Helene Lacasse

Discussions with public office holders about modernizing retirement savings and withdrawal policies, education savings policies, financial literacy, and tax policies.

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) has significantly expanded the gatekeeper obligation through recent enforcement decisions in a way that departs from historical practice, creating uncertainty, fairness concerns, and increased risk for investment dealers. We argue that any change to the gatekeeper standard should be made transparently through formal rulemaking or policy development (not through enforcement) so the industry has clear, consistent, and workable guidance. Pre-budget consultation: Suggesting that the government create a more attractive investment environment by streamlining regulatory processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles that often deter both domestic and foreign capital. Pre-budget consultation: Suggesting implementing a program that promotes entrepreneurship; Suggesting a Pro-Canada Investing program; Suggesting implementing a targeted foreign direct investment program. Pre-budget Consultation: Suggesting encouraging capital investment in early-stage “junior” companies listed on Canada’s two venture exchanges (TMX-V and CSE) by allowing capital gains on these investments to be tax-free; Suggesting implementing reforms to existing tax-assisted retirement savings programs; Suggesting a federal tax system and spending comprehensive and independent review. GST/HST on Trailer Commissions. CRA has reversed its longstanding position on GST/HST on Trailer Commissions (mutual funds). We believe the reversal does not take into account the negative impact on Investment Dealers, does not benefit CRA or investors, and should be reassessed.

Discussions with government on addressing the shortage of skilled trade workers Discussions with government on reducing GHG emissions from the housing sector Discussions with government on how to address housing affordability and the supply shortage Discussions with government officials regarding the scope of the Home Energy Retrofit Initiative, as well as the EnerGuide hiring and training process and other green home programs as they become available. Engagement regarding the National Building Code of Canada and included energy efficiency standards for construction and subsequent operation

Clarification of Goods and Services Tax (GST) / Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) with respect to the treatment of financial services. AI, with respect to the regulation of AI in financial institutions and insurance, and use and protection of data and information. Infrastructure investment, with respect to institutional investment and government partnerships. Healthcare policy and potential legislation relating to employee benefit programs and the cost of pharmaceuticals, and healthcare policy related to virtual care services The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act with respect to privacy, customer data, and data security Taxation - discussion of taxation policy for financial institutions. Review of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act as it relates to insurance contracts. Pension and Retirement products and income security Guidelines of the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions as they relate to insurance companies. Federal Financial Services legislation review, with respect to Financial Institutions policies, infrastructure, open banking, and financial technology