Tracy Gray

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)

-Seeking funding for proposed training and farm innovations for workers and farm employers. -Proposed Agriculture and Agri-Food Workforce Action Plan and Workforce Program, to increase the labour supply and to increase training for the agriculture sector workers and employers. -Address agriculture labour issues and shortages with government officials by seeking support for the implementation of Agri-Food Immigration Pilot that will allow immigration access for farm and food workers, also create new incentives to encourage refugees and new immigrants to work on farms and to also address the Temporary Foreign Worker Program application process issues with administrative efficiencies.

Restore federal funding for immigrant settlement programs in British Columbia Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act, Bill S-209 National Strategy for Children and Youth Act, Bill S-212 Sustained government investment in child care to make early learning and child care publicly funded, publicly governed, and embedded in our public education systems. Repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code, with respect to the defense in law of physical punishment of children Reduce income inequality and resulting child and family poverty affecting children in British Columbia and across Canada through federal/provincial/territorial initiatives concerning income supports, affordable housing, post-secondary education and fair taxation.

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.

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

Discussions with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and other relevant departments and agencies regarding the role of universities in supporting federal innovation initiatives, policies and programs. Advocacy to secure federal support to develop and upgrade university infrastructure, including but not limited to research and learning facilities, digital infrastructure, and transit infrastructure. Advocacy to increase support for university research, including research funding and granting programs administered by the tri-agencies (SSHRC, NSERC and CIHR) and other departments and agencies. Advocacy to improve immigration policies and programs for university students, faculty and staff. Advocacy to ensure that proposals to develop or amend federal legislation, regulations, policies or programs that directly or indirectly impact the post-secondary system reflect the needs of universities and support our research and education mission. Advocacy to enhance support for university research mobilization and commercialization activities. Advocacy to enhance student supports, including but not limited to Canada Student Grants and Loans, the Canada Graduate Scholarship Program, supports for Indigenous students, and work-integrated learning programs.

Seeking increased awareness for the supports identified in the National Dementia Strategy for people living with and affected by dementia and for dementia research as outlined in the National Dementia Strategy

Enhancing global market access for Alberta exports by expanding pipeline access to tidewater, including through the removal of the Tanker Ban, investing in trade-related transportation infrastructure, and addressing internal trade barriers. Supporting the federal government's defence and economic security priorities by exploring opportunities for Alberta to strengthen Canada's defence industrial base, attract investment, and contribute to resilient supply chains and strategic infrastructure. Exploring opportunities to support the federal government's One Canadian Economy agenda through greater economic integration, reduced interprovincial trade barriers, and strengthened collaboration on nation-building projects. Supporting a strong Alberta within a united Canada by exploring policies that address fairness in the federation, strengthen Alberta’s economic contribution, and improve federal-provincial collaboration on shared priorities. Exploring strategies to support economic growth in Alberta and Canada while ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability and broad-based prosperity. Providing an update on the Business Council of Alberta’s priorities, including productivity, competitiveness, labour shortages, infrastructure, and housing, and identifying opportunities to collaborate with the federal government on advancing shared policy goals. Attracting investment to Alberta and Canada by exploring ways to address regulatory barriers to business investment and create a competitive business landscape. Proposing amendments to the new greenwashing provisions which, as written, will undermine Canadian businesses’ ability to raise capital, take risks, innovate, and make good-faith environmental progress in uncertain conditions. The federal government should respect the CRTC’s Fibre to the Premise decision, which supports a more competitive telecommunications sector and reinforces regulatory autonomy, a principle that is key to investor confidence and a dynamic business environment across all sectors of the Canadian economy. Federal natural resources and environment policy. Unlocking investment and growth in Canada's natural resource industries, and how they can contribute to Canada's productivity, prosperity, and environmental goals. Discriminatory and/or counterproductive impacts on Alberta and Alberta-concentrated industries. Maintaining access to US markets in the face of tariff threats and CUSMA renewal. Discussing how issues related to defence spending, border crossings and illegal drug/gun trafficking impact trade and trade policy. Preserving and enhancing Canada’s access to trade opportunities in global markets; addressing trade disputes, including the differing impact of those disputes across Canada. Exploring opportunities to increase economic activity and value-added processing in agriculture; and discussing the removal of barriers to achieving that goal. Expressing our opposition to the proposed emissions cap as being bad for the environment, the economy, the federation, and Canada’s international standing. Improving Canada's system of major project approvals and permitting to allow projects to get built faster, generate economic growth and advance Indigenous Economic Diversification. Issues range from speeding up environmental impact assessments, to removing fed/prov duplication, to better coordinating permitting processes across the federal government. Removing barriers to interprovincial trade. Providing information via our "Alberta Update" to senior government officials on economic developments in the province. Exploring ways to improve co-operation and collaboration between the federal and provincial governments. The merits and drawbacks of the federal government's proposed oil and gas sector emissions cap; and the most efficient, cost-effective ways to promote a competitive energy sector in Alberta while working towards deep emissions cuts. Proposing amendments to the Clean Electricity Regulations that reflect the concerns

The Off-Campus Work Permit Program, with respect to extending the benefits of off-campus work permits to international students studying part-time at recognized universities and colleges in Canada. The Copyright Act, with respect to Educational exemptions listed under fair dealing provisions. The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, with respect to ensuring the weekly loan limit rises with the needs of students by increasing the weekly loan limit amount from $210 to $300. The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, with respect to eliminating the expected parental and spousal contribution in the assessment of resources for borrowers. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), with respect to including student households in its rental market data. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), with respect to including post-secondary institutions and university residences in existing housing funding programs and projects. The Book Importation Regulations under the Copyright Act, with respect to parallel importation. SSHRC, CIHR, and NSERC, with respect to increasing the number, and value of scholarships provided to student researchers through the federal granting agencies. SSHRC, CIHR, and NSERC, with respect to improving governance and broadening considered perspectives via the addition of a student seat on the governing boards of the federal granting agencies. Repayment Assistance Program, with regard to changing eligibility requirements, removing entry barriers for students in loan default, exempting EI recipients, and creating program streams for underrepresented groups. Protecting student intellectual property rights at Canada's universities and colleges, with respect to creating a set of criteria for institutions to abide by in order to be eligible for research funding granted by the CIHR, SSHRC, and NSERC. Post-Secondary Student Support Program Funding, with respect to lifting the 2% cap on this funding, increases in the number of students funded, and the amount given to each student. On-campus student mental health resources, with respect to creating a new fund of $500 million over 4 years for the hiring of student mental health professionals on post-secondary campuses. International Student working hours, with respect to permanently eliminating the off-campus working hour limit for students while studying in Canada. International Student visas, with respect to allowing for visa holders to participate in co-op opportunities without having to apply for an additional permit. International student visas, with regard to broadening the category of country that receives multiple-entry visas. Indirect Costs Program, with respect to increasing the funding provided by the Indirect Costs Program to qualified universities, colleges, and affiliated institutions. Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act, with respect to the creation of a dedicated transfer for post-secondary education. Developing a Pan-Canadian Strategy for Mental Health, with respect to implementing recent recommendations of the Mental Health Commission of Canada aimed at post-secondary students and decreasing stigmas associated with mental health. Developing an Open Access Framework for taxpayer funded research in Canada with respect to research conducted with the assistance of funding from SSHRC, NSERC, and CIHR at Canada's universities and colleges. Developing a nationwide strategy for the adoption of Open Educational Resources. Canada Student Grants Program with respect to increasing per-student, need-based funding provided by the program Canada Student Financial Assistance Program with respect to redefining need under the program, amending the asset calculation model to exempt all in-study income, the ownership of one vehicle, individually held RRSPs by an additional $790 for each year following a person's eighteenth birthday, and other financial assets totalling $10 000. Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, with respect to amending the

Dedicate 35 million of the existing funding commitment for student and Indigenous housing under Build Canada Homes towards the construction of student residences by post-secondary institutions Increase post-secondary student funding to the First Nations, Inuit and Métis education strategies by $200 million per year, permanently Research funding for graduate students, and adjusting the funding envelope for student research by inflation. Funding for non-profit housing and post-secondary institution residences. Investment in the Student Work Placement Program to strengthen work-integrated learning opportunities for students in small and medium enterprises. On-campus student mental health resources, with respect to implementing the new fund of $500 million over 4 years for more and improved mental health services on post-secondary campuses. Double the Express Entry Program immigration points in Part D of the Comprehensive Ranking System allocating 60 points for a three or more year Canadian post-secondary credential, or 30 points for a one or two year Canadian post-secondary credential to retain those most likely to economically succeed in Canada. Contracts for federal infrastructure construction and maintenance contracts ensure hours worked on federal projects are worked by apprentices. Also establish that apprenticeship hours requirement for recipients of grants and contributions for federal housing programs such as the Affordable Housing Fund, Apartment Construction Loan Program, and Federal Lands Initiative. The Off-Campus Work Permit Program, with respect to extending the benefits of off-campus work permits to international students studying part-time at recognized universities and colleges in Canada. The Copyright Act, with respect to Educational exemptions listed under fair dealing provisions. The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, with respect to ensuring the weekly loan limit rises with the needs of students by increasing the weekly loan limit amount from $210 to $300. The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, with respect to eliminating the expected parental and spousal contribution in the assessment of resources for borrowers. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), with respect to including student households in its rental market data. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), with respect to including post-secondary institutions and university residences in existing housing funding programs and projects. SSHRC, CIHR, and NSERC, with respect to increasing the number, and value of scholarships provided to student researchers through the federal granting agencies. SSHRC, CIHR, and NSERC, with respect to improving governance and broadening considered perspectives via the addition of a student seat on the governing boards of the federal granting agencies. Repayment Assistance Program, with regard to changing eligibility requirements, removing entry barriers for students in loan default, exempting EI recipients, and creating program streams for underrepresented groups. Protecting student intellectual property rights at Canada's universities and colleges, with respect to creating a set of criteria for institutions to abide by in order to be eligible for research funding granted by the CIHR, SSHRC, and NSERC. Post-Secondary Student Support Program Funding, with respect to lifting the 2% cap on this funding, increases in the number of students funded, and the amount given to each student. International Student working hours, with respect to permanently eliminating the off-campus working hour limit for students while studying in Canada. International Student visas, with respect to allowing for visa holders to participate in co-op opportunities without having to apply for an additional permit. Indirect Costs Program, with respect to increasing the funding provided by the Indirect Costs Program to qualified universities, colleges, and affiliated institutions. Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrang

Taxation policies and programs related to farm income, capital gains, generational transfer of assets, family income sharing, investment income, and tax deferrals for extraordinary revenue due to inventory liquidation during a declared disaster Traceability technology with tech and innovation, Covid-19 solutions and discussions Research into blockchain technology in traceability programs, BRM, Covid-19 Regulations and legislation related to beef cattle and meat production, exports and imports. Market access for beef and cattle, achieving new and defending existing trade agreements. Farm policy and programs with respect to business risk management, innovation, environment, etc.

research into blockchain technology in traceability programs, Business risk management programs, Livestock Tax Deferral, Livestock Price Insurance, Agristability, Animal Health programs. Regulations and legislation related to beef cattle and meat production, exports and imports. Market access for beef and cattle, achieving new and defending existing trade agreements. Farm policy and programs with respect to business risk management, innovation, environment, etc. "Taxation policies and programs related to farm income, capital gains, generational transfer of assets, family income sharing, investment income, and tax deferrals for extraordinary revenue due to inventory liquidation during a declared disaster."