Andrea Stoppa

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)

Canada’s digital economy strategy and science, technology and innovation policies with respect to supporting entrepreneurs and small business Communicating with with government officials about the Canada Post strike and its impact on Canada's small businesses.

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.

To address Canada’s housing crisis, the federal government must work with provincial and municipal governments to implement policies that help to increase the supply of housing. As an example, the Government of Canada should require that infrastructure grants only go to areas that expedite development. Furthermore, the Housing Accelerator Fund as presented by the government should focus on supply initiatives. The mortgage "stress test" is applied to all Canadians seeking mortgage financing through a Federally Regulated Financial Institution (FRFI). AIC supports the removal of the stress test requirement for individuals seeking to renew their existing mortgage providing that the mortgage is in good standing and that all other terms / conditions remain static. AIC supports the notion that such borrowers should have access to the most competitive terms available. Some flood maps in Canada have not been updated for a number of years, in some cases for decades. The need for accurate flood information is essential to property purchasers, developers, lenders and to those engaged in municipal or land use planning. AIC is asking the Government of Canada to take on a coordinating role in this area. Over reliance on Automated Valuation Methodologies (AVMs) poses a significant risk for Canadian consumers, lenders and the financial system. The best option to minimize the lending risk for mortgage properties is to have an on-site appraisal conducted by a third-party appraiser to determine the occupancy, the condition of the property, the neighborhood characteristics, and ultimately, the existence of the property. Introduce a Home Renovation Tax Credit Program Downward pressure on appraisal fees and increasing demand for quicker turnaround times, combined with the restrictions on accessing good and reliable data, may ultimately drive professional appraisers away from completing mortgage finance work. This places a much higher risk for lenders and for Canadian consumers. Concerns over money laundering and the use of real estate assets to shield funds from scrutiny have become increasingly more strident in recent months. The AIC is asking the Government of Canada to assume a coordinating role in the development of beneficial ownership registries for real estate assets. Canadian consumers require additional education on the full range of fees associated with mortgage financing and refinancing as well as the role of various professionals involved in the transaction. A disclosure of all fees incurred as part of obtaining a loan should be a mandatory requirement for all lending institutions - federally and non-federally regulated – to ensure that Canadians understand the financial commitment involved in what is often the largest investments in their lifetime. This includes the appraisal management fee and the appraisal fee. AIC members must complete appraisal reports and other valuation assignments in accordance with the Canadian Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (CUSPAP). Compliance with CUSPAP, in part, requires access to a full range of data on the subject property - including information on sales history. This data has traditionally been in the public domain but access has become limited. AIC is supporting OSFI Residential Mortgage Underwriting and Mortgage Insurance Practices and Procedures encouraging Federally Regulated Financial Institutions to employ sound valuation practices to determine the value of collateral used to secure and insure mortgages. AIC has recommended that these same guidelines extend to non-federally regulated institutions or organizations offering mortgage financing to Canadians.

- Engaging parliamentarians and staff with respect to the New Economy Canada initiative aimed at accelerating investment, capital deployment and job creation in Canada's clean economy - Discuss investment attraction strategies

Support for the hotel industry (taxation, marketing, workforce) Advocating for $10 million in funding annually over four years for the International Convention Attraction Fund to strengthen Canada’s ability to compete for high-value global events. Domestic workforce strategy, better alignment of youth employment programs with the hotel industry, connecting newcomers to hotel career Building a competitive investment climate through targeted fiscal measures to stimulate private sector investment in hotels Ensure the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is responsive to labour market needs Access to CMHC financing for mixed use hotel/housing developments, higher Capital Cost Allowance rate for staff housing Fraudulent Hotel Bookings through temporary resident visa applications Transportation - proposed new international bilateral air routes with Canada. Consideration of airport rents at formerly owned federal airports across Canada. Regulations and policies regarding fees to SOCAN and Re:Sound Engage with the Federal Government on proposed new or amended taxation laws with respect to short-term accommodations.

Engaging on government policies and programs that improve the competitiveness of Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the restaurant sector, drive more investments directly in local communities and economies, and strengthen Canada's agri-food supply chain capacity. Discussions with offials regarding the Canada-US bilateral relationship and possible tariffs Working with International Development Canada to establish and indentify programs to seek funding for projects to encourage women business and entrepreneurship in developing areas. Engage with government on regulations involving single use plastics, content levels of plastic in recyclable products, and supply chains pertaining to replacement of plastic products.

Seek assurances the federal government will not implement a flavor ban on the regulated Canadian Vaping Industry. Furthermore, encourage the implementation of all current regulations. Provide Parliamentarians and decision makers with accurate and factual information on the realities of the Vaping industry in Canada.