Iqra Khalid

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

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

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

Advancing recognition of the need for measures to curtail foreign interference and transnational repression experienced by Palestinians, Arabs, Muslim and Jewish communities in Canada based on their foreign policy views on the Middle East. Reform Canada's arms control regime to be better compliant with the Arms Trade treaty. Advancing initiatives to address anti-Palestinian racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia in a coordinated manner that emphasizes preserving civil liberties and Canadian values. Advocating that Canada impose economic sanctions under Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) on, and withdraw from economic and political treaties with, Israel to compel it to full comply with international law, as described in the ICJ advisory opinions of 2005 & 2024 and the ICJ provisional measures to prevent genocide. Advocating for government studies and actions that promote and enhance the human rights situation and material conditions of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation and within the State of Israel.

Advocating for Canada to end arms transfers to third party states through the US Loophole in EIPA. Reform Canada's arms control regime to be better compliant with the Arms Trade treaty. Vote for Private Member's Bill C-233 An Act to Amend the Export and Import Permits Act. Advocating that Canada impose crippling economic sanctions under SEMA on Israel to compel it to full comply with international law as described in the ICJ advisory opinions of 2005 & 2024 and the provisional measures to end the illegal occupation and prevent genocide. Advocating for Canada to impose an immediate Arms Embargo on Israel using Canada's Special Economic Measures Act and for Canada to suspend the Canada-Israel Strategic Partnership and the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement given Israel's violations of international law in Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran.

Advocating for Canada to impose an immediate Arms Embargo on Israel using Canada's Special Economic Measures Act and for Canada to suspend the Canada-Israel Strategic Partnership and the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement given Israel's violations of international law in Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran. Changing the way the government applies the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to ensure Canada's migration regime is not engaging in systemic anti-Palestinian racism or Islamophobia. Pushing for reforms to the act to ensure it is consistent with international law and human rights. Ensuring Canada's migration streams are not based on anti-Palestinian racism or Islamophobia. Encouraging a whole-of-government approach to ending Canadian complicity in Israeli settlements. Ensuring Canada enforces its war crimes legislation. Stopping Canadian participation in the settlement economy through legislative options to stop the import of goods from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory and the end to real estate sales in Israeli settlements. Advocating repeal of the federal government’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. Advocating for increases to all development assistance in support of Palestine and in particular increased funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Advocacy for an immediate and unconditional recognition of the State of Palestine and for Canada to adopt a non-interventionist position on the internal politics of the state, Palestinian authority, PLO. For Canada to end military and policing ties to the Palestinian Authority. Adding anti-Palestinian racism to Canada's Federal anti-racism strategy. Ensuring Canada views settler colonialism as central to our analysis of racism and our anti-racism strategy. Ensuring our anti-racism programming respects political and civil rights of Palestinians, including Charter Rights. Ensuring Canadian policy does not suppress Palestinians right to speak on their experience of structural racism in Israel and Canada.

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 Canada to continue to invest in ODA at scale, while ensuring that the promotion of gender equality remains central to Canada’s development objectives Gender Equality programs, with regard to women's leadership and support to feminist movements in Canada. Advocacy related to tackling inequality in Canada and globally, including taxation to address extreme wealth inequality. Advocacy related to Canada’s national Early Learning and Child Care system. Canada’s policies and programs on humanitarian assistance and crisis response, emphasizing the need for feminist, locally led, and principled humanitarian action. This includes urging Canada to uphold international humanitarian law, ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, and provide equitable, flexible, and multi-year funding for humanitarian response in conflict and climate-affected contexts Advocacy on Canada’s international policies and programs related to immigration, refugees, and humanitarian response, ensuring gender-responsive approaches that uphold human rights and protection for displaced women, girls, and marginalized communities. Obtain contributions from Global Affairs Canada programs with respect to Oxfam international development projects and the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Obtain contributions from GAC, ESDC, IDRC, IAAC and WAGE to fight poverty and promote women's rights and gender equality. Federal legislation on corporate due diligence for human rights and the environment. Federal budget regarding international development assistance and provision of funding for gender equality initiatives. Canada’s policies and programs on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Canada’s laws, policies and programs in relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, especially women, girls, trans and Two-spirit people. Canada's policies on climate change, with regard to gender-responsive mitigation and adaptation commitments, and funding for adaptation, mitigation and loss and damage in low- and middle-income countries.

Raising awareness about York University's strengths in research, teaching, and scholarship and differentiation among post-secondary institutions in Canada Seeking to raise awareness about York University’s strengths in the health sector, as well as the York University School of Medicine. Seeking funding from the federal government for an increased federal investment in Canada Graduate Scholarships Seeking funding from federal government for investment in regional development projects Inquire on the status of grants and to propose a wide variety of academic research projects to Federal Research Granting Councils (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR)- Advocating for continued and increased granting council funding. Immigration policy related to students Advocating for institutional infrastructure investments from various federal programs. Advocating for increases in funding for research and innovation, as well as funding to the Indirect Costs Program of SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR Advocating for increased investment in student assistance with the Canada Student Loan Program.

To provide input related to plans to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as other policy initiatives including conservation, clean technology investments and renewable energy. To introduce Alectra's renewable energy projects to the federal government with the aim of identifying government grants, funding streams or any other relevant avenue in which Alectra's renewable projects may be considered for financial support. To advocate for changes to the definition of tax-exempt entities under the Federal Income Tax Act to allow for increased investment into the electricity sector.

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

Trade and Export Promotion Programs, including the AgriMarketing Program and Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, with respect to increasing export opportunities for Canadian natural health and wellness products Safe Food for Canadians Regulations –Impact on Organic Product Regulations. Impact on GMO labelling for foods. Impact on small businesses. Regulations affiliated with the Cannabis Act regarding the legalization of cannabis; regulatory amendments related to phytocannabinoids Natural Health Products Regulations – fair and consistent interpretation by the regulator. Plain Language Labeling under the self-care products framework. Personal importation of natural health products. Food Directorate and Canadian Food Inspection Agency – draft guidance on foods/supplemented foods/nutrition facts/food labelling and label modernization. GMO mandated labelling for food. Food & Drug Regulation - ensure appropriate interpretation of regulations. Impact on GMO labelling for food. Amendments to the Food and Drugs Act – Ensure sensible rules for natural health products. Address prohibition on sampling of natural health products directly to the consumer. Implication of Health Canada’s proposed Consumer Health Products Framework. Consideration of the 53 recommendations made in 1998 by the Standing Committee on Health.

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)