Kamal Khera

Postal service disruption and the significant hardships these disruptions cause for Canadians and on health charities We ask the federal government to fund MS research in partnership with MS Canada, leveraging our connections and expertise to focus and further our understanding of MS, pursue leading-edge research on repair and regeneration, and explore prevention strategies, including targeting the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Safe Long-Term Care Act with respect to persons affected by MS National Housing Strategy with respect for persons with MS and other chronic conditions and disabilities Measures and funding for the charitable sector generally Home care, with respect to creation with provincial/ territorial governments programs relating to increased home care for persons with MS and other disabilities/ diseases and the support of caregivers Federal Budget: Allocate funding for the Canada Disability Benefit, the Employment Insurance Sickness Benefit; health research; access to treatment and care; and other budgetary policy as it relates to MS. Establishment of national strategy for neurological conditions, with respect to persons with MS and other neurological conditions. Employment Insurance sickness benefits, with respect to creation of flexible benefits for persons with MS and other episodic disabilities Disability Tax Credit with respect to making it refundable and ensuring eligibility for Canadians with episodic disabilities Comprehensive disability income programs, with respect to persons with MS and other chronic and episodic disabilities CIHR as it relates to federal funding & long term investment in health research Canada Pension Plan – Disability with respect to eligibility for persons with MS and other chronic and episodic disabilities Canada Health Transfer - health system funding transfer and agreements intended for provinces/territories to support the delivery of healthcare services, including MS care Canada Health Act and regulations, as it relates to long-term and home care Bill C-64, An Act Respecting Pharmacare with respect for persons with MS and other chronic conditions and disabilities Access to treatments as it relates to the current regulatory and price negotiation processes to enhance timely access to all Health Canada approved MS disease-modifying therapies, with respect to the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases and national pharmacare.

Advocating for upholding Canada's commitments to international human rights. Advocating for the protection of freedom of religion in Canada and with respect to the reasonable accommodation of religious observances. Advocating for stronger legislation to address hate crime and online hate. Advocating for policy initiatives related to combating Islamophobia and discrimination; Supporting various programs to protect fundamental freedoms in Canada. Advocating for policies to enhance the security and safety of Canadian Muslim communities and other at-risk communities given the rise in hate crimes; countering supremacist violent extremist groups

March of Dimes Canada is advocating for the National Building Code and National Housing Catalogue to be based on Universally-designed, accessible and adaptable principles. We are also advocating for targeted rent supports and home ownership incentives for low-and-modest-income people with disabilities, and for Build Canada Homes to make accessibility a primary consideration in all facets of its mandate. March of Dimes Canada is advocating for brain injury supports, including the passing and implementation of a National Brain Injury strategy (Bill C-206), and funding to support services for stroke survivors. March of Dimes Canada is advocating to ensure that access to the new Canada Disability Benefit is as accessible and barrier-free for people with disabilities as possible, and to increase the monthly maximum amount of the benefit, reflecting the Disability Inclusion Action Plan values and outcomes. March of Dimes Canada is advocating for national funding for home and vehicle modification programs across Canada to support people with disabilities and the aging population remain independent in their homes and communities. March of Dimes Canada is advocating for funding for more Skills for Success programs for people with disabilities to develop and enhance digital skills.

Discuss increasing incidents of violence against health care workers, prevention, and enforcement of existing laws. Support nursing students through targeted financial support such as paid preceptorships and federal grants. Support internationally educated nurses through establishing a collaborative, multi-stakeholder body hosted by Health Canada, to lead national strategy, planning and coordination for internationally educated nurses' registration, integration and support. Targeted funding of $1 billion as an initial investment to immediately begin to address the current health care workforce crisis experienced by provinces/territories across Canada, with funding focused on short and long-term goals. To achieve patient-centred quality care based on the WHO’s comprehensive health labour markets framework that would be acceptable to, and delivered by, the provinces/territories. Provide sustainable funding so nurses and other healthcare workers have access to mental health supports. In keeping with the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, establish specific targets and timelines for the admission and graduation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit health professionals in all postsecondary institutions and provide funding dedicated to indigenous nurse students. Implementing a Universal single-payer pharmacare program. Fund innovative retention and recruitment programs targeted at early-career, mid-career and late-career nurses. Establish a dedicated coordinating body to address critical health workforce data gaps based on global best practices on health workforce management. Address health workforce shortages through the implementation of a comprehensive, pan-Canadian health human resources strategy, in coordination with the provinces and territories, backed by sufficient funding and with real accountability for achieving desired health outcomes; and address critical data gaps through significantly enhancing existing health workforce data infrastructure to standardize data collection and analysis across workers, sectors and jurisdictions, with links to relevant patient information, healthcare utilization and outcome data, for more fit-for-purpose planning and tools available at the provincial, territorial, regional and training program level. In designing this, Canada should draw on global best practices in health workforce planning including in Australia and New Zealand.

Mrs. Cindy Gates-Dee, and the Dee family, seek to lobby public office holders to eliminate the use of ‘men who have sex with men’ and other criterion on the basis of gender or sexual orientation for donor risk assessments. Health Canada has indicated their intention to eliminate the ‘men who have sex with men’ criterion for donor risk assessments and are proposing moving toward gender neutral behavioral screening. A press release regarding this recent policy change was not found online; Public review period for comment was launched for the proposed amendments of CSA Z900.1 (General standard) and Z900.2.3 (Perfusable organs). The comment period will close on May 10th 2025. Mrs. Cindy Gates-Dee, and the Dee family, seeks to lobby public office holders regarding Health Canada’s latest Guidance on the Safety of Human Cells, Tissues and Organs for Transplantation Regulations; Health Canada’s previous Guidance Document (i.e. the 2018 version in effect at the time) indicated that for deceased donors, the following evidence should be assessed in a physical examination: “for a male donor, physical evidence of anal intercourse including perianal condyloma”; After Mrs. Cindy Gates-Dee, and the Dee family, sought to lobby public office holders to have this removed from the Guidance the statement was subsequently removed by Health Canada. The statement does not exist in the updated version of the Guidance Document (updated 2024). Mrs. Cindy Gates-Dee, and the Dee family, sought to lobby public office holders regarding Health Canada issuance of a Notice to industry requiring the use of universal Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) for all donations to reduce the risk of HIV, HBV, and HCV. A Notice was subsequently issued by Health Canada requiring the use of NAT to reduce the risk of HIV, HBV, and HCV on February 25, 2025; In 2013, Health Canada made it mandatory to use HIV-1 NAT and HCV NAT assays to test cord blood donors and deceased tissue donors. At the time, this requirement was not extended to other types of donations, such as organs and fresh lymphohematopoietic cells, due to concerns about the accessibility of NAT assays licensed by Health Canada, as well as concerns about the rates of false positive test results. Over the past decade, the accessibility of licensed donor screening NAT assays for HIV-1, HBV, and HCV has increased substantially and the false positivity rate of the current generation of these tests has dropped considerably. Mrs. Cindy Gates-Dee, and the Dee family, seeks to lobby public office holders regarding Health Canada’s Guidance Document for Cell, Tissue, and Organ Establishments, Food and Drugs Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. F-27), and pp. 30-99, men who have sex with men (MSM), “exceptional distribution,” and the donor being flagged as “high risk,” Safety of Human Cells and Tissues and Organs for Transplantation Regulations (SOR/2007-118) and CSA Standards (e.g. Z900 CSA Standards). Mrs. Cindy Gates-Dee, and the Dee family, seeks to lobby public office holders regarding Canadian Blood Services’ 1998, and any subsequent, memorandum of understanding between the federal, provincial and territorial governments, Donor health assessment questionnaire (DHAQ) and Good manufacturing practices (GMP).

Children and Youth - Ongoing and periodic sharing of information and engaging policy makers on issues and public policy affecting Canadian children and youth living with disabilities in such areas as Budget, Child Services, Education, Health, Sports, Taxation and Finance, Transportation, and emergency preparedness as it relates to climate change. Adults - Ongoing and periodic sharing of information and engaging policy makers on issues and public policy affecting Canadian adults living with disabilities in such areas as Budget, Economic Development, Employment and Training, Health, Housing, Labour, Sports, Taxation and Finance, Transportation, and emergency preparedness as it relates to climate change.

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

Urging Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, in collaboration with Health Canada, to reconsider introducing copayments for medications and supplemental health services under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for refugees and asylum seekers. Pandemic Planning: ensure all nurses are properly supported and protected by maintaining appropriate stockpiles of personal protective equipment (PPE), providing mental health supports for those working on the front lines, and ensuring nursing students receive adequate assistance. Increase access to education and training for nurses returning to work or working across various care settings during public health emergencies. Ensure clear guidelines and resources are developed and disseminated, and that senior nurses are included in discussions and advisory boards during emergency planning phases as well as in post-emergency reviews. Discussions aim to ensure that artificial intelligence and emerging health technologies are developed, assessed, and approved in ways that meet the needs of the Canadian population. Communications emphasize the importance of integrating nursing perspectives into governance, regulation, clinical and ethical evaluation, and approval processes for new technologies. Communications relate to ongoing efforts to strengthen the collection, harmonization, and use of nursing workforce data at the pan-Canadian level. Discussions include modelling future health and workforce needs, supporting evidence-based health human resource planning, and investing in robust data systems to inform public policy and decision-making. Discussions include a request for federal funding to support the organization of CNA's 2026 national conference, which will bring together nursing leaders, health system partners, and policy-makers to advance dialogue on workforce priorities, innovation, public health, and health system transformation. Communications address the need for federal investment in strategies to improve retention of nursing professionals, including support for mental health and well-being, improved working conditions, continuing professional development, and initiatives to reduce burnout and strengthen workforce stability across all regions of Canada. Discussions focus on measures to expand the capacity to educate and support Indigenous nurses across Canada, including targeted investments in nursing education programs, partnerships with Indigenous and community-based institutions, and initiatives that improve access, retention, and graduation outcomes for Indigenous nursing students. Support the development of a national licensure framework for nurses. Enhance nursing leadership at the federal level and ensure ongoing support, resources, and sustainability for Chief Nursing Officer roles in all provinces and territories. Communications relate to federal measures aimed at protecting health-care workers, including initiatives to improve workplace safety, prevent harassment and violence, and strengthen legislative and regulatory frameworks that support a safe and respectful environment for health professionals. Bill S-233, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assault against persons who provide health services and first responders) Harmonize nursing regulatory practices to support a responsive and sustainable nursing workforce Support a Canadian Nurse Practitioner Initiative based on past similar initiatives Allow nurses to certify the Disability Tax Credit form Seek funding for nursing research, including Indigenous nursing Create a pan-Canadian health human resources strategy Urging the federal government to lead the development of and work with the provinces and territories to implement a pan-Canadian digital health strategy. That the federal government lead efforts to educate health-care workers on the importance of medication safety and deprescribing Support for regulated nurses working at full scope of practice Strengthening of programs and supports for vulnerable po

HEALTH DATA INTEROPERBILITY: Provide CMA’s perspective as it relates to health data interoperability that would ensure providers have access to the right information at the right time when providing care, and improve patient outcomes and their health care experience. BUDGET: Provide CMA’s perspective on the Government of Canada’s budget, particularly as it relates to modernizing Canada’s health care system by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and promoting equitable access to care. HARMFUL ONLINE CONTENT: Advocate to address the escalation of online harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence targeting physicians, other health workers, and anyone seeking health care treatment, including measures to strengthen the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Act. TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: provide CMA’s perspective on the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on the health care sector and the means through which advancements can be foreseen and managed. HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION: Increased investments in health and social-determinants-of-health related programs, including measures to address the opioid crisis, mental health and addictions, and the regulation of natural health products. ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN: Advocate for measures to alleviate the administrative burden on physicians and support their professional wellbeing, including investment to facilitate the development of EHRs and EMRs in Canada, improved remuneration for the completion of federal health forms, the development of a Federal Disability Benefit, ensuring that physicians are not captured in the definition of "promoters" in the Disability Tax Credit Promoters Restrictions Regulations, providing clarity and guidance on federal forms, and advocacy on discontinuing the requirement that employees present sick notes to their employers. The CMA is advocating that the trade of medical goods and medications be protected to avoid disruptions to patient care. Specifically, that the government: Continue to ensure pharmaceutical products and medical devices are not included in any countermeasures on tariffs. Improve safeguards for Canadian health data. Improve labour mobility so physicians can work across the country. Make it easier for qualified physicians to immigrate and work in Canada, including by fast-tracking immigration steps for US physicians. PAN CANADIAN LICENSURE: Advocate for the ability for physicians with full licences to practise independently without restrictions or for medical resident trainees registered in any Canadian jurisdiction to practise or train in any other Canadian jurisdiction without having to acquire more than one licence or pay additional licensing fees. This includes exploring enabling legislation in the provinces and territories. INTEGRATED HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES Advocate for an Integrated Health Human Resources Strategy, including creating retention incentives and addressing administrative burden for health care professionals, increasing the number of doctors and nurses and ensuring that every Canadian has access to a family doctor or primary health team, increasing access to virtual care, creating an action plan to get internationally trained health care professionals to work, improving workforce data collection across health systems and investing in a supply needs-based planning tool, and facilitating team-based health care. MEDICAL MIS/DISINFORMATION: Provide CMA’s perspective on the impacts of medical misinformation and disinformation, including on public trust in science, medicine, and public health experts. INDIGENOUS HEALTH: Improvement to the health and health care services provided to Indigenous peoples in Canada including adding inclusive lettering on health cards across Canada. Advocating for the creation of a national Chief Health Accountability Officer. PUBLIC-PRIVATE HEALTHCARE: The CMA is conducting a series of in-person sessions across the country to engage key s

TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: provide CMA’s perspective on the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on the health care sector and the means through which advancements can be foreseen and managed. HARMFUL ONLINE CONTENT: Advocate to address the escalation of online harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence targeting physicians, other health workers, and anyone seeking health care treatment, including measures to strengthen the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Act. BUDGET: Provide CMA’s perspective on the Government of Canada’s budget, particularly as it relates to modernizing Canada’s health care system by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and promoting equitable access to care. HEALTH DATA INTEROPERBILITY: Provide CMA’s perspective as it relates to health data interoperability that would ensure providers have access to the right information at the right time when providing care, and improve patient outcomes and their health care experience. The CMA is advocating that the trade of medical goods and medications be protected to avoid disruptions to patient care. Specifically, that the government: Continue to ensure pharmaceutical products and medical devices are not included in any countermeasures on tariffs Improve safeguards for Canadian health data Improve labour mobility so physicians can work across the country Make it easier for qualified physicians to immigrate and work in Canada, including by fast-tracking immigration steps for US physicians PAN CANADIAN LICENSURE: Advocate for the ability for physicians with full licences to practise independently without restrictions or for medical resident trainees registered in any Canadian jurisdiction to practise or train in any other Canadian jurisdiction without having to acquire more than one licence or pay additional licensing fees. This includes exploring enabling legislation in the provinces and territories. INTEGRATED HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES: Advocate for an Integrated Health Human Resources Strategy, including creating retention incentives and addressing administrative burden for health care professionals, increasing the number of doctors and nurses and ensuring that every Canadian has access to a family doctor or primary health team, increasing access to virtual care, creating an action plan to get internationally trained health care professionals to work, improving workforce data collection across health systems and investing in a supply needs-based planning tool, and facilitating team-based health care. ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN: Advocate for measures to alleviate the administrative burden on physicians and support their professional wellbeing, including investment to facilitate the development of EHRs and EMRs in Canada, improved remuneration for the completion of federal health forms, ensuring that physicians are not captured in the definition of "promoters" in the Disability Tax Credit Promoters Restrictions Regulations, and advocacy on discontinuing the requirement that employees present sick notes to their employers. MEDICAL MIS/DISINFORMATION: Provide CMA’s perspective on the impacts of medical misinformation and disinformation, including on public trust in science, medicine, and public health experts. INDIGENOUS HEALTH: Improvement to the health and health care services provided to Indigenous peoples in Canada, including adding inclusive lettering on health cards across Canada. Advocating for the creation of a national Chief Health Accountability Officer. PUBLIC-PRIVATE HEALTHCARE: The CMA is conducting a series of in-person sessions across the country to engage key stakeholders, including the public, physicians, patients/PWLE, policymakers, system leaders and others, in a dialogue on public-private healthcare. What we hear will inform CMA policy moving forward, and our recommendations for action at a national level. PHYSICIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN CAUCUS: advocate for the formation of a Physician Parliamentarian Cauc

Seeking financial support from the Government of Canada for the expansion of Brampton's LRT and other transit and infrastructure projects.

Seeking support from the Government of Canada related to asylum seekers, new immigrants, and international students. Seeking financial support from the Government of Canada for the expansion of Brampton's LRT and other transit and infrastructure projects.

Advocate for the introduction of a federal tax credit for agricultural products donated to charitable food programs. Call to strengthen the Canada Disability Benefit by raising the rate, reducing barriers to accessing the benefit, and committing to no clawbacks. Securing formal recognition that food is a human right in domestic policy Reforms to Employment Insurance (EI) to enable low-wage, temporary, casual, and/or contract workers to have access to EI benefits Expansion of national child care and early learning program that is accessible to low-income families Establishment of national Pharmacare and Dental Care programs Ensuring all low-income seniors have access to Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement and that these benefits are increased to reflect the cost of living Ensuring all low-income Canadians have access to the Canada Child Benefit and that rates are indexed to inflation Enhancing frequency of national data collection on food insecurity and establishment of targets for reducing food insecurity as part of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Ease filing of taxes for people living in poverty Creation of financial benefits (e.g., refundable tax credits) for single adults with low incomes Conversion of non-refundable tax credits that benefit low-income Canadians to refundable tax credits Call for National School Lunch Program Call for implementation of Canada Disability Benefit as a Federal Income Supplement Advocating for the realization of the right to housing, including increasing supply of, and access to, affordable housing for low-income Canadians Advocate for policies to address the financialization of housing

Calling for further reform of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and relevant programs under its umbrella as part of its forthcoming review by ESDC and the Government of Canada Advocate for the introduction of an income-tested tax credit for low-income renters delivered monthly through the CRA to improve housing affordability and reduce food insecurity Advocate for the introduction of a federal food donation tax credit for agricultural products donated to charitable food programs. Ensuring all low-income Canadians have access to the Canada Child Benefit and that rates are indexed to inflation Call for implementation of Canada Disability Benefit as Federal Income Supplement Advocating for the realization of the right to housing, including increasing the supply of, and access to, affordable housing for low-income Canadians.