Athusha Puvanendra

Advancing gender equality through shifts in economic policy, including through gender-based analysis plus (GBA+), childcare and female employment opportunities. Share Foundation research on Gendered Digital Harms, including advocating for recommendations based on findings, including the need for legislation and regulation. Educating federal government decision-makers on the Foundation's role in supporting community-based youth mental health work, share insights into the state of youth mental health with special regard to impacts of racism and anti-trans initiatives, and funding to support community organizations serving youth to address these issues. Seeking funding through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to support women's groups' capacity to increase women's economic empowerment through social innovation and social finance. Pursue funding opportunities through Women and Gender Equity Canada (WAGE) to support capacity building and leverage funding for the women's sector. Supporting request to have capacity building grants by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) reallocated to operational funding for grantees. Request to extend and renew the Investment Readiness Program with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Seeking the implementation of increased victim services to address needs. Seeking change to labour standards regarding domestic violence in the workplace. Implementation of the Calls for Justice from the Report on the Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls. Seek funding to support national childcare, gender based violence programs, Inuit women shelters, and diverse women's groups. Seeking additional and more targeted training and research related to the implementation of Bill C-65 and pay equity.

Federal budget 2026 approaches to gender equality funding for women's and gender justice organizations, investment in the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, advancing implementation of GBA Plus, investment in child care, strengthening online safety regulation and platform accountability, inclusion of young women and gender-diverse youth in skilled trades program. Care Economy and pay inequity for women & gender-diverse people with disabilities & care economy Online Harms, tech-facilitated GBV, and the need for new federal legislation on platform regulation and governance Presented and discussed of selected grantees for National Capacity Building funds through funding for Women and Gender Equality Canada Creating relationship with the office of the Minister of Jobs and Families to advance issues related to gender equality Arranging a roundtable with the Minister of Women and Gender Equality to meet with women's and gender justice organizations to discuss gender issues Advancing gender equality during current shifts in economic policy, women in the economy including trades, child care, northern gender equality, gendered digital harms Youth mental health, gender-based violence, advancing gender equality and community resilience in northern territories. Discussed priority areas for programming and funding: expansion of the National Action Plan on Gender-based Violence, initiatives on gendered digital harms, advancing gender equality and community resilience in the northern territories and intersectional approaches to addressing youth mental health. Encouraged support for creation of a Feminist Finance Fund, and a transformative Gender Equality Philanthropic Fund. Shared Foundation research on Gendered Digital Harms, including advocating for recommendations based on findings, including the need for legislation and regulation. Educating federal government decision-makers on the Foundation's role in supporting community-based youth mental health work, share insights into state of youth mental health with special regard to impacts of racism and anti-trans initiatives, and funding to support community organizations serving youth to address these issue Requesting continuation of funding through the Women's Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund for our Partnering for Feminist Entrepreneurship Project, and discussion of the Feminist Business Model. Private members Bill for Signal for Help Day on gender-based violence Contiinuing supports for women, girls and gender-diverse people and government action on expanding gender equality Signal for Help with gender-based violence, youth mental health, Gender Justice Sustainability fund Gender gap in emergency preparation and disaster management, support for Climate, Gender and Disaster Network Funding and training and inclusion of an intersectional gender lens to close the gender gap in emergency preparedness and disaster management planning, address intersectional gender impacts of climate crisis events, and re-establish a Climate, Gender and Disaster Network Suggested changes to employment conditions for migrant workers, especially those involved in the care economy during the pandemic Submitted letter to the CRTC in support of the application by Egale Canada (Egale) calling for the removal of Fox News from the list of non-Canadian programming services and stations authorized for distribution in Canada. Sought and supported calls for gun control measures Seeking funding to sustain and expand the Foundation's Northern Strategy for women and gender diverse people, focused on supporting economic empowerment and development for Indigenous women, Two Spirit and gender-diverse people. Seeking change to labour standards regarding domestic violence in the workplace Renewal of the Investment Readiness Program 2024-2029 Re-introduction and adoption of amendments to Bill C-21 to define and ban assault-style firearms Regularization of immigration status for migrant workers in Canada Meeting with

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)

Engagement on youth entrepreneurship support - We continue to engage with government stakeholders to enable Futurpreneur to continue to provide mentoring, financing and business services/support to young diverse entrepreneurs, including Indigenous entrepreneurs and OLMCs. Futurpreneur supports business creation in all regions, including working in rural communities and First Nations. This also includes growth initiatives for young entrepreneurs and their startup/SMEs, as well as international trade opportunities, such as the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance.

Concerns related to U.S. imposed tariffs Innovation and Skills Plan, Apprenticeship: Upskilling of current and future aftermarket industry workforce as industry transitions from predominantly mechanical to more technical trade. Canadian Automotive Service Information Standard (CASIS): The intent and objective of the agreement is to “maintain an open, fair and competitive automotive manufacturing, import, distribution, service and repair industry in Canada for the benefit of all stakeholders and consumers”. Access to the Connected Vehicle: Secure industry access to the connected vehicle ecosystem.

Privacy: Ensure forthcoming privacy legislation, regulations or guidance provides a level playing field for businesses in the auto-aftermarket and prioritizes consumer control over vehicle data. Innovation and Skills Plan, Apprenticeship: Upskilling of current and future aftermarket industry workforce as industry transitions from predominantly mechanical to more technical trade. Bill C-244, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair): Support PMB C-244 which would allow for the sharing of information from consumer goods for the purposes of diagnostics, maintenance and repair. Green Vehicles: Inform decision-makers about the importance of training and data access so that green and electric vehicles can be properly serviced by Canada's auto aftermarket. Canadian Automotive Service Information Standard (CASIS): The intent and objective of the agreement is to “maintain an open, fair and competitive automotive manufacturing, import, distribution, service and repair industry in Canada for the benefit of all stakeholders and consumers”.

The purpose of this assignment is to brief decision makers on the Black Opportunity Fund, and its subsidiary BOF Capital Inc, on its programs and impacts with respect to Black-led Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs; programming that supports Black-led charities, non-profits and social enterprises; and housing policy solutions that would support Black Canadians to access affordable and attainable homeownership, as Canada takes steps to address the country’s housing affordability crisis.

Providing commentary and input with respect to Bill C-9, The Combatting Hate Act, including possible amendments that would strengthen the bill to ensure all equity deserving groups, including Black Canadians, are protected from hate speech. The purpose of this assignment is to brief decision makers on the Black Opportunity Fund, and its subsidiary BOF Capital Inc, on its programs and impacts with respect to Black-led Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs; programming that supports Black-led charities, non-profits and social enterprises; and housing policy solutions that would support Black Canadians to access affordable and attainable homeownership, as Canada takes steps to address the country’s housing affordability crisis.

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.

Regulations affiliated with the Cannabis Act regarding the legalization of cannabis and regulatory amendments related to phytocannabinoids to allow CBD products to be sold as Natural Health Product Oppose amendments to the Food and Drugs Act to extend powers brought in under the 'ProtectCanadians from Unsafe Drugs Act (Vanessa’s Law)' to regulate natural health products. Natural Health Products Regulations – advocacy for fair and consistent interpretation by the regulator. Ensuring plain Language Labeling under the self-care products framework is fair. Advocacy against allowing personal importation of natural health products. 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.

Encouraging the public to submit written correspondences such as letters to federal leaders and MPs urging them to implement a Youth Climate Corps (supporting motion M-105) and a Just Transition Transfer. Advocating for more ambitious climate emergency laws, policies and programs. Advocate for the creation of new programs and economic institutions to expedite greenhouse gas reductions, such as new climate-oriented crown corporations, a Youth Climate Corps and a new federal just transition transfer program. Advocate for regulations to expedite greenhouse gas reductions, such as a zero-emission vehicle mandate and zero-emission building mandate. Advocate for new communications programs to increase climate awareness and the need for ambitious action, such as a climate emergency funding stream for the Canada Council for the Arts, a new Climate Emergency Information Board, and the banning of fossil fuel advertising (Bill C-372). Advocate for increased federal spending on climate action and infrastructure. We are advocating for the federal government to boost its climate spending to 2% of GDP, including increased transfers to provinces/territories/municipalities/Indigenous nations for climate infrastructure (public transit, renewable energy, zero-emission housing), and to fund a Youth Climate Corps.

Encouraging the public to submit written correspondences such as letters to federal leaders and MPs urging them to implement a Youth Climate Corps (supporting motion M-105) and a Just Transition Transfer. Advocating for more ambitious climate emergency laws, policies and programs. Advocate for the creation of new programs and economic institutions to expedite greenhouse gas reductions, such as new climate-oriented crown corporations, a Youth Climate Corps and a new federal just transition transfer program. Advocate for increased federal spending on climate action and infrastructure. We are advocating for the federal government to boost its climate spending to 2% of GDP, including increased transfers to provinces/territories/municipalities/Indigenous nations for climate infrastructure (public transit, renewable energy, zero-emission housing), and to fund a Youth Climate Corps.

Renewed program funding discussions with federal departments to support the Indigenous Innovation Initiative’s transition to an independent, Indigenous-led organization following the end of its hosting arrangement with Grand Challenges Canada.

Seeking funding for anti-human trafficking initiatives. Expanding Core Funding to enhance services for Child Welfare and Prevention Services for First Nations

Seeking funding for Friendship Centres to deliver programs and services to urban Indigenous Peoples and to discuss opportunities for collaboration with the Government of Canada to strengthen supports for urban Indigenous communities. Seeking Friend Centres' participation in Canada Community Security Program (CCSP) and other programs that address Friendship Centres' evolving security and safety needs. Seeking funding to support Friendship Centres delivering emergency assistance to Indigenous Peoples and their families impacted by wildfires and flooding. Seeking federal support for Friendship Centre-led housing and infrastructure initiatives, including funding opportunities under the Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy. Seeking support for renewal of Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples

Seeking funding for Friendship Centres to deliver programs and services to urban Indigenous Peoples and to discuss opportunities for collaboration with the Government of Canada to strengthen supports for urban Indigenous communities. Seeking funding to support Friendship Centres delivering emergency assistance to Indigenous Peoples and their families impacted by wildfires and flooding. Seeking Friend Centres' participation in Canada Community Security Program (CCSP) and other programs that address Friendship Centres' evolving security and safety needs. Seeking support for renewal of Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples Seeking federal support for Friendship Centre-led housing and infrastructure initiatives, including funding opportunities under the Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy.