In this newsletter you will find updates on:

I’m excited to share our 2026 Toronto–Danforth community calendar again this year. Each year, the calendar features photos of local pets and neighbourhood wildlife. It also contains helpful information such as holidays and key benefit dates including CPP, OAS, GIS, the Canada Child Benefit, and the GST credit.

If you would like to receive a copy, you can sign up online by visiting: www.juliedabrusin.libparl.ca/calendar

You may also call my constituency office at 416-405-8914, and we would be happy to mail a copy once they are ready.

This month I had the opportunity to visit the L'Arche Toronto and meet with some of their core members.

We did a tour of their Gathering Place, an important community space that helps foster belonging with people of all abilities. We also talked about the importance of building more accessible, inclusive housing and community spaces like this one, that support independence that honours each person’s unique needs.

I joined the TTC’s 18th Annual Stuff the Bus toy drive at The Duke on Queen Street East. It is always heartwarming to see people come together to give back during the holiday season.

All donated toys will be distributed to charities that provide essential support locally to children and families during the holidays.

Toronto-Danforth has some of the most creative and skilled craftspeople, and incredible small businesses. Each year I shop at our local holiday markets and shops for gifts and always find something unique and meaningful.

Our world’s economy is fundamentally changing, and we are feeling the impacts of US tariffs here at home. Recent layoffs at Algoma Steel have shown the need for governments to move quickly to protect and strengthen sectors most affected by U.S. tariffs and global trade changes. That’s why we announced new measures to help workers gain new skills, support businesses to modernize and boost domestic demand for Canadian goods.

Part of supporting this transition is the federal government investing in Algoma to purchase new equipment to phase out coal-fired plants and transition to clean technology electric-arc furnace production. Our government is urgently working to ensure that Canadian workers and industry have the tools they need to adapt and thrive in the new global trade environment.

Learn more here: Prime Minister Carney announces new measures to protect and transform Canada’s steel and lumber industries | Prime Minister of Canada and here: Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries | Prime Minister of Canada.

On December 1, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Minister Rechie Valdez reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ending gender-based violence. Through Budget 2025, we are investing $223 million over five years to support women and at-risk populations.

In addition, our government is introducing the first-ever Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Economic Abuse. This code will guide federally regulated banks on how to identify, prevent, and respond to economic abuse.

Further, just this past week, Minister Fraser tabled the Protecting Victims Act, one of the most significant updates to Canada’s Criminal Code in generations. This legislation aims to better protect victims and keep children safe from predators. These changes include a strengthened response to intimate partner violence and sexual offenders, enhanced protections for children, stronger rights for victims, and measures to address court delays.

Learn more here: Canada overhauls Criminal Code to protect victims and keep kids safe from predators - Canada.ca and here: The federal government reaffirms support to address Gender-based Violence - Canada.ca.

This week, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced a new Express Entry category for international doctors with at least one year of Canadian work experience in a eligible occupations within the last three years.

This new measure will give doctors already working in Canada a clear pathway to permanent residence in Canada and will fill critical health workforce gaps. More doctors means a more reliable and a stable health system for Canadians. Invitations to apply for the new Express Entry category will be issued in early 2026.

Learn more here: Targeted immigration measures to boost Canada’s supply of doctors - Canada.ca

Today, Minister Steven MacKinnon joined Alto President & CEO Martin Imbleau to announce that the first segment of the High-Speed Rail network will run between Ottawa and Montreal. 

In January 2026, Alto will begin a comprehensive three-month consultation process. Full details on consultation dates, formats, and participation options are now available on Alto’s website.

Learn more here: Full speed ahead: Ottawa–Montreal chosen as starting point for Alto High-Speed Rail - Canada.ca.

Winter in GreekTown

This weekend is the last weekend of Winter in Greektown. Learn more about the itinerary for Saturday and Sunday the 13th & 14th here: Winter In GreekTown 2025 | GreekTown Toronto.

Danforth Jewish Circle Hanukkah at Withrow Park

Starting at 4PM at the clubhouse at the northwest end of Withrow Park, join the DJC for a family friendly Hanukkah celebration.

Jingle all the way with the Broadview and Danforth BIA

Saturday, December 13, 2025 - 11:00am to 1:00pm at Carrot Common Courtyard, 348 Danforth Avenue

St. Barnabas Community Carol Sing

On Saturday December 20th at 7PM, free will offering for Nourish East End Market-Style Food Bank.

Hanukkah December 14th - 20th.

Kwanza December 26th- January 1st.

Christmas December 25th.

Yalda Night December 21st.

Yours truly,

Julie

Hon. Julie Dabrusin, P.C.

Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth

Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature