John Inca Anderson

Advancing and advocating for the tabling of legislation ("Online Safety Act") which contains the foundational components for child protection, first introduced in the last parliament as Bill C-63.

MODERNIZE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT: The federal government’s procurement strategy is outdated, leaving little room for creative solutions and fair risk sharing. Contactors shouldering the majority of project risk is becoming an untenable model for many smaller companies who already navigate a long list of red tape and challenges. The reluctance to bid on federal projects because of this heightened risk is becoming a real issue and is impacting progress on public projects. With productivity issues on the rise, now is the time to modernize procurement practices. Innovative procurement and delivery methods can improve productivity, enable cost savings, and shorten the timeline for construction projects. To build the infrastructure needed across the country, federal procurement strategies need to adapt to account for long-term value and sustainability, promote the use of alternative delivery models, and support shared risk. BUILD THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE: The federal government has an ambitious growth plan – one that includes repairing, maintaining and retrofitting aging infrastructure while also building for future climate resilience. Construction now employs more people than ever before, yet our industry will need to fill hundreds of thousands of jobs in the next decade brought on by shifting demographics and a spate of retirements. The situation is even more acute as the construction sector is already dealing with decades of chronic challenges in recruiting qualified workers. Our industry is struggling to fill indispensable jobs nationwide that are essential to build the infrastructure needed to support Canada’s future growth. To achieve Canada’s infrastructure goals, the construction industry requires an equal partner in government to grow the labour force. INCREASE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT: CCA has been working to help shape a long-term plan for sustainable infrastructure investment. We need to move from quick fixes to a strategy that focuses on long-term solutions. More consultation and early engagement need to happen. The funds must be predictable, flow quickly, and be aligned with provincial, municipal, and Indigenous needs. Setting national goals around building sustainability into our infrastructure and promoting investments in trade-enabling infrastructure are just two of the significant opportunities for Canada. An investment in infrastructure is an investment in Canada’s growth economy and the health, safety and well-being of Canadians.

Work with the Federal Government to promote responsible consumption of beverage alcohol and the appropriate use of Food & Drug Regulations, pertaining to beer and alcoholic beverage labeling. Work with the Federal government to improve domestic trade agreements for craft brewers. Improve existing internal trade agreements and modernize the excise tax structure to better support job creation, investment and economic growth across Canada. Respond to legislative efforts such as Bill S-254 (warning labels on alcoholic beverages) and M-61, that pertain to new labelling regulations for alcoholic products. Food and Drugs Act and Safe Food for Canadians Act as they pertain to the regulation of beer and alcoholic beverages.

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)

Sustainability - Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), In relation to sustainable packaging policies and their impact on the fresh produce supply chain Sustainable Agriculture Strategy - Policies to support the adoption of more environmentally sustainable practices across the fresh produce supply chain National School Food Program - Improve and increase access to the nutritious food all students need and supporting food insecure households National Food Security Strategy– in respect of strengthening the systems that support the safe, timely movement and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetable products across Canada’s borders and domestic supply chains. Federal Budget 2025 - specifically related to measures of relevance and impact to the fresh produce supply chain. Red Tape Review - Federal department efforts under Treasury Board's Red Tape Review initiative. Grocery Sector Code of Conduct - including the development and implementation of the voluntary code to support fair business practices in the fresh produce sector. International trade, including opportunities for export and import market diversification in the fresh produce sector. Measures to facilitate internal trade in Canada, including through Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act. Canada-U.S. trade and Canada's response to U.S. trade action against Canada, including tariffs. Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Safe Foods for Canadians Regulations - Labelling. In relation to addressing industry challenges in the application of labelling requirements. Supply Chains Act - in relation to providing necessary supports to industry to effectively address and eradicate forced labour. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Destination Inspection Service - In relation to ensuring consistent and efficient CFIA service model for delivery of enhanced destination inspection for produce. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grades. In respect of the maintenance and modification of Canadian grade standards. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Organic. In respect to the Canadian Organic Regime and the Canadian Organic Standards. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program - In relation to enabling a sufficient workforce to support domestic fruit and vegetable production. Temporary Foreign Worker Program - In relation to enabling a sufficient workforce to support domestic fruit and vegetable production. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - In respect to supporting the development and implementation of a safe food supply chain while ensuring efficient and consistent licensing and inspection requirements and streamlined regulations for industry. Safe Food for Canadians Act. In respect of managing risk to food safety and supporting a safe food system for Canada. Ports Modernization Review - In respect to ensuring that ports are well positioned to facilitate the free flow of goods and enabling uninterrupted trade. Plant Protection Act & Regulations. In respect to consistent delivery by CFIA of plant health regulations. Pest Control Products Act - Pesticide Residue Tolerances - In respect of international harmonization of maximum and default residue limits (mrls). National Supply Chain Strategy - in respect of supporting the smooth movement of fresh fruit and vegetable products across the Canadian border and throughout the country. Health Canada Food & Nutrition - A cooperative approach between government and industry / NGOs to support increased health of Canadians via focus on childhood obesity, establishment of nutrient database, harmonization between Canada and US of health claims, health & nutrition labelling, and consumer food safety education. Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act and accompanying regulations - In respect to rebates for the greenhouse industry, expanding the definition of farming and ensuring consistency, and in providing an exemption in the Act and/or regulations for diesel and propane as well as heating and

Taxation and Finance - discussing changes to charity tax laws and how these affect registered charities Support for the Charitable sector in Canada, through granting programs for the charitable sector in Canada

Supporting government with their “Buy Canadian” procurement plan designed to build a stronger homegrown military industrial base. The federal government stated clearly that this commitment to Canada’s defences cannot be done by government alone, they are calling on industry to step up. Supporting government and law enforcement in our shared commitment to child protection and intimate image security.

Communications about the review of the Lobbying Act, including the Commissioner of Lobbying’s recommendations to the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics. Discussion about the impact of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review on the Nonprofit sector Preparation for e-filing webinars for charities; Discussion about the Comprehensive Expenditure Review Supporting implementation of Senate Committee recommendations on the charitable sector. Addressing disruptions to donations due to postal strikes; tax credit timing adjustments. Advocating for financial relief and policy responses to emergencies and rising issues (e.g., tariffs). Inclusion of charities in SME-focused programs like Mitacs and BDC advisory services. Budget consultations re: charitable giving incentives, regulatory reforms, and program access. Bill S-222 and S-216: Amendments enabling partnerships with non-qualified donees. Support for the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience and digital skills development. Supporting sector-wide digital capacity and transformation. Advancing reform of the disbursement quota for registered charities. Improving access and equity in federal funding programs for nonprofits and charities. Strengthening workforce supports for paid and unpaid nonprofit labour. Supporting federal data collection (e.g., Satellite Account, national nonprofit surveys). Advocating for a federal “home” in government for the nonprofit sector. Building knowledge on the activities of the nonprofit sector.

Seeking opportunities for MNP's Indigenous Consulting Group to partner with Government to promote Indigenous health, education, economic development, infrastructure, assurance services, disaster recovery and quality of life. Proposed legislative changes related to tax fairness, complexity and compliance affecting Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPC) and small and medium enterprise market in Canada Bill S-211, an Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act and to amend the Customs Tariff, with respect to reporting requirements under the Act. Amendments to the Income Tax Act Section 143 (Communal Organizations) and programs and benefits respecting Hutterite Colonies Advice related to business risk management, farm succession planning and sustainability issues in the Canadian agriculture space.

Strengthening Canada’s policies on disarmament, peace or security related issues. Focusing Canada’s policy on security and defense technology on human security . Ensuring Canada’s international and domestic programs supporting disarmament, peace or security related issues are well funded and effectively targeted. Sources of funding to be determined.