Julie Dabrusin
Early May Updates - Canada Summer Jobs, Spring Economic Statement, & more!
May 1, 2026
 

 

An Update From Your Member of Parliament

 

 

 

Dear Neighbour, 

 

Last week, I attended the G7 Environment Ministers’ Meeting, and the Petersberg Climate Dialogue meeting with our international partners. Canada’s presence at these tables is strategic and necessary. We are shaping the policies, partnerships, and investments that will define our shift to a global low-carbon economy, add protections to the environment, and build a strong future.

 

For Canadians, this delivers access to quality jobs in growing sectors and affordable, clean renewable energy that strengthens our long-term security and climate resilience. We are committed to protecting our natural environment while building a competitive, forward-looking economy.
 

 

Learn more here: Minister Dabrusin champions a resilient, sustainable future at international environment talks - Canada.ca

 

In this newsletter you will find updates on:

  • Jewish Heritage Month
  • Asian Heritage Month
  • Canada Summer Jobs Is Officially Open - Apply Now!
  • Ottawa Updates
    • Highlights from the Spring Economic Update
    • Introducing the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit
    • We’re Cutting Fuel Costs in Canada!
  • Upcoming events and days

 

 

 

Canada Summer Jobs Is Officially Open - Apply Now!

 

 

 

The Government of Canada is boosting funding for the Canada Summer Jobs program this year to support up to 100,000 job opportunities for youth across Canada.

 

I am especially pleased to share that in our community of Toronto-Danforth; funding has been approved for 305 positions across 114 local organizations.

 

Young people  (aged 15-30) can apply for jobs in the Toronto-Danforth riding here: Job Bank

 

 

 

Ottawa Updates 

 

Highlights from the Spring Economic Update

 

Our government is focused on what we can control – building a stronger, more independent, and more resilient economy at home.

 

The Spring Economic Update 2026 is the next step in our plan to build Canada strong. Our plan provides a clear update on Canada’s finances, giving Canadians certainty and confidence in our future, and it drives forward our core missions:

  • Build the major infrastructure that transforms and connects our economy.
  • Empower Canadians by lowering costs on everyday essentials to help you get ahead.
  • Protect our communities, environment, our sovereignty, our borders, and our way of life.

We are building a stronger, fairer Canada – one that delivers opportunity and prosperity for everyone.

 

Read it here: Spring Economic Update 2026

 

 

 

 

Introducing the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit

 

On June 5th, eligible Canadians will receive a one-time GST/HST credit top-up. The payment is part of the transition to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit which will replace the GST/HST credit in July 2026.

 

Starting July 3rd, 2026, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will deliver enhanced support, with higher payment amounts while maintaining the eligibility and structure of the GST/HST credit. Quarterly payments will grow by 25% over the next five years, delivering meaningful relief on everyday costs.

 

By combining a one‑time top‑up with quarterly payments, this support will reach more than 12 million recipients across Canada.
 

 

To learn more, check out: Every dollar counts - Benefits, credits and programs - Canada.ca

 

We’re Cutting Fuel Costs in Canada!

 

As of April 20th, 2026, Canada’s new government suspended the full amount of the tax on gasoline and diesel until September 7th, 2026. This is expected to reduce Canadians’ bills at the gas station by 10 cents per litre on regular gasoline and 4 cents on diesel. We will also temporarily suspend the Federal Fuel Excise Tax on aviation fuels.

 

Cutting the tax on gasoline and diesel until Labour Day is a responsible measure that will reduce operating costs for truckers and businesses in the food, agriculture, housing, construction, and delivery sectors.

 

Learn more here: Prime Minister Carney suspends the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline and diesel to lower costs for Canadians

 

 

 

Honouring Heritage: Celebrating Jewish & Asian Communities in May 

 

Jewish Heritage Month

 

Did you know that Nathan Phillips was Toronto’s first Jewish Mayor? Or that Toronto’s two oldest Jewish cemeteries are in our community?  As a Jewish Canadian woman, I was happy to have the chance, eight years ago, to support the creation of Canada’s Jewish Heritage Month and look forward to its celebration every year. 

 

This year, I encourage everyone to explore Jewish film through the Toronto Jewish Film Festival's free streaming service:

J-Flix , explore some Canadian Jewish History through the Ontario Jewish Archives, or go catch a free daytime show during Jewish Music Week starting May 24. 

 

 

 

 

 

Asian Heritage Month

 

In May, we will also be celebrating Asian Heritage Month! Throughout the month, we recognise and commemorate the many ways Asian Canadians have helped shape our country.

 

In our own community, we have East Chinatown where you can discover many shops, restaurants, and discover parts of our own local Canadian Asian history.  Explore more about Asian cinema through the Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival where an award was given to the film “A Hundred Joys” which told the story of community and history of East Chinatown. 

 

 

 

Upcoming Events & Days

 

May 2 – Applegrove Pancake Fundraiser

 

Applegrove is hosting a pancake fundraiser from 9:30 AM - 1PM at East End Food Hub

 

May 5 – National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous

Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (Red Dress Day)

 

May 5 –Cinco de Mayo

 

May 9 – Annual Community Police Day

 

Join the 55 Division for a free barbecue, bicycle safety information, and crime prevention resources from 11AM-2PM, at Jimmie Simpson Park.

 

May 9 – Cosburn Park Lawn Bowling Club Opening Day

 

May 9 & 10 – The Great GreekTown Scavenger Hunt

 

From 10AM-6PM gather your friends and family for a fun Mother’s Day weekend on the Danforth.

 

May 10 – Mother's Day

 

May 10 – Leslieville Farmers' Market

 

The Leslieville Farmers’ Market returns for the season at Greenwood Park. Every Sunday 9AM-2PM.

 

May 12 – East York Farmers Market

 

The East York Farmers' Market returns for the season at East York Civic Centre. Every Tuesday 8AM-2PM.

 

May 11-17 – National Nursing Week

 

May 13-19 – Citizenship Week

 

May 14 – Moose Hide Campaign Day

 

Yours truly,

 

 
 

 

The Honorable Julie Dabrusin P.C.

Member of Parliament for Toronto - Danforth

Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Nature

 

MP Julie Dabrusin
1028 Queen St E
Toronto, Ontario M4M 1K4
Canada

 

       

 

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© 2026 Julie Dabrusin