Nadia Khadri

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)

Advocacy related to the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, as it pertains to youth employment in the restaurant industry. Advocacy related to the National Food Security Strategy, as it pertains to food cost drivers affecting restaurants, food loss and waste, and domestic production capacity and supply chain barriers. Advocacy related to enhancing accelerated investment incentives and seeking modifications to small business deduction eligibility, to better support capital investments for restaurants. Advocacy related to the renewal and continued federal funding of the International Convention Attraction Fund, including a request for a commitment of $10 million annually over four years. Communicating with and arranging meetings with Public Office Holders to discuss the benefits of removing GST on all food in Canada Communicating with the Government of Canada regarding Budget 2026 as it pertains to immigration cuts affecting labour shortages. Engaging the Government of Canada on US led tariffs and the Government of Canada's response as they impact the foodservices industry. Tax policy on alcohol (escalator excise tax). Taxation policy with regard to corporate, small business and personal income taxes Regulations and policies regarding fees to SOCAN and ReSound Regulations and policies pertaining to Canada Pension Plan employer/employee premiums Regulation of financial institutions with respect to credit card fees Nutritional labeling policy with respect to provision of nutrition information Immigration policy with respect to workers programs and permits Healthy Eating Strategy - to ensure that policy and regulation proposals on the restriction of unhealthy food and beverage marketing to children, sodium reduction initiatives, menu labelling requirements, related initiatives are balanced, reasonable and science-based. Providing input into Health Canada's Healthy Eating Strategy consultations. Environmental regulations regarding plastics and recycling Employment Insurance with respect to policy for establishing premium rates Economic Strategy Tables - Continue to work closely with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in contributing to Canada's Economic Strategy Tables by ensuring the discussion help reflect the concerns of our industry Chicken and Turkey Tariff Rate Quota Advisory Committee (TQAC) regarding import quota Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) regarding annual dairy pricing Amendments to the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act to exempt wines purchased by restaurants regarding the transportation and sale of beverage between provinces. Agriculture trade policy with regard to trade liberalization opportunities

Charitable Sector Reform writ large. Includes engaging with government on necessary reform to enable the sector to flourish. Seeking non-monetary support from the Public Service in regards to the employee charitable giving campaign. Funding for community services and programs for children, youth, seniors, low income individuals, people seeking employment, newcomers, women and other community members. Budget with respect to: -investment in community services infrastructure -the community services labour force -housing and homelessness -mental health and other services -enabling measures for the work of charitable and nonprofit sector.