Carol Hughes

YOUNG TRAINEES AND STUDENTS: Advocate for continued support of and investment in the next generation of highly skilled researchers through the federal awards system for doctoral students, post-doctoral trainees and fellows. RESEARCH HOSPITALS: Advocate for direct support and stability for Canada's academic health science centres and research hospitals that will further enable them to fulfill their strategically critical contribution to Canada's health and economic security. INDUSTRY: Advocate for policies that enhance the health and biosciences sector’s capacity to do business in Canada and to invest in Canadian health research and commercialization. INDIRECT COSTS OF RESEARCH: Advocate for an increase to the minimum threshold for reimbursement of indirect research costs for all institutions via the Research Support Fund. INDIGENOUS RESEARCH: Advocate for greater investments in Indigenous health research through the three granting councils and the Canada Research Coordinating Committee. HEALTH RESEARCH: Focus on increasing public investments across the research spectrum of operating grants, people and infrastructure and encourages investments from private and private-not-for-profit sectors. GOVERNMENT FUNDING: Advocate for increased health research funding through the three granting councils (Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) and the Canada Research Coordinating Committee. FEDERAL BUDGET CONSULTATION: Advocate for continued support of Canadian health research and health innovation through investments and commitments made in the federal budget, such as the Strategic Science Fund, the Canada Graduate Scholarship Program, etc. DIVERSE TALENT BASE: Advocate for better support for a diversified talent base in Canada, with a focus on Indigenous researchers, Black and people of colour researchers, early-career researchers, and other underrepresented and equity-deserving groups. DIGITAL HEALTH SYSTEM: Advocate for investment in the digitalization of our health system so that high-quality data and digital technologies support healthcare decisions, empower patients as partners, and drive research and innovation.

Regulation of pesticides under the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Canada's program regarding research for wheat, corn and soybeans under Agriculture Canada's A-base funded Research Projects. Canada's policy with respect to the rules governing the design and funding of Agristability and Agrirecovery programs that are part of Canada's Business Risk Management Programs for Agriculture. Canada's policy regarding the carbon pricing system treatment of fuels used for drying grain Canada's policy on Free Trade Agreements to ensure that any proposed Agreements improve foreign market access for wheat, corn and soybeans

Bill C-234 with respect to an exemption from carbon pricing for grain drying

Fertilizer issues, shortages and rising prices related to global events Canada's program regarding research for wheat, corn and soybeans under Agriculture Canada's A-base funded Research Projects. Canada's policy on Free Trade Agreements to ensure that any proposed Agreements improve foreign market access for wheat, corn and soybeans Bill C-234 with respect to exempting grain drying from carbon pricing

Tariffs on fertilizer coming into Canada The labelling provisions under Canada's Feeds Regulations 1983 (Regulations to the Feeds Act, administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency). To ensure that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency requires the same labelling of imported soymeal as soymeal produced in Canada. Removal of the carbon tax on fuel used by farmers for drying grain Regulation of pesticides under the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Proposed changes to the Income Tax Act. GFO opposes the changes to the Act that impact farm businesses. Clean Fuels Standard regulations and how they work for farmers Canada's proposed policy that would establish an allowable amount of low level presence of Genetically Modified Organisms in imported grain. Canada's program regarding research for wheat, corn and soybeans under Agriculture Canada's A-base funded Research Projects. Canada's policy with respect to the rules governing the design and funding of Agristability and Agrirecovery programs that are part of Canada's Business Risk Management Programs for Agriculture. Policies related to the Clean Fuels Standard Canada's policy regarding Plant Breeders Rights legislation; specifically, the need for Canada to adopt the provisions of UPOV91 into the Plant Breeders Rights legislation. Canada's policy on Free Trade Agreements to ensure that any proposed Agreements improve foreign market access for wheat, corn and soybeans.

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)

Indigenous community capacity-building programs, concerning funding for local governance, training, and program delivery in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. Effort to support the Wiikwemkoong community obtain support from the fedral government for the Elders Home Project long-term care home.

Effort to support the Wiikwemkoong community obtain support from the fedral government for the Elders Home Project long-term care home.

Université de Sudbury : L’AFO poursuit ses démarches auprès du gouvernement du Canada afin de pérenniser et de bonifier le financement fédéral accordé à l’Université de Sudbury. L’AFO demande un financement adéquat afin d’assurer la viabilité institutionnelle et le plein déploiement du projet. Transferts et accords bilatéraux en santé : Proposition pour régir les transferts et les accords bilatéraux en santé afin d'assurer une mention claire des communautés de langue officielle en situation minoritaire et leur financement. L’AFO mène des démarches auprès du gouvernement du Canada afin de positionner les États généraux de la francophonie ontarienne comme un levier structurant de consultation, d’analyse et d’orientation des politiques et programmes fédéraux en matière de langues officielles. L’AFO formule des recommandations visant à arrimer les investissements et programmes fédéraux, notamment ceux relevant du Plan d’action pour les langues officielles, aux priorités et besoins exprimés par la communauté franco-ontarienne dans le cadre des États généraux. L’AFO formule des recommandations concernant les politiques fédérales en santé afin d’assurer que les besoins des communautés francophones en situation minoritaire soient pleinement pris en compte. L’AFO plaide pour une meilleure intégration des services en français dans les orientations, programmes et mécanismes de financement fédéraux liés à la santé. Ententes fédérales-provinciales : L’AFO intervient dans le cadre du renouvellement et de la mise en œuvre des ententes fédérales- provinciales en matière de langues officielles afin de renforcer les mécanismes de gouvernance, la reddition de comptes et l’impact réel des investissements fédéraux en Ontario. L’AFO plaide pour une approche mieux arrimée aux besoins communautaires et aux priorités de développement de la francophonie ontarienne, notamment en immigration, en santé et en petite enfance. Fonds complémentaires en éducation postsecondaire : L'AFO demande au gouvernement de pérenniser et bonifier les Fonds complémentaires en éducation postsecondaire en langue minoritaire et en rehausse le financement à 80 M $ par année et l’améliore en collaboration avec les institutions postsecondaires et la communauté franco-ontarienne. Financement en Ontario / Plan d'action pour les langues officielles: l'Ontario est sous-financé par rapport aux autres provinces, tant dans le financement communautaire que de celui des services en français gouvernementaux. Nous voulons assurer un financement plus équitable pour l'Ontario.

L’AFO mène des démarches auprès du gouvernement du Canada afin de positionner les États généraux de la francophonie ontarienne comme un levier structurant de consultation, d’analyse et d’orientation des politiques et programmes fédéraux en matière de langues officielles. L’AFO formule des recommandations visant à arrimer les investissements et programmes fédéraux, notamment ceux relevant du Plan d’action pour les langues officielles, aux priorités et besoins exprimés par la communauté franco-ontarienne dans le cadre des États généraux. L’AFO formule des recommandations concernant les politiques fédérales en santé afin d’assurer que les besoins des communautés francophones en situation minoritaire soient pleinement pris en compte. L’AFO plaide pour une meilleure intégration des services en français dans les orientations, programmes et mécanismes de financement fédéraux liés à la santé. Université de Sudbury : L’AFO poursuit ses démarches auprès du gouvernement du Canada afin de pérenniser et de bonifier le financement fédéral accordé à l’Université de Sudbury. L’AFO demande un financement adéquat afin d’assurer la viabilité institutionnelle et le plein déploiement du projet. Ententes fédérales-provinciales : L’AFO intervient dans le cadre du renouvellement et de la mise en œuvre des ententes fédérales-provinciales en matière de langues officielles afin de renforcer les mécanismes de gouvernance, la reddition de comptes et l’impact réel des investissements fédéraux en Ontario. L’AFO plaide pour une approche mieux arrimée aux besoins communautaires et aux priorités de développement de la francophonie ontarienne, notamment en immigration, en santé et en petite enfance. Fonds complémentaires en éducation postsecondaire : L’AFO demande au gouvernement du Canada de pérenniser et de bonifier les Fonds complémentaires en éducation postsecondaire en langue minoritaire, d’en rehausser le financement à un niveau permettant la viabilité à long terme des institutions, et d’en revoir les paramètres en collaboration avec les établissements postsecondaires et la communauté franco-ontarienne. Transferts et accords bilatéraux en santé : Proposition pour régir les transferts et les accords bilatéraux en santé afin d'assurer une mention claire des communautés de langue officielle en situation minoritaire et leur financement. Financement en Ontario: l'Ontario est sous-financé par rapport aux autres provinces, tant dans le financement communautaire que de celui des services en français gouvernementaux. Nous voulons assurer un financement plus équitable pour l'Ontario.

To seek funding to expand the foundation's educational program to raise awarenes of type 1 diabetes and diabetes management in Canada. Seeking to add insulin to the list of drugs that would be covered should the government decide to launch a national pharmacare program Seeking support of Government of Canada as well as Opposition parties and civil service for Diabètes 360 initiative to develop a national diabètes strategy and create a new health partnership Seek increased funding for type 1 diabetes research Seek an increase funding for the Canadian Clinical Trial Network to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Ongoing conversation with Health Minister's Office regarding JDRF-CIHR Partnership to Defeat Diabetes renewal funding, officially approved by TB in November 2021 Meeting with Juvenile Diabetes Caucus Co-Chairs to discuss strategies and tactics to move JDRF Canada Pre-Budget Submission priorities forward including additional funding for research and changes to the DTC. Have suggested amendments to the Budget Implementation Act with respect to Disability Tax Credit and the rules governing Life Sustaining Therapy, in this case insulin therapy. Our recommendation is to automatically qualify those living with T1D. Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Strategy for Patient-Orientated Research (SPOR) Discussions with CIHR and SPOR Network about collaboration towards the creation of a type 1 diabètes registry

Seek increased funding for type 1 diabetes research Discussions and information sharing on improving regulatory pathways for cell and gene therapy Discussions and information sharing around: Procurement and tariffs impact Insulin production Stock piles To seek funding to expand the foundation's educational program to raise awarenes of type 1 diabetes and diabetes management in Canada. Ensuring Bill C-64, the National Pharmacare Act, meets the needs of Canadians living with type 1 diabetes by having adequate insulin and diabetes devices coverage, while respecting patient choice. Seek an increase funding for the Canadian Clinical Trial Network to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Ongoing conversation with Health Minister's Office regarding JDRF-CIHR Partnership to Defeat Diabetes renewal funding. Meeting with Juvenile Diabetes Caucus Co-Chairs to discuss strategies and tactics to move JDRF Canada Pre-Budget Submission priorities forward including additional funding for research towards a cure for type 1 diabetes Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Strategy for Patient-Orientated Research (SPOR) Discussions with CIHR and SPOR Network about collaboration towards the creation of a type 1 diabètes registry

Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, Part 13 Organic Products Regulations of the Seeds Act, regarding the needs and concerns of the organic sector, plant breeding and seed saving Regulations of the Plant Breeders' Rights Act, regarding the needs and concerns of the organic sector, plant breeding and seed-saving Regulations of the Pest Control Products Act, relating to the organic Permitted Substances List and organic pest control measures Regulations of the Fertilizers Act, regarding the review of organic fertilizers and allowable organic claims, relating to the implementation of the Organic Products Regulations Organic Products Regulations, regarding ongoing implementation and administrative policies Natural Health Products Regulations, relating to systems for natural health products that complement the Organic Products Regulations for food products and Canadian organic standards

Clean electricity regulations and emissions cap Investing in Employment Insurance, care workers, unionized jobs and strong workplace standards Addressing the high cost of living and investing in affordable housing Implementation of universal pharmacare, dental care, long term care and mental health care Labour provisions in the Canada-Ecuador Trade Agreement and Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. The regularization of undocumented workers, update and possible next steps for the CLC Out-of-status Construction Workers in the GTA project Bill C-65, Canada Elections Act With interest in provisions that impact Third Parties and contributions to Third Parties Bill C-27, Digitial Charter Implementation Act - Part III of C-27 and the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and workers.

Meeting with Public Office Holders and elected officials for funding to increase capacity for First Nations police forces and the enforcement of First Nations laws. We will be meeting with elected officials and Designated Public Office Holders about First Nations police services and for programs supporting First Nation-led initiatives related to the legacy of residential schools, which requires funding support.

Meetings with Public Office Holders and elected officials for funding for First Nations environmental priorities and for policy changes to the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act.