Etienne-Rene Massie

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)

Promoting Business Sustainability and Industry Competitiveness – TIAC promotes optimal forms of government intervention that support the competitiveness of Canada’s tourism companies via public grants, tax credits, repayable financing contributions and policies and programs that augment entrepreneurship, innovation and commercial protections. During this critical period as the sector looks to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, TIAC is working to ensure that government loans provided through the CEBA, RRRF, HASCAP and related initiatives have an optimal impact through guidelines and repayment conditions that are conducive to business growth. Improving Access for Visitors to and within Canada – TIAC supports the efficient movement of travellers to and within Canada through enhancements to the visitor visa process in order to meet international demand for travel to Canada. TIAC also works to ensure that regulations and policies related to transportation, air travel, waterways and ports of entry are developed and implemented to optimally connect, and not impede, domestic and international travellers to urban and rural destinations, key attractions, sporting events, and business meetings in Canada. Developing and Promoting World-class Tourism Assets – Ensuring Canada maintains and promotes the development of world-class tourism assets requires considerable investment from both public and private sources. TIAC advocates for continued investment, particularly in respect to under-serviced communities, and effective promotion of existing assets as well as the development of new, more competitive ones for both Canadian and world travellers to discover and experience. TIAC’s efforts on this front include monitoring and raising policy issues that directly affect Indigenous tourism development with a goal of empowering Indigenous communities in generating their own economies while also providing Canadians and foreign visitors alike the opportunity to connect with Indigenous peoples and to experience their unique and diverse culture in a deeply meaningful way. Building a Regenerative and Inclusive Tourism Industry – TIAC works with government to support a tourism sector that is more resilient, sustainable, and equitable through priority investment in regenerative tourism and specialized recruitment programs for equity seeking groups. Attracting and Retaining a Sustainable Tourism Workforce – TIAC supports the creation and optimization of policy and programs aimed at addressing the significant labour shortages that now exist in the tourism sector due to the affects of restrictive public health measures, border closures, and increased operational costs that were related to the COVID-19 pandemic. TIAC also advocates for a strong tourism workforce via regulations and policies in regard to immigration, including issues related to pathways to permanent-residency and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

TIAC advocates for the continuation of the International Convention Attraction Fund Promoting a strong recreation and entertainment industry- A competitive tourism sector includes local and national cultural, heritage and sporting events, as wells as arts and heritage institutions that draw visitors and provide an economic driver for local communities. TIAC values the government's partnership in promoting and supporting a vibrant recreation and entertainment industry. Ensuring a diverse and equatable tourism sector - TIAC’s efforts on this front include monitoring and raising policy issues that directly affect Indigenous tourism development with a goal of empowering Indigenous communities in generating their own economies while also providing Canadians and foreign visitors alike the opportunity to connect with Indigenous peoples and to experience their unique and diverse culture in a deeply meaningful way. Building a Regenerative Tourism Industry – TIAC works with government to support a tourism sector that is more resilient and sustainable through priority investment in regenerative and eco-tourism. Transportation and connectivity - TIAC also works to ensure that regulations and policies related to transportation, air travel, waterways and ports of entry are developed and implemented to optimally connect, and not impede, domestic and international travellers to urban and rural destinations, key attractions, sporting events, and business meetings in Canada. Access for Visitors to Canada – TIAC supports the efficient movement of travellers to and within Canada through enhancements to temporary residency policies and entry program requirements (including the visitor visa and electronic travel authorization processes) in order to meet international demand for travel to Canada. Promoting Industry Competitiveness – TIAC promotes optimal support for the competitiveness of Canada’s tourism companies via public grants, tax credits, repayable financing contributions and policies and programs that augment entrepreneurship, innovation and investment. Attracting and Retaining a Strong Tourism Workforce – TIAC supports the creation and optimization of policy and programs aimed at building a robust and diverse workforce across the country and redressing labour volatility. TIAC also advocates for a strong tourism workforce via regulations and policies in regard to employment, housing, and immigration.

CVCA previously co-administered the Start Up Visa Program's Venture Capital stream in partnership with the IRCC. The program allowed Venture Capital funds in CVCA's membership to apply for designated entity status and recommend entrepreneurs and start ups in their portfolio to apply for Canadian permanent residency. Throughout CVCA's contractual relationship with IRCC, the program led to a select and curated number of entrepreneurs growing businesses in Canada with financial backing. CVCA engaged in ongoing conversations with IRCC and provided regular reports. IRCC terminated all SUV contractual relationships in 2024, however, CVCA remains engaged in proactive conversations with IRCC Program officials who oversee the SUV program and who have relationships with CVCA's designated members. CVCA sees value in this program and maintains communication with IRCC on possible future improvements. The CVCA advocates for policies and a regulatory environment that is conducive to stimulating investment. A competitive tax and investment regime that rewards the risks associated with the private capital asset?class is vital for the growth of private equity and venture capital across economic sectors. CVCA’s efforts ensure Canadian companies can access necessary funding amidst challenges such as tightening credit markets, competition for capital, and economic uncertainties, to drive innovation and economic growth, ultimately fostering a resilient and diversified economy for future generations. CVCA also advocates for sustained and predictable access to capital, championing public-private co-investment initiatives. The Venture Capital Action Plan/Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative is still rolling out, matching private capital allocations to disbursed government dollars. CVCA continues to engage with industry and government to ensure awareness within the VC ecosystem and monitoring the flow of funds, underscoring the importance of Canada's VC Emerging Managers and their important role in allocating capital to riskier and underserved corners of the innovation ecosystem. The CVCA actively advocates for a strong and competitive tax and investment environment that attracts and rewards private investment in Canadian entrepreneurial ventures. We provide valuable insights and data to support effective tax policies. Strategically crafted policies can ensure that Canada remains an attractive destination for private capital, which is necessary to drive economic growth, job creation, and innovation. CVCA engages with policymakers to convey perspectives from the private capital industry, and the current economic context.

CVCA previously co-administered the Start Up Visa Program's Venture Capital stream in partnership with the IRCC. The program allowed Venture Capital funds in CVCA's membership to apply for designated entity status and recommend entrepreneurs and start ups in their portfolio to apply for Canadian permanent residency. Throughout CVCA's contractual relationship with IRCC, the program led to a select and curated number of entrepreneurs growing businesses in Canada with financial backing. CVCA engaged in ongoing conversations with IRCC and provided regular reports. IRCC terminated all SUV contractual relationships in 2024, however, CVCA remains engaged in proactive conversations with IRCC Program officials who oversee the SUV program and who have relationships with CVCA's designated members. CVCA sees value in this program and maintains communication with IRCC on possible future improvements. CVCA was a designated entity by the IRCC to co-administer the Start Up Visa Program, through which Venture Capital funds in CVCA's membership could support entrepreneurs and start ups applying for Canadian permanent residency. This program led to a select and curated number of entrepreneurs growing businesses in Canada, with financial backing. Throughout the program, CVCA engaged in ongoing conversations with IRCC to ensure program continuity. CVCA sees value in reinstating this program and maintains communication with IRCC on possible future improvements. The CVCA advocates for policies and a regulatory environment that is conducive to stimulating investment. A competitive tax and investment regime that rewards the risks associated with the private capital asset?class is vital for the growth of private equity and venture capital across economic sectors. CVCA’s efforts ensure Canadian companies can access necessary funding amidst challenges such as tightening credit markets, competition for capital, and economic uncertainties, to drive innovation and economic growth, ultimately fostering a resilient and diversified economy for future generations. CVCA also advocates for sustained and predictable access to capital, championing public-private co-investment initiatives. The Venture Capital Action Plan/Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative is still rolling out, matching private capital allocations to disbursed government dollars. CVCA continues to engage with industry and government to ensure awareness within the VC ecosystem and monitoring the flow of funds, underscoring the importance of Canada's VC Emerging Managers and their important role in allocating capital to riskier and underserved corners of the innovation ecosystem. The CVCA actively advocates for a strong and competitive tax and investment environment that attracts and rewards private investment in Canadian entrepreneurial ventures. We provide valuable insights and data to support effective tax policies. Strategically crafted policies can ensure that Canada remains an attractive destination for private capital, which is necessary to drive economic growth, job creation, and innovation. CVCA engages with policymakers to convey perspectives from the private capital industry, and the current economic context. The CVCA advocates for policies that secure access to capital, vital for the growth of private equity and venture capital across economic sectors. CVCA’s efforts ensure Canadian companies can access necessary funding amidst challenges such as tightening credit markets, competition for capital, and economic uncertainties, to drive innovation and economic growth, ultimately fostering a resilient and diversified economy for future generations. Venture Capital Action Plan/Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative is still rolling out, matching private capital allocations to disbursed government dollars. CVCA continues to engage with industry and government to ensure awareness within the VC ecosystem and monitoring the flow of funds, underscoring the importance of Canada's VC Emerging Managers an

Transportation - proposed new international bilateral air routes with Canada. Consideration of airport rents at formerly owned federal airports across Canada. Tourism - Canadian Tourism Commission Budget as announced in the 2010 Federal Budget. Development of the proposed Federal Tourism Strategy as announced by the Prime Minister in June 2009. Taxation and Finance - Ammendments to the Foreign Convention Tour and Incentive Program. Regulations and policies regarding fees to SOCAN and Re:Sound Immigration Canada - Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program. Engage with the Federal Government on proposed new or amended taxation laws with respect to short-term accommodations. Employment and Training - Support for the Temporary Foreign Workers Program. Criminal Code regulations pertaining to impaired driving Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic - Seeking changes on EI reform. Ensuring access to financial impact measures. Monitoring developments and assessing impacts on members.

Support for the hotel industry (taxation, marketing, workforce) Advocating for $10 million in funding annually over four years for the International Convention Attraction Fund to strengthen Canada’s ability to compete for high-value global events. Domestic workforce strategy, better alignment of youth employment programs with the hotel industry, connecting newcomers to hotel career Building a competitive investment climate through targeted fiscal measures to stimulate private sector investment in hotels Ensure the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is responsive to labour market needs Access to CMHC financing for mixed use hotel/housing developments, higher Capital Cost Allowance rate for staff housing Fraudulent Hotel Bookings through temporary resident visa applications Transportation - proposed new international bilateral air routes with Canada. Consideration of airport rents at formerly owned federal airports across Canada. Regulations and policies regarding fees to SOCAN and Re:Sound Engage with the Federal Government on proposed new or amended taxation laws with respect to short-term accommodations.

NACO engages on industry-related policies and regulatory frameworks that affect angel investing and the availability of early-stage risk capital in Canada. A stable and competitive investment environment that recognizes the risks associated with early-stage investment is important to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and the formation of high-growth companies across sectors and regions. NACO's activities focus on strengthening the conditions under which early-stage companies can access capital in challenging market environments, including periods of tighter credit, heightened competition for capital, and economic uncertainty. By supporting the development of effective policy and program frameworks, including Canada's venture capital strategy and supports for emerging fund managers, NACO contributes to a more resilient early-stage innovation ecosystem and improved pathways for companies to progress from startup through early growth. NACO also engages on initiatives intended to mobilize private capital alongside public resources, including public-private co-investment and capital-matching approaches relevant to angel and early-stage investors. Through these activities, NACO shares perspectives informed by its experience supporting angel investors, angel networks, and early-stage entrepreneurs, including on the importance of capital availability for emerging companies and underserved segments of the innovation economy. NACO previously helped co-administer elements of the Start-up Visa Program, including the angel investor and incubator streams, through a contractual relationship with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These activities supported designated angel groups, angel networks, and incubators in recommending entrepreneurs and early-stage companies for consideration under the program for Canadian permanent residency. Through this work, a select and curated number of entrepreneurs were supported in establishing and growing businesses in Canada with early-stage investment and ecosystem backing. Throughout its contractual relationship with IRCC, NACO engaged in ongoing discussions with IRCC officials regarding program operations and provided information and reporting related to program delivery. IRCC terminated all Start-up Visa contractual relationships in 2024. NACO intends to remain in communication with IRCC officials responsible for oversight of the Start-up Visa Program and new program pilots, continuing to share perspectives informed by its experience supporting angel investors, incubators, and early-stage entrepreneurs, including on potential future improvements to program design and administration of new program pilots. NACO engages on taxation and financial policy matters that affect angel investment and the availability of early-stage risk capital for Canadian entrepreneurs. NACO provides data, research, and practical perspectives informed by the experience of angel investors and early-stage companies to support the development of tax policies that encourage private investment at the earliest stages of company formation. Well-designed tax and financial policies can help strengthen Canada’s early-stage capital markets, support entrepreneurship, and improve the conditions for innovative companies to start, grow, and scale. NACO engages with policymakers to share insights from the angel and early-stage investment community and to contribute to discussions on how taxation and financial policy can support innovation, productivity, and long-term economic growth in Canada.

Square Canada, Inc. seeks to collaborate with policymakers and Canada’s financial services industry to think beyond what’s established and help remove barriers that keep people from having equal access. Discuss challenges confronting Canadian small and medium size businesses and consumers in the digital economy.

The financial sector regulatory framework as it relates to Retail Payment Activities Act, payment processing, consumer-driven banking and data security. Square Canada, Inc. seeks to collaborate with policymakers and Canada’s financial services industry to think beyond what’s established and help remove barriers that keep people from having equal access. Square Canada, Inc. also seeks to discuss challenges confronting Canadian small and medium size businesses and consumers in the digital economy.

CYBER SECURITY - Encourage the government to invest in cybersecurity innovation, talent, and infrastructure; modernize research and development; accelerate commercialization in the space; support the secure digitalization of small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and improve the global competitiveness of Canada’s cybersecurity industry. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - Advocate for future-proofed, globally competitive, and interoperable policies that position artificial intelligence as a positive economic driver, and support the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI in business. PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION - Ensure that the modernization of Canada’s privacy legislation strikes the right balance between protecting consumers and promoting the ability of firms to innovate and compete by responsibly and securely using data. HOUSING - Support policies that enable the creation of more housing supply, incentivize investment in residential construction, and restore housing affordability for Canadian families. NATIONAL SECURITY/ECONOMIC SECURITY - Advancing policies related to enhancing Canada’s economic and national security. Key priorities include strengthening economic resilience, prudently navigating geopolitical challenges to trade and international relations, safeguarding business operations against new and emerging threats, and fostering conditions for economic growth. TRANSPORTATION - Regarding the consistent funding of trade-enabling infrastructure projects; the development of a competitive and efficient transportation network including all modes of transportation. TELECOMMUNICATIONS - Creating the right investment incentives to foster vibrant competition in the sector as a whole; responding to decisions regarding third-party access that will impact the deployment of internet services in rural and remote communities; and responding to regulatory proposals re: cell phone pricing. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to undertaking a comprehensive and independent tax system review. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to the measurement and improvement of Canada’s tax competitiveness, including: reforming the taxation, remittance, filing and audit processes of Canadian businesses; removing tax barriers for childcare expenses; addressing the taxation of family business transfers; and mobilizing private capital for recovery and growth. TAXATION AND FINANCE - With regard to modernizing our financial systems through open banking and digital currencies TAXATION AND FINANCE - Responding to proposals addressing taxation of digital services. TAXATION AND FINANCE - Maintaining and expanding real-time data made freely available to Canadian businesses, municipalities, academic researchers, and community groups. SMALL BUSINESS – Legislation, regulations and support programs that give Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the tools to grow in Canada and internationally, including reducing their red tape and compliance burden. PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION - Improving digital privacy legislation to meet the needs of industry. PENSIONS - Treatment of corporate pensions in the event of bankruptcy. NATURAL RESOURCES - Support for the adoption of policy recommendations to strengthen Canada’s world-leading position in the mining industry, oil and gas, and forestry products. OPEN DATA - Maintaining and expanding real-time data made freely available to Canadian businesses, municipalities, academic researchers, and community groups. LABOUR: Ensuring that any changes to the Canada Labour Code are implemented in response to defined and demonstrated issues and not to increase regulatory burdens for employers. INTERNATIONAL TRADE – With respect to issues relating to import and export controls INTERNATIONAL TRADE - Negotiating bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade agreements and promoting them to Canadian businesses. INTERNATIONAL TRADE - Improving federal laws and regulations pertaining to responsible business conduct r

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.

Domestic and international trade policy - especially in regards to supporting Canadian Small and Medium sized businesses. Ex. Digital Services Tax (DST) Implications of tax measures and eBay's contribution to sustainability efforts in Canada through the circular economy while maximizing value for small businesses. E-commerce regulations in the context of cost related to import/export tariffs and/or the cost of shipping in Canada.

Engagement on Online Harms Legislation Implications of tax measures and eBay's contribution to sustainability efforts in Canada through the circular economy while maximizing value for small businesses. E-commerce regulations in the context of cost related to import/export tariffs and/or the cost of shipping in Canada. Domestic and international trade policy - especially in regards to supporting Canadian Small and Medium sized businesses. Ex. Digital Services Tax (DST)

Working with the government to provide support for start ups, focusing on sustainable chemistry and clean tech sectors, and assisting with commercialization and helping bring products and technology to market.