintaining reliability of existing infrastructure, while highlighting economic opportunities. The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs). The program will provide direct financial support to eligible renewable energy and grid modernization projects during the construction phase. The Smart Grid Program. Part of Natural Resource Canada’s targeted national programs addressing key infrastructure to advance the goals of the Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. It assists Utility-led projects to reduce GHG emissions, better utilize existing electricity assets and foster innovation and clean jobs for: demonstration of smart grid technologies and deployment of smart grid integrated systems. Investment Tax Credits towards the construction of new Hydro-electric projects, wind projects, and subsequent labor requirements associated with each. Engagement with the federal government in providing feedback on the development of the clean electricity regulation.

Support Manitoba Hydro engage with the federal government in providing feedback on the development of the clean electricity regulation. Supporting Manitoba Hydro engage with the federal government in providing feedback on several policies and programs under development, including several Investment Tax Credits, the Smart Renewable Electrification Pathways Program, and the Smart Grid Program, among others.

Discussions of programming to support social and economic development both on and off-reserve.

Communicating about the Pathways Project, a proposed carbon capture, utilization and storage ("CCUS") project, which will transport and store captured carbon dioxide from multiple oil sands facilities in northeast Alberta. Communicating about the Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between the Governments of Alberta and Canada, more specifically as it relates to the Pathways Project, which is a proposed carbon capture, utilization and storage ("CCUS") project. Communicating about collaboration between industry and government in the area of greenhouse gas emissions, including about carbon capture, utilization and storage ("CCUS").

Communicating about migratory bird regulations under the Species at Risk Act, S.C. 2002, c. 29 and the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, S.C. 1994, c. 22, more specifically their impact on the oil and gas sector. Communicating about regulations under the Fisheries Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. F-14, including the Petroleum Refinery Liquid Effluent Regulations, more specifically their impact on the oil and gas sector. Communicating about environmental reporting requirements under the Income Tax Act, including climate risk disclosures under section 211.93 of the Income Tax Act, more specifically their impact on the oil and gas sector. Communicating about consultation matters, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Communicating, including via government-led consultations, about the Federal Plastics Registry (FPR), more specifically those provisions that impact the oil and gas sector. Communicating, in general, about potential collaboration between the federal government, industry and Indigenous communities with respect to oil and gas projects. Communicating, including via government-led consultations, about the 2026-2029 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, more specifically those provisions that impact the oil and gas sector. Communicating about Private Member’s Bill C-264 ("An Act to repeal certain restrictions on shipping"), more specifically those provisions that impact the oil and gas sector. Communicating, including via government-led consultations, about proposed/draft regulations related to oil sands mining effluent under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Communicating about investments tax credits under the Income Tax Act, including tax credits for carbon capture, utilization and storage ("CCUS"). Communicating, including via government-led consultations, about red tape reduction initiatives (including but not limited to the Horizontal Red Tape Reviews being conducted by the Red Tape Reduction Office), more specifically the simplification and harmonization of regulations that apply to the oil and gas sector. Communicating, including via government-led consultations, about regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, more specifically the Clean Fuel Regulations (SOR/2022-140). Communicating, including via government-led consultations, about proposed regulations under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, more specifically the Indigenous Ministerial Arrangements Regulations. Communicating about environmental amendments to the Competition Act that resulted from the passage and implementation of former Bill C-59 (Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2023), including those related to advertising or so-called ‘greenwashing’. Communicating about Budget 2025-26, including Bill C-15 (“An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025”), including potential investment tax credits for the energy sector and potential investments in the energy sector. Communicating about federal programs designed to promote industrial innovation, including the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). Communicating about the Pathways Project, a proposed carbon capture, utilization and storage ("CCUS") project, which will transport and store captured carbon dioxide from multiple oil sands facilities in northeast Alberta. Communicating about the Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between the Governments of Alberta and Canada, more specifically as it relates to the Pathways Project, which is a proposed carbon capture, utilization and storage ("CCUS") project. Communicating about the Output-Based Pricing System (“OBPS”) under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, S.C. 2018, c. 12, s. 186, more specifically its impacts on the oil and gas sector. Communicating about the Canadian Environmental Prote

Advocacy related to university engagement in Canadian priorities in artificial intelligence, data systems and related computing science and energy subjects, including but not limited to specific calls for proposals. Advocacy for university initiatives related to Canadian priorities across the defence spectrum, including initiatives relevant to both Defence and Veterans' Affairs, among other federal departments. Advocacy to enhance support for university research mobilization and commercialization activities. Research security, with respect to international research partnerships Discussions with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and other relevant departments and agencies regarding the role of universities in supporting federal innovation initiatives, policies and programs. Discussions regarding research and development initiatives and federal support related to energy and environment, and climate change research, innovation, commercialization, talent and knowledge mobilization. Discussions regarding official language funding amounts and mechanisms. Discussions about the Copyright Act and details of its implementation in a post-secondary setting. Advocacy to secure support in the budget for post-secondary education, research, innovation, and science and technology. Advocacy to secure federal support to develop and upgrade university infrastructure, including but not limited to research and learning facilities, digital infrastructure, and transit infrastructure. Advocacy to increase support for university research, including research funding and granting programs administered by the tri-agencies (SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR) and other departments and agencies. Advocacy to improve immigration policies and programs for prospective and current university students, faculty, and staff. Advocacy to ensure that proposals to develop or amend federal legislation, regulations, policies or programs that directly or indirectly impact the post-secondary system reflect the needs of universities and support our research and education mission. Advocacy to enhance student supports, including but no limited to Canada Student Grants and Loans, the Canada Graduate Scholarship Program, supports for Indigenous students, and work-integrated learning programs. Advocacy to advance Canadian leadership in priority areas to support world class research, talent attraction and retention, and knowledge mobilization. Advocacy related to reconciliation efforts, including but not limited to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action

Seek funding support for an institutional artificial intelligence ecosystem proposal from the Artificial Intelligence Compute Challenge Seek funding support for an institutional defence network proposal via the Defence Innovation Secure Hub Advocacy to improve immigration policies and programs for prospective and current university students, faculty, and staff.

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)

Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) & equivalency – understanding the timing, objectives, and implementation of the CER to navigate a bilateral equivalency agreement. Includes advocacy for strengthened industrial pricing system to meet Canada's decarbonization goals. Net-zero emissions pathways to 2050 and the use nuclear energy and/or negative emissions technologies to meet Canada's climate goals. Maintaining and improving the large emitter trading systems (LETS) created by the Part 2 of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (2018). Canada Growth Fund (CGF) - Understanding the timing, objectives, function and intended outcomes of the CGF using mechanisms such as carbon contracts (e.g. contracts for difference & offtake agreements). This includes advocacy around how carbon contracts are deployed, and the funding mechanisms used to support carbon contracts. Seeking changes to federal rules around tax treatment of companies (e.g. utilities) that change from not-taxable to taxable status (departure tax). The regulation of greenhouse gas emissions through the federal out-put based pricing system, including expanding fungibility and transparency. The development of a border carbon adjustment mechanism to respond concerns around carbon leakage and Canadian competitiveness. Policy around the design and implementation of a federal Carbon Contracts for Difference (CCfD) program. Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change with respect to Canada's implementation of its international policy commitments.

Engagement regarding the National Building Code of Canada and included energy efficiency standards for construction and subsequent operation Discussions with government on reducing GHG emissions from the housing sector Discussions with government on how to address housing affordability and the supply shortage Discussions with government on addressing the shortage of skilled trade workers Discussions with government officials regarding the scope of the Home Energy Retrofit Initiative, as well as the EnerGuide hiring and training process and other green home programs as they become available.

Discussions with government about the proposed GST cut on new build homes. Engagement regarding the National Building Code of Canada and included energy efficiency standards for construction and subsequent operation. Discussions with government on reducing GHG emissions from the housing sector. Discussions with government on addressing the shortage of skilled trade workers Discussions with government on how to address housing affordability and the housing supply shortage.

Discussing the community's projects with an objective of determining best practices to reach full capacity for community-led large-scale projects. This has included asking for direction on potential funding opportunities that are available.

Supports for the forestry, steel and aluminum industry, by way of government programs and incentives. Changes to, or government actions pursuant to, the Canada Labour Code respecting labour stability in Canadian supply chains or otherwise affecting federally regulated employees. Canada Labour Code as it relates to Sick leave benefits, dispute resolution and Right to Disconnect Operations of Passenger Rail along CN Corridor Extended Interswitching and related pilot projects. Accelerated Depreciation, Capital Cost Allowance and better alignment with US policies. Subjects related to Canada-US Relations, Tariffs and Trade Matters pertaining to the operation of company in both official languages. Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act The Canada Transportation Act and other Acts respecting transportation and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts (Transportation Modernization Act) The Canada Transportation Act and other Acts respecting transportation Revisions to the Railway Locomotive Inspection and Safety Rules Revisions to the Canadian Railway Operating Rules (Various) Revision of the Duty and Rest Period Rules for Railway Operating Employees and fatigue Regulatory and policy alignment between Canada and the U.S. Regulations governing Enhanced Train Control Regulation of transportation of grain and oilseeds Issues of approval related to the CN Milton Hub Infrastructure projects that support Canada’s supply chain. Infrastructure funding related to Railway Crossing Safety Improvement Infrastructure funding related to port and terminal access upgrades Funding related to the National Transportation Corridor Fund Funding related to Green Transportation Initiatives including renewable fuels and alternative propulsion methods. Emergency Preparedness and response as it relates to response by government to natural disasters, access to telecommunications and planning for potential climate related emergencies.