Jesse Fleming

Advocating on behalf of HPBAC on issues relating to natural gas and petroleum polices, as it related to the hearth, and barbecue industry.

Issues related to the hearth and barbecue industry including policies on gaseous fuels, woodburning, and codes and standards.

Représentations afin de faire valoir les intérêts commerciaux de l'industrie canadienne de la production primaire d'aluminium dans le cadre des relations commerciales entre le Canada et les États-Unis, plus précisément afin que le gouvernement canadien prenne position auprès des autorités gouvernementales américaines afin que les sociétés canadiennes de production d’aluminium puissent maintenir l’exportation de leur production vers les États-Unis, incluant notamment en ce qui concerne la situation tarifaire. Représentations en appui au Conseil du Patronat du Québec, afin d'obtenir du gouvernement canadien un appui financier, en dehors du cadre d'un programme, afin de financer une initiative en ligne visant à diffuser une plateforme Web faisant la promotion des retombées positives d’accords commerciaux avec les États-Unis et le Mexique. Les sommes pourraient servir à payer des salaires pour réaliser le projet. Les programmes visés, la forme du soutien financier et les montants sont inconnus à ce jour. Participation à une table de concertation sectorielle d'Environnement et Changement climatique Canada au sujet du nouveau cadre réglementaire entourant les émissions de gaz à effet de serre à être introduit. Les représentations visent, aux fins de l’adoption des nouveaux règlements, l’adoption de critères spécifiques au secteur de l’aluminium pour les niveaux d’émissions et les activités visées. Les représentations visent également les mécanismes d’application et de suivi de la conformité pour ces règlements. Participation à une table de concertation sectorielle d'Environnement et Changement climatique Canada au sujet de l’adoption de nouvelles normes nationales de qualité de l’air ambiant à être introduites. Les représentations visent à ce que ces nouvelles normes tiennent compte des particularités du secteur de l’aluminium, incluant notamment celles ayant trait aux émissions de dioxyde de soufre. Participation à un comité de travail créé par Environnement et Changement climatique Canada concernant le nouveau système de gestion de la qualité de l'air à être introduit. Les représentations visent, aux fins des nouvelles ententes de performance environnementales, l'élaboration de normes quantitatives et qualitatives propres au secteur de l'aluminium, ainsi que l'élaboration d'un code de bonnes pratiques pour les particules fines qui tient comptes des particularités du secteur de l'aluminium.

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)

Tax exemption of employer-provided transit benefits: campaign to allow employers to provide employees with a transit benefit for the journey to work that would be exempted from income tax. National Transit Strategy: development of comprehensive, integrated national policy on public transit, including elements addressing funding, land use, research, incentives and accountability. Municipal infrastructure investment: activity to promote federal investment in municipal infrastructure projects; includes pre-budget recommendations and proposals. Dedicated funding for urban public transit: campaign to implement a dedicated portion of federal funding programs specifically for public transit projects; includes pre-budget recommendations and proposals. Seeking an amendment to the criminal code to strengthen penalties for assaults on transit workers and expand the current definition of transit operators to include all transit workers. Federal investment in public transit safety and security measures.

Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR): Advocacy respecting the implementation of the Clean Fuel Regulations, including policies affecting renewable natural gas credit markets, support for Canadian renewable natural gas infrastructure, treatment of domestic and imported compliance credits, and measures to strengthen investment in Canada’s clean fuels sector. The Convertus Group is evaluating a potential capital investment to construct an organic waste processing facility in York Region. This facility will process green bin waste that will produce biofuel and replace York Region’s existing method of transporting the waste to different facilities outside its borders. Convertus is planning to develop an anaerobic facility that will produce biogas, which will be converted to renewable biofuel and injected into a local utility grid. The company is looking to partner with the Government of Canada on this investment. The Convertus Group is considering an expansion of its Nanaimo, BC facility. They are seeking to partner with the Government of Canada in securing financial support to acquire new machinery and equipment to improve the operations of the Nanaimo facility. Financial support will improve operational efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Regulations regarding single-use plastics, recycled content, and labelling rules on plastic products. Policy changes to healthy foods and nutrition initiatives under Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Including the perspective of food processors in Agriculture Canada's Sustainable Agriculture Strategy Environmental policy issues under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Discussion of issues pertaining to ongoing international trade negotiations, and their implementation as it relates specifically to the dairy industry. Capital funding opportunities for regenerative agriculture, circular economy, and carbon emissions targets in the agri-food sector. Agriculture policy issues leading to potential changes to dairy processing, producing, or the supply management sector.

Federal Carbon Pricing Regulations including ITCs, with respect to the treatment of district energy

Diversification of trade, protection of Canadian jobs and creating fair consumer options in the market place. Consumer Issues: Awareness of company's internal transformation and it's impact on customers, local area markets, and the retailing sector as a whole. Includes company commitment to innovation, sustainability & circular economy, diversity and inclusion. Environment/Natural Resources/Transportation: Focus on the development of the circular economy, taxation, growth of electric vehicles, and climate positive actions that can be taken by Canadian households.

International Trade Issues associated with cross border trade between Canada and the USA, particularly proposed tariffs. Industry specific concerns to mitigate the economic impact and protect Canadian interests. The treatment of plastics under CEPA and/or other regulatory mechanisms. The federal government’s approach to value-add in the energy sector, and ways this may impact the export of energy products to foreign markets. Tax Policy – we continue to pursue accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) to strengthen the viability of capital projects (eg. writing off / depreciation of existing assets). Rail Transportation - to mitigate the risks of reliability to rail service which is an important mode of product shipment, due to strikes or other similar events. Pursue eligibility of planned projects under the Technology Fund provision (precertification) of the Regulatory Framework for Air Emissions. Potential National Energy Board regulation of former NOVA Gas Transmission Limited pipeline, and consideration of how NGLs will be handled, and streaming of lean gas. Possible legislation to be introduced dealing with climate change; Regulatory Framework for Air Emissions – proposed changes to the Clean Air Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) regarding the impact of federal legislation on climate change and the competitiveness of the petrochemicals sector. Pipelines – federal oversight of pipelines through Canada and the handling of natural gas liquids (NGLs). NOVA Chemicals will be seeking proactive federal policy that recognizes the importance of value-add in the energy supply chain and accruing maximum benefits from energy resources and projects for the benefit of Canadians. Looking at government financial support for potential expansion of Canadian facilities. Immigration - measures or provisions of interest would be in reference to VISA applications. Continue to engage the Government of Canada re: forthcoming regulations governing Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, and air emissions other than GHG in the longer-term. Canada Transportation Act – NOVA Chemicals remains vigilant of provisions in the Transportation Act ensuring reliability and stability of rail service servicing NOVA Chemicals’ ethylene/polyethylene facilities, and co-products such as butane and propylene. Canada's policies governing GHGs and other emissions as it relates to petrochemical/chemistry facilities. Canada’s policies to incent more private sector investment in research and development to combat climate change. Overall investment climate for petrochemicals in Canada versus competing jurisdictions.