Dear Neighbour, 

This week I had the chance to visit the University of Guelph, where I had the opportunity to meet with students whose research is at the cutting edge of climate action and sustainability. Their work spans a remarkable range of fields and each project is contributing to a cleaner and more resilient future for Canada.

From advancing agricultural resiliency in the face of drought and a changing climate, to capturing and repurposing CO₂, to developing greener, renewable materials that can replace traditional plastics. These students are pushing boundaries and driving real-world solutions. Their passion and expertise are helping shape a more sustainable Canada for generations to come.

While in the region, I had the opportunity to visit Toyota Canada and BWXT Canada. During my visit, I saw firsthand how Canadian ingenuity is helping power that leadership. BWXT Canada is manufacturing the nuclear components that play a vital role in delivering dependable, clean energy for Canadians an around the world. And at Toyota Canada, we talked about how we can work together to increase our electric vehicle adoption, lower emissions, and further support Canadian workers.

Canada has the expertise, the skilled workers, and the innovative drive to lead in the global clean energy transition. Their work not only supports our climate goals, but also strengthens Canada’s energy security and showcases the strength of our domestic clean‑tech industry.

In this newsletter you will find updates on:

Key filing dates for 2025 taxes:

February 23, 2026: Earliest day to file your taxes online

April 30, 2026: Deadline to file your taxes

June 15, 2026: Deadline to file your taxes if you or your spouse or common-law partner were self-employed in 2025

Payment due date for 2025 taxes:

April 30, 2026: Deadline to pay your taxes

Paper filing:

If you or someone you know wishes to file via paper, you can do so online or over the phone following the instructions below, note that the paper tax package will take up to 10 business days for mailing.

go online to order, view, download and print the package: Filing a paper tax return – Personal income tax – Canada.ca.

or call CRA’s automated phone line at 1-855-330-3305 with their SIN.

Need help filing your taxes?

Our government has renewed the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Grant for another three years. This means Canadians can continue to access free tax clinics in their communities, and community organizations can apply to receive the financial assistance that allows them to provide these important services.

Click here to find a free tax clinic near by: Free tax clinics – Canada.ca.

To learn more about general information for 2025 taxes click here: Get ready to file a tax return.

Prime Minister Carney secures trade deals with India, Australia, and Japan

In a more divided and uncertain world, Canada’s new government is focused on building a stronger, more independent, and more resilient economy. That means strengthening our foundations at home, diversifying trade abroad, and attracting major new international investment.

As part of this work, the Prime Minister has travelled to India, Australia, and Japan to deepen partnerships in trade, energy, technology, and defence. These visits to three of Canada’s key Indo‑Pacific partners will help unlock new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses, while reinforcing the regional ties that are vital to Canada’s long‑term security and prosperity.

Learn more here: Prime Minister Carney secures ambitious new partnership with India focused on energy, talent, and technology | Prime Minister of Canada.

Prime Minister Carney elevates partnership with Australia in critical minerals, defence, and artificial intelligence

Prime Minister Carney forges new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Japan across defence, energy, trade, and technology

Prioritizing top talent in new 2026 immigration categories

Canadians know that sustainable immigration targets are essential to achieving productivity and growth in our economy. That’s why our government is focusing our immigration system to attract and retain skilled immigrations through the Talent Attraction Strategy.

In addition to the new category for foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience, Canada will introduce new categories for;

researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience

candidates with work experience in transport occupations, including pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors

highly skilled foreign military applicants recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces in key roles such as military doctors, nurses and pilots

Learn more here: Canada prioritizes top talent in 2026 immigration Express Entry categories – Canada.ca.

Introducing the Build Canada Homes Act

The Build Canada Homes Act (Bill C-20) is the latest major step in strengthening the federal government’s capacity to address Canada’s housing crisis. Acting as the federal government’s affordable housing builder, Build Canada Homes (BCH) is mandated to focus on increasing and protecting Canada’s affordable housing supply.  

The legislation now before Parliament will equip BCH with the necessary tools to build more affordable homes, faster and more efficiently with modern methods of construction.

You can follow this legislation here: C-20 (45-1) – LEGISinfo – Parliament of Canada

The Library of Parliament is now accepting applications for the 27th edition of the Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy, set to take place from 1 to 6 November 2026. The application deadline is 3 May 2026. For more information, please visit the Teachers Institute website.

Hosted by the Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Commons, and organized by the Library, the Teachers Institute brings 85 educators from across Canada to the capital each year to learn about Parliament, governance and citizenship.

The Teacher’s Institute has established a reputation among Canadian educators as a rewarding professional development opportunity that offers them an in-depth view of Parliament.

Applications for the 2026-27 Youth Employment and Skills Program are now open. Applications will be accepted until May 4, 2026 (at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time).

The fund provides non-repayable contributions to employers who hire youth aged 15 to 30 and provide meaningful work experience in the agriculture and agri-food sector. The YESP covers 50% of wages and benefits paid to a youth (or 80% for Indigenous employers and/or employers who hire a youth facing barriers to employment), up to $14,000, with up to an additional $5,000 available to support relocation or barrier-related costs.

Learn more here: Youth Employment and Skills Program: 1. What this program offers – agriculture.canada.ca

Leslieville Farmers Market – Spring Market

The Leslieville Spring Farmers Market is taking place March 1- May 3, Sundays 9AM-2PM, 1470 Gerrard Street East.

March 8th, International Women’s Day

March 15th, International Day to Combat Islamophobia

March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day

March 19-20th, Eid al-Fitr (sundown)

High Tea with Applegrove CC

On March 19th, older adults and seniors are invited to an afternoon of elegance at Applegrove’s High Tea. Featuring exquisite teas, sweet and savory treats, music, and festivities. Taking place from 1–3 PM at the East End Food Hub (1470 Gerrard St E) for a charming gathering for the young at heart (55+). 

March 20th, International Francophonie Day

March 20th, Nowruz

March 25th, Greek Independence Day

Yours truly,

Julie

Hon. Julie Dabrusin, P.C.

Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth

Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Nature