Jay Holmes

Sustainability - 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 Canada’s 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

Regulatory and program efficiencies in the approval of new products for use in the production of food (i.e. pesticides, vet drugs, feed additives). Investment in national supply chain corridors for movement of agriculture products including reliable port and rail service. Investment in road and bridges necessary to move agriculture products from the farm to the national corridors. Advocating for the alignment of Canada regulations with the US for specified risk materials for cattle processing Temporary Foreign Workers Program - National Occupation Codes for herds person. Development of new agriculture and fisheries labour program. Housing requirements for TFW. Regulatory Cooperation Council Agenda - alignment with US regulations for livestock transport, product approval and border livestock inspection requirements Anti-microbial use and resistance - classification of growth promotants Advocating government for appropriate preparedness for animal disease outbreaks including Food and Mouth Disease. Traceability Systems and regulations Trade policy and regulations as it relates to import and export of cattle to the United States and increased market access to global markets for for Canadian beef products Climate Change policy as it relates to emissions from production of cattle/beef. Canadian Agriculture Policy - business risk management programming, environmental programming, Canada Food Policy

Regulatory and program efficiencies in the approval of new products for use in the production of food (i.e. pesticides, vet drugs, feed additives). Investment in national supply chain corridors for the movement of agriculture products including reliable port and rail service. Investment in roads and bridges necessary to move agriculture products from the farm gate to the national corridors. Temporary Foreign Workers Program - National Occupation Codes for herd persons, development of new agriculture and fisheries labour program, housing requirements for TFW. Advocating for the alignment of Canadian regulations with the US for specified risk materials for cattle processing Antimicrobial use and resistance - classification of growth promotants Regulatory Cooperation Council Agenda - alignment of Canada/ US regulations for livestock transport, product approval and border livestock inspection requirement Trade policy and regulations as it relates to import and export of cattle to the United States and increased market access to global markets for Canadian beef products. Traceability systems and regulations Canadian Agriculture Policy - business risk management programming, environmental programming, Canada Food Policy Advocating government to appropriately prepare for animal disease outbreaks including Foot and Mouth Disease. Climate policy as it relates to emissions from producing cattle/beef.

Regulatory approval process, in respect to the egg supply management system Agriculture as a strategic priority, in respect to economic growth and tools to support the agriculture sector and support food security. Policy on Salmonella Enteritidis in Canadian shell eggs, in respect of on-farm testing and vaccination pilot program Availability of animal health products and tools, in respect to disease response and preparedness in Canada Agriculture inputs into egg supply chain, in respect to pricing and availability for farmers Sustainability initiatives as they relate to agriculture, including emissions reduction programs and on-farm green transition Trade policy, in respect of supply management and international and domestic trade Programming to mitigate the market impacts caused by trade agreements Private sector risk management program, in respect of insurance Growing forward, in respect of suite of business risk management and supply management Egg regulations, in respect to egg grades, weights and labelling Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations with respect to production claims on labels Canadian Food Inspection Agency On-Farm Food Safety Recognition Program, in respect to program development for pre-lay sectors Agriculture international development projects, in respect to supporting vulnerable communities and empowering egg farmers around the world

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)

To educate government on how labour disruption issues affect grain supply chain. Review of product registrations of stored product pest control products pursuant to the Pest Control Products Act and Regulations. Proposed implementation of Front of Pack (FOP) symbols on food packages for foods with qualifying selected nutrient densities and related food claims. Proposed Amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations -- compositional standards/standards of identity, food additive uses and allergen labelling requirements as they pertain to products of grain milling. Proposed amendment of the Food and Drug Regulations to remove regulations pertaining to foods while creating new, modernized Food Regulations pursuant to the Food and Drugs Act. Proposed amendments to the Feeds Regulations. Proposed amendment of the Pest Control Products Act to permit incorporation by reference of maximum residue limits for pest control products.. Proposed amendment of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Act to clarify responsibility for manufactured foods. Modernization and proposed amendments to Section 4 of the Food and Drugs Act and consequential amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations. Implementation, interpretation (guidance documents),compliance monitoring and enforcement of the Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations in alignment with the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations sections and provisions as they apply to food. Health Canada's proposed prohibitions on advertising of foods - advertising directed at children. Government of Canada regulatory response to implementation of the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act, areas of Canada/US food regulatory cooperation under the Canada/US Regulatory Cooperation Council initiative. Amendment of the Canada Transportation Act to restore access for shippers to extended interswitching among carriers for rail freight transportation. Amendment of and additions to the Maximum Residue Limit Database of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Establishment of maximum limits for contaminants in foods pursuant to the Food and Drug Regulations. Allocation of additional human and financial resources to new and ongoing mycotoxin research in AAFC Research Branch and the Canadian Grain Commission Grain Research Laboratory. Adoption of maximum limits for mycotoxins in cereal grains and processed grain-based foods in either the Food and Drug Regulations and/or the Canada Grain Regulations and related guidelines.

Support the enforcement and aftercare of implemented trade agreements by encouraging and facilitating technical expertise related to non-tariff barriers to trade for Canadian cereals. Support expansion of multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and implementation of agreements to reduce tariffs, technical barriers, and non-tariff barriers to trade for Canadian cereals. Ensuring that the Canadian cereals industry continues to be regulated by the best available science when considering crop protection products, and plant breeding innovation. Encourage the development of infrastructure and innovation initiatives that will allow the Canadian agriculture and cereals industries to continue to be world leaders in science-based research and development, while ensuring the maintenance of our competitive export position into the future. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriScience Program which aims to accelerate the pace of innovation by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and cutting-edge research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector and Canadians. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriMarketing Program which aims to assist in the increase and diversification of Canadian agricultural exports to international markets.

Ensuring a consistent, national approach to inspection of processing plants and regulatory compliance of the Canadian Food inspection Agency Maintaining funding for programs under the next Agricultural Policy Framework (e.g. programs that support sustainability, emergency management, regulatory reform, etc). Discussing Health Canada's next steps around the regulation of foods derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer clones and their offspring, and any implications for dairy farmers. Collaborating with officials on the prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery relating to animal health emergencies, such as disease events or natural disasters. Implementation of a Grocery Code of Conduct by industry. Federal Food Security Immigration Stream: Advocating for a dedicated program for food processors employing foreign nationals who arrive to fill permanent, year-round positions and who have the intention of becoming permanent Canadian residents. Proposed Regulatory Framework for Recycled content and labelling rules for plastics. Proposed policy on restricting food advertising primarily directed at children. HEALTH OF ANIMALS REGULATIONS - regarding proposed amendment of the humane transport requirements. FOOD AND DRUG REGULATIONS -- regarding dairy standards of identity and labelling. DAIRY POLICY -- role and responsibilities of Canadian Dairy Commission and the Canadian Milk Supply Management Committee. Components of Health Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy. Canadian Food Inspection Agency Regulatory Modernization Initiative with respect to food safety. Canadian Food Inspection Agency Labelling Modernization Initiative with respect to food. Canadian Food Inspection Agency Guidelines for Labelling of Highlighted Ingredients and Flavours with respect to clarity. Canadian Food Inspection Agency Food Inspection Modernization Initiative with respect to food safety and consistent delivery. Canadian Food Inspection Agency Feed Regulatory Renewal, project to modernize the Feed Regulations. Canada’s trade policy and Tariff Rate Quota allocation and administration regarding dairy products.

Canada-U.S. trade relations, including the implementation and administration of tariffs, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), and the food and beverage manufacturing industry. The United States Surtax Remission Order and the remission of tariffs on goods utilized in the manufacturing of food and beverage. Regulations Concerning Food Additives and Compositional Standards and the implications for food and beverage manufacturers. The Federal Plastics Registry and its impact on food and beverage manufacturing in Canada. Bill C-5: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act - and considerations around food safety and export diversification. International Trade: The provisions of the text of the USMCA as they relate to agriculture and agri-food, including tariff schedules, Tariff Rate Quotas, regulatory cooperation and measures related to non-tariff barriers. Tariff and non-tariff barriers with the United States. The pollution prevention (P2) planning notice for primary food plastic packaging, with respect to its impact on food and beverage manufacturers. Temporary Foreign Worker Program - with respect to amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and the access of food and beverage manufacturers to various elements within the program. Support for the housing needs of temporary foreign workers and new Canadians. Science and Technology: Polices and programs to develop, maintain and adapt cybersecurity within the food and beverage processing sector Science and Technology: ISED policies and programs to promote innovation and technology adoption in the food and beverage processing sector Refugees - requesting resettlement programs for refugees Industry: The adoption of innovation in the food and beverage sector in the context of the Strategic Innovation Fund. Immigration: Enhancements to the Temporary Foreign Workers program and pathways to permanency for food and beverage processing labour. Health: Policies and regulations related to food and beverage products including the federal government's Health Eating Strategy, Front of Pack labelling regulations, Marketing to Children regulations, modifications to the Food Guide, modifications the Food and Drugs Regulations. Grocery Code of Conduct: Advocating for a mandatory and enforceable Grocery Code of Conduct for the food industry. Facilitating the entry into Canada of technicians required to maintain critical infrastructure Budget: Measures in annual federal budget to support food and beverage processing, including implementation of Agri-food Economic Strategy Table Report. Agriculture: Policies related to the food and beverage processing sector including: funding for industry research and development, implementation of Safe Foods for Canadians Regulations.

STATISTICS CANADA - Census on Agriculture, ensuring accurate data for the Canadian horticultural industry. Senate of Canada - Direct communication with Senators on FVGC's activities and initiatives. Privy Council Office (PCO) - Direct communication with PCO on FVGC's activities and initiatives. Prime Minister's Office (PMO) - Direct communication with PMO on FVGC's activities and initiatives. INNOVATION, SCIENCE and ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, in respect to ensuring that innovation and economic expansion are adequately supported. Income Tax Act - proposed changes to the tax treatment of privately held corporattions IMMIGRATION, REFUGEES AND CITIZENSHIP CANADA – Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as it relates to the hiring of Temporary Foreign Workers House of Commons - Direct communication with MPs on FVGC's activities and initiatives. HEALTH CANADA/PEST MANAGEMENT REGULATORY AGENCY - Pest Control Products Act, in respect of reducing risks to people and environment while using pesticides in horticultural production. HEALTH CANADA/PEST MANAGEMENT REGULATORY AGENCY - Pest Control Products Act, in respect of proposed and final decisions on the re-evaluation of pesticides used in horticultural production. HEALTH CANADA/PEST MANAGEMENT REGULATORY AGENCY - Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), with respect to ensuring pest control products meeting MRL guidelines are available for use in Canada. HEALTH CANADA/PEST MANAGEMENT REGULATORY AGENCY - Grower Requested Own Use Program (GROU), helping to ensure access to US versions of registered pest products in Canada. Global Affairs Canada - World Trade Organization (WTO), representing Canadian horticulture at WTO meetings. Global Affairs Canada - Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), to ensure free markets for goods and services in the Americas. Global Affairs Canada - Canada-US Free Trade Agreement, with respect to ensuring fair and ethical trading between the two nations. Global Affairs Canada - Canada -United States -Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), with respect to ensuring free trade between Canada, US and Mexico of horticultural products. FINANCE CANADA - federal budget, in respect to ensuring horticultural programs are adequately funded. ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE CANADA - Canadian Environmental Protection Act, with respect to environmentally responsible farming. ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE CANADA - Canada Water Act, in respect of protection and access to fresh water resources. ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE CANADA, with respect to the common price on carbon, to ensure competitiveness of the horticulture industry. Employment and social development Canada (ESDC) - Temporary Foreign Worker Program, to ensure adequate work force for horticulture in Canada. Employment and social development Canada (ESDC) - Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP), with respect to ensuring adequate seasonal labour. Employment and social development Canada (ESDC) - Employment Insurance Act, with respect to employment insurance for temporary/seasonal horticultural workers. CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY - Plant Protection Act, in respect of prevention of pests being imported or exported, as well as control and eradication. CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY - Plant Breeders' Rights Act, with respect to the length of time for retaining material rights and owner/agent ability to collect. CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY - Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HAACP) guide for safety in food establishments. CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY - Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, with respect to food labelling, statements and claims. CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY - Canadian Agricultural Products (CAP) Act including the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Regulations and the Licensing and Arbitration Regulations, in respect to ensuring proper licensing, grading, labelling, packaging of horticultural products for importation, exportation and interprovincial trade. Canadian Food Inspection Agency, United-States-Canada Organ