Jason Randall

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)

Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) & equivalency – understanding the timing, objectives, and implementation of the CER to navigate a bilateral equivalency agreement. Includes advocacy for strengthened industrial pricing system to meet Canada's decarbonization goals. Net-zero emissions pathways to 2050 and the use nuclear energy and/or negative emissions technologies to meet Canada's climate goals. Maintaining and improving the large emitter trading systems (LETS) created by the Part 2 of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (2018). Canada Growth Fund (CGF) - Understanding the timing, objectives, function and intended outcomes of the CGF using mechanisms such as carbon contracts (e.g. contracts for difference & offtake agreements). This includes advocacy around how carbon contracts are deployed, and the funding mechanisms used to support carbon contracts. Seeking changes to federal rules around tax treatment of companies (e.g. utilities) that change from not-taxable to taxable status (departure tax). The regulation of greenhouse gas emissions through the federal out-put based pricing system, including expanding fungibility and transparency. The development of a border carbon adjustment mechanism to respond concerns around carbon leakage and Canadian competitiveness. Policy around the design and implementation of a federal Carbon Contracts for Difference (CCfD) program. Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change with respect to Canada's implementation of its international policy commitments.

Providing input to certain federal departments and agencies — including the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER) and the Impact Assessment Agency (IAA) — on pipeline?related matters and major energy projects, including matters related to regulatory reform where applicable. These engagements may also encompass discussions on CER project review timelines, the role of regulators in pipeline safety, opportunities for industry?wide safety improvements, and environmental regulatory processes under the IAA. Enhancing collaboration with the Government of Canada for the protection of critical infrastructure. To discuss and seek government support for planning, building and operating pipelines in Canada to connect to LNG. To seek support for energy infrastructure development, including pipelines, gas storage, nuclear energy and electricity generating/storage projects. To discuss and seek government support for a potential electricity storage project, including but not limited to location, scope and funding of the project. To discuss and seek support for emerging technologies related to emissions, including but not limited to, Carbon Capture and Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and low carbon fuels. To understand how the Federal government is implementing UNDRIP and opportunity(ies) for industry to provide input during this process. To discuss the status and implementation of the federal government's proposed greenhouse gas regulations. To discuss skills development requirements for energy infrastructure projects. To discuss and seek government approval for the acquisition of land rights on federally owned land. Representations, comments and discussions regarding the proposed introduction of an investment tax credit for renewable energy projects. Representations, comments and discussions regarding the proposed introduction of an investment tax credit for capital invested in carbon, capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) projects. Representations, comments and discussions regarding the drafting of the proposed Regulations respecting reduction in the release of methane and certain volatile organic compounds and how the proposed regulation applies to the Corporation’s industry. Representations, comments and discussions regarding the drafting of proposed legislation by the Department of Finance proposing to implement tax measures concerning excessive interest and financing expenses (EIFEL). Representations, comments and discussions regarding the advancement of hydrogen energy projects. Representations, comments and discussions regarding Indigenous access to capital for energy infrastructure projects and issues arising from pipeline infrastructure crossing indigenous communities. Discussions on Federal Emissions Policy Discussing potential assistance from the federal government to assist with company discussions with Mexican regulatory authorities.