Jay Barber
Director, Internal Trade, Privy Council Office (PCO)·12 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Baking Association of Canada
3Safe Food for Canadians, Labelling, Ingredients and Product Standards, Food Safety and Food Security, Good Manufacturing Practices, Food Standards (domestic and international alignments and best practices) Financial impacts to the bakery sector: tariffs, input exemptions, cost and federal budget to support bakery and food manufacturing. Policy and Regulatory Harmonization - domestic and international trade regulations - food safety, inspections, ingredients, specifications, customs and borders Issues impacting - Labour and Skills, Labour Policy, Immigration, Foreign Workers, International Students Domestic and International Trade - Policy and Regulations Provide insight and updates on the Canadian bakery sector from an agriculture perspective. Discuss support and impact to address challenges, voiced by BAC members. Public Health Agency consultation Our Health, Our Future: A National Dialogue on Healthy Weights including Curbing Childhood Obesity relating to the role food processors may play in the contribution to healthy diets Provide a baking industry response and input to compliance issues and proposals that impact the industry - food safety, manufacturing changes or requirements, such as Health Canada's proposed new allowable mycotoxin levels in wheat sold for food consumption. Health Canada Serving Size Consultation on proposed Guidance Principle Document. Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency review allowable limits of allergens such as soy and mustard allergens in wheat flour Health Canada's Acrylamide Monitoring Program with respect to the Acrylamide levels in select bakery foods. Canadian Food Inspection Agency Regulatory Modernization Proposal: provide baking industry input on proposed regulations Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Imported Food Sector Regulatory Proposal, which would require the licensing of importers of identified foods and food ingredients Canada-European Union Trade Negotiations: providing information and comment to Canadian government regarding potential impact of proposed trade negotiations on Canada's baking sector. Advocate and participate in discussions concerning global supply challenges and issues that impact the baking industry in Canada
Issues that affect the bakery sector in Canada - trade, supply, skilled workers, education Voluntary Sodium Reduction: provide comments and recommendations to Health Canada on adjustments to voluntary sodium reduction targets for baked goods. Providing a baking industry perspective to Health Canada's consultation Toward Front-of-Package Labels for Canadians. Grocery Code of Conduct: advocate for introduction of a grocery code of conduct with the objective of bringing fairness into the business relations between large retailers and their suppliers. Environment and Climate Change Canada Zero Plastic Waste initiative which seeks to ban single use plastics. Provide program with information related to the use of single use plastics in the baking industry and rational for their use. Work to seek alternatives. COVID-19: Advocate for bakery workers and their supply chain to receive vaccine prioritization after vulnerable populations, health care workers and first responders. CFIA Openness and Transparency Policy: provide baking industry perspective along with amendments. Canadian Food Inspection Agency Regulatory Modernization Regulations: provide baking industry input on proposed changes
Canadian Produce Marketing Association
3Sustainability - Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), In relation to sustainable packaging policies and their impact on the fresh produce supply chain Sustainable Agriculture Strategy - Policies to support the adoption of more environmentally sustainable practices across the fresh produce supply chain National School Food Program - Improve and increase access to the nutritious food all students need and supporting food insecure households National Food Security Strategy– in respect of strengthening the systems that support the safe, timely movement and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetable products across Canadas borders and domestic supply chains. Federal Budget 2025 - specifically related to measures of relevance and impact to the fresh produce supply chain. Red Tape Review - Federal department efforts under Treasury Board's Red Tape Review initiative. Grocery Sector Code of Conduct - including the development and implementation of the voluntary code to support fair business practices in the fresh produce sector. International trade, including opportunities for export and import market diversification in the fresh produce sector. Measures to facilitate internal trade in Canada, including through Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act. Canada-U.S. trade and Canada's response to U.S. trade action against Canada, including tariffs. Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Safe Foods for Canadians Regulations - Labelling. In relation to addressing industry challenges in the application of labelling requirements. Supply Chains Act - in relation to providing necessary supports to industry to effectively address and eradicate forced labour. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Destination Inspection Service - In relation to ensuring consistent and efficient CFIA service model for delivery of enhanced destination inspection for produce. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grades. In respect of the maintenance and modification of Canadian grade standards. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Organic. In respect to the Canadian Organic Regime and the Canadian Organic Standards. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program - In relation to enabling a sufficient workforce to support domestic fruit and vegetable production. Temporary Foreign Worker Program - In relation to enabling a sufficient workforce to support domestic fruit and vegetable production. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - In respect to supporting the development and implementation of a safe food supply chain while ensuring efficient and consistent licensing and inspection requirements and streamlined regulations for industry. Safe Food for Canadians Act. In respect of managing risk to food safety and supporting a safe food system for Canada. Ports Modernization Review - In respect to ensuring that ports are well positioned to facilitate the free flow of goods and enabling uninterrupted trade. Plant Protection Act & Regulations. In respect to consistent delivery by CFIA of plant health regulations. Pest Control Products Act - Pesticide Residue Tolerances - In respect of international harmonization of maximum and default residue limits (mrls). National Supply Chain Strategy - in respect of supporting the smooth movement of fresh fruit and vegetable products across the Canadian border and throughout the country. Health Canada Food & Nutrition - A cooperative approach between government and industry / NGOs to support increased health of Canadians via focus on childhood obesity, establishment of nutrient database, harmonization between Canada and US of health claims, health & nutrition labelling, and consumer food safety education. Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act and accompanying regulations - In respect to rebates for the greenhouse industry, expanding the definition of farming and ensuring consistency, and in providing an exemption in the Act and/or regulations for diesel and propane as well as heating and
WINE GROWERS CANADA
2Alcohol Harm Reduction National and international policy and regulations to reduce harmful alcohol consumption Tariff relief or remission orders associated with international trade. Economic Development of wine country cluster growth Monitor the World Wine Trade Group Labelling Agreement. Monitor the Income Tax Act in relation to replant expenditures, tax deductions, tax credits Monitor the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act in relation to inter-provincial trade issues Monitor the Excise Tax Act as it pertains to tax issues affecting the Canadian wine industry Monitor the Canadian Free Trade Agreement as it pertains to interprovincial direct-to-consumers shipping of Canadian wine Monitor international trade challenges to Canadian wines in Canadian market Monitor international free trade agreements discussions as it pertains to international wine trade issues. Icewine Regulation (SOR/2014-10) Food and Drug Regulations Part B - Alcoholic Beverages Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Chapter 10 - Guide to the Labelling of Alcoholic Beverages Awarded funding to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriMarketing Program for export programming support for 2023-2026 activities. Application to obtain contribution from the AgriMarketing Program to be directed to export promotion of Canadian wines and internationally-related issues affecting the Canadian wine industry
Alstom Transport Canada
1Promotion de l'avancement de la cybersécurité dans les transports publiques. Advocating for the rail sector in relation to changes to clean technology investment tax credit. Recherche de financement via le programme de fonds stratégiques pour l'innovation (FSI) afin d'offrir des solutions ferroviaires innovantes. Establishment or modification of appropriate regulations regarding trade. Research and Development funding for advanced manufacturing and developing mobility low to zero carbon technologies. Infrastructure projects related to transit systems, including rolling stocks and signalling. Establishment or modification of appropriate regulations regarding public transportation.
Association of Canadian Port Authorities
1Discussions with officials on the audit of CPA infrastructure. Discussions with officials with regards to cruise tourism. Seeking changes to the Canada Marine Act. Discussions with officials with regards to the Ports Canada Conference. Discussions with officials with regards to Canada and U.S. trade and Trump trade measures. Discussions with officials with regards to border security. Discussions with officials with regards to trade relations between Canada and the United States of America. Supply chain fluidity and the role of the National Supply Chain Office in supply chain challenges. The provision of border services by CBSA at sufficient levels to support new and existing trade. Meeting Canada's supply chain infrastructure deficit and how it will be financed and funded. Seeking funding from Transport and Finance. Influencing the National Supply Chain Strategy by submitting detailed recommendations. Seeking changes to the Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSR) to improve security capabilities of port authorities. Privacy and Access to Information: Ensuring a fair and competitive framework for ports as commercially viable entities. National Trade Corridors Fund: Seeking funding for port infrastructure needs, also seeking funding under NTCF or other programs for decarbonization and deferred maintenance of infrastructure. Impact assessments: seeking clarity and precision on timelines for reviews. Environment and Energy: promoting ports as an environmentally progressive transport hubs integral to global supply chains and regional economic development.
Business Council of Alberta
1Enhancing global market access for Alberta exports by expanding pipeline access to tidewater, including through the removal of the Tanker Ban, investing in trade-related transportation infrastructure, and addressing internal trade barriers. Supporting the federal government's defence and economic security priorities by exploring opportunities for Alberta to strengthen Canada's defence industrial base, attract investment, and contribute to resilient supply chains and strategic infrastructure. Exploring opportunities to support the federal government's One Canadian Economy agenda through greater economic integration, reduced interprovincial trade barriers, and strengthened collaboration on nation-building projects. Supporting a strong Alberta within a united Canada by exploring policies that address fairness in the federation, strengthen Albertas economic contribution, and improve federal-provincial collaboration on shared priorities. Exploring strategies to support economic growth in Alberta and Canada while ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability and broad-based prosperity. Providing an update on the Business Council of Albertas priorities, including productivity, competitiveness, labour shortages, infrastructure, and housing, and identifying opportunities to collaborate with the federal government on advancing shared policy goals. Attracting investment to Alberta and Canada by exploring ways to address regulatory barriers to business investment and create a competitive business landscape. Proposing amendments to the new greenwashing provisions which, as written, will undermine Canadian businesses ability to raise capital, take risks, innovate, and make good-faith environmental progress in uncertain conditions. The federal government should respect the CRTCs Fibre to the Premise decision, which supports a more competitive telecommunications sector and reinforces regulatory autonomy, a principle that is key to investor confidence and a dynamic business environment across all sectors of the Canadian economy. Federal natural resources and environment policy. Unlocking investment and growth in Canada's natural resource industries, and how they can contribute to Canada's productivity, prosperity, and environmental goals. Discriminatory and/or counterproductive impacts on Alberta and Alberta-concentrated industries. Maintaining access to US markets in the face of tariff threats and CUSMA renewal. Discussing how issues related to defence spending, border crossings and illegal drug/gun trafficking impact trade and trade policy. Preserving and enhancing Canadas access to trade opportunities in global markets; addressing trade disputes, including the differing impact of those disputes across Canada. Exploring opportunities to increase economic activity and value-added processing in agriculture; and discussing the removal of barriers to achieving that goal. Expressing our opposition to the proposed emissions cap as being bad for the environment, the economy, the federation, and Canadas international standing. Improving Canada's system of major project approvals and permitting to allow projects to get built faster, generate economic growth and advance Indigenous Economic Diversification. Issues range from speeding up environmental impact assessments, to removing fed/prov duplication, to better coordinating permitting processes across the federal government. Removing barriers to interprovincial trade. Providing information via our "Alberta Update" to senior government officials on economic developments in the province. Exploring ways to improve co-operation and collaboration between the federal and provincial governments. The merits and drawbacks of the federal government's proposed oil and gas sector emissions cap; and the most efficient, cost-effective ways to promote a competitive energy sector in Alberta while working towards deep emissions cuts. Proposing amendments to the Clean Electricity Regulations that reflect the concerns
Canadian Airports Council
1Aviation safety and security: Canadian Aviation Regulations ( CARs ), Canadian Aviation Security Regulations (CASRs), Canadian Aviation Security Screening Airport Investment Statement – Lease Extension Implementation Enhancing the traveller journey - the evolving role of technology and innovations in the airport experience The needs of the modern Canadian airport system - Financial support for regional air service, protection of Canadas airspace from interference, and funding support for airport infrastructure Transportation Modernization Act - implementing certain aspects of the proposed legislation Short term relief and long term economic recovery for Canadas Airports as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 CBSA services at air borders - with respect to CBSA resources Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Act - with respect to implementing commitments made in Transportation 2030 Bill C-52: with regards to service level standards, noise, environmental reporting, and diversity. Bilateral Trade and Air Service Agreements - general support for increased or expanded bilateral air agreements for Canada. Observer or neutral party for information purposes at discussions Airport Rent, Fees and Taxes - with respect to reforms to airport rent Airport Capital Assistance Program - program eligibility
Canadian Beverage Association
1Legislative proposals and policy changes affecting local economies, the investment climate and general competitiveness of the beverage sector in Canada, including tax, tariff advertising, CUSMA, labelling and pre-budget consultations. Matters regarding the regulation of environmental labelling, recycled content and single-use plastics; discussion about the collection and recycling of beverage containers. Improving regulatory interpretation (guidance) development to enhance regulatory transparency and outcomes Food and Drug Regulations as it pertains to food ingredients, food additives, food labelling, food advertising and food safety. Beverage container recycling programs, recycling targets for beverage containers, a federal plastics registry, national standards for extended producer responsibility reporting, environmental labelling, recycled content requirements, microplastics, single-use plastics, and international plastics policy and agreements.
Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
1CFIB 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 todays 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)
Canadian Fuels Association
1Transportation: Canada's policies with respect to the Transport of Dangerous Goods; Canada's infrastructure strategy as it pertains to public transit infrastructure and green infrastructure. Transportation: Anticipated regulation amendments pertaining to sulphur levels in real, off-road and marine fuels. Taxation and Finance: Policies with respect to fuel taxation; policies with respect to tax measures to generate more clean technology investments. Science and Technology: Canada's policies with respect to innovation and the use of clean technologies in the energy sector. Research & Development: Fuels emissions testing. Infrastructure: Canada's policies witgh respect to investment in green infrastructure. Health: Chemical Management Plan; implementation of the Global Harmonized System with respect ot WHMIS 2015, Confidential Business Information, the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act and the Hazardous Products Regulations. Environment: National Pollutant Release Inventory; air quality standards; policy discussions on mobile emissions. Environment: Multi-Sectoral Air Pollutants regulations; anticipated regulations regarding Petroleum Refinery Gases. Energy: Canada's energy policy with respect to a North American clean energy and environment agreement; policies with respect to fuel supply security; policies with respect to energy efficiency; SmartWay; policies with respect to emissions life cycle analysis; policies with respect to environmental assessment processes. Consumer Issues: Policies with respect to fuel prices Climate: Canada's pan-Canadian climate change framework, including national emissions-reductions targets and, policies/plans to achieve them.