Jim Belanger

Federal funding programs, investment tax credits, policy and regulatory improvements aimed at supporting research & development, innovation, decarbonization, productivity, and expansion of mining activities within the mining sector under various Government programs and frameworks.

Seeking funding for the establishment and scale-up of the First Nations Procurement Authority (FNPA) to enhance Indigenous business certification and procurement participation. Seeking funding to support digital and in-person services for Indigenous entrepreneurs through the national expansion of the Indigenous Business Centre of Excellence. Seeking funding to scale Indigenous-led tourism development through the delivery of the Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream and related initiatives. Seeking funding to advance Indigenous housing finance solutions through support for the Yänonhchia’ model, enabling access to homeownership in First Nations communities. Seeking stable funding and access to capital (loan program) from the government to support Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs), as well as women and youth entrepreneurial programs across Canada.

Advocate for changes and further consultation on Environment and Climate Change Canada's proposed ban on the manufacture, use, sale and import of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) - specifically amendments to address the potential negative health and safety; economic; and trade impacts. Tourism promotion with regard to the government's announcement to develop a National Tourism Strategy for Canada. Meet with MPs and other officials to raise the profile of our industry and why it needs a place in the tourism strategy Promote modernized marine regulations that strengthen on-water safety and minimize burden on recreational boaters and businesses. This includes improvements to the pleasure craft licensing system and Pleasure Craft Operator Competency Program. Advocate for tariff remissions on recreational marine products impacted by cross-border duties. Advocate for consultation of recreational boating industry on changes to the Vessel Operating Restriction Regulations (VORR). Funding for research and development in marine hybrid and electric propulsion. Incentives to promote green, carbon-neutral manufacturing processes. Support for Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure at marinas and boating access points. Oppose the government's luxury tax on new boats over $250,000. CanExport for Associations application for trade mission; Boating safety contribution program

Advocate for infrastructure funding for recreational marine activities. Advocate for targeted funding for research and development in marine hybrid and electric propulsion, as well as incentives to promote green, carbon-neutral manufacturing processes and support for electric vehicle charging infrastructure at marinas and boating access points. Advocate for targeted funding and supports for recreational marine infrastructure, boating safety, and the management of aquatic invasive species. Advocate for modernized marine regulations that strengthen on-water safety and minimize burden on recreational boaters and businesses. Advocate for continued access to CanExport for Associations. Advocate for tariff remission on recreational marine products impacted by cross-border duties. Tourism promotion with regard to the government's announcement to develop a National Tourism Strategy for Canada. Meet with MPs and other officials to raise the profile of our industry and why it needs a place in the tourism strategy Promote modernized marine regulations that strengthen on-water safety and minimize burden on recreational boaters and businesses. This includes improvements to the pleasure craft licensing system and Pleasure Craft Operator Competency Program. Advocate for changes and further consultation on Environment and Climate Change Canada's proposed ban on the manufacture, use, sale and import of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) - specifically amendments to address the potential negative health and safety; economic; and trade impacts.

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)

Clean electricity regulations and emissions cap Investing in Employment Insurance, care workers, unionized jobs and strong workplace standards Addressing the high cost of living and investing in affordable housing Implementation of universal pharmacare, dental care, long term care and mental health care Labour provisions in the Canada-Ecuador Trade Agreement and Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. The regularization of undocumented workers, update and possible next steps for the CLC Out-of-status Construction Workers in the GTA project Bill C-65, Canada Elections Act With interest in provisions that impact Third Parties and contributions to Third Parties Bill C-27, Digitial Charter Implementation Act - Part III of C-27 and the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and workers.

Discussions regarding the application of the Impact Assessment Act to nuclear projects, and the promotion of regulatory effectiveness and efficiency. Discussions regarding the role of nuclear energy in Canada’s climate change policy, including efforts to promote investment in nuclear energy. Advocating for federal support (financial, regulatory and policy) to develop and deploy large/small nuclear and fuel initiatives. International Trade of nuclear technology with respect to nuclear cooperation.

Amend the Income Tax Act to allow skilled tradespeople the ability to deduct travel expenses that are incurred during the course of travelling long distances (over 100km) for their employment which are not otherwise covered by their employer. Reform the procurement process for Federally funded infrastructure projects to increase transparency, tackling the underground economy in the construction industry. Embedding prevailing wage, local hiring requirements, and a minimum number of work hours to be performed by apprentices into Federally funded infrastructure projects. Incentivizing the creation of more child care spaces for individuals working non-traditional work hours, such as skilled tradespeople. Increasing the Federal Government's programming and funding allocated for training and retaining Canada's skilled trades workforce. Establishment of a Temporary Foreign Worker Pilot Program in the construction industry whereby workers are paid a higher prevailing wage and have union protection under a collective agreement.

Seniors health, access to safe food in long term care and assisted living facilities National School Food Program, inclusive food policies for people with celiac disease. Celiac Canada is asking Health Canada to implement changes to fortification of gluten-free flour to the equivalence of gluten-containing flours and seek modernization of gluten-free regulations. Monitoring access to safe gluten-free food for Canadians with celiac disease. Public awareness of celiac disease in Canada to help improve diagnosis rates and improve quality of life. Research to help find, treat and cure celiac disease to improve quality of life of those afflicted. Request amendments to the Income Tax Act to help remove the administrative barriers preventing Canadians affected by celiac disease from claiming the excess (incremental) cost of gluten-free products as a medical expense under section 118.2(2)(r) of the Act.

Le Collège Boréal, en tant que membre de Collèges Ontario, l’association provinciale des collèges publics en Ontario, fait connaître le réseau collégial et le rôle qu’il peut jouer dans la formation de la main?d’œuvre pour appuyer les plans du gouvernement fédéral, ainsi que sa contribution au développement économique, notamment par la recherche appliquée.

Federal housing policies, programs, and regulatory frameworks affecting the supply and affordability of housing in Canada, including initiatives that support increased residential construction, innovative building approaches, and the use of Canadian wood products in sustainable and efficient housing development. Federal policies and programs supporting youth employment, workforce participation, and career development opportunities connected to Canada’s forest sector. Federal infrastructure policies and programs affecting economic development and transportation systems relevant to Canada’s forest sector and the communities it supports. Federal rail safety regulations and transportation of dangerous goods frameworks affecting the safe and efficient movement of products and inputs relevant to forest sector operations. Federal budget measures, fiscal policy developments, and economic policy frameworks affecting the forest sector, including measures that support investment, growth, competitiveness, and long-term economic resilience. Federal regulatory frameworks affecting commercial transportation of forest products that support safe and efficient transportation. Federal workforce development and labour market policies affecting employment in Canada’s forest sector, including skills development, labour mobility, immigration pathways, and workforce supports. Canada Transportation Act and related transportation regulatory frameworks affecting freight service, system reliability, and cost competitiveness for forest sector shippers. Federal policies affecting transportation system costs and shipping competitiveness for Canadian forest products, including regulatory and service frameworks. Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Chemicals Management Plan, including substance assessments conducted under the Pest Control Products Act, with respect to science-based regulatory approaches that protect environmental outcomes while supporting industrial competitiveness. Federal tax policy and investment incentive frameworks affecting capital investment, research and development, productivity, and long-term competitiveness in Canada’s forest sector. Federal innovation, clean technology, and industrial development programs that support modernization, advanced manufacturing, and the growth of next-generation forest products. Federal policies and programs supporting Indigenous partnerships, economic participation, and long-term opportunities connected to Canada’s forest sector. Migratory Birds Convention Act and Migratory Birds Regulations as they relate to land management activities and environmental stewardship practices within the forest sector. Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations under the Fisheries Act, including Environmental Effects Monitoring requirements and regulatory approaches affecting pulp and paper operations, environmental performance, and sector competitiveness. Fisheries Act habitat protection provisions and associated regulatory tools affecting forestry operations and land management activities, with respect to effective environmental oversight and practical implementation. Species at Risk Act and related policies regarding species protection, recovery planning, and conservation measures affecting forest landscapes, environmental stewardship, and natural resource activity. Federal policies, programs, and legislative initiatives supporting the development of forest-based bioeconomy opportunities, including biomass energy, biofuels, and other innovative forest-derived products that contribute to economic and environmental objectives. Federal programs and initiatives supporting climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience within Canada’s forest sector and forest-dependent communities. Federal transportation infrastructure policies and programs affecting the movement of forest products, including rail, port, and trade corridor infrastructure that supports economic growth and supply chain efficiency. Federal policies a