Transitioning to Automated Federal Benefits:

Starting the 2026 tax year, the CRA will automatically file taxes for low-income Canadians to ensure they receive government benefits they qualify for, such as the GST/HST credit, the Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Disability Benefit, and more. Helping up to 5.5 million low-income Canadians get the benefits they are entitled to.

Making the National School Food Program Permanent:

Every child deserves to have the food they need to get a fair start in life, regardless of their family’s circumstances—which is why our government is making the National School Food Program permanent.

The National School Food Program will provide meals for up to 400,000 children, ensuring kids are fed healthy meals at school and saves families with two children $800 per year on groceries. By making it permanent, we will work with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners to expand the program into more schools across Canada.

Renewing the Canada Strong Pass for the holidays and for Summer 2026:

The Canada Strong Pass will be renewed from December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026, and then again for Summer 2026. This will also help students travelling home for the holidays with a 25% discount on VIA Rail for young adults aged 18 to 24. With the Canada Strong Pass, Canadians can visit national, provincial, and territorial museums, historic sites, parks, and travel by rail for free or at a reduced cost.

Learn more about these new measures here: Canada’s new government is lowering costs to help Canadians get ahead – Canada.ca.

Our government is taking decisive action to address Toronto’s housing challenges. On October 14, 2025, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, announced significant investments aimed at accelerating homebuilding in our city.

A cornerstone of this initiative is the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), which will provide up to $283 million to upgrade Toronto’s Black Creek sewer system. This critical infrastructure project will enable the construction of up to 63,000 new homes in the Downsview area, reduce flooding risks, and create over 65,000 jobs. The City of Toronto is also contributing more than $425 million to this project, demonstrating our shared commitment to sustainable urban development.

Additionally, the newly launched Build Canada Homes agency will oversee the development of 540 new homes at Arbo Downsview, with at least 40% designated as affordable housing. This project will utilize modern construction methods, including modular and prefabricated techniques, to ensure efficiency and quality.

This week, Prime Minister Carney announced a $1.8B plan to fight crime and make our communities safer. Key measures include, reverse-onus bail for serious offenses, consecutive sentences for repeat offenders, and harsher penalties for organized retail theft. The federal government will also hire 1,000 new RCMP officers and boost efforts against money laundering and online fraud.

Beyond enforcement, we are working with provinces, territories, and local law enforcement to address the root causes of crime, like mental health and addiction. Learn more here: Prime Minister Carney announces new measures to combat crime, protect Canadians, and build safer communities | Prime Minister of Canada

To ensure a strong and sustainable future, Canada Post is making important reforms like updating delivery standards, expanding community mailboxes, and adapting the post office network to the needs of todays communities.

These changes will help keep services reliable, especially for seniors, people with disabilities, and rural and Indigenous communities, where postal service is often a lifeline. Our priority is to support postal workers by making sure Canada Post can continue serving all Canadians well into the future.

If you are waiting for a passport or other important travel documents, please note that the IRCC is still processing applications normally during the rolling labour disruptions. Depending on when you applied and when you need the passport, there are ways for you to get your passport in Canada.

For more information on receiving a passport or travel documents click here: Passport services during the Canada Post labour disruption – Canada.ca

The Library of Parliament is pleased to announce the launch of applications for the first Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate. Applications for qualified candidates will be accepted until November 16, 2025.

The focus of the Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate role is on the promotion of the arts in Canada, through Parliament, including by fostering knowledge, enjoyment, awareness and development of the arts. For more information about the application process and the program, please visit the Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate Program web page.

The Call for proposals for the Emergency Treatment Fund (ETF) are now open to organizations across the country. Organizations have until November 4, 2025, to submit applications for funding.

Through the ETF, the Government of Canada helps municipalities and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities address urgent needs related to the overdose crisis. The ETF funds projects that address immediate needs, as identified by the communities, related to substance use and the overdose crisis to support local capacity and provide access to culturally relevant, trauma-informed, and evidence-based programs and services.

Learn more here: Emergency Treatment Fund and here: Additional information on the call for proposals.

Diwali

October 20th is Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights in Hindu culture. This is one of the most important festivals for Hindus, and symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. शुभ दीवाली, Happy Diwali to all who celebrate!

Open Rhodes Art Show

The Open Rhodes Art Show & Sale is a neighbourhood-based, family-friendly event showcasing amateur and professional artists on Rhodes Avenue. Exhibits are displayed in an Open House format in homes along Rhodes Avenue (Danforth to Hanson).

This year the 2 day Art Show & Sale will be held on October 18 & 19, 2025 from 1:00 – 7:00 pm each day.

Applegrove East End Music Fest:

The East End Music Fest returns for its second year! Celebrate the amazing musical talents of the east end while supporting Applegrove community programs. Taking place on Saturday October 25, 7PM – in the Sanctuary at the East End Food Hub (1470 Gerrard St E, Toronto, 1 block west of Coxwell). You can purchase tickets HERE.

Enjoy a night of local music by:

Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar (samanthamartinmusic.com) – Award-winning blues-based soul music.

Marker Starling (markerstarling.bandcamp.com) – Lounge-crooning soul; outsider easy listening music.

Annika Zee (annikazee.bandcamp.com) – A bouncy gumbo of reflective ’90s pop and dreamy electronic music.

Toronto Rotary Club 12th Annual Arts and Crafts Sale:

Taking place on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, 10:00am – 5:00pm, at Danforth Multifaith Commons (Eastminster), with 45+ diverse Artisans selling their creations. Come out and enjoy some delicious baked goodies, yummy chili, together with live music, face painting and a draw.

Proceeds raised go to Toronto East Rotary’s community projects, Eastminster UC Out of the Cold and Nourish East End Food Bank. Admission is free. Everyone is welcome.

East End Adventure with Michael Garron Hospital Foundation

This Saturday, October 18th 2025, join Michael Garron Hospital Foundation’s inaugural East End Adventure, a fun-filled expedition through the east end. The day will consist of visiting local hot spots, completing challenges, and enjoying treats along the way, and earning entries for an exciting prize draw.

The event culminates in a family-friendly festival at Monarch Park featuring games, live entertainment, great food, and tons of family-friendly activities. Funds raised support Michael Garron Hospital’s most pressing needs and emerging priorities. 

You’ll be supporting a hospital that provides care from birth to end-of-life, serving 400,000 people living in East Toronto. The staff team delivers first-rate care on a first-name basis at a time when local healthcare has never been more important.

Learn more here: East End Adventure – East End Adventure

Yours truly,

Julie

Hon. Julie Dabrusin, P.C.

Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth

Minister of Environment and Climate Change