Arnold Viersen

International Trade - Alberta Milk met with MP and Ministers regarding the CUSMA. Impact on the dairy industry including the loss of markets and need for compensation Healthy Eating Strategy - as it relates to Canada Food Guide, Front of Pack Labelling. Canada Food Guide has been released and the changes to dairy products is being assessed. Front of Package labeling is the next element of the Healthy Eating Strategy that is being addressed. Guide for Food labelling and Advertising in respect of all dairy products and use of dairy terminology (modifiers, highlighted ingredients). New Canada Food Guide changes have been announced and dairy's position in the guide assessed. Canadian Agricultural Products Act and Dairy Products Regulations with respect to standards for cheese; Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) - the agreement has been signed and the impacts on dairy have been assessed. As the deal moves toward ratification Alberta Milk has actively promoted the impacts on our sector and sought mitigation. Canada-EU Trade Agreement EU stands for European Union. With the agreement now approved by government of Canada we are interested in Dairy Farm Investment Program and how it is administered to the dairy producers impacted by the CETA Agreement.

Agriculture and International Trade - Promote and defend Canada's supply management system as it relates to the World Trade Organization and Canada-European Trade Agreement negotiations, as well as other bilateral and multilateral negotiations. Advocating that no concessions impacting dairy or supply management be granted in the context of any negotiations with the U.S. Advocating that the federal government maintain funding where possible and ensure continuity of dairy research and that no negative impacts occur to dairy research as a result of recent funding cuts.

Ensuring that supply management stays intact through all trade agreements.

Ensuring that Supply Management stays intact through all international trade agreements.

Lobbying for legislation, policies, law enforcement and investments that will prevent the online sexual exploitation of children. Lobbying Global Affairs Canada to increase investment in programs and policies that will improve access to justice to women and children experiencing violence. Introducing International Justice Mission's programs in Latin America to end violence against women and children.

Lobbying Global Affairs Canada to increase investment in programs and policies that will improve access to justice to women and children experiencing violence. Introducing International Justice Mission's programs in Latin America to end violence against women and children. Lobbying for legislation, policies, law enforcement and investments that will prevent the online sexual exploitation of children.

Engage with government in support of critical infrastructure on-reserve, such as educational and community facilities. Specifically in regard to Bill C-5, One Canadian Economy, and potential funding opportunities related to infrastructure, such as Green and Inclusive Community Buildings and First Nation Infrastructure Fund. In particular, aiming to secure commitments and action plans on key priorities, including Treaty Land Entitlement and Annuity Settlements, improved public safety and emergency management, with a focus on wildfire response.

Seeking potential funding opportunities related to infrastructure, such as Green and Inclusive Community Buildings and First Nation Infrastructure Fund. In particular, aiming to secure commitments and action plans on key priorities, including Treaty Land Entitlement and Annuity Settlements, improved public safety and emergency management, with a focus on wildfire response Engage with government in support of critical infrastructure on-reserve, such as educational and community facilities. Specifically in regard to Bill C-5, One Canadian Economy: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act

To obtain an acknowledgement of Canada’s role in the relocation of the Woodland Cree First Nation community from Marten River, and compensation including the return of Woodland Cree First Nation land as a reserve. Engage government regarding the role of private sector investment in the development of Indigenous owned projects.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY / FREEDOM IN CANADA: Seeking to influence government policy as it relates to religious freedom issues in Canada. Charter of Rights and Freedoms, section 2(a). And all incidental and actual interference by all statutes and regulations of Canada as they touch on this fundamental freedom. PORNOGRAPHY: Seeking to influence government policy as it relates to preventing the use, proliferation and distribution of pornography, particularly child pornography. The focus of lobbying includes, but is not limited to, amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada. HUMAN RIGHTS: Seeking to influence government policy pertaining to the protection of fundamental freedoms (Section 2 of the Charter) or the section 7 rights of all Canadians, especially vulnerable Canadians as it relates to end of life care. In particular, as these issues relate to the question of euthanasia and assisted suicide. HEALTH: Seeking to influence government policy as it relates to palliative care and the funding of non-essential medical procedures. Focus of lobbying will be on the Canada Health Act and related statutes and regulations, as well as Motion 456, seeking a national palliative care strategy. EUTHANASIA / ASSISTED SUICIDE: Seeking to influence government policy as it relates to prevent or restrict the legalization of euthanasia and/or assisted suicide, including, but not limited to, changes to the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canada Health Act. This is required in response to the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in Carter v. A.G. Canada

Enhancing global market access for Alberta exports by expanding pipeline access to tidewater, including through the removal of the Tanker Ban, investing in trade-related transportation infrastructure, and addressing internal trade barriers. Supporting the federal government's defence and economic security priorities by exploring opportunities for Alberta to strengthen Canada's defence industrial base, attract investment, and contribute to resilient supply chains and strategic infrastructure. Exploring opportunities to support the federal government's One Canadian Economy agenda through greater economic integration, reduced interprovincial trade barriers, and strengthened collaboration on nation-building projects. Supporting a strong Alberta within a united Canada by exploring policies that address fairness in the federation, strengthen Alberta’s economic contribution, and improve federal-provincial collaboration on shared priorities. Exploring strategies to support economic growth in Alberta and Canada while ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability and broad-based prosperity. Providing an update on the Business Council of Alberta’s priorities, including productivity, competitiveness, labour shortages, infrastructure, and housing, and identifying opportunities to collaborate with the federal government on advancing shared policy goals. Attracting investment to Alberta and Canada by exploring ways to address regulatory barriers to business investment and create a competitive business landscape. Proposing amendments to the new greenwashing provisions which, as written, will undermine Canadian businesses’ ability to raise capital, take risks, innovate, and make good-faith environmental progress in uncertain conditions. The federal government should respect the CRTC’s Fibre to the Premise decision, which supports a more competitive telecommunications sector and reinforces regulatory autonomy, a principle that is key to investor confidence and a dynamic business environment across all sectors of the Canadian economy. Federal natural resources and environment policy. Unlocking investment and growth in Canada's natural resource industries, and how they can contribute to Canada's productivity, prosperity, and environmental goals. Discriminatory and/or counterproductive impacts on Alberta and Alberta-concentrated industries. Maintaining access to US markets in the face of tariff threats and CUSMA renewal. Discussing how issues related to defence spending, border crossings and illegal drug/gun trafficking impact trade and trade policy. Preserving and enhancing Canada’s access to trade opportunities in global markets; addressing trade disputes, including the differing impact of those disputes across Canada. Exploring opportunities to increase economic activity and value-added processing in agriculture; and discussing the removal of barriers to achieving that goal. Expressing our opposition to the proposed emissions cap as being bad for the environment, the economy, the federation, and Canada’s international standing. Improving Canada's system of major project approvals and permitting to allow projects to get built faster, generate economic growth and advance Indigenous Economic Diversification. Issues range from speeding up environmental impact assessments, to removing fed/prov duplication, to better coordinating permitting processes across the federal government. Removing barriers to interprovincial trade. Providing information via our "Alberta Update" to senior government officials on economic developments in the province. Exploring ways to improve co-operation and collaboration between the federal and provincial governments. The merits and drawbacks of the federal government's proposed oil and gas sector emissions cap; and the most efficient, cost-effective ways to promote a competitive energy sector in Alberta while working towards deep emissions cuts. Proposing amendments to the Clean Electricity Regulations that reflect the concerns

Trade and Export Promotion Programs, including the AgriMarketing Program and Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, with respect to increasing export opportunities for Canadian natural health and wellness products Safe Food for Canadians Regulations –Impact on Organic Product Regulations. Impact on GMO labelling for foods. Impact on small businesses. Regulations affiliated with the Cannabis Act regarding the legalization of cannabis; regulatory amendments related to phytocannabinoids Natural Health Products Regulations – fair and consistent interpretation by the regulator. Plain Language Labeling under the self-care products framework. Personal importation of natural health products. Food Directorate and Canadian Food Inspection Agency – draft guidance on foods/supplemented foods/nutrition facts/food labelling and label modernization. GMO mandated labelling for food. Food & Drug Regulation - ensure appropriate interpretation of regulations. Impact on GMO labelling for food. Amendments to the Food and Drugs Act – Ensure sensible rules for natural health products. Address prohibition on sampling of natural health products directly to the consumer. Implication of Health Canada’s proposed Consumer Health Products Framework. Consideration of the 53 recommendations made in 1998 by the Standing Committee on Health.

Taxation policies and programs related to farm income, capital gains, generational transfer of assets, family income sharing, investment income, and tax deferrals for extraordinary revenue due to inventory liquidation during a declared disaster Traceability technology with tech and innovation, Covid-19 solutions and discussions Research into blockchain technology in traceability programs, BRM, Covid-19 Regulations and legislation related to beef cattle and meat production, exports and imports. Market access for beef and cattle, achieving new and defending existing trade agreements. Farm policy and programs with respect to business risk management, innovation, environment, etc.

research into blockchain technology in traceability programs, Business risk management programs, Livestock Tax Deferral, Livestock Price Insurance, Agristability, Animal Health programs. Regulations and legislation related to beef cattle and meat production, exports and imports. Market access for beef and cattle, achieving new and defending existing trade agreements. Farm policy and programs with respect to business risk management, innovation, environment, etc. "Taxation policies and programs related to farm income, capital gains, generational transfer of assets, family income sharing, investment income, and tax deferrals for extraordinary revenue due to inventory liquidation during a declared disaster."

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)

Next policy framework (NPF) - inclusion of national Organic Action Plan recommendations. Organic specific programs and policies to support sector advancement Continued funding for regulated standards review process. Funding for research and development. Canadian Organic Standards - standards review, equivalency agreements, standards assurance, standards enforcement.

Canadian Organic Standards - standards review, equivalency agreements, standards assurance, standards enforcement.