Jenifer Pilon

TIAC advocates for the continuation of the International Convention Attraction Fund Promoting a strong recreation and entertainment industry- A competitive tourism sector includes local and national cultural, heritage and sporting events, as wells as arts and heritage institutions that draw visitors and provide an economic driver for local communities. TIAC values the government's partnership in promoting and supporting a vibrant recreation and entertainment industry. Ensuring a diverse and equatable tourism sector - TIAC’s efforts on this front include monitoring and raising policy issues that directly affect Indigenous tourism development with a goal of empowering Indigenous communities in generating their own economies while also providing Canadians and foreign visitors alike the opportunity to connect with Indigenous peoples and to experience their unique and diverse culture in a deeply meaningful way. Building a Regenerative Tourism Industry – TIAC works with government to support a tourism sector that is more resilient and sustainable through priority investment in regenerative and eco-tourism. Transportation and connectivity - TIAC also works to ensure that regulations and policies related to transportation, air travel, waterways and ports of entry are developed and implemented to optimally connect, and not impede, domestic and international travellers to urban and rural destinations, key attractions, sporting events, and business meetings in Canada. Access for Visitors to Canada – TIAC supports the efficient movement of travellers to and within Canada through enhancements to temporary residency policies and entry program requirements (including the visitor visa and electronic travel authorization processes) in order to meet international demand for travel to Canada. Promoting Industry Competitiveness – TIAC promotes optimal support for the competitiveness of Canada’s tourism companies via public grants, tax credits, repayable financing contributions and policies and programs that augment entrepreneurship, innovation and investment. Attracting and Retaining a Strong Tourism Workforce – TIAC supports the creation and optimization of policy and programs aimed at building a robust and diverse workforce across the country and redressing labour volatility. TIAC also advocates for a strong tourism workforce via regulations and policies in regard to employment, housing, and immigration.

Promoting Business Sustainability and Industry Competitiveness – TIAC promotes optimal forms of government intervention that support the competitiveness of Canada’s tourism companies via public grants, tax credits, repayable financing contributions and policies and programs that augment entrepreneurship, innovation and commercial protections. During this critical period as the sector looks to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, TIAC is working to ensure that government loans provided through the CEBA, RRRF, HASCAP and related initiatives have an optimal impact through guidelines and repayment conditions that are conducive to business growth. Improving Access for Visitors to and within Canada – TIAC supports the efficient movement of travellers to and within Canada through enhancements to the visitor visa process in order to meet international demand for travel to Canada. TIAC also works to ensure that regulations and policies related to transportation, air travel, waterways and ports of entry are developed and implemented to optimally connect, and not impede, domestic and international travellers to urban and rural destinations, key attractions, sporting events, and business meetings in Canada. Developing and Promoting World-class Tourism Assets – Ensuring Canada maintains and promotes the development of world-class tourism assets requires considerable investment from both public and private sources. TIAC advocates for continued investment, particularly in respect to under-serviced communities, and effective promotion of existing assets as well as the development of new, more competitive ones for both Canadian and world travellers to discover and experience. TIAC’s efforts on this front include monitoring and raising policy issues that directly affect Indigenous tourism development with a goal of empowering Indigenous communities in generating their own economies while also providing Canadians and foreign visitors alike the opportunity to connect with Indigenous peoples and to experience their unique and diverse culture in a deeply meaningful way. Building a Regenerative and Inclusive Tourism Industry – TIAC works with government to support a tourism sector that is more resilient, sustainable, and equitable through priority investment in regenerative tourism and specialized recruitment programs for equity seeking groups. Attracting and Retaining a Sustainable Tourism Workforce – TIAC supports the creation and optimization of policy and programs aimed at addressing the significant labour shortages that now exist in the tourism sector due to the affects of restrictive public health measures, border closures, and increased operational costs that were related to the COVID-19 pandemic. TIAC also advocates for a strong tourism workforce via regulations and policies in regard to immigration, including issues related to pathways to permanent-residency and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Raise awareness of Meetings Mean Business Canada and its ongoing work. Discuss policies and programs relating to tourism funding.? Discuss policies and programs relating to removing barriers to travel as it relates to travel permits and other regulation.

Advocacy related to the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, as it pertains to youth employment in the restaurant industry. Advocacy related to the National Food Security Strategy, as it pertains to food cost drivers affecting restaurants, food loss and waste, and domestic production capacity and supply chain barriers. Advocacy related to enhancing accelerated investment incentives and seeking modifications to small business deduction eligibility, to better support capital investments for restaurants. Advocacy related to the renewal and continued federal funding of the International Convention Attraction Fund, including a request for a commitment of $10 million annually over four years. Communicating with and arranging meetings with Public Office Holders to discuss the benefits of removing GST on all food in Canada Communicating with the Government of Canada regarding Budget 2026 as it pertains to immigration cuts affecting labour shortages. Engaging the Government of Canada on US led tariffs and the Government of Canada's response as they impact the foodservices industry. Tax policy on alcohol (escalator excise tax). Taxation policy with regard to corporate, small business and personal income taxes Regulations and policies regarding fees to SOCAN and ReSound Regulations and policies pertaining to Canada Pension Plan employer/employee premiums Regulation of financial institutions with respect to credit card fees Nutritional labeling policy with respect to provision of nutrition information Immigration policy with respect to workers programs and permits Healthy Eating Strategy - to ensure that policy and regulation proposals on the restriction of unhealthy food and beverage marketing to children, sodium reduction initiatives, menu labelling requirements, related initiatives are balanced, reasonable and science-based. Providing input into Health Canada's Healthy Eating Strategy consultations. Environmental regulations regarding plastics and recycling Employment Insurance with respect to policy for establishing premium rates Economic Strategy Tables - Continue to work closely with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in contributing to Canada's Economic Strategy Tables by ensuring the discussion help reflect the concerns of our industry Chicken and Turkey Tariff Rate Quota Advisory Committee (TQAC) regarding import quota Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) regarding annual dairy pricing Amendments to the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act to exempt wines purchased by restaurants regarding the transportation and sale of beverage between provinces. Agriculture trade policy with regard to trade liberalization opportunities

Fair compensation for travel agencies and travel advisors; sustainability of travel agency business models; impacts of changes to supplier compensation on Canadian small businesses, consumers, and the travel and tourism sector. To discuss the role of travel agencies and travel advisors in Canada's travel ecosystem and advocate for policies that support fair compensation for travel distribution and servicing activities, consumer access to professional travel advice, and the viability of small and medium-sized travel businesses across Canada. Passenger Experience Enhancement: Advocating for improved passenger experience standards across all modes of transportation, including accessibility improvements, enhanced customer service protocols, and streamlined travel processes, and expanded trusted traveller program. Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR): Ongoing advocacy regarding the implementation and enhancement of APPR including compensation standards, refund timelines, airline obligations during delays, and passenger rights enforcement, competition bureau report on Canada's airline industry Workforce Development and Training: National workforce development initiatives to support the growth of the travel and tourism industry through professional development programs, certification standards, and training accessibility Visas and Passport Requirements: Pertaining to the cost of visas to enter various countries and ease of transportation and documentary requirements Small Business Support: Advocating for small-business-friendly policies that support recovery efforts, including assistance with COVID-era loan repayments (CEBA, RRRF) and access to forgivable portions of government loans Recognition of Travel Industry Regulations: Recognition of consumer protection for travellers from the current regulated provinces of B.C., Ontario and Quebec, to non-regulated provinces and territories Interprovincial Insurance Licensing Recognition: Advocating for mutual recognition of travel insurance licensing across provinces and territories to eliminate trade barriers, reduce regulatory duplication, and improve consumer access to licensed travel insurance professionals. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA): Promoting a more inclusive and accessible travel industry through initiatives that support equitable opportunities, representation, and participation across all communities. ACTA advocates for policies, programs, and partnerships that advance DEIA, including the development of accessible travel services, inclusive marketing practices, support for underrepresented groups in the travel workforce, and recognition of travel advisors who specialize in accessible and inclusive travel. These efforts aim to ensure that all Canadians—regardless of ability, background, or identity—can both participate in and benefit from travel. Canada-US Trade Relations: Supporting the retail travel industry as it navigates increasingly complex Canada-U.S. relationships, including the impacts of potential tariffs and trade disruptions on the travel sector Artificial Intelligence and Travel Advisory Services: Advocating for policies and practices that ensure the ethical, transparent, and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the travel industry.

Seeking funding to: improve the relationships that every Federal Department, Agency, Crown Corporation and Regulator has with Indigenous communities, businesses, and Federal Indigenous employees; support the growth and access to opportunity for Indigenous exporters; and increase the representation of Indigenous peoples on Corporate Boards. Sources of funding to be determined Increasing Federal procurement from Indigenous businesses. Ensuring Indigeneous businesses are engaged in Infrastructure Programs; Development and implementation of a Federal Indigenous Entrepreneurship Strategy;

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)

Workplace Health & Security Act – ensure cruise ships meet requirements of Health Canada Cruise Ship Inspection Program with regard to compliance. Seeking confirmation from the Government of Canada that crew work permits are not required on vessels involved in international itineraries and home porting in Canadian ports Fisheries Act: pertaining to regulations for prevention of pollution from ships and as it relates to pollution prevention in the Canada Shipping Act Pilotage Authority Regulations governed under the Canada Marine Act and the Pilotage Act and its authorities – ensure fairness in fee structure Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and for Dangerous Chemicals – with respect to all proposed amendments, more specifically regarding food waste and waste water. Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program (MTSCP) – regarding security clearance procedures to ensure program and personnel meet cruise ship needs for port activities. Marine Transportation Security Regulations – with respect to review of all proposed amendments Canada Border Services Agency – long range planning policies regarding access of passengers and crews at ports and airports to ensure efficiencies in processing of passengers Canada Oceans Act: pertaining to regulations for prevention of pollution from ships and as it relates to pollution prevention in the Canada Shipping Act

Financial support program during tariff crisis Ministerial Directive that Land Border Duty Free Stores are understood as "export" in all departments without exception. Wherever regulation or legislation indicates "export", land border duty free is understood as included. Alignment of tobacco excise tax with other export industries The creation of a tourist HST rebate program to encourage foreign tourists to shop more in Canada while visiting. Proposals related to the Customs Act and Duty Free Regulations as it applies to the licensing of land border duty free stores, Obtain a Canadian Food Inspection Agency ruling that alcohol sold in 1 litre bottles at Duty Free Stores is for Export and exempted from CFIA rules for internal Canadian alcohol sales. Encouraging greater action by government to address the prevalence of contraband tobacco products in Canada.

Federal labour and employment policy. Federal tourism policy, specifically the development of a federal tourism strategy Federal rail transportation policy in respect of safe operations and regulations.

Support for Theatres in both the Canadian Arts Training Fund and the Canadian Arts Presentation Fund