Costas Menegakis

Advocating for a disability lens to be applied to all federal government policy impacting sport, physical activity and recreation. Advocating for the addition of a fifth pillar for sport, physical activity and recreation for Canada's Disability Inclusion Action Plan. Advocating for funding to support access to sport, physical activity and recreation for Canadians living with a disability.

Advocating for funding to support access to sport, physical activity and recreation for Canadians with a disability. Advocating for the addition of a fifth pillar in Canada's Disability Inclusion Action Plan. Health - Advocating for a disability lens to be applied to all federal government policy impacting sport, physical activity and recreation.

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

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.

MODERNIZE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT: The federal government’s procurement strategy is outdated, leaving little room for creative solutions and fair risk sharing. Contactors shouldering the majority of project risk is becoming an untenable model for many smaller companies who already navigate a long list of red tape and challenges. The reluctance to bid on federal projects because of this heightened risk is becoming a real issue and is impacting progress on public projects. With productivity issues on the rise, now is the time to modernize procurement practices. Innovative procurement and delivery methods can improve productivity, enable cost savings, and shorten the timeline for construction projects. To build the infrastructure needed across the country, federal procurement strategies need to adapt to account for long-term value and sustainability, promote the use of alternative delivery models, and support shared risk. BUILD THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE: The federal government has an ambitious growth plan – one that includes repairing, maintaining and retrofitting aging infrastructure while also building for future climate resilience. Construction now employs more people than ever before, yet our industry will need to fill hundreds of thousands of jobs in the next decade brought on by shifting demographics and a spate of retirements. The situation is even more acute as the construction sector is already dealing with decades of chronic challenges in recruiting qualified workers. Our industry is struggling to fill indispensable jobs nationwide that are essential to build the infrastructure needed to support Canada’s future growth. To achieve Canada’s infrastructure goals, the construction industry requires an equal partner in government to grow the labour force. INCREASE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT: CCA has been working to help shape a long-term plan for sustainable infrastructure investment. We need to move from quick fixes to a strategy that focuses on long-term solutions. More consultation and early engagement need to happen. The funds must be predictable, flow quickly, and be aligned with provincial, municipal, and Indigenous needs. Setting national goals around building sustainability into our infrastructure and promoting investments in trade-enabling infrastructure are just two of the significant opportunities for Canada. An investment in infrastructure is an investment in Canada’s growth economy and the health, safety and well-being of Canadians.

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)

Discussing the importance of new policies and programs related to sport, physical activity, reducing Canada's climate footprint, community infrastructure (including revisiting the fiscal arrangement between levels of government), housing, immigration, youth employment, and mental and physical health promotion. Pursue dedicated federal funding from Canadian Heritage and Infrastructure Canada to expand CPRA's Canadian Parks, Recreation and Sport Infrastructure Database to help municipalities and local organizations enhance planning efforts, identify opportunities to maximize facility usage, and benchmark provision standards. Securing bridge funding through Canada's regional development agencies to support CPRA's youth employment program

Seniors health, access to safe food in long term care and assisted living facilities National School Food Program, inclusive food policies for people with celiac disease. Celiac Canada is asking Health Canada to implement changes to fortification of gluten-free flour to the equivalence of gluten-containing flours and seek modernization of gluten-free regulations. Monitoring access to safe gluten-free food for Canadians with celiac disease. Public awareness of celiac disease in Canada to help improve diagnosis rates and improve quality of life. Research to help find, treat and cure celiac disease to improve quality of life of those afflicted. Request amendments to the Income Tax Act to help remove the administrative barriers preventing Canadians affected by celiac disease from claiming the excess (incremental) cost of gluten-free products as a medical expense under section 118.2(2)(r) of the Act.

bring to light the inaccuracy of the Chicken Farmers of Canada and their campaign of decimating incorrect facts about the importation of chicken from the USA

Advocating for upholding Canada's commitments to international human rights. Advocating for the protection of freedom of religion in Canada and with respect to the reasonable accommodation of religious observances. Advocating for stronger legislation to address hate crime and online hate. Advocating for policy initiatives related to combating Islamophobia and discrimination; Supporting various programs to protect fundamental freedoms in Canada. Advocating for policies to enhance the security and safety of Canadian Muslim communities and other at-risk communities given the rise in hate crimes; countering supremacist violent extremist groups

Tobacco and Vaping Products Act with regards to the classification of tobacco and vaping products, product regulation, packaging and labeling Schedule 1 of the Excise Act 2001 (Sections 42, 43.1 and 58.2, subsections 216(2) and (3), and section 240) under the Rate of Duty on Tobacco Products Excise Act, 2001 -with regard to tobacco and vaping duties, stamps or collection. Customs Act/Customs Tariff - with regard to customs duties on tobacco and vaping products. Any new legislative or regulatory proposals or policies relating to tobacco and/or vaping including taxation, product regulation, flavouring, packaging and labeling requirements and contraband. Any new legislative or regulatory proposals or policies relating to the recycling of tobacco-related and vaping products. Any new legislative or regulatory proposals, or policies, relating to non-combustible, smoke-free, nicotine products Any new legislative or regulatory proposals, or policies, relating to harm reduction as it pertains to combustible tobacco products.