January 31, 2026

January Update from your Member of Parliament

January 31, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbours,

I hope this finds you all well and in good spirits! The holidays are over, and after spending time in our riding, I'm glad to be back to work representing you in Ottawa. Our government has bold ambitions for this Parliamentary session: we are introducing legislation to bring down costs across the country, making much-needed investments in public safety, and diversifying our trade relationships while growing our self-reliance and industries at home.

As Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Parks, I'm especially grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our commitments of building and investing sustainably, because as the Prime Minister said, and as we are well aware of here in Vancouver Quadra, addressing climate change is not only a moral responsibility but an economic necessity. I’m excited for the session ahead, and I look forward to the work we will do together to make 2026 a year defined by shared resilience among Canadians, delivering tangible changes, and making steady progress toward a cleaner, brighter future for Vancouver Quadra and all of Canada.

With warm wishes,

Wade

Meeting with Coastal First Nations Alongside the Prime Minister:

Earlier this month, I accompanied the Prime Minister, Minister Hodgson, and Minister Robertson to Prince Rupert to meet with the President of the Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative (CFN), Chief K̓áwáziɫ Marilyn Slett, and CFN leadership. Our discussions were fruitful, and the Prime Minister made clear that our government is committed to sustaining funding for the Oceans Protection Plan Reconciliation Framework Agreement (RFA), which will further our efforts to improve waterway management, increase emergency preparedness, and boost the response capacity of local First Nations. This was announced alongside our commitment to conserve 30% of Canada’s land and waters by 2030, including by working with First Nations on identified Marine Protected Areas in the Great Bear Sea and launching a Marine Traffic Risk Assessment study. As a member of the Musqueam First Nation, I believe that protecting our coast, strengthening our environment, and bringing BC’s interests to the table are all considerations that should be brought to the forefront of our consultation.

Tax Season Update: Changes to Filing for 2026:

Tax season is here, and with that I’m happy to share changes our government has made that will come into effect as you file this year. These changes deliver on our agenda of building a more competitive and more affordable Canada:

The government is introducing the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, formerly the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit. We are increasing its amount by 25% for five years beginning in July 2026. In addition, we are providing a one-time payment equivalent to a 50% increase this year.
Cutting taxes for 22 million middle-class Canadians by lowering the first marginal personal income tax rate from 15% to 14% as of July 1, 2025, providing tax relief of up to $420 a year per person, or up to $840 a year for two-income families.
Eliminating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for first-time homebuyers on new homes up to $1 million and reducing the GST for first-time home buyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million, to immediately make the goal of home ownership a reality for more Canadians, especially young families.
Introducing Automatic Federal Benefits, starting this tax year, to ensure up to 5.5 million low-income Canadians automatically receive the benefits they qualify for by the 2028 tax year, including the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and the Canada Child Benefit.

Please note that CRA will no longer be mailing income tax packages to those who file on paper. Federal and provincial tax packages can be picked up at my constituency office in the coming weeks. More information about filing options, and the digital services and programs that help make tax filing easier for individuals is available at canada.ca/taxes.

Connecting With The UBC Community:

During the break, I had the privilege of attending several events at UBC, and engaging with the wonderful students, faculty and staff that make up the great community that I am proud to call my Alma Mater.

UBC Model Parliament: I was happy to be invited to speak at the Political Science Students Association’s Model Parliament. I found this year’s theme, “Adapting to Our Changing Digital Media Landscape,” extremely pertinent in our current political landscape. I’m proud of these young people, and I can't wait to see the great things they will accomplish in the future.
UBC Project Hastings: UBC Project Hastings is a non-profit led by UBC students who aim to empower those in Canada's most vulnerable communities. Their Impact Sprint Competition this year was themed Substance Misuse and Housing in DTES. I was happy to speak about my experience on the boards of Covenant House, the Vancouver Police Board, and the First Nations Health Council.
UBC’s Infection, Inflammation & Immunity Research Group and Laboratory: Our trip to the UBC Life Sciences Centre was a fun day of learning about cutting-edge advancements in infection, inflammation and autoimmune diseases. We also met with partners working to protect our coasts and advance strong environmental practices in the marine sector.
FPInnovations: I was happy to take a tour of FPInnovations at the UBC Campus, one of Canada's premier organizations in the creation of solutions in support of the Canadian forest sector’s global competitiveness. The Government of Canada is proud to have provided $1.5 million for FPInnovations’ Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Academy Project. This project will develop an equal opportunity capacity-building program that provides practical training in the areas of biomass combined heat and power (Bio-CHP) operation and maintenance, and biomass supply chains.

Touring the Chinese Canadian Museum:

As Canada’s first museum dedicated to Chinese Canadian history, culture, and heritage, the Chinese Canadian Museum plays a vital role in preserving and sharing the stories that have helped shape this country. As we approach Lunar New Year next month, I hope you all have an opportunity for your families and friends to come together, celebrate new beginnings, and contemplate our aspirations for the upcoming year. I would encourage you all to visit the museum whenever you have a chance!

Ribbon Cutting at the Fresh Street Market:

I was grateful to be invited to the official grand opening of Fresh Street Market’s Kitsilano location. It’s always amazing to see how our community rallies around local businesses. I’m especially pleased that the market has announced the new location has created over 80 new jobs and created partnerships with hundreds of BC producers. Places like Fresh Street are living examples of the positive impact local businesses can have on job creation, sustainability, and community connection.

Getting Ready for FIFA 2026:

As we prepare to host part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup right here in B.C, I was excited to meet with the Secretary of State (Sport), and Olympic gold medallist Adam Van Koeverden, representatives from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, and fellow elected officials from all levels of government to discuss and prepare what is sure to be a great moment in B.C'.s proud history.

In Case You Missed It:

Over the holidays, the Government of Canada published the awaited changes to the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness program to expand eligibility to include 10 new positions. Check and see if you are eligible!
Arbutus Neighbourhood House – A New Community Hub on Vancouver’s West Side has just opened in Arbutus Ridge. Please visit the link if you'd like to offer your skills, knowledge and interests as a volunteer, join community programs and events, or spread the word about this community hub.

Save the Date: Lunar New Year Open House

Our office will be hosting a Lunar New Year open house on February 21st, 2026. I’m excited to celebrate the start of the Year of the Horse with you all. We will be providing light refreshments, and an email will be sent to you all with the time of the event. Hope to see you there!

As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns. If anyone you know would like to receive these updates, please direct them to my office at [email protected].

Warmly,

Wade Grant, M.P.
Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra