Tuesday September 30th is National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. This day is a time to honour residential school survivors, their families, and the children who never came home. Truth and Reconciliation Day is more than a commemoration, it is a call to reflect, listen, and learn. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a single moment, but an ongoing process that requires continued commitment from all of us. 

Learn more here: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Canada.ca and Education - NCTR.

In this newsletter you will find information on the following items:

Locally, we’ve had some fantastic events this month. A big shoutout to the Pape Village Block Party for organizing another great gathering and thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat with me there. I was also glad to attend the Bethany Baptist Church Imagination Library dinner and the Reading for Kidz Toronto Community Book Sale at Simone’s restaurant. Both events support important literacy programming for youth in our community.

It’s that time of year again, and we need your help to create our 2026 community calendar! 

Send pictures of your dog, cat, other animals, or wildlife you've encountered to [email protected]

Please submit the highest resolution photos you have of your furry (or feathered) family members to ensure they look their best in print. Don't forget to include your mailing address so we can send you a copy when it's ready.

If you’d like to receive a 2026 calendar when they are ready you can call 416-405-8914 with your name and address or sign up for one at: https://juliedabrusin.libparl.ca/calendar/

This month, Minister Fraser introduced Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, in the House of Commons. In response to the alarming rise in hate crimes across Canada, this legislation aims to strengthen protections for communities affected by hate and ensure that all Canadians can live free from fear, discrimination, and violence. You can follow this bills progress here: C-9 (45-1) - LEGISinfo - Parliament of Canada.

Bill C-9 proposes a new intimidation offence that would make illegal to physically obstruct, or intimidate to prevent access to, a space used primarily by an identifiable group for religious, educational, social, cultural, or sporting activities—this means mosques & synagogues, schools, cultural community centers, and more. New amendments would also prohibit the public display of certain symbols with the intent to promote hatred against an identifiable group.

To be clear, this is not bubble-zone legislation, and does not affect Canadians’ Charter rights to protest, strike, or express political opposition.The new offence would not criminalize the mere public display of hate or terrorism symbols. Rather, it would prohibit the public display of certain symbols with the intent to promote hatred against an identifiable group.

Everyone should feel safe in our communities, and Canada should be a place where you can publicly celebrate your identity with your community safely.

You can learn more about this bill here: Canada introduces legislation to combat hate crimes, intimidation, and obstruction - Canada.ca

Buildings are Canada’s third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and energy-efficient housing is central to Canada’s fight against climate change. Building greener homes also means Canadians will save money on their energy bills to heat and cool their homes.

Earlier this month, I joined the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to announce the Sustainable Affordable Housing stream of the Green Municipal Fund. This funding stream will take action to build and retrofit housing to be more energy efficient.

By investing $85.5 million through the Sustainable Affordable Housing stream, we’re helping communities across the country cut emissions, improve resilience, and deliver real climate solutions. Greener homes mean healthier communities and lower costs for families.

Learn more here: Government of Canada and FCM Invest $85.5 Million Through Green Municipal Fund to Advance Sustainable Affordable Housing Across Canada - Canada.ca

On September 10th, the Minister of Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario recently opened applications for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative for Southern Ontario.  Through RTRI, FedDev Ontario will deliver $160 million in targeted support to small and medium sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations affected by recent tariffs, with a focus on steel and automotive sectors.

Learn more on how to apply here: Regional Tariff Response Initiative in southern Ontario

Riverdale Art Show and Sale

Opening today is the 35th annual Riverdale Art Show and Sale! This event will feature 22 local artists and is wheelchair accessible. 

Friday 26th 6 PM - 9 PM, Saturday 27th, 11 AM - 5 PM, Sunday 28th 12 PM - 5 PM

Thriving Minds Mental Health Portal

Thriving Minds is a partnership between SickKids, CAMH, and The Gary Hurvitz Centre for Community Mental Health at SickKids (GH-CCMH) dedicated to transforming child and youth mental health care. The Information Hub, is now live. 

The Information Hub is designed to make it easier for children, youth, families, and service providers to: 

Yours truly,

Julie

Hon. Julie Dabrusin, P.C.

Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth

Minister of Environment and Climate Change