Simon Laberge

Projet de loi C-13 Loi modifiant la Loi sur les langues officielles, édictant la Loi sur l’usage du français au sein des entreprises privées de compétence fédérale et apportant des modifications connexes à d’autres lois ; Sollicitations auprès des membres du Comité permanent sur les langues officielles pour prendre en considération dans le projet de loi des intérêts des PME francophones et de certaines facettes reliées à des dossiers spécifiques d'application de la loi, par exemple dans le domaine l'égalité renforcée des langues officielles, des appuis à des secteurs d'activités économiques spécifiques tel que la petite enfance, l'immigration francophone renforcée, l'usage du français dans les entreprises ou encore le développement économique communautaire auprès des communautés de langues française en situation minoritaire. Plan d'action sur les langues officielles ; Sollicitation auprès de titulaires de charge publique en ce qui concerne le renouvellement et la mise en oeuvre du plan d'action sur les langues officielles à l'horizon post 2023. Parmi les enjeux prioritaires que nous souhaitons voir refléter dans le nouveau plan d'action : une meilleure inclusion du développement économique et des enjeux liées aux entrepreneurs francophones en contexte minoritaire comme moyen d'épanouissement et de vitalité des communautés francophones et acadienne. Loi sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés L.C. 2001, ch. 27 ; Sollicitations auprès des titulaires de charge publique et de divers intervenants pour un renforcement de la proportion du taux d'immigration francophone dans les communautés de langues officielles en situation minoritaire (contexte Hors Québec). Plus particulièrement, entammer et maintenir un dialogue constructif sur l'atteinte de la cible en immigration et partager nos impressions et priorités quant aux cibles futures. Démarches auprès de titulaires de charge publique afin de présenter notre réseau national - le RDÉE Canada -, d'expliquer nos orientations stratégique et notre présence dans 12 provinces et territoires dans les communautés francophones et acadienne en situation minoritaire. L'objectif de ces rencontres est d'informer les titulaires de charge publique et aussi de les sensibiliser aux défis et aux opportunités qui doivent être considérés lors de leur prise de décisions qui touchent de près ou de loin le développement économique et l'employabilité des communautés francophones et acadienne en situation minoritaire au Canada. Des rencontres auront lieu par exemple dans le cadre des processus budgétaires et pour les programmes en immigration. Le RDÉE Canada concentrera ses effort de représentations sur des axes stratégiques comme l'entrepreneuriat, l'employabilité et le développement économique communautaire.

Discussing encouraging the federal government to work with the provinces to break down interprovincial trade barriers as they relate to labour and credentials Discussing promotion of trades to youth, including marketing programs, advertisements, trade shows, working in collaboration with schools and the provinces. Discussing labour mobility policy in Canada, ensuring workers have the correct certification to work throughout the country. Discussing enhancing credentialing to enable faster and more streamlined certification for new Canadian workers. Discussed program structure and policy direction of the upcoming workforce alliances and the sectorial workforce innovation fund initiatives Advocated for opportunities within Canada's manufacturing sector to support future infrastructure initiatives in housing and/or public works projects. Discussing issues within Quebec's manufacturing sector, including Temporary Foreign Workers. Advocating for improvements to Canada's trade-enabling transportation infrastructure. Advocating for specific implementation measures related to recent policies or measures outlined in the latest budget process. Advocating for Health Canada-related policies that impact manufacturing. Advocate for support for Canada's steel industry Matters related to advancing female workforce in the manufacturing industry. Matters related to the renewal of CUSMA. Matters related to military and defence procurement Discuss the upcoming priorities of the RNNR Committee and its impact on the industry Advocate for policies to enhance Canadian manufacturing productivity Plastic issues as they are related to waste, pollution, health, single-use plastics, sources of plastic waste, government-industry cooperation in reducing plastic pollution, strengthening sustainable economies, protecting the environment, plastic registry, PFAS, etc Matters related to the impacts of rules limiting the intake of temporary foreign workers on manufacturing business. Matters related to upcoming RNNR Committee priorities on energy, forest, minerals and metals, and earth sciences sectors, and the impacts on the industry. Advocating for extension of existing IRCC pilot programs Matters related to trade with USA as they related to trade policies, tariffs, trade agreements, regulatory reform, retaliatory measures, tariff policy, remissions/relief policies considered by the federal government, provincial impact of implementing tariffs, etc. Matters related to the expected impact of US tariffs on manufacturing sectors and discuss funding opportunities for BuyCanada and BuyOntario Campaigns. Matters related to EI, worksharing program Critical minerals issues as they are related to barriers to extraction and processing, environmental impacts, social impacts, technological challenges, limited energy options, etc. Advocate for assistance to manage the frequent disruption of critical transportation infrastructure due to trade conflict and better financial support for trade corridors and a flexible regulatory approach for trucking regulations, renewal of iZEV program, removal of the luxury tax which impacts aircraft manufacturing Advocate for supply chain issues as they related to transportation and logistics, labour shortages/strikes, rising fuel and energy costs, regulatory changes such as ESG compliance laws, broken supply chains due to transportation barriers/strikes and long wait times for materials, etc. Advocated for broad supports to Canada's manufacturing sector to cope with U.S. trade developments. This includes relief for technology investment, on-the-job training, excise duty, broad red tape reduction, using both grants (e.g. SIF) and taxation (e.g. capital gains, corporate tax, excise duty). Advocate for Labour and skills shortages, support for workforce development training and education Advocate for the simplification, modernization and harmonization of the Canada's border regulations, including Beyond the Border. Advocate for reform to the Tempo

GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT - Reform Canada’s procurement system to support investment and ensure a competitive business environment. GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT - Ensuring fair and open procurement practices to drive innovation and technology adoption in Canada. HOUSING - Advocate for policies and legislation that enable the creation of more housing supply, incentivize investment in residential construction and housing – enabling infrastructure, and support the development of skilled labour we need, whether domestically or through immigration, to restore housing affordability to Canadian families. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to the measurement and improvement of Canada’s tax competitiveness, including: reforming the taxation, remittance, filing and audit processes of Canadian businesses and tax policy which improves the competitiveness of the Canadian business environment INTERNATIONAL TRADE – With respect to issues relating to trade controls, including tariffs, import and export controls, sanctions, and trade remedies. INDUSTRY - Improving the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit program to drive innovation; increase the role that the federal government plays in creating opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to digitalize and conduct more business activities online; developing a digital economy strategy for Canada. HEALTH – Ensuring we improve access to necessary medicines by building on rather than displacing the important role of private insurers and respecting provincial and territorial jurisdiction. CYBER SECURITY - Encouraging the government to prioritize cybersecurity innovation, talent development, and critical infrastructure resilience; modernize research and development; accelerate commercialization in the space; support the secure digitalization of small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and improve the global competitiveness of Canada’s cybersecurity industry. IMMIGRATION - Reducing regulatory burdens for employers; promoting immigration to small, rural and northern communities; supporting regional and local community immigration strategies; maintaining and modernizing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program; Facilitating pathways to permanent residency for temporary residents (international students and TFWs; expediting and simplifying foreign credential recognition, calling for an international student and global talent strategy; improving language training as well as settlement and employment supports to newcomers, aligning immigration programs with labour market needs, improving the Start-Up Visa process, improving client services to potential immigrants and newcomers. EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING – National Workforce Strategy, programs that support small and medium sized enterprises, improving collection and dissemination of Labour Market Information, establishing the Employment Insurance Council to institutionalize social dialogue between workers and employers on issues related to employment and training needs, addressing barriers to labour mobility, improving effectiveness of employment supports and skills training. EDUCATION - Aligning employer and workforce needs with education and training; expanding skilling, upskilling, reskilling and work integrated learning opportunities. INFRASTRUCTURE – Improvement of Canada’s infrastructure through the National Infrastructure Assessment, National Supply Chains Strategy, and establishment of a Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan. TRANSPORTATION - Regarding the consistent funding of trade-enabling infrastructure projects; the development of a competitive and efficient transportation network including all modes of transportation; the fluidity and stability of supply chain operations, minimizing disruptions. LABOUR - Ensuring that any changes to the Canada Labour Code are implemented in response to defined and demonstrated issues and not to increase regulatory burdens for employers; minimizing labour disruption impacts on Canadian bus

CYBER SECURITY - Encourage the government to invest in cybersecurity innovation, talent, and infrastructure; modernize research and development; accelerate commercialization in the space; support the secure digitalization of small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and improve the global competitiveness of Canada’s cybersecurity industry. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - Advocate for future-proofed, globally competitive, and interoperable policies that position artificial intelligence as a positive economic driver, and support the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI in business. PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION - Ensure that the modernization of Canada’s privacy legislation strikes the right balance between protecting consumers and promoting the ability of firms to innovate and compete by responsibly and securely using data. HOUSING - Support policies that enable the creation of more housing supply, incentivize investment in residential construction, and restore housing affordability for Canadian families. NATIONAL SECURITY/ECONOMIC SECURITY - Advancing policies related to enhancing Canada’s economic and national security. Key priorities include strengthening economic resilience, prudently navigating geopolitical challenges to trade and international relations, safeguarding business operations against new and emerging threats, and fostering conditions for economic growth. TRANSPORTATION - Regarding the consistent funding of trade-enabling infrastructure projects; the development of a competitive and efficient transportation network including all modes of transportation. TELECOMMUNICATIONS - Creating the right investment incentives to foster vibrant competition in the sector as a whole; responding to decisions regarding third-party access that will impact the deployment of internet services in rural and remote communities; and responding to regulatory proposals re: cell phone pricing. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to undertaking a comprehensive and independent tax system review. TAXATION AND FINANCE – With regard to the measurement and improvement of Canada’s tax competitiveness, including: reforming the taxation, remittance, filing and audit processes of Canadian businesses; removing tax barriers for childcare expenses; addressing the taxation of family business transfers; and mobilizing private capital for recovery and growth. TAXATION AND FINANCE - With regard to modernizing our financial systems through open banking and digital currencies TAXATION AND FINANCE - Responding to proposals addressing taxation of digital services. TAXATION AND FINANCE - Maintaining and expanding real-time data made freely available to Canadian businesses, municipalities, academic researchers, and community groups. SMALL BUSINESS – Legislation, regulations and support programs that give Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the tools to grow in Canada and internationally, including reducing their red tape and compliance burden. PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION - Improving digital privacy legislation to meet the needs of industry. PENSIONS - Treatment of corporate pensions in the event of bankruptcy. NATURAL RESOURCES - Support for the adoption of policy recommendations to strengthen Canada’s world-leading position in the mining industry, oil and gas, and forestry products. OPEN DATA - Maintaining and expanding real-time data made freely available to Canadian businesses, municipalities, academic researchers, and community groups. LABOUR: Ensuring that any changes to the Canada Labour Code are implemented in response to defined and demonstrated issues and not to increase regulatory burdens for employers. INTERNATIONAL TRADE – With respect to issues relating to import and export controls INTERNATIONAL TRADE - Negotiating bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade agreements and promoting them to Canadian businesses. INTERNATIONAL TRADE - Improving federal laws and regulations pertaining to responsible business conduct r

Meetings with elected and non-elected officials to discuss the Skills for Success program from the Ministry of Employment and Social Development.

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)

Meetings with elected and non-elected officials regarding measures to Strengthen Canadian Competitiveness and Economic Sovereignty for the furniture industry in Canada. Meetings with elected and non-elected officials regarding the federal government prioritization of Canadian furniture in their calls for tenders, the implementation of clear and strict criteria within the "Buy Canadian" policy to support local industries and the establishment monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with procurement guidelines. Meetings with elected and non-elected officials regarding dumping practices and the implementation of regulatory mechanisms adapted to limit market distortions. Meetings with elected and non-elected officials regarding the potential implementation of the United States tariffs and the negotiations on the 2026 United States, Mexico and Canada Trade Agreement. Meetings with elected and non-elected officials regarding the potential application of United States tariffs on the goods of the furniture industry. Meetings with elected and non-elected officials regarding the impact of temporary foreign workers on the furniture industry.

Réunions avec des élus et du personnel politique concernant les impacts des nouvelles mesures d’immigration dans la région de Chaudière-Appalaches.

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

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.

Support for the hotel industry (taxation, marketing, workforce) Advocating for $10 million in funding annually over four years for the International Convention Attraction Fund to strengthen Canada’s ability to compete for high-value global events. Domestic workforce strategy, better alignment of youth employment programs with the hotel industry, connecting newcomers to hotel career Building a competitive investment climate through targeted fiscal measures to stimulate private sector investment in hotels Ensure the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is responsive to labour market needs Access to CMHC financing for mixed use hotel/housing developments, higher Capital Cost Allowance rate for staff housing Fraudulent Hotel Bookings through temporary resident visa applications Transportation - proposed new international bilateral air routes with Canada. Consideration of airport rents at formerly owned federal airports across Canada. Regulations and policies regarding fees to SOCAN and Re:Sound Engage with the Federal Government on proposed new or amended taxation laws with respect to short-term accommodations.

Transportation - proposed new international bilateral air routes with Canada. Consideration of airport rents at formerly owned federal airports across Canada. Tourism - Canadian Tourism Commission Budget as announced in the 2010 Federal Budget. Development of the proposed Federal Tourism Strategy as announced by the Prime Minister in June 2009. Taxation and Finance - Ammendments to the Foreign Convention Tour and Incentive Program. Regulations and policies regarding fees to SOCAN and Re:Sound Immigration Canada - Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program. Engage with the Federal Government on proposed new or amended taxation laws with respect to short-term accommodations. Employment and Training - Support for the Temporary Foreign Workers Program. Criminal Code regulations pertaining to impaired driving Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic - Seeking changes on EI reform. Ensuring access to financial impact measures. Monitoring developments and assessing impacts on members.

Discuss upcoming changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and ensure exemption for the Food Security sector. Approcher les autorités compétentes pour présenter le modèle d'utilisation et de recyclage du plastique PET d'Ice River. Ice River veut participer à la création d'une véritable économie circulaire des contenants en PET 100% recyclé en Ontario et au Québec.

New TFWP policy with respect to the new 10% reduction. Approcher les autorités compétentes pour présenter le modèle d'utilisation et de recyclage du plastique PET d'Ice River. Ice River veut participer à la création d'une véritable économie circulaire des contenants en PET 100% recyclé en Ontario et au Québec.