February 6, 2026

February 6th Updates – Groceries and Essentials Benefit, Black History Month, and the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games

Dear neighbour,

In a rapidly changing world, our government is committed to taking action to support Canadians with everyday costs and working to address the root causes of food affordability. Strengthening food security in Canada is an essential part of creating lasting economic stability.

I've worked continuously over the years to support the development of strong food policy in Canada, including efforts related to the National School Food Policy and the Local Food Infrastructure Fund. Building on this work, Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced initiatives that are focused on addressing the immediate pressures households are facing while also supporting long-term solutions to food security and affordability. I look forward to continuing this important work of building a resilient food system in Canada.

This week I joined the Prime Minister and Minister Joly to launch a new strategy to transform Canada's auto industry. Stay tuned for an update on EV's soon.

In this newsletter you will find updates on:

Ensuring Food Security for Canadians
Black History Month
Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games
Upcoming days and events

Ensuring Food Safety for Canadians

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit

Our government introduced the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit . This benefit builds on the GST Credit by increasing its amount by 25% for five years beginning in July 2026 and providing a one-time payment equivalent to a 50% increase this year.

This new benefit will help 12 million Canadians afford day-to-day essentials.

Supporting Local Food Infrastructure

Food banks do important work here in Toronto-Danforth and across Canada, and I know that recently they have been meeting the needs of more community members than in the past. To ease immediate pressures that they are facing, our government will provide $20 million to the Local Food Infrastructure Fund. This fund has directly supported community organizations to help deliver more nutritious food to families and individuals.

Increasing Food Production

In order to lower food costs, we must increase food production here in Canada. To achieve this, we are introducing immediate expensing for greenhouse buildings. This will allow producers to fully write off greenhouses acquired on or after November 4, 2025, and will support increased domestic supply and investment in food production over the medium term.

Addressing Supply Chain Disruptions and Creating a Food Security Fund

The Strategic Response Fund (SRF) helps Canadian industries adapt and compete to our changing global economy. As part of strengthening our food security, $500 million from the SRF will be allocated will helping Canadian food companies increase their capacity.

In addition, we will create a $150 million Food Security Fund, under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, for small and medium enterprises and the organizations that support them.

Black History Month

February marks Black History Month.

This year's theme, "30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries" celebrates the contributions of Black communities to Canada’s history and future.

Throughout the month, we honour those who helped build the country and celebrate the leaders and innovators carrying that legacy forward.

Learn more about this years Black history month theme and ways to get involved here: Black History Month - Canada.ca

Milano Cortino 2026 Winter Olypmics

The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies are tonight February 6th, 2026, and the Paralympic opening ceremonies are on March 6th, 2026. To every Olympian and Paralympian representing Team Canada this year, thank you for your passion and perseverance, we are proud of your achievements and we are cheering you on at home. Go Canada go!

You can share a message of encouragement with Team Canada to let them know that we are behind them: Support Canadian athletes - Canada.ca.

You can watch the Olympic and Paralympic Games anywhere through CBC Gem.

Upcoming days and events

Valentine’s Day February 14th

National Flag of Canada Day February 15th

Family Day February 16th

Ramadan begins February 17th at sundown

Lunar New Year is on February 17th, welcoming the year of the fire horse.

Ash Wednesday February 18th

#ExperienceTO Historical Tours

1. Leslieville Historical Tour on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., starting in front of the Toronto Public Library - Jones Branch (118 Jones Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2Z9). The full event details are available here.

2. Riverdale Historical Tour on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:30 am, starting in front of the Toronto Public Library - Riverdale Branch (370 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2M8). The full event details are available here

Riverdale Historical Tour on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:30 am, starting in front of the Toronto Public Library - Riverdale Branch (370 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2M8). The full event details are available here

Important Winter Flood Information from TRCA

Winter season brings specific flood risks like ice jams and heavy snowmelt. TRCA's Flood Forecasting and Warning Program actively monitors these conditions to provide valuable updates to your local municipality. Stay prepared by signing up for TRCA's Flood Messages at trca.ca/get-flood-messages .

Yours truly,

Julie

Hon. Julie Dabrusin, PC

Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth

Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Nature