Evelyn Soo

Advocate for government to introduce programs/testing to monitor and address the movement of poultry into Canada outside of Canada's import (TRQ) controls. Provide input and advice on Canada's Food Security Strategy and other measures to address food insecurity. Inquiries regarding the processing of Remission Applications Advocate for red tape reduction. Funding under Strategic Innovation Fund and other government programs to support food manufacturing in Canada. Extension of open work permits and addition of pathways to permanent residency for foreign workers in the food manufacturing sector. Advocating for regulations to exclude food from the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act given the significant risks to food safety and international trade. Tariffs: Lobby federal government on Canada's response to U.S. and other tariffs Orderly functioning of Poultry Supply Management including allocation decisions. Plastic packaging - ensure Federal Policy framework sets achievable targets for food packaging and recognizes packaging functional requirements. Greenwashing provisions of Competition Act - requesting amendments to address concern that legislation will reduce climate leadership in Canada. Temporary Foreign Worker Program and its application to food manufacturing and agriculture. The National Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, planning for a foreign animal disease outbreak and updating the Animal Transport Regulations. The Import for Re-export Program for chicken, administration of import controls for chicken and fowl and design of a Processor Modernization Program. The Food and Drugs Regulations and policies, specifically approval of food ingredients including anti-microbial treatments for meat, approval of health claims, implementation of new allergen labeling regulations and policies on sodium reduction. Public Opinion Polling related to food insecurity and poverty Preparedness for African Swine Fever Policies and Programs to reduce food insecurity Policies and programs that address the social determinants of health Initiatives under the Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance as it relates to the meat and livestock industry. Implementation of a national school food program Healthy Eating Strategy including implementation of the new Nutrition Facts Table, front-of-pack nutrition labeling regulations, development of the new Canada's Food Guide. Government action to stengthen the food safety system through new regulations under the Safe Food for Canadians Act. CFIA's labeling modernization initiative and impact on food labeling practices in the food marketplace. Access to funding under Canadian Agricultural Partnership programs Providing input on the scope of the 21st Century Corporations Act, particularly as it relates to the obligations placed on corporations and directors under the Act.

Sustainability - Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), In relation to sustainable packaging policies and their impact on the fresh produce supply chain Sustainable Agriculture Strategy - Policies to support the adoption of more environmentally sustainable practices across the fresh produce supply chain National School Food Program - Improve and increase access to the nutritious food all students need and supporting food insecure households National Food Security Strategy– in respect of strengthening the systems that support the safe, timely movement and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetable products across Canada’s borders and domestic supply chains. Federal Budget 2025 - specifically related to measures of relevance and impact to the fresh produce supply chain. Red Tape Review - Federal department efforts under Treasury Board's Red Tape Review initiative. Grocery Sector Code of Conduct - including the development and implementation of the voluntary code to support fair business practices in the fresh produce sector. International trade, including opportunities for export and import market diversification in the fresh produce sector. Measures to facilitate internal trade in Canada, including through Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act. Canada-U.S. trade and Canada's response to U.S. trade action against Canada, including tariffs. Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Safe Foods for Canadians Regulations - Labelling. In relation to addressing industry challenges in the application of labelling requirements. Supply Chains Act - in relation to providing necessary supports to industry to effectively address and eradicate forced labour. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Destination Inspection Service - In relation to ensuring consistent and efficient CFIA service model for delivery of enhanced destination inspection for produce. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grades. In respect of the maintenance and modification of Canadian grade standards. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Organic. In respect to the Canadian Organic Regime and the Canadian Organic Standards. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program - In relation to enabling a sufficient workforce to support domestic fruit and vegetable production. Temporary Foreign Worker Program - In relation to enabling a sufficient workforce to support domestic fruit and vegetable production. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - In respect to supporting the development and implementation of a safe food supply chain while ensuring efficient and consistent licensing and inspection requirements and streamlined regulations for industry. Safe Food for Canadians Act. In respect of managing risk to food safety and supporting a safe food system for Canada. Ports Modernization Review - In respect to ensuring that ports are well positioned to facilitate the free flow of goods and enabling uninterrupted trade. Plant Protection Act & Regulations. In respect to consistent delivery by CFIA of plant health regulations. Pest Control Products Act - Pesticide Residue Tolerances - In respect of international harmonization of maximum and default residue limits (mrls). National Supply Chain Strategy - in respect of supporting the smooth movement of fresh fruit and vegetable products across the Canadian border and throughout the country. Health Canada Food & Nutrition - A cooperative approach between government and industry / NGOs to support increased health of Canadians via focus on childhood obesity, establishment of nutrient database, harmonization between Canada and US of health claims, health & nutrition labelling, and consumer food safety education. Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act and accompanying regulations - In respect to rebates for the greenhouse industry, expanding the definition of farming and ensuring consistency, and in providing an exemption in the Act and/or regulations for diesel and propane as well as heating and

WAR CRIMES PROSECUTIONS (continuing advocacy to push the denaturalization and deportation of persons found in Canada who lied about their records in the Second World War or more recent conflicts and the prosecution of war criminals when sufficient evidence is adduced.) Update the Criminal Code of Canada with respect to combating antisemitism and online hate. Create a national strategy to tackle online hate and radicalization using the 2019 Justice Committee report, "Taking Action to End Online Hate", as a foundation. A strategy should draw upon the Christchurch Call, and use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Transportation: Assisting in the development of briefings on airport security by Israeli officials for Transport Canada - including ministerial staff. The project ‘United Against Online Hate’ aims to develop a national coalition with numerous targeted communities to actively combat online hate, following recommendations from the study conducted by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. We have been granted $141,000 for the government’s current fiscal year (ending March 31 2021). We were also awarded $31,800 for the year April 1 2021 to March 31 2022. Tax credit for volunteerism: proposing that a process be added to provide tax credits for individuals who contribute time to charitable activities on a sustained basis. Taxation and Finance: Discussions regarding CRA tax policies with respect to charitable organizations, and general policies. Raoul Wallenberg "Park of the Righteous": For the Government to establish a national park in honour of Raoul Wallenberg paying tribute to individual Canadians who have made a significant contribution to humanitarian causes. Qualifications for refugee status claimants and citizenship and immigration requirements for new immigrants related to standards for qualification for entry Public Security threats to the safety and security of the Jewish community of Canada and the extension of funding of capital costs and staff training for security of communities at risk PSC (Public Safety Canada) and Infrastructure Canada seeking program applicability to full range of Jewish communal institutions with respect to the timing of the program and the scope and determination of reimbursements Provide economic support for the charitable and not-for-profit sector through a direct granting program. Donations from Canadians should be incentivized through a temporary enhancement of the charitable giving tax credit, or through a donor matching program, whereby the government matches donations from Canadians. National Holocaust Memorial: To ensure that the Government of Canada provide resources for year-round access to the memorial as well as educations supports for visitors to the Holocaust Memorial Myanmar/Burma/Uighurs: Rohinga refugees and displaced persons: For Canada to augment humanitarian allocations to assist the Rohinga refugees in Burma and Bangladesh and implement elements of the recommendations submitted by The Hon. Bob Rae regarding the Rohinga refugee population. Make the Disability Tax Credit refundable, and increase its accessibility by making it inclusive, especially for those with non-physical and/or episodic disabilities. Reforms should be undertaken in partnership with disability advocates, to ensure the application process is simpler, less subjective, and more accessible for individuals and medical professionals alike. Make the Canada Caregiver Credit a refundable tax credit. Launch a parliamentary inquiry on Canadians and global terrorism: Parliament should launch a study on Canadian victims and perpetrators of foreign terrorism to identify gaps and propose solutions in two areas: federal support for victims, and evidence collection on perpetrators. INTERNATIONAL TASK FORCE ON HOLOCAUST EDUCATION, COMMEMORATION AND RESEARCH; ensure that the Government of Canada fulfills its obligations as a full member. International

Regulatory approval process, in respect to the egg supply management system Agriculture as a strategic priority, in respect to economic growth and tools to support the agriculture sector and support food security. Policy on Salmonella Enteritidis in Canadian shell eggs, in respect of on-farm testing and vaccination pilot program Availability of animal health products and tools, in respect to disease response and preparedness in Canada Agriculture inputs into egg supply chain, in respect to pricing and availability for farmers Sustainability initiatives as they relate to agriculture, including emissions reduction programs and on-farm green transition Trade policy, in respect of supply management and international and domestic trade Programming to mitigate the market impacts caused by trade agreements Private sector risk management program, in respect of insurance Growing forward, in respect of suite of business risk management and supply management Egg regulations, in respect to egg grades, weights and labelling Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations with respect to production claims on labels Canadian Food Inspection Agency On-Farm Food Safety Recognition Program, in respect to program development for pre-lay sectors Agriculture international development projects, in respect to supporting vulnerable communities and empowering egg farmers around the world

CCA was established by the federal government in 2005 to provide assessments of evidence on policy priorities important to the Government of Canada and Canadians. CCA's interactions with federal departments and agencies are focused on developing interest in new assessment projects which are typically funded through a program or grant. Assessments are carried out by expert panels and can be on any topic in areas of health, environment, energy and society, or S&T and innovation.

Canada-U.S. trade relations, including the implementation and administration of tariffs, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), and the food and beverage manufacturing industry. The United States Surtax Remission Order and the remission of tariffs on goods utilized in the manufacturing of food and beverage. Regulations Concerning Food Additives and Compositional Standards and the implications for food and beverage manufacturers. The Federal Plastics Registry and its impact on food and beverage manufacturing in Canada. Bill C-5: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act - and considerations around food safety and export diversification. International Trade: The provisions of the text of the USMCA as they relate to agriculture and agri-food, including tariff schedules, Tariff Rate Quotas, regulatory cooperation and measures related to non-tariff barriers. Tariff and non-tariff barriers with the United States. The pollution prevention (P2) planning notice for primary food plastic packaging, with respect to its impact on food and beverage manufacturers. Temporary Foreign Worker Program - with respect to amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and the access of food and beverage manufacturers to various elements within the program. Support for the housing needs of temporary foreign workers and new Canadians. Science and Technology: Polices and programs to develop, maintain and adapt cybersecurity within the food and beverage processing sector Science and Technology: ISED policies and programs to promote innovation and technology adoption in the food and beverage processing sector Refugees - requesting resettlement programs for refugees Industry: The adoption of innovation in the food and beverage sector in the context of the Strategic Innovation Fund. Immigration: Enhancements to the Temporary Foreign Workers program and pathways to permanency for food and beverage processing labour. Health: Policies and regulations related to food and beverage products including the federal government's Health Eating Strategy, Front of Pack labelling regulations, Marketing to Children regulations, modifications to the Food Guide, modifications the Food and Drugs Regulations. Grocery Code of Conduct: Advocating for a mandatory and enforceable Grocery Code of Conduct for the food industry. Facilitating the entry into Canada of technicians required to maintain critical infrastructure Budget: Measures in annual federal budget to support food and beverage processing, including implementation of Agri-food Economic Strategy Table Report. Agriculture: Policies related to the food and beverage processing sector including: funding for industry research and development, implementation of Safe Foods for Canadians Regulations.

Legislative proposals and policy changes affecting local economies, the investment climate and general competitiveness of the beverage sector in Canada, including tax, tariff advertising, CUSMA, labelling and pre-budget consultations. Matters regarding the regulation of environmental labelling, recycled content and single-use plastics; discussion about the collection and recycling of beverage containers. Improving regulatory interpretation (guidance) development to enhance regulatory transparency and outcomes Food and Drug Regulations as it pertains to food ingredients, food additives, food labelling, food advertising and food safety. Beverage container recycling programs, recycling targets for beverage containers, a federal plastics registry, national standards for extended producer responsibility reporting, environmental labelling, recycled content requirements, microplastics, single-use plastics, and international plastics policy and agreements.

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)

Excessive interest and financing expenses limitation (EIFEL), with respect to a potential exemption for regulated utilities from changes to interest deductibility limits. Advocating for policies that support the development of Canadian LNG to meet rising global energy demand, enhance energy security, and diversify Canada's energy export markets.? Canada–United States trade relations, with respect to tariffs and the flow of natural gas through cross-border pipelines and impacts on utility supply chains Weight and Measurements Act's and regulations on sampling requirements for in service natural gas meters. The Canadian Gas Association provides information on and advocates a more broad discussion around cyber-security and support for the same. The Canadian Gas Association participates in broad policy discussion with respect to funding energy technology innovation. The Canadian Gas Association participates in broad policy discussion and ongoing government initiated consultations with respect to amendments to the Fisheries and Oceans Act, the Environment Assessment Act, and the National Energy Board. The Canadian Gas Association advocates for support to bring natural gas pipeline infrastructure to new communities, to support transportation fuel infrastructure, and to support energy technology innovation. The Canadian Gas Assocation provides information on and suggests a more broad discussion on how to price carbon in the context of broad energy and environment policy. On occasion CGA raises awareness and provides information to decision makers on energy policy and the general concept of the need to improve regulatory efficiency particularly as it relates to the Major Projects Management Office and ensuring that natural gas is not biased in policy. Federal Budget - The CGA is pursuing a recovery package for the Canadian economy and the inclusion of the natural gas delivery industry in that recovery programming. The CGA is seeking to create a number of renewable gas funding streams in Budget and expand support for energy efficiency. Advocating to ensure the development of energy policy in Canada is based on energy, economic and environment principles. Advocating for the mandatory location of underground infrastructure prior to digging. Advocating for the expansion of existing energy programs within Natural Resources Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development to include programs and policy that support energy efficiency and technology and innovation. Advocating for technology program support for natural gas vehicles and raising awareness of the merits of natural gas vehicles. Advocating for supportive tax and fiscal measures for the adoption of natural gas engine technology Advocating for policy support for the coalition called Quality Urban Energy Systems for Tomorrow (QUEST) regarding improving energy efficiency and technology at the community level. Advance a letter of cooperation between the Canadian Gas Association and Natural Resources Canada on energy efficiency, technology innovation, and energy information.