Michael Coteau

Bill S-202 - An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (warning label on alcoholic beverages) Working to support craft brewers through rural economic development. Working to support craft brewers through the Excise Act. Looking for greater clarity on Safe Food for Canadians Regulations - Traceability. Looking for greater clarity on compliance with single-use plastics prohibition. Looking for greater clarity on CFIA Food and Drug Regulations related to labelling. Investigating available programs to assist members in exporting products.

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.

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

Advocate for a new Home and Community Care, and Mental Health and Addictions Services bilateral agreement. Continue to fund the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Grant which support locals tax clinics. Continued support for the Resilient Futures project. This is funding towards proven, free, high-quality financial empowerment services, such as tax filing, benefits access assistance, and financial coaching and counselling across Canada. Have Build Canada Homes (BCH) support non-profit sector housing with clear targets. Advocate the Frequent Builder Status through CMHC carry over to BCH. Lobbying for the withdraw of Bill C-2 Strong Borders Act and Bill C-12 - An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures. Advocating for newcomer services funding - funding for local immigration partnerhships. Advocating for the re-instatment of the Skills for Success Program, which played a crucial role in addressing critical skills gaps for vulnerable Canadians seeking employment.

Agricultural trade: multi and bi-lateral trade negotiations to maintain and expand opportunities for canola farmers through reduction in tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers. Provide farmers necessary support through trade disruptions. Support the modernization of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a mechanism to promote rules-based trade. Support additional government resources to help solve technical trade barriers. Inter-provincial regulations support canola production, market access, and growth. Agriculture Policy Framework: ensure that business risk management programs and strategic initiatives are suitable for canola farmers. Federal research programming and initiatives support production needs on farm. Support right to repair and interoperability programs, policies, laws, and regulations that support farmer's choice and right to repair. Canada Transportation Act and regulations as it relates to the transportation of grain. Support development of transportation and trade infrastructure that facilities market demand and growth for canola. Ensure governments recognize the benefits that farmers provide to the environment, including in relation to offset protocols, ecological goods and services, and rebates. Support on-farm exemptions for carbon pricing. Climate change laws, policies, programs, research, and regulations related to agriculture promote competitiveness and production on farms. Environment and international trade: to advance the good management practices that are implemented on canola farms that contribute to environmental stewardship and competitive markets for farmers and to advance the canola biodiesel market domestically and abroad. Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations incentivizes the use of canola-based biofuels. Transportation: to advocate for a fair and efficient railway transportation system that serves the needs of grain producers. The creation and implementation of the Canada Water Agency and adoption of a pan-Canadian water monitoring framework have positive impacts for canola farmers. Support enhanced resources for federal regulatory bodies to make science-based decisions on crop protection products and seed varieties. Seeds Act and regulations as it pertains to seed variety registrations. Plant Breeders Rights Act and regulations as it relates to intellectual property rights. Patent Act and regulations as it pertains to intellectual property rights specific to seed technologies. Income Tax Act and other financial regulations, policies or programs: To promote the fair treatment of farmers in any proposed changes to the Income Tax Act or other financial mechanism that may impact farmers financially. Fisheries Act regulations and polices as it relates to fish habitats on farmland. Ensure Government recognizes and works with the agriculture sector to ensure farmers have access to skilled, competitive on-farm labour. Discussions concerning railway and port strikes as it relates to economic development and trade labour disruptions. Canadian Food Inspection Act and regulations as it relates to canola production and trade. Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Pest Control Products Act and regulations as it relates to agricultural pest control products. Canada Grain Act and Canada Grain Act Regulations as it relates to grain handling and transportation. Broadband: Expedite and support efforts to bring affordable, reliable high-speed internet and mobile coverage to rural and remote communities. Agricultural Marketing Programs Act and regulations as it pertains to the Advance Payments Program.

Environment and international trade: to advance the good management practices that are implemented on canola farms that contribute to environmental stewardship and competitive markets for farmers and to advance the canola biodiesel market domestically and abroad. Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations incentivizes the use of canola-based biofuels. Ensure Government recognizes and works with the agriculture sector to ensure farmers have access to skilled, competitive on-farm labour. Discussions concerning railway and port strikes as it relates to economic development and trade labour disruptions. Support right to repair and interoperability programs, policies, laws, and regulations that support farmer's choice and right to repair. Agricultural Trade - Support multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and policies that provide more free and open access to existing and new markets through reduced tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers on canola and its products. Provide farmers necessary support through trade disruptions. Support the modernization of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a mechanism to promote rules-based trade. Support additional government resources to help solve technical trade barriers. The creation and implementation of the Canada Water Agency and adoption of a pan-Canadian water monitoring framework have positive impacts for canola farmers. Support a review of the Canada Grains Act to modernize role of Canadian Grain Commission to align with needs of the grain sector. Income Tax Act and other financial regulations, policies or programs: to promote the fair treatment of farmers in any proposed changes to the Income Tax Act or other financial mechanism that may impact farmers financially. Ensure governments recognize the benefits that farmers provide to the environment. Including in relation to polices and regulations concerning carbon pricing, as it pertains to on-farm exemptions, offset protocols, rebates, and research. Climate change laws, policies, programs and regulations related to agriculture promote competitiveness and production on farms. Climate/Environment- Advance canola- based biofuel as part of the solution for climate change. Canada's Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) incentivizes the use of canola-based biofuels. Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Pest Control Products Act and regulations as it relates to agricultural pest control products. Support enhanced resources for federal regulatory bodies to make science-based decisions on crop protection products and seed varieties. Advocate for clear, science and risk-based approach to regulation of pesticides and new plant breeding innovation and that it is facilitative for trade. Canada Transportation Act and regulations as it relates to the transportation of grain. Advocate for a fair and efficient railway transportation system that serves the needs of grain producers. Agriculture - Work to ensure the existing and upcoming Agricultural Policy Framework addresses the needs of canola farmers including business risk management, marketing and research. Maintain support for federal and shared funded programs.

Agricultural Trade - Support multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations and policies that provide more free and open access to existing and new markets through reduced tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers on canola and its products. Provide farmers necessary support through trade disruptions. Support the modernization of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a mechanism to promote rules-based trade. Support additional government resources to help solve technical trade barriers. Transportation: to advocate for a fair and efficient railway transportation system that serves the needs of grain producers. Support right to repair and interoperability programs, policies, laws, and regulations that support farmer's choice and right to repair. Environment and international trade: to advance the good management practices that are implemented on canola farms that contribute to environmental stewardship and competitive markets for farmers and to advance the canola biodiesel market domestically and abroad. Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations incentivizes the use of canola-based biofuels. Ensure Government recognizes and works with the agriculture sector to ensure farmers have access to skilled, competitive on-farm labour. Discussions concerning railway and port strikes as it relates to economic development and trade labour disruptions. Canada Transportation Act and regulations as it relates to the transportation of grain. Support development of transportation and trade infrastructure that facilities market demand and growth for canola. Support a review of the Canada Grains Act to modernize role of Canadian Grain Commission to align with needs of the grain sector. Income Tax Act and other financial regulations, policies or programs: To promote the fair treatment of farmers in any proposed changes to the Income Tax Act or other financial mechanism that may impact farmers financially. Ensure governments recognize the benefits that farmers provide to the environment. Including in relation to polices and regulations concerning carbon pricing, as it pertains to on-farm exemptions, offset protocols, rebates, and research. Climate change laws, policies, programs and regulations related to agriculture promote competitiveness and production on farms. Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Pest Control Products Act and regulations as it relates to agricultural pest control products. Support enhanced resources for federal regulatory bodies to make science-based decisions on crop protection products and seed varieties. Advocate for clear, science and risk-based approach to regulation of pesticides and new plant breeding innovation and that it is facilitative for trade. Agriculture - Work to ensure the existing and upcoming Agricultural Policy Framework addresses the needs of canola farmers including business risk management, marketing and research. Maintain support for federal and shared funded programs.

AAFC – Next Policy Framework -- ensuring that the federal government's next agriculture framework represents the needs and interests of edible horticultural growers Canada's National Food Security Strategy -- ensuring that the strategy represents the interests of edible horticulture growers. Competition in the grocery sector -- discussions related to improving the environment for increased competition in Canada's grocery sector Engagement with the federal government on issues affecting the secure, stable and competitive supply of fertilizer critical to agricultural production. Government of Canada – Red tape reduction / regulatory and administrative burden EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CANADA – Temporary Foreign Worker Program and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, in respect of ensuring reliable access to seasonal labour for horticulture. GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA – CUSMA and trade disputes (including tariff and non-tariff barriers), in respect of maintaining predictable market access for Canadian fresh fruit and vegetables. ECCC – carbon pricing and climate policy, in respect of competitiveness impacts on horticulture (including production, plastic, water). CFIA – Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations (SFCR), in respect of fresh produce food safety and compliance requirements. CBSA – border processes affecting fresh produce, facilitating efficient and fair import/export movement of perishable goods. HEALTH CANADA / PMRA – Pest Control Products Act, including registrations, re-evaluations, Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and international harmonization in respect of access to crop protection tools for horticulture. AAFC / Heath Canada (PRD) – Minor Use / grower-requested access pathways (e.g., minor use and own-use import pathways), in respect of timely access to pest management solutions. FINANCE CANADA – federal budget measures affecting horticulture competitiveness and program funding, in respect of adequate resourcing for sector priorities. AAFC – Business Risk Management programs (AgriStability, AgriInvest, AgriRecovery, AgriRisk), in respect of responsiveness to horticulture production risk. IRCC – Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and immigration policies related to temporary foreign agricultural workers, in respect of program integrity and workable pathways for employers and workers. CFIA – Organic regime and U.S.–Canada Organic Equivalency Arrangement, in respect of facilitating compliant trade in organic produce. CFIA – Plant Protection Act and plant health requirements, in respect of preventing introduction/spread of pests affecting horticulture.

Communicate with government officials and Parliamentarians on the importance of maintaining the Canada-US Mexico Trade Agreement (CUSMA) and treating perishable fruit and vegetable products as a distinct priority during trade disruptions by strengthening safeguards, competitiveness supports, domestic processing capacity, and market stabilization tools. Communicate with government and Parliamentarians the importance of protecting labour stability for fruit and vegetable production by preserving and strengthening the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), improving labour compliance inspection practices, and investing in rural infrastructure. Communicate with government officials and Parliamentarians the importance of modernizing Business Risk Management programs to include mitigation measures and deliver timely support for fruit and vegetable growers facing extreme weather, pests, diseases, and other emergencies. Communicate with government officials and Parliamentarians the importance of timely access to effective crop protection tools by ensuring the government’s commitment to consider food security in Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Pesticides Regulatory Directorate (PRD) decisions is implemented in a practical, transparent manner. Communicate with government officials the important contribution of Canadian fruit and vegetable growers across the country in terms of their contribution to Canadian food security, the national economy and rural communities.

Policy and program recommendations regarding the government's priorities in delivering major transportation projects. Communications with public office holders regarding provision of consulting and operational services (solutions) for transportation infrastructure projects. Communications with public office holders regarding funding programs which support infrastructure projects, research and development and training, and economic opportunities in the transportation and rail space.

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)

Discussions on driving training, innovation, and research and development, to meet evolving workforce and technological demands. Ensure policies related to the International Student Program (ISP), and study and work permit processes are streamlined and address labour market needs. Seek support and collaboration for enhancing opportunities for workforce development, facilitating underserved and marginalized populations to access post-secondary education and training, in addition to campus infrastructure, applied research and climate action initiatives.

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.

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

Seeking to discuss proposed amendments to Section 73(3) of the Income Tax Act to modernize intergenerational farm transfer rules. The current legislation allows tax-deferred transfer of farm property only to a farmer’s child. The proposal is to extend eligibility to additional close family members such as nieces, nephews, stepchildren, and common-law equivalents who are active in the farming operation. The purpose is to help preserve family-owned farms, reduce forced sales due to capital gains liabilities, and support the long-term sustainability of rural economies.