Garnett Genuis

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

Identifying opportunities to encourage Canadians to donate regularly to charities, including enhancements to the federal charitable donation tax credit. Support for long-term increases to Canada's international assistance. Prioritization of children and child protection in Canada's assistance through supply chain transparency. Obtain high level government support for stabilization, protection of civilians and aid effectiveness in complex humanitarian emergencies. Obtain contributions from Global Affairs Canada for the delivery of development and humanitarian assistance programs. Legislative change in sanctions regime and criminal code to allow humanitarian funding Ensuring Canada's official development assistance includes support, increased funding and global leadership for children's education. Ensuring Canada's official development assistance includes increased resources for and global leadership in regards to reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) especially for the most vulnerable women & children.

The Official Development Assistance Accountability Act and its cross-partisan support. Canadian International Development Program: we want the Government to maintain a strong commitment towards poverty reduction in developing countries, through a good and clear policy framework and through funds and programs that allow Canadian Civil Society Organizations to participate actively in international development, with their local partners. (including humanitarian assistance) A project to enhance contributions of Canadian civil society organizations (CSOs) to the effectiveness of Canada’s international cooperation efforts.

Canadian International Development Program: we want the Government to maintain a strong commitment towards poverty reduction in developing countries, through a good and clear policy framework and through funds and programs that allow Canadian Civil Society Organizations to participate actively in international development, with their local partners. (including humanitarian assistance)

The Anti-terrorism Act formerly known as Bill C-51. Bill C-22, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act. Canada's policies with respect to domestic and international civil liberties, privacy and public security Promoting legal measures and regulations to ensure that Canadian resource extraction companies are legally accountable within Canada for international operations and activities. Overseas development assistance, with regard to quantity of support, thematic and geographic focus, and modalities of delivery. Obtain contributions, and report on assistance from Global Affairs Canada (Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada) for the delivery of development and humanitarian assistance for the following countries: Colombia, Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, Central America regional, Ghana, West Africa regional, Sudan (North, Africa regional, Great Lakes region of Africa, Bangladesh, India, Asia regional, Malaysia, Boarder regions of Burma and the Philippines. Inter Pares meets with various Canadian ambassadors to countries in which we have active programs to discuss Canada's international cooperation. Inter Pares is in the process of fulfilling various grants and contributions from Global Affairs Canada (Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada) and could take part in a competitive process for funding from the Partnership with Canadians Branch of Global Affairs Canada if Inter Pares' program fits the criteria of a competitive process. International Development (Inter Pares shares analysis on various facets of human rights, women's rights, economic justice, food sovereignty and migration globally). Ensuring Canada’s official development assistance place a priority on strengthening local food systems for poor and small rural households and communities in the South. Ensuring Canada maintain a strong presence promoting human rights domestically and in the South. Canadian assistance to Colombia, Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, Central America regional, Ghana, West Africa regional, Sudan (North), Africa Regional, Great Lakes region of Africa, Bangladesh, India, Asia regional, Malaysia, Border regions of Burma, the Philippines with respect to areas of focus and modalities of delivery. Canada’s position and climate change strategies with respect to mitigation and adaption in countries in the South. Canada's position and policies on religious and ethnic discrimination related to countries where Inter Pares works. Canada's position and policies on migration, and resettlement related to countries where Inter Pares works.

Women and Gender-Equality (WAGE) - Discussion on the gender-based violence (GBV) grant concerning changes to budget line items, extensions on timelines, and updating WAGE staff on the project as needed. Special Representative on Islamophobia - As it related to any suffering/issues our community is facing Global Affairs Canada: Humanitarian assistance and Development grants, women and security policies and programs, humanitarian access policies as it relates to NGO operations Foreign Affairs, Global Affairs Canada, Public Safety, and Justice as it relates to international development, specifically looking at legislation and policies relating to humanitarian access and humanitarian work (For example, Canada's criminal code and sanctions regime) Canada Revenue Agency Rules and Regulations as it pertains to auditing charities

International development; climate finance and agricultural sustainability; and public engagement and domestic support. Discussions on the clarification of the new trade and development policy. Global Affairs Canada (GAC)'s focus remains on poverty reduction and discussions on tied aid are not a priority. Climate finance should contribute to sustainable agricultural outcomes. There was also a discussion on moving from isolated development interventions toward more integrated systems approaches - silos to systems. With regards to public engagement and support for international development, there was a discussion on potential government support for sector-wide initiatives. Additionally, there was discussion on the possibility of GAC conducting research to understand how civil society organizations (CSOs) engage Canadians on international development issues. International development. Discussion about the strategic importance of international development aid to Canada's economy, national security and values. Additionally, we sought to understand the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC)'s position on aid and asked that resilient food systems be prioritized in the party's international development platform. International development. Make resilient food systems an aid priority and ensure the development-trade approach focuses on poverty reduction. localization and sustainability. Official development assistance should continue to focus on gender and localization. in this regard, at least $5.5 billion of ODA per annum should go towards poverty reduction in developing countries. Climate finance should prioritize vulnerable groups, support biodiversity and minimize debt. Canada should triple climate finance to $15.9 billion for 2026-2031. The 5-year pledge announced in spring 2026 was much lower. We “welcomed” it and will continue to work on quality issues. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy Group (HPAG) and position HPAG as a thought-partner and ally for Canada's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, gaining the ear of the Ambassador and his team for future influencing; highlight the prominence of Canadian international non governmental organizations (INGOs) within the humanitarian sector globally, highlighting the proportion and significance of Canadian aid; and to understand the Ambassador’s priorities and key next steps as he embarks on a new mandate. International Development. Discussion showcasing the results from our Nature Positive project which is part of the Partnering for Climate (P4C) program. The project responds to poverty and hunger, addressing climate change and building long-term economic resilience in sub-Saharan Africa. We asked for support in ensuring Canada’s next climate finance commitment prioritizes smallholder farmers and their communities in the Global South in adapting to climate change. International development. Discussion on Canada's official development assistance (ODA) and the need for it to prioritize food security. As a global leader in agriculture and food, Canada should help communities around the world dealing with rising food prices, climate change and conflict by prioritizing support for agriculture and food systems in its ODA. International development and international relations. Discussion on the importance of focusing on food security in humanitarian efforts, in light of the expected cuts to development funding. Additionally, discussion on the importance of official development assistance (ODA), alongside trade and economic stability to Canada, highlighting that ODA facilitates other aspects of international relationships. Discussion about Canada's official development assistance, its value to Canadian foreign policy and an appeal for Canada not to reduce aid but to show global leadership following the USAID cuts and decreases in aid budgets by some donor countries. Discussion about Canada's official development aid (ODA) and its valu

Encouraging support for peacebuilding and civic space in Canada. Monitoring Canadian policies relating to environmental justice and encouraging Canada to take concrete steps to rectify past environmental injustices and prevent future environmental harms. Monitoring Canadian restorative justice programming and policies related to Public Safety and the Justice Department and encouraging more Canadian support for restorative justice programming. Monitoring Canadian policies related to grassroots peacebuilding and encouraging more Canadian support for peacebuilding programming especially to address the root causes of forced displacement. Monitoring Canada's international assistance policy and programs as they relate to the countries of focus; overall budget numbers; women, peace and security agenda; and support for small-scale farmers in developing countries. Monitoring Canada's foreign and defence programs and policies as they relate to the signing of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), peacebuilding, and conflict prevention initiatives. Monitoring and encouraging implementation of Canada's Paris Agreement commitments around climate change. MCC advocates around Canada's sanctions policies, as they impact our ability to do our work and impact vulnerable communities. International development initiatives as they relate to Global Affairs Canada's grant proposals program. Immigration and refugee protection policies and regulations relating to the sponsorship and settlement of refugees--in particular, with respect to Canada's Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. Expressing concern around Canada's military response to global conflict, with encouragement for investing instead in diplomacy, more development aid, support for peacebuilding efforts, and humanitarian assistance for displaced peoples. Encouraging strengthened, nation-to-nation relations with Indigenous peoples through the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission final recommendations (i.e. a public inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women, implementing the UNDRIP, etc.). Encouraging more support for peacebuilding initiatives in Palestine Israel. Support for Canadian policies in Palestine and Israel that uphold human rights and promote a just peace for all in the region, including Palestinian refugees. Encouraging continued human rights oversight and accountability for Canadian extractive industries operating outside of Canada.

Advocacy for federal support of digital/remote program delivery, increased youth employment pathways, and partnership on public awareness campaigns about the role of regulated career colleges. Promotion of employer-driven training, support for standardized national credential recognition (e.g., “Blue/Red Seal” programs), and advocacy for increased labour mobility and rapid response to workforce needs. Requesting equal access to input tax credits (GST/HST rebates) and inclusion in federal student aid, loan forgiveness, and repayment assistance programs, similar to public institutions. Support for a pilot program enabling international students at Regulated Career Colleges (RCCs) to qualify for Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP), linking study permits to in-demand jobs, enhanced quality assurance for international students, and anti-fraud measures in the regulated career college sector. Matching funding to support training for military personnel, their spouses, and dependents to secure in-demand jobs. Advocacy for expanding the Veterans Affairs Education & Training Benefit (ETB), developing scholarship programs for military spouses, and supporting veteran employment and transition strategies. The NACC is proposing an expansion to funding for active CAF members and veterans to support skills training and development for military personnel and their families. This includes potential expansions to the Education and Training Benefit for Veterans program.

Private Career Colleges are not eligible to have students apply for Post Graduate Worker Permits. The NACC would like to see this changed as it believes their students are being disadvantaged and discriminated against. NACC is seeking a directive from the ministerial level that will allow for post graduate students to make application for the worker permits. Changes to Student aid and Grants to ensure equitable access to regulated career colleges in budget 2025 and its impact on NACC members.

Changes to Student aid and Grants to ensure equitable access to regulated career colleges in budget 2025 and its impact on our members. Private Career Colleges are not eligible to have students apply for Post Graduate Worker Permits. The NACC would like to see this changed as it believes their students are being disadvantaged and discriminated against. To do this there must be a directive from the ministerial level that will allow for post graduate students to make application for the worker permits.

Advocacy related to the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, as it pertains to youth employment in the restaurant industry. Advocacy related to the National Food Security Strategy, as it pertains to food cost drivers affecting restaurants, food loss and waste, and domestic production capacity and supply chain barriers. Advocacy related to enhancing accelerated investment incentives and seeking modifications to small business deduction eligibility, to better support capital investments for restaurants. Advocacy related to the renewal and continued federal funding of the International Convention Attraction Fund, including a request for a commitment of $10 million annually over four years. Communicating with and arranging meetings with Public Office Holders to discuss the benefits of removing GST on all food in Canada Communicating with the Government of Canada regarding Budget 2026 as it pertains to immigration cuts affecting labour shortages. Engaging the Government of Canada on US led tariffs and the Government of Canada's response as they impact the foodservices industry. Tax policy on alcohol (escalator excise tax). Taxation policy with regard to corporate, small business and personal income taxes Regulations and policies regarding fees to SOCAN and ReSound Regulations and policies pertaining to Canada Pension Plan employer/employee premiums Regulation of financial institutions with respect to credit card fees Nutritional labeling policy with respect to provision of nutrition information Immigration policy with respect to workers programs and permits Healthy Eating Strategy - to ensure that policy and regulation proposals on the restriction of unhealthy food and beverage marketing to children, sodium reduction initiatives, menu labelling requirements, related initiatives are balanced, reasonable and science-based. Providing input into Health Canada's Healthy Eating Strategy consultations. Environmental regulations regarding plastics and recycling Employment Insurance with respect to policy for establishing premium rates Economic Strategy Tables - Continue to work closely with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in contributing to Canada's Economic Strategy Tables by ensuring the discussion help reflect the concerns of our industry Chicken and Turkey Tariff Rate Quota Advisory Committee (TQAC) regarding import quota Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) regarding annual dairy pricing Amendments to the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act to exempt wines purchased by restaurants regarding the transportation and sale of beverage between provinces. Agriculture trade policy with regard to trade liberalization opportunities

Seeking the permanent elimination of GST/HST from all food, following the recent GST/HST Tax Holiday. Immigration policies with respect to worker programs and permits. Discussions with officials regarding the Canada-US bilateral relationship, possible tariffs, and the impacts on the food service industry and food supply chains. Taxation policy with regard to corporate, small business, and personal income taxes. Interprovincial trade barriers impacting the restaurant and food services industry, including restrictions on interprovincial alcohol shipments, inconsistent packaging standards, varying food safety inspections, etc.

GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT - Reform Canada’s procurement system to support investment and ensure a competitive business environment. GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT - Ensuring fair and open procurement practices to drive innovation and technology adoption in Canada. HOUSING - Advocate for policies and legislation that enable the creation of more housing supply, incentivize investment in residential construction and housing – enabling infrastructure, and support the development of skilled labour we need, whether domestically or through immigration, to restore housing affordability to Canadian families. 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 and tax policy which improves the competitiveness of the Canadian business environment INTERNATIONAL TRADE – With respect to issues relating to trade controls, including tariffs, import and export controls, sanctions, and trade remedies. INDUSTRY - Improving the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit program to drive innovation; increase the role that the federal government plays in creating opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to digitalize and conduct more business activities online; developing a digital economy strategy for Canada. HEALTH – Ensuring we improve access to necessary medicines by building on rather than displacing the important role of private insurers and respecting provincial and territorial jurisdiction. CYBER SECURITY - Encouraging the government to prioritize cybersecurity innovation, talent development, and critical infrastructure resilience; 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. IMMIGRATION - Reducing regulatory burdens for employers; promoting immigration to small, rural and northern communities; supporting regional and local community immigration strategies; maintaining and modernizing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program; Facilitating pathways to permanent residency for temporary residents (international students and TFWs; expediting and simplifying foreign credential recognition, calling for an international student and global talent strategy; improving language training as well as settlement and employment supports to newcomers, aligning immigration programs with labour market needs, improving the Start-Up Visa process, improving client services to potential immigrants and newcomers. EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING – National Workforce Strategy, programs that support small and medium sized enterprises, improving collection and dissemination of Labour Market Information, establishing the Employment Insurance Council to institutionalize social dialogue between workers and employers on issues related to employment and training needs, addressing barriers to labour mobility, improving effectiveness of employment supports and skills training. EDUCATION - Aligning employer and workforce needs with education and training; expanding skilling, upskilling, reskilling and work integrated learning opportunities. INFRASTRUCTURE – Improvement of Canada’s infrastructure through the National Infrastructure Assessment, National Supply Chains Strategy, and establishment of a Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan. TRANSPORTATION - Regarding the consistent funding of trade-enabling infrastructure projects; the development of a competitive and efficient transportation network including all modes of transportation; the fluidity and stability of supply chain operations, minimizing disruptions. 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; minimizing labour disruption impacts on Canadian bus