Jennifer Luftallah

National Trade Corridors Fund: Seeking funding for port infrastructure needs. Environment and Energy: promoting ports as an environmentally progressive transport hubs integral to global supply chains and regional economic development. Privacy and Access to Information: Ensuring a fair and competitive framework for ports as commercially viable entities. Ports Modernization Review. Engaging on various provisions included in Bill C-33, Strengthening the Port System and Railway Safety in Canada Act Engagement with respect to the debate, adoption and implementation of Bill C-52, the Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in the Transportation System Act Canada Marine Act: seeking changes to letters patent processes to provide greater financial flexibility for ports. Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA): seeking clarity and precision on timelines for reviews. Seeking changes to the Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSR) to improve security capabilities of port authorities.

Industry, Transportation Data privacy and cyber security, as they relate to the movement of goods, and the provision of services. Examples would be part of pre-budget submissions and discussions on C-5 (One Canadian Economy Act) and C-8 (An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts) Industry, Labour Changes to the Canada Labour Code, and other labour and employment policy changes impacting federally regulated employers. Industry. Internal Trade Small business International Trade policy, particularly as it relates to customs modernization, trade facilitation, e-commerce, trade in services, and trade by small businesses. Examples include: Pre-budget submissions and discussions on C-5 (One Canadian Economy Act) and C-2 (The Stronger Borders Act) and C-8, an Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts. Industry, Infrastructure Transportation Commercial transportation policy, as it relates to ground (truck & rail), marine and air modes of transport, particularly for the movement of goods. Examples include: C-2 (the Strong Borders Act) & C-5 (One Canadian Economy Act). In addition to pre-budget submissions and other proposals dealing with consumer issues. Financial Institutions, International Trade, Taxation and Finance Customs, border policy and processes, customs clearance pilots, and changes to import rules, particularly as they relate to the movement of goods, and the collection of customs duties and taxes at the border. Environment, Transportation Regulations concerning fuel and vehicle emissions. Discussion son C-4, An Act respecting certain affordability measures: C-5 An Act to enact the Free Trade and Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Act and pre-budget submissions. Environment, Industry, Infrastructure Transportation infrastructure and incentive programs to encourage increased uptake of sustainable vehicle and fuel technology. An example would be C-5 (One Canadian Economy Act) and pre-budget submissions. Defense, Security and Trade The importance of Canada's supply chains to defense & security as an intrinsic part of trade both domestically and internationally. For example, discussions on C-2 (The Strong Borders Act) would involve the departments listed.

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)