Elisha Ram

Communication with officials regarding how pension plans can support greater infrastructure investments in Canada. Communication with officials regarding climate and sustainability policies as they apply to financial institutions including pension plans. Communication with officials regarding the federal government reissuing Real Return Bonds (RRBs) Exploring areas of opportunity to expand pension coverage across Canada. Describing ways that pensions can be delivered to Early Childhood Educators (ECEs). Communication with officials regarding the development of Variable Payment Life Annuities (VPLAs). Communication with officials regarding pre-budget recommendations related to increasing pension access for Canadians. Communication with officials regarding federal pension legislation including the Income Tax Act and Pension Benefit Standards Act, as it applies to improving CAAT Plan's plan administration, new innovative offerings, investments and new employers joining the Plan.

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)

Advocate for changes to facilitate adoption of auto features for retirement savings. Advocate for legislative or regulatory changes to allow for automatic features in workplace pension plans. Discussions related to the implementation of CRA Notice 344 Consultation on the National Strategy on mental health of men and boys Discussions related to Bill S-5 Connected Care for Canadians Act. FCAC direction to update complaint-handling information for insurers Discussions related to drug pricing, including decisions, policies and processes of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) Discussions related to supply and shortages of drugs in Canada, including the Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee. Discussions related to regulatory burden, including “cutting red tape”. Impacts on Canadian insurers of proposed U.S. tax measures. Discussions relating to the efficiency and effectiveness of the financial sector regulatory system as it pertains to insurance companies. Discussing plans on the Data Collection Modernization initiative Promotion of a broader range of investments by insurance companies (e.g., farmland, timberland, fintechs) Statutory review of the Insurance Companies Act as it relates to insurance products and investments. Discussions related to the implementation of national pharmacare including bilateral agreements with provinces and territories; the committee of experts on the implementation of pharmacare and the advisory panel on bulk purchasing. Promotion of pension products, including decumulation solutions. Discussions related to the implementation of the Interpretation letter on the Canada health act related to physician equivalent services. Inter-provincial harmonization and trade barriers as it relates to insurance products. Discussions related to the financial sector policy review. Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). Guidelines related to risk management, capital and accounting for insurance companies. This includes capital charges for infrastructure investments under the LICAT. International Trade with respect to opening trade relations, regulations, foreign ownership and national treatment in foreign markets, with regards to India, Europe, China, Japan, Trans-Pacific partnership (TPP), Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), Plurilateral Trade In Services Agreement (TISA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Work to ensure that the income tax act does not put insurance companies at a competitive disadvantage. Promotion of risk-based and principles-based regulation for financial institutions regulations. Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act: seeking workable approaches to privacy rules affecting life and health insurers when the Act is updated. Income Tax Regulations (section 6(1)(f) as it relates to income tax withholding on wage loss replacement plans (disability income benefits). Income Tax Regulations, Part XIV. Income Tax Regulations, Part III: Updating income tax rules for life insurance policies. Income Tax Act, Section 146: Retirement income recommendations regarding the treatment of life insurance companies; Section 146.2 (TFSAs); Section 146.3 (RRIFs). Income Tax Act, Part VI as it relates to capital tax on financial institutions. Financing infrastructure projects, as it relates to investments by insurers Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) risk-based guidance as it relates to life insurance Employment Insurance (EI) reform as it relates to disability benefits; and EI Premium Reduction Program issues. Amendments to Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing rules as they affect insurance companies

Communication regarding federal pension legislation including the Income Tax Act and Pension Benefit Standards Act, as it applies to plan administration, investments and new employers joining the Plan.

Calling for further reform of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and relevant programs under its umbrella as part of its forthcoming review by ESDC and the Government of Canada Advocate for the introduction of an income-tested tax credit for low-income renters delivered monthly through the CRA to improve housing affordability and reduce food insecurity Advocate for the introduction of a federal food donation tax credit for agricultural products donated to charitable food programs. Ensuring all low-income Canadians have access to the Canada Child Benefit and that rates are indexed to inflation Call for implementation of Canada Disability Benefit as Federal Income Supplement Advocating for the realization of the right to housing, including increasing the supply of, and access to, affordable housing for low-income Canadians.

Communications about the review of the Lobbying Act, including the Commissioner of Lobbying’s recommendations to the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics. Discussion about the impact of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review on the Nonprofit sector Preparation for e-filing webinars for charities; Discussion about the Comprehensive Expenditure Review Supporting implementation of Senate Committee recommendations on the charitable sector. Addressing disruptions to donations due to postal strikes; tax credit timing adjustments. Advocating for financial relief and policy responses to emergencies and rising issues (e.g., tariffs). Inclusion of charities in SME-focused programs like Mitacs and BDC advisory services. Budget consultations re: charitable giving incentives, regulatory reforms, and program access. Bill S-222 and S-216: Amendments enabling partnerships with non-qualified donees. Support for the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience and digital skills development. Supporting sector-wide digital capacity and transformation. Advancing reform of the disbursement quota for registered charities. Improving access and equity in federal funding programs for nonprofits and charities. Strengthening workforce supports for paid and unpaid nonprofit labour. Supporting federal data collection (e.g., Satellite Account, national nonprofit surveys). Advocating for a federal “home” in government for the nonprofit sector. Building knowledge on the activities of the nonprofit sector.

Gaining insight into any granted, contributions or other benefits that may support Parkinson's Canada Discussing any regulations that may impact Canadians living with Parkinson's disease Discussing any policies or programs that could benefit Canadians living with Parkinson disease Discussing any bills, legislation or resolutions that could affect Canadians with parkinson's disease

Request funding from the Development of Official-Language Communities Program - Community Life Component – for the purpose of meeting operating costs for the of the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN). Obtain funding to help improve life outcomes for vulnerable groups within Canada’s Official Language Minority Communities the Social Financing Initiative, and other programs contained in the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration Obtain funding for, and ensure equitable access to the Government of Canada's new official languages' strategy (Action Plan) 2023-2028 Modernization of the Official Languages Act. Inter-Action: Multiculturalism Grants and Contributions Funding to assist the socio-economic integration of individuals and communities and their contributions, strengthening the vitality of Canada's English linguistic minority communities, and building an integrated and socially cohesive society. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Research on Official Language Minority Communities. Funding to lead research projects related to immigrants and Canada's English linguistic minority communities.

Charitable Sector Reform writ large. Includes engaging with government on necessary reform to enable the sector to flourish. Seeking non-monetary support from the Public Service in regards to the employee charitable giving campaign. Funding for community services and programs for children, youth, seniors, low income individuals, people seeking employment, newcomers, women and other community members. Budget with respect to: -investment in community services infrastructure -the community services labour force -housing and homelessness -mental health and other services -enabling measures for the work of charitable and nonprofit sector.

Advocacy related to university engagement in Canadian priorities in artificial intelligence, data systems and related computing science and energy subjects, including but not limited to specific calls for proposals. Advocacy for university initiatives related to Canadian priorities across the defence spectrum, including initiatives relevant to both Defence and Veterans' Affairs, among other federal departments. Advocacy to enhance support for university research mobilization and commercialization activities. Research security, with respect to international research partnerships Discussions with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and other relevant departments and agencies regarding the role of universities in supporting federal innovation initiatives, policies and programs. Discussions regarding research and development initiatives and federal support related to energy and environment, and climate change research, innovation, commercialization, talent and knowledge mobilization. Discussions regarding official language funding amounts and mechanisms. Discussions about the Copyright Act and details of its implementation in a post-secondary setting. Advocacy to secure support in the budget for post-secondary education, research, innovation, and science and technology. Advocacy to secure federal support to develop and upgrade university infrastructure, including but not limited to research and learning facilities, digital infrastructure, and transit infrastructure. Advocacy to increase support for university research, including research funding and granting programs administered by the tri-agencies (SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR) and other departments and agencies. Advocacy to improve immigration policies and programs for prospective and current university students, faculty, and staff. Advocacy to ensure that proposals to develop or amend federal legislation, regulations, policies or programs that directly or indirectly impact the post-secondary system reflect the needs of universities and support our research and education mission. Advocacy to enhance student supports, including but no limited to Canada Student Grants and Loans, the Canada Graduate Scholarship Program, supports for Indigenous students, and work-integrated learning programs. Advocacy to advance Canadian leadership in priority areas to support world class research, talent attraction and retention, and knowledge mobilization. Advocacy related to reconciliation efforts, including but not limited to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action