Cathy Hawara

Discussions regarding international recognition and mobility of holders of Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designations. To discuss the withdrawal notices issued by CPA Ontario and CPA Quebec. The progress of free trade negotiations and the implementation of free trade agreements as they relate to the provision of professional services and the movement of businesspeople and service providers. Tax simplification/reform, involving discussions with the federal government to undertake a comprehensive review of Canada's tax system to reduce its complexities and inefficiencies. Representation to government with a focus on enhancing services and tax administration to ensure a well-running tax system for Canada. Recommendations for improvements to regulations affecting the operation of Canada's capital markets and reporting, disclosure and verification of information used by these markets Providing recommendations to the government on a proposed digital services tax. Programs related to the labour market for increased participation and inclusion. Programs related to international education, including recruitment of international students to Canada and delivery of education programs and services to international markets. Programs or services to assist in growing and advancing accounting education, professionalization and standard-setting in developing countries, including federal funding and grants to encourage same. Policy advice regarding skills training and programs to address future labour market needs. Policy advice regarding recruitment and integration of internationally trained professionals. Participation in, input and feedback provided to the Financial Action Task Force’s Private Sector Consultative Forum. Interested in working with the federal government on financial capacity building in indigenous communities through financial literacy and increasing the number of indigenous finance professionals. Interested in working with federal government on programs and other initiatives with regard to financial literacy Federal government budgets with respect to tax and fiscal policy measures. Dual-designation certification program (CMA/CPFA) for public servants. CPFA is a British-based designation that is now offered with CMA to all levels of government in Canada. CMA is a Certified Management Accountant and CPFA is a Certified Public Finance Accountant. Discussion with government officials in the context of the Learning and Development Stakeholder Advisory Group. Discussion with government officials in the context of a planned review of standard setting in Canada. Discussions with the federal government on various aspects of the Income Tax Act to provide technical expertise that will ensure that tax-related legislation achieves its intended purpose and does not inadvertently affect taxpayers that it was not supposed to impact. Discussions with the federal government on various aspects of the Excise Tax Act to provide technical expertise that will ensure that tax-related legislation achieves its intended purpose. Discussions with the federal government concerning Bill C-27, the Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022. Discussions with the federal government about funding to support standard-setting in Canada through the creation of a Canadian Sustainability Standards Board. Discussions with the federal government about climate related financial disclosures for the purpose of enhancing climate related risk disclosure in both public sector and private sector financial reporting. Discussions with government officials about public sector employment opportunities and international accountancy members and standard-setting bodies. Discussions with government as it relates to the Senate’s internal and external audits and related matters. Discussions with Canada Revenue Agency with respect to education/training for taxpayers/tax practitioners. CPA Canada’s involvement with the Plenary, associated Working Groups and other Comm

Discussions with Canada Revenue Agency or Department of Finance on issues related to the efficient function of the tax system.

Advancing the vitality and strength of the non-profit sector in service of Canadians through enhanced federal government awareness, consultation and coordination with the sector around policy, program and regulatory developments impacting the sector -- including such initiatives as the establishment of a home in government for the sector, as identified in the government's 2021 "Response to the Report of the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector - Catalyst for Change: a Roadmap to a Stronger Charitable Sector."

Engagement with government and parliamentarians on policies and programs impacting fundraisers and the charitable sector, including the creation of a dedicated secretariat

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)

Discussions regarding Canada's digital sovereignty opportunities, priorities and challenges, including policies, investments, innovation and procurement related matters. Ordonnances du Conseil de la radiodiffusion et des télécommunications canadiennes visant les télécommunications. Développement de la fibre. Internet: accès des tiers ( revendeurs) aux réseaux , politique de financement de dépoiement de réseaux, examen des pratiques de gestion du trafic des fournisseurs d'accès internet, la neutralité de réseau et ses enjeux . Téléphonie : politique et coût d'accès aux structures de soutènement. Subvention des réseaux en régions éloignées. Services sans fil et politique/tarification des services de gros (itinérance, partage de pylônes, réseaux virtuels). Téléphonie sans fil. Politique: Conditions de licence concernant l'itinérance obligatoire, le partage des pylônes d'antennes et des emplacements, ainsi que l'interdiction des emplacements exclusifs. Politique: Systèmes d'antennes de radiocommunications et de radiodiffusion. (Consultations publiques) Politique: Cadre de délivrance de licences pour les services mobiles à large bande (enchères de spectre ). Programme: L'accès aux services internet à large bande dans les régions rurales du Canada. Gestion du spectre des radiofréquences. Rencontre ayant pour objectif d'explorer les possibilités de faire évoluer les normes de services du BCPAC pour permettre un versement anticipé des crédits d'impôt à hauteur de 75% du montant dû, ainsi que réduire les coûts d'analyse des dossiers déposés pour les crédits d'impôt. Échanges relatifs au projet de loi S-209; aspects et impacts en matière de télécommunications. Loi sur le soutien en matière d’accès autorisé à de l’information (projet de loi C-22). Édition et publication : accès au programme d'aide aux publications canadienne, magazines et services en ligne; Programmes de soutien à l’électrification de la flotte de véhicules; Investissement publicitaire dans les médias privés. Loi sur les télécommunications: principe de neutralité du net. Politique réglementaire de télécom CRTC 2009-657: examen des pratiques de gestion du trafic Internet et des fournisseurs de services Internet. Décision de télécom CRTC 2010-445: modifications au cadre d'abstention concernant les services de données mobiles sans fil. Projet de loi C-10 , Loi modifiant la Loi sur la radiodiffusion et apportant des modifications connexes et corrélatives à d'autres lois, alléger le fardeau réglementaire et administratif , équité avec les joueurs étrangers et révision du mandat de Radio-Canada; Loi sur le droit d'auteur , changement à la loi afin de reconnaître les droits voisins; Programme de financement des longs métrages canadiens Nouveaux médias;diffusion sur internet et multiplateforme; débat sur la réglementation et la taxation . Instances de politique ou autre initiées par le CRTC ( services de vidéo en ligne,diversité des voix, accessibilité, règlements de différends,etc). Fonds des médias du Canada: orientation, administration et financement. Demandes ou modifications de licences pour les services spécialisés ou chaînes conventionnelles pour Groupe TVA et pour les services de télédistribution de Vidéotron.