Jessica LaForge

Communicating with government officials about the establishment of a new Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) depot for the Fisher River Band. Communicating with government officials about the potential acquisition of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation.

Communicating with government officials about the potential acquisition of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation. Communicating with government officials about the establishment of a new Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) depot for the Fisher River Band.

Seeking Government contract to provide aerial surveillance and logistics service for Canada’s North.

Trade and export controls and regulations related to the issuance or issuing of permits and certificates for various products included on Canada's Export Control List. Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy - advocacy for policies and reforms to institutional practices that will support the Government's enunciated "Build–Partner–Buy" strategic framework to the benefit of Canadian service providers including PAL Aerospace. Canada's Northern Defence Policy, including objectives described in the 2024 Defence Policy Update "Our North Strong and Free" and related to Northern Operational Support Hubs, NORAD capabilities, and increasing the Canadian Armed Forces presence and responsiveness in the North in deterrence, detection and emergency response. Procurement in Canada, including the Directive on the Management of Procurement, international trade agreements, the financial administration act and the Code of Conduct for Procurement. Airline and Transportation Policy in Canada, with respect airline operations, safety management systems, competition, and service to regional, rural, remote and northern communities

Engage with the government of Canada on federal initiatives aimed at improving Canada’s domestic manufacturing capacities.

Arranging meetings with Public Office Holders to discuss workforce development, infrastructure investment, and promoting fair and open access to federal contracting

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)

Communicating with government officials about greater cooperation between government and Indigenous business ventures. The goal of these communications is to raise awareness of Indigenous business ventures, including of Des Nedhe Development LP.

Lead discussions on infrastructure for camp and accessible buildings Canada wide. Communicate the priorities of members and provincial interests at the federal level Canada wide with respect to the 2026 budget and beyond. Advance discussions on funding for digitization of Easter Seals programs and services; leading meetings advocating for new funding and new funding models for charities. Coordinate meetings with the Canadian Ambassador to America and relevant officials to discuss matters of Canada -US interest related to disability and inclusion and organize events in partnership with the embassy on transport, employment, education and inclusion. Lead meetings, arrange discussions and coordinate events related to budget 2026 as it relates to all advocacy initatives of Easter Seals Canada and all programs, grants, funding and services impacting persons with disabilities. Lead discussions and arrange meetings relating to the ongoing development of the Canada Disability Benefit. Champion Buy Canada policy as it relates to all persons with disabilities and all aspects of procurement. Discuss and lead meetings related to any emerging artificial intelligence legislation; scope of these meetings may include safeguards for persons with disabilities and the impact of AI on employment and persons with disabilities. Coordinate and lead discussions related to funding for Easter Seals Canada in budget 2025 and beyond. Support meetings and policy collaboration related to Canada's work on the global level for all persons with disabilities, via the United Nations, between relevant stakeholders. Arrange discussions and meetings for relevant provincial members and/or introduce ESC officials to Government of Canada officials to discuss policy and funding change's to Jordan's Principle. Discuss federal - provincial issues related to potential clawbacks of the Canada Disability Benefit at the provincial level. Discuss the potential of funding from Elections Canada to support communications projects related to accessibility voting. Advocate for accessible policies, programs and related initiatives as it relates to the build of the new high-speed rail line between Toronto and Montreal, as it relates to all persons with disabilities. Lead meetings and discussions related to potential education funding during a future election campaign. Discuss potential tariffs as they may relate to medical equipment and mobility devices. Discuss the care economy as it relates to seniors with disabilities. Lead discussions on the implementation of national dental and pharmacare programs as they relate to persons with disabilities. Encourage increased procurement by the Government of Canada by enhanced buying from businesses and entities owned by persons with disabilities; lead meetings related to procurement policy in Canada and a more committed effort to procure products, services, land and/or entities that support the principles of a barrier-free Canada. Lead discussions and meetings related to accessible sport in Canada. To discuss Easter Seals camps programming and impact as well as the organization's broad national role in advocacy and federal mandate with Members of the House of Commons and Senate To discuss autism awareness as it relates to Autism Awareness Month and related policies and legislation. Lead discussions and meetings related to the supply chain, constraints and how it impacts Canadians living with a disability. Lead advocacy efforts on conversations related to the regulation phase and implementation of the Canada Disability Benefit (Bill C-22) Act Discuss the impact of climate change on persons with disabilities, long term infrastructure planning and development Discuss public safety related to person with disabilities living in Canada particularly as it relates to cities, transport and housing. Discuss private members statement, M-78/Inclusion of people with disabilities; coordinate relevant meetings and offer Easter Seals support. Discuss polici

First Nations Emergency Services Society is seeking funding to improve and enhance their services to British Columbia;

Support for the hotel industry (taxation, marketing, workforce) Advocating for $10 million in funding annually over four years for the International Convention Attraction Fund to strengthen Canada’s ability to compete for high-value global events. Domestic workforce strategy, better alignment of youth employment programs with the hotel industry, connecting newcomers to hotel career Building a competitive investment climate through targeted fiscal measures to stimulate private sector investment in hotels Ensure the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is responsive to labour market needs Access to CMHC financing for mixed use hotel/housing developments, higher Capital Cost Allowance rate for staff housing Fraudulent Hotel Bookings through temporary resident visa applications Transportation - proposed new international bilateral air routes with Canada. Consideration of airport rents at formerly owned federal airports across Canada. Regulations and policies regarding fees to SOCAN and Re:Sound Engage with the Federal Government on proposed new or amended taxation laws with respect to short-term accommodations.

World Trade Organization (WTO) issues concerning the agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) with respect to the protection of data, Access to Medicines, and TRIPs "flexibility" World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) issues concerning the protection of and access to intellectual property World Health Organization (WHO) issues concerning pharmaceuticals as it relates to Counterfeits, Access to Medicines, and the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) The government's Science and Technology strategy as it relates to the biopharmaceutical industry Subsequent Entry Biologics (SEBs) as it relates to Regulations, Policies, or Guidelines being developed by Health Canada, specifically the Draft Guidance Document on SEBs, the Notices of Changes to Health Canada's Guidance Documents on Data Protection and Patented Medicines Regulations (Notice of Compliance) Regulations Smart Regulations as it relates to the biopharmaceutical industry Scientific Research and Educational Design (SR&ED) Tax Credit in respect of updating the system and increasing the expenditure limit for refundable credits Proposed pharmacare legislation related to any future national pharmacare program Pharmaceutical pricing policy issues arising from the jurisdiction of the Patended Medicines Prices Review Board (PMPRB) Patented Medicines Regulations as it relates to the regulation and protection of biopharmaceutical products Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations with respect to ensuring that patent rights are respected and are internationally competitive Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations as it relates to the regulation of intellectual property for biopharmaceutical products Patent Act as it relates to reporting requirements and pricing guidelines, and the protection of intellectual property in biopharmaceutical products New Substances Notification Regulations as it relates to the biopharmaceutical industry Income Tax Act as it relates to biopharmaceutical products Health Canada’s Interim Orders relating to COVID-19: The Interim Order Respecting Drugs, Medical Devices and Foods for a Special Dietary Purpose in Relation to COVID-19; The Interim Order Respecting Clinical Trials for Medical Devices and Drugs Relating to COVID-19; The Interim Order Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use in Relation to COVID-19; The Interim Order Respecting the Prevention and Alleviation of Shortages of Drugs in Relation to Covid-19 Health Canada's Regulatory Roadmap for Health Products and Food as it relates to the biopharmaceutical industry Free trade treaty agreement as they relate to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and free trade negotiations as it relates to India, the European Union, Japan, MERCOSUR and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Food and Drugs Act and Regulations and the Import and Export Permits Act with respect to cross-border trade as it relates to the export of Canadian biopharmaceuticals Food and Drug Regulations as it relates to data protection and the regulation and protection of biopharmaceutical products Establish accountability with the federally financed Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) Common Drug Review Policies as it relates to reimbursement recommendation decision-making process and framework Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Clinical Research Initiative as it relates to public/private research and development partnerships Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Regulations in respect of modern, science-based regulations to reflect rapidly changing new technologies Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) initiatives related to the regulation of biopharmaceutical products Canada's Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan as it relates to the regulation and protection of biopharmaceutical products Canada's Access to Medicines Regime with respect to ensuring that the program allows for the deli