Gurbux Saini

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada - As it relates to emergency relief and humanitarian programming 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

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.

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

Reverse the $5 billion cut to public transit funding and increase the Building Communities Strong Fund’s overall size so transit agencies such as TransLink and BC Transit can proceed with urgently needed expansion projects that improve access to education and employment. Provide stable, recurring operations funding so TransLink and BC Transit can implement necessary service improvements and start work on key regional transportation projects. Provide ongoing funding to municipalities for the infrastructure upgrades necessary to support an increasing population. Increase the allocation for post-secondary education in the Canada Social Transfer so provinces can properly fund institutions to help manage growing deficits brought on by underfunding and over reliance on student tuition. Ensure fair and predictable treatment for international students already studying in Canada by red-circling study permit renewals for current students and allowing them to transfer institutions or take courses at other institutions without requiring a new study permit application. Convert the CMHC Apartment Construction Loan Program — Student Housing stream to grants so post-secondary institutions can access financing to build on-campus student housing, helping address the growing shortage of affordable housing for students in British Columbia. Enforcement of the Canada Health Act principle of “universality” to prohibit the province of British Columbia from charging international students a $75 health fee to access government-insured medical services.

Ensure fair and predictable treatment for international students already studying in Canada by red-circling study permit renewals for current students and allowing them to transfer institutions or take courses at other institutions without requiring a new study permit application. Increase funding for student job placements focused on climate action and environmental sustainability and to establish a national Youth Climate Corps that provides students with jobs focused on climate action. Increased regulation of grocery stores by the federal government to prevent price gouging and excess profit generation. Direct financial assistance from the federal government to help students afford good food. Climate Change action, with respect to the federal government taking all actions necessary to keep global warming at 1.5c including emissions reductions, ending fossil fuel expansion, and investment in green transportation. The creation of a federal student loan and financial aid program that is accessible to part-time and full-time undergraduate and graduate international students and is not contingent on program completion. Provide stable, recurring operations funding so TransLink and BC Transit can implement necessary service improvements and start work on key regional transportation projects. Reverse the $5 billion cut to public transit funding and increase the Building Communities Strong Fund’s overall size so transit agencies such as TransLink and BC Transit can proceed with urgently needed expansion projects that improve access to education and employment. Increase the allocation for post-secondary education in the Canada Social Transfer so provinces can properly fund institutions to help manage growing deficits brought on by underfunding and over reliance on student tuition. Convert the CMHC Apartment Construction Loan Program — Student Housing stream to grants so post-secondary institutions can access financing to build on-campus student housing, helping address the growing shortage of affordable housing for students in British Columbia. Provide ongoing funding to municipalities for the infrastructure upgrades necessary to support an increasing population. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, with respect to increasing the number of hours an international student is permitted to work off-campus during a regular academic session from 24 to 32, and extending permission to work to part-time international students. Enforcement of the Canada Health Act principle of “universality” to prohibit the province of British Columbia from charging international students a $75 health fee to access government-insured medical services. Childcare funding, with respect to federal financial assistance to British Columbia to create and operate a fully functional $10-a-day program.

Provide stable, recurring operations funding so TransLink and BC Transit can implement necessary service improvements and start work on key regional transportation projects. Reverse the $5 billion cut to public transit funding and increase the Building Communities Strong Fund’s overall size so transit agencies such as TransLink and BC Transit can proceed with urgently needed expansion projects that improve access to education and employment. Provide ongoing funding to municipalities for the infrastructure upgrades necessary to support an increasing population. Increase the allocation for post-secondary education in the Canada Social Transfer so provinces can properly fund institutions to help manage growing deficits brought on by underfunding and over reliance on student tuition. Ensure fair and predictable treatment for international students already studying in Canada by red-circling study permit renewals for current students and allowing them to transfer institutions or take courses at other institutions without requiring a new study permit application. Convert the CMHC Apartment Construction Loan Program — Student Housing stream to grants so post-secondary institutions can access financing to build on-campus student housing, helping address the growing shortage of affordable housing for students in British Columbia. Enforcement of the Canada Health Act principle of “universality” to prohibit the province of British Columbia from charging international students a $75 health fee to access government-insured medical services.

Seek government support for and funding (through NRCAN, Pacifican, Infrastructure Canada or any other government program) to upgrade, optimize and incorporate technology in manufacturing and mill operations in BC facilities. Seek funding capital to revive, purchase, build and expand BC Forestry sector operations across BC. Pursue opportunities to do business with the Government of Canada through the Buy Canadian Policy.

Discussion regarding Forest Sector Transformation Task Force next steps. Agreements or collaboration between Canada and the US on Softwood Lumber. Roundtable on homebuilding strategy, tariff response, CUSMA Negotiations, Strengthen domestic trade. Discuss tariff response. Discussion/update on fibre supply shortage. Worker, community and economic support measures in response to U.S. tariffs and duties. Update on the ongoing fibre supply shortage in BC and related competitiveness challenges. Discussion on federal support in response to tariffs and duties. Discussion on international market regulation regarding "forest degradation". Discussion on Softwood Lumber Support Program Seek funding for Offshore market development activities including market access and product promotion. Discussions on emerging markets and impacts to industry on softwood lumber agreement with the United States. Opportunities to expand offshore markets for sustainable forest products produced by Canada and BC. Discussions on Climate and low-carbon forest products, including carbon accounting and the role of the forest sector in meeting Canada's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and international commitments. Discussion on forestry and reconciliation and federal implementation of United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including ownership of forest tenures and employment and investment opportunities across forest sector supply chains. Consulting and engaging with the federal government on maintaining critical supply chains and transportation infrastructure for BC forest products. Communicating economic status of industry with regard to potential government policy and funding with regard to the Softwood Lumber Agreement. Climate and low-carbon forest products, forest degradation and Natural Resources Canada Funding Programs. Communicating economic status of Industry with regard to policies that support ongoing competitiveness of BC forest industry.

Implement regulations to restrict commercial marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children

ADVOCATE FOR IMPROVED AWARENESS, PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF WOMEN'S HEART AND BRAIN HEALTH RISK FACTORS THROUGH BILL S-243, AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH IN CANADA ADVOCATE FOR A MODERNIZED CHARITABLE TAXATION FRAMEWORK THAT STRENGTHENS CHARITIES AND THEIR ABILITY TO MOBILIZE RESOURCES FOR THE BENEFIT OF CANADIANS. FINALIZE REGULATIONS TO RESTRICT VAPE FLAVOURS (INCLUDING MINT/MENTHOL); INTRODUCE PLAIN AND STANDARDIZED PACKAGING FOR VAPING PRODUCTS; INCREASE TOBACCO AND VAPE TAXES; IMPLEMENT A TOBACCO COST RECOVERY FEE; PROTECT EXISTING NICOTINE POUCH REGULATIONS; BAN INTERNET/ONLINE SALES FOR TOBACCO AND E-CIGARETTES; PROHIBIT THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS AMONGST INDIVIDUALS BORN BEFORE A DETERMINED YEAR; INCREASE THE MINIMUM LEGAL AGE OF SALE FOR TOBACCO AND VAPING PRODUCTS TO 21 YEARS OF AGE. SUPPORT POLICIES THAT ELIMINATE FINANCIAL BARRIERS TO SPORT PARTICIPATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH, WHILE ENSURING SPORT PARTICIPATION FUNDING IS ROLLED OUT IN AN ACCESSIBLE, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE MANNER. ADVOCATE FOR GOVERNMENT ACTION TO REDUCE THE CONSUMPTION OF, AND HARMS ASSOCIATED WITH, ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS. ADVOCATE FOR AND FUND EQUITABLE ACCESS TO PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAMS FOR CANADIANS, INCLUDING EQUITY-SEEKING GROUPS. INTRODUCTION OF A NATIONAL PHARMACARE PROGRAM IMPLEMENT REGULATIONS TO RESTRICT COMMERCIAL MARKETING OF UNHEALTHY FOODS AND BEVERAGES TO CHILDREN IMPLEMENT A TAX ON SUGARY DRINKS. REVENUES FROM SUCH A TAXATION STREAM SHOULD BE USED TO SUBSIDIZE HEALTHY EATING INITIATIVES FUND PUBLIC AWARENESS FOR IMPROVED USE OF DEFIBRILLATORS AND CPR. ADVOCATE FOR A TAX-EXEMPTION ON THE SALE OF DEFIBRILLATORS. ENSURE THAT THE DEDICATED FEDERAL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FUND BECOMES A PERMANENT ENVELOPE IN CANADA'S INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING.

Postal service disruption and the significant hardships these disruptions cause for Canadians and on health charities We ask the federal government to fund MS research in partnership with MS Canada, leveraging our connections and expertise to focus and further our understanding of MS, pursue leading-edge research on repair and regeneration, and explore prevention strategies, including targeting the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Safe Long-Term Care Act with respect to persons affected by MS National Housing Strategy with respect for persons with MS and other chronic conditions and disabilities Measures and funding for the charitable sector generally Home care, with respect to creation with provincial/ territorial governments programs relating to increased home care for persons with MS and other disabilities/ diseases and the support of caregivers Federal Budget: Allocate funding for the Canada Disability Benefit, the Employment Insurance Sickness Benefit; health research; access to treatment and care; and other budgetary policy as it relates to MS. Establishment of national strategy for neurological conditions, with respect to persons with MS and other neurological conditions. Employment Insurance sickness benefits, with respect to creation of flexible benefits for persons with MS and other episodic disabilities Disability Tax Credit with respect to making it refundable and ensuring eligibility for Canadians with episodic disabilities Comprehensive disability income programs, with respect to persons with MS and other chronic and episodic disabilities CIHR as it relates to federal funding & long term investment in health research Canada Pension Plan – Disability with respect to eligibility for persons with MS and other chronic and episodic disabilities Canada Health Transfer - health system funding transfer and agreements intended for provinces/territories to support the delivery of healthcare services, including MS care Canada Health Act and regulations, as it relates to long-term and home care Bill C-64, An Act Respecting Pharmacare with respect for persons with MS and other chronic conditions and disabilities Access to treatments as it relates to the current regulatory and price negotiation processes to enhance timely access to all Health Canada approved MS disease-modifying therapies, with respect to the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases and national pharmacare.

Seeking funding for specific salmon related projects or activities, including habitat assessments and rehabilitation. Resourcing for salmon abundance monitoring and assessment. Development and implementation of salmon recovery and sustainability plans. Funding for salmon science, management and recovery, including extension of BCSRIF. Fisheries Act; 5 year review. Addressing the threats of invasive species to Pacific salmon habitat. Transformation of salmon recovery planning, governance and funding for BC. Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999; Addressing the impacts of 6PPD, its transformation products, and related p-phenylenediamines (PPDs) in stormwater runoff on Pacific salmon. Pacific Aquaculture Regulations; The development and implementation of the B.C. aquaculture transition plan and ban on open-net pen fish farms by 2029 and regulations for new closed-containment aquaculture technologies. British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996; The value of the Salmon Conservation Stamp.

Environment - BC Dairy seeks to engage the government in response to climate events that have impacted the agriculture sector over the past several years and coordinate Emergency Planning, Management & Response moving forward. International Trade - We also the maximization of allowable permanent Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ) allocated to Canadian dairy processors. Agriculture - We ask that Canada’s suite of Business risk management (BRM) programs be reviewed and updated with a view to modernizing these programs to increase accessibility and provide optimum support to farmers and producers. Consumer Issues - The perceived quality and safety of Canadian dairy products versus that of imported goods is of paramount concern to the dairy industry. To this end, we have an interest in ensuring the integrity of the Product of Canada and Made in Canada logos by maintaining the current Canadian thresholds and continuing to transparently identify imported content on dairy products. Consumer Issues - We ask that parliamentarians commit to protecting the current Standards of Identity for Dairy Products, which limit the use of dairy terminology and imagery to animal agriculture. In addition, we ask that these regulations continue to be enforced. International Trade- We have an interest in increasing resources for CFIA and CBSA to ensure compliance for imported products. One of the main pillars for the success of supply management (on which the dairy industry in Canada is based) is import control. International Trade - The dairy industry supports maintaining Canada's supply managed agricultural system. When market concessions occur in trade agreements, including the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), we seek federal government mitigation for impacts on dairy farmers. We ask that no domestic dairy market concessions are made in future trade agreements. Agriculture - BC Dairy is seeking to work with government to address the mounting challenges faced by dairy farmers to reduce production costs. Rising expenses for feed, labour, and other inputs continue to impact dairy farm business sustainability. Health - As per Canada’s food guide, we encourage the public to consume milk to meet the dairy requirements of important vitamins and minerals. We seek for the inclusion of the latest scientific evidence about the nutritional value of dairy products within Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy on an on-going basis. Environment - We ask the government to support the continued introduction and adoption of clean energy and green technology on farms by providing existing and future sustainability programs with sufficient and ongoing funding.