Zarnab Zafar

A?ordable Housing Fund Program: Advocating for additional funds to be allocated to the A?ordable Housing Fund Program in order to advance its Affordable Housing Projects.

Alpha House is advocating for the continuance of the Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative partnership between the Government of Canada and Government of Alberta.

International development; climate finance and agricultural sustainability; and public engagement and domestic support. Discussions on the clarification of the new trade and development policy. Global Affairs Canada (GAC)'s focus remains on poverty reduction and discussions on tied aid are not a priority. Climate finance should contribute to sustainable agricultural outcomes. There was also a discussion on moving from isolated development interventions toward more integrated systems approaches - silos to systems. With regards to public engagement and support for international development, there was a discussion on potential government support for sector-wide initiatives. Additionally, there was discussion on the possibility of GAC conducting research to understand how civil society organizations (CSOs) engage Canadians on international development issues. International development. Discussion about the strategic importance of international development aid to Canada's economy, national security and values. Additionally, we sought to understand the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC)'s position on aid and asked that resilient food systems be prioritized in the party's international development platform. International development. Make resilient food systems an aid priority and ensure the development-trade approach focuses on poverty reduction. localization and sustainability. Official development assistance should continue to focus on gender and localization. in this regard, at least $5.5 billion of ODA per annum should go towards poverty reduction in developing countries. Climate finance should prioritize vulnerable groups, support biodiversity and minimize debt. Canada should triple climate finance to $15.9 billion for 2026-2031. The 5-year pledge announced in spring 2026 was much lower. We “welcomed” it and will continue to work on quality issues. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy Group (HPAG) and position HPAG as a thought-partner and ally for Canada's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, gaining the ear of the Ambassador and his team for future influencing; highlight the prominence of Canadian international non governmental organizations (INGOs) within the humanitarian sector globally, highlighting the proportion and significance of Canadian aid; and to understand the Ambassador’s priorities and key next steps as he embarks on a new mandate. International Development. Discussion showcasing the results from our Nature Positive project which is part of the Partnering for Climate (P4C) program. The project responds to poverty and hunger, addressing climate change and building long-term economic resilience in sub-Saharan Africa. We asked for support in ensuring Canada’s next climate finance commitment prioritizes smallholder farmers and their communities in the Global South in adapting to climate change. International development. Discussion on Canada's official development assistance (ODA) and the need for it to prioritize food security. As a global leader in agriculture and food, Canada should help communities around the world dealing with rising food prices, climate change and conflict by prioritizing support for agriculture and food systems in its ODA. International development and international relations. Discussion on the importance of focusing on food security in humanitarian efforts, in light of the expected cuts to development funding. Additionally, discussion on the importance of official development assistance (ODA), alongside trade and economic stability to Canada, highlighting that ODA facilitates other aspects of international relationships. Discussion about Canada's official development assistance, its value to Canadian foreign policy and an appeal for Canada not to reduce aid but to show global leadership following the USAID cuts and decreases in aid budgets by some donor countries. Discussion about Canada's official development aid (ODA) and its valu

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

Ensuring federal funding for programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Enhance regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, such as developing a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Canada's federal budget with regards to removing all subsidies to the oil, coal and gas industry, including subsidies provided through preferential tax treatments; development of renewable energy and fossil fuels, conservation and efficiency

Lobbying for the preservation of affordable rental housing Lobbying for the development of new affordable housing, including co-operative housing. Lobbying to ensure that low-income households can continue to live affordably in federally-administered housing co-operatives after their operating agreements end with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Lobbying for renewed low-income subsidies for federal indigenous co-operatives. Lobbying for new low-income subsidies for federal co-ops (including Section 95 program co-op housing). Lobbying for government to examine the consequences of the steady erosion of rent-geared-to-income (RGI) capacity for low-income households in existing federally administered housing providers, including co-operatives. Lobbying for energy retrofit programs for co-op housing. Lobbying around the elimination of homelessness in Canada.

Seeking government contracts as they relate to wildfire suppression and prevention, including for equipment leasing and emergency management support.

ADVOCATE FOR IMPROVED AWARENESS, PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF WOMEN'S HEART AND BRAIN HEALTH RISK FACTORS THROUGH BILL S-243, AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH IN CANADA ADVOCATE FOR A MODERNIZED CHARITABLE TAXATION FRAMEWORK THAT STRENGTHENS CHARITIES AND THEIR ABILITY TO MOBILIZE RESOURCES FOR THE BENEFIT OF CANADIANS. FINALIZE REGULATIONS TO RESTRICT VAPE FLAVOURS (INCLUDING MINT/MENTHOL); INTRODUCE PLAIN AND STANDARDIZED PACKAGING FOR VAPING PRODUCTS; INCREASE TOBACCO AND VAPE TAXES; IMPLEMENT A TOBACCO COST RECOVERY FEE; PROTECT EXISTING NICOTINE POUCH REGULATIONS; BAN INTERNET/ONLINE SALES FOR TOBACCO AND E-CIGARETTES; PROHIBIT THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS AMONGST INDIVIDUALS BORN BEFORE A DETERMINED YEAR; INCREASE THE MINIMUM LEGAL AGE OF SALE FOR TOBACCO AND VAPING PRODUCTS TO 21 YEARS OF AGE. SUPPORT POLICIES THAT ELIMINATE FINANCIAL BARRIERS TO SPORT PARTICIPATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH, WHILE ENSURING SPORT PARTICIPATION FUNDING IS ROLLED OUT IN AN ACCESSIBLE, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE MANNER. ADVOCATE FOR GOVERNMENT ACTION TO REDUCE THE CONSUMPTION OF, AND HARMS ASSOCIATED WITH, ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS. ADVOCATE FOR AND FUND EQUITABLE ACCESS TO PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAMS FOR CANADIANS, INCLUDING EQUITY-SEEKING GROUPS. INTRODUCTION OF A NATIONAL PHARMACARE PROGRAM IMPLEMENT REGULATIONS TO RESTRICT COMMERCIAL MARKETING OF UNHEALTHY FOODS AND BEVERAGES TO CHILDREN IMPLEMENT A TAX ON SUGARY DRINKS. REVENUES FROM SUCH A TAXATION STREAM SHOULD BE USED TO SUBSIDIZE HEALTHY EATING INITIATIVES FUND PUBLIC AWARENESS FOR IMPROVED USE OF DEFIBRILLATORS AND CPR. ADVOCATE FOR A TAX-EXEMPTION ON THE SALE OF DEFIBRILLATORS. ENSURE THAT THE DEDICATED FEDERAL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FUND BECOMES A PERMANENT ENVELOPE IN CANADA'S INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING.