Business of Supply  Whatever the area of activity, I think it is important for the government to understand that. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business, or CFIB, just published a survey that shows that 75% of business were open full time two weeks ago but now that percentage has now dropped to 69%. A significant number of businesses are putting on the brakes.

Business of Supply  Does my colleague believe it was an irresponsible and shameful decision by the Liberals to have a confidence motion? We heard from Dan Kelly, from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, on that day. He stated that it is “Absolutely critical that all political parties pull together and get the rent subsidy (CERS), CEBA loan expansion and wage subsidy (CEWS) extension across the parliamentary finish line.”

Finance committee  Not on our own musings but on the thoughts, ideas and analysis of expert witnesses, whether in the form of organizations like the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives—which I know Mr. MacGregor will sympathize with—the Chamber of Commerce or the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, not to mention a number of business owners, small business owners, and also large business owners. I think my Conservative colleagues sympathize with them, or at least I certainly hope so.

Finance committee  They have helped in so many ways to serve as a safety net for Canadians across the country, whether as individuals or as Canadians who own businesses. The CFIB, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, says that it wants to see this committee be serious about moving forward with thoughts on and advice to the government based on expert testimony, which it would be included within.

Finance committee  That renewed federal-municipal relationship that took shape beginning in 2015 needs to proceed with even more vigour, particularly now as cities and towns face great difficulties. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business—

COVID-19 Emergency Response  Madam Speaker, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business reported yesterday that 80% of business leaders are worried about the potential impacts of the second wave of COVID-19. For our businesses to survive, we have to make sure we do not leave any of them behind.

Speech from the Throne  Yesterday's throne speech, a partisan ad to the Prime Minister's nation, was full of empty words and recycled promises. It was desperately lacking in rigour and timelines. Dan Kelly of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business noted that many of these commitments are coming far too late for many small businesses. Do the Liberals realize that by proroguing Parliament, they jeopardized the survival of thousands of small businesses in Canada?

Further COVID-19 Measures Act  As provinces continue to reopen, people are optimistic about their futures and are anxious to get back to work. However, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, many employers are facing significant staffing challenges, even though we have record unemployment numbers in the country. Canadians want to work and businesses need workers, but the CERB is penalizing workers for picking up shifts.

COVID-19 Pandemic committee  There was rent assistance, but it's awkward, very limited and poorly put together. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the CFIB, has demanded that the program be completely overhauled. The Conseil québécois du commerce de détail, CQCD, reports that 40% of its members who are entitled to assistance say the owners of the premises they lease for their businesses refuse to join it.

Agriculture committee  I'd like to talk about the programs and improvements. No doubt, you heard about the Canadian Federation for Independent Business's survey. It revealed that 29% of farmers consider the support programs to be adequate, 48% are worried about their debt and 40% have concerns about their business's future.

Agriculture committee  From Equestrian Canada, Richard Mongeau and Kristy House, I'm really happy to have you on board. Also, from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Ms. Braun-Pollon, thank you so much. We will take five minutes to change the set and we'll be back, so set your clocks. We will now suspend the meeting. Thank you.

Agriculture committee  Thank you to our witnesses for contributing to our study on how COVID-19 has impacted agriculture and agri-food. We really appreciate your time today. I'll start with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. I note the section you gave in your presentation regarding the carbon tax. This has certainly been a topic that has occupied the committee's attention for a couple of years.

Agriculture committee  Thank you, Mr. Mongeau and Ms. Kristy House. Now we will go to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business for up to seven minutes.

Agriculture committee  Thank you, Chair, co-chair and members of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, for the invitation and the opportunity for CFIB to share our members' views today. Slide 2 shows you that CFIB is a non-partisan organization with 110,000 small and medium-sized firms, of which 7,200 are agribusiness members, and a majority of those are primary producers.

Agriculture committee  Andrew Bishop, owner; from Equestrian Canada, Richard Mongeau, acting executive director, Cheval Québec; and Kristy House, manager, welfare and industry; and also, from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Marilyn Braun-Pollon, vice-president, western Canada and agribusiness. Welcome to all of you. We shall start with your seven-minute opening statements. If Noggins Corner Farm is ready, you have the floor for seven minutes.