International Trade committee  Thank you, Ms. Pohlmann. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business, or CFIB for short, is an independent and non-partisan non-profit organization representing 110,000 small and medium-size independent businesses across the country in every sector of the economy.

COVID-19 Emergency Response Act  We must do more for the small and medium-sized businesses that keep our economy moving. As Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, says of the wage subsidies, “It's the right measure, but it's the wrong amount.” Our assistance measures for businesses are being dwarfed by steps taken or being contemplated elsewhere.

Government Operations committee  Laura Jones, who is the executive vice-president and chief strategic officer of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Dr. Catherine Beaudry is a professor and Canada research chair in the creation, development and the commercialization of innovation, at Polytechnique Montréal. Stewart Elgie is a professor of law and economics and executive chair of the Smart Prosperity Institute, University of Ottawa.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Anecdotally, we've heard from a number of sectors in rural and northern communities about their frustration with the cost of the labour market impact assessment—the $1,000—when there are negative results. There have been suggestions from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business that perhaps a rejection should result in either a partial or a complete rebate. What is the policy position on that?

International Trade committee  To everyone, there's a small business chapter in the new agreement. We've had some testimony from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and others. One question or suggestion we looked for from witnesses is how we get small businesses more involved in scaling up into trade in the North American free trade agreement.

Business of Supply  In the recently-released “Serving Canadians Better” report, the CRA reported that 83% of Canadians had an experience that did not meet their needs. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business gave the CRA a grade of D, and 41% of those who called the CRA received incomplete or incorrect information, a sad state to be sure. Had it not been for the Conservative Party's pressuring the government from this side of the House, we would have had policies like reducing the accessibility to the disability tax credit for type 1 diabetics from 80% to 20%.

International Trade committee  Thank you very much. I'll turn to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. When you talk about smoothing border flow, which I think is in everybody's interest, essentially that means hiring more people to do the work. I take it that's something you would be supportive of, despite the fact that it is an increased public expenditure.

International Trade committee  Thank you. My next question is for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business representatives. Clearly, access for small and medium-size businesses was a big promise of NAFTA, the outgoing agreement, if you will. It was also one of its big successes.

International Trade committee  There were a lot of things for us to think about in your presentations. I'll go to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business first. You referenced the chapter in particular related to small and medium-sized firms and the associated opportunities. I have a two-part question. First, how aware are small and medium-sized businesses that there is such a chapter and opportunities?

International Trade committee  Thank you very much. We will go to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, with Ms. Pohlmann.

International Trade committee  Thank you for the opportunity to be here today to share the perspectives of small and medium-sized companies on the trade agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico. I'll be sharing my time with Jasmin Guénette, my colleague. He'll be starting off, and I will be ending the presentation.

International Trade committee  From the Canadian Electricity Association, we have Michael Powell. From the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, we have Corinne Pohlmann and Jasmin Guénette. From the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, we have Isabelle Des Chênes and David Cherniak. From the Retail Council of Canada, we have Jason McLinton.

Finance committee  Tomorrow we plan to release a statement in partnership with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. Collectively, the member companies of these five organizations employ millions of Canadians in every corner of this country and every part of the private sector.

Canada Revenue Agency  Mr. Speaker, I thank the Canadian Federation of Independent Business for its work. The CRA will take the federation's comments into account to improve services at the call centres. The CRA is also committed to working with the CFIB to better serve businesses across the country.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  In my riding, the economy is very diversified and has businesses in the manufacturing, agricultural, forestry and services sectors, among others. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business ranked Rimouski fourth in its entrepreneurial communities report. The city is growing, attracting flourishing businesses and contributing to the development of our region of Quebec.