As one of Canada’s most diverse cities, Mississauga’s Empowering Change: A Comprehensive Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy: 2026-2031, demonstrates the City’s commitment to advancing policies, programs and partnerships that support equity, belonging and opportunity for all residents.

On March 8 and throughout the month, the City of Mississauga will mark International Women’s Day with a variety of programs and activities. All are encouraged to visit the International Women’s Day webpage, which highlights a variety of opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate which include:

• film screenings and storytelling events highlighting women’s leadership and lived experiences
• sports and recreation programs celebrating women and girls
• visual presentations recognizing remarkable women from Mississauga’s history
• free fitness and aquafitness classes led by women instructors
• library programs focused on empowerment, creativity and family learning
• a curated playlist featuring empowering female artists at City facilities and programs

In addition, the City will be lighting the clock tower purple on March 8 in recognition of International Women’s Day.

Background

International Women’s Day is observed each year globally to celebrate women’s achievements and to call attention to the ongoing work needed to achieve gender equality. The City of Mississauga remains committed to creating and fostering inclusive spaces where women and girls can contribute and lead.

For more information and ways to get involved, please visit: mississauga.ca/IWD

Quotes

“International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that when we give our time, our voices, and our support, we all gain. In Mississauga, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of women by creating opportunities to connect, learn, and give back through programs that uplift women and girls, and honour their leadership. By leading through example and working together, we can continue to build a city where every woman feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

Whether you’re a newcomer, retiree, first-time filer or a seasoned tax-filer, you can attend free workshops, presented by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). These sessions offer guidance on filing your tax return and tips on how to avoid scams. If you are 18 or older, have a modest income and a simple tax return, you can book your appointment at a local library to have a trained volunteer help you through the tax-filing process.

Remember, you have until Thursday, April 30 to file your personal income taxes. Book your tax clinic appointment at mississaugalibrary.ca/taxes.

Expanded free income tax-filing clinics

This year, the library is expanding the income tax clinics to two new locations: Clarkson Library and Cooksville Library.

Eligible residents with a simple tax return and modest income can visit one of the library’s free tax clinics. Volunteers are available to help you file your return and receive your tax credits and benefit payments. Tax returns are prepared by volunteers with Chartered Professional Accountants Ontario, Halton-Peel Association, through the CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.

Registration is available by phone or in person at one of seven participating library locations.

Tax education workshops

Free workshops hosted by Mississauga Library bring CRA experts directly to residents. Sessions explain how to complete a tax return, understand benefit eligibility and protect yourself from tax scams.

In-person workshops are available on a drop-in basis and attendance is first-come first-served. Online workshops require advance registration.

Upcoming workshops:

Tax Basics for Newcomers

Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
In-person at Hazel McCallion Central Library

Learn about benefits and credits, options for paying your taxes and ways to protect yourself from tax scams. Ages 13 and up. Registration is not required and space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

Doing Your Taxes

Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
In-person at Sheridan Library

Filing your tax return doesn’t need to be difficult! Discover how to gather your information and complete your return, so you can get the benefits and credits that you’re entitled to. For first-time tax filers and anyone who needs an introduction or refresher. Registration is not required and space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tax Basics for Retirees

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
In-person at Clarkson Library

Learn about benefits and credits, options for paying your taxes and ways to protect yourself from tax scams. Ages 55 and up. Registration is not required and space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

Doing Your Taxes

Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Online – Register now for the Doing Your Taxes workshop

Filing your tax return doesn’t need to be difficult! Discover how to gather your information and complete your return, so you can get the benefits and credits that you’re entitled to. For first-time tax filers and anyone who needs an introduction or refresher. Registration is required.

Tax Basics for Retirees

Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
In-person at Lorne Park Library

Learn about benefits and credits, options for paying your taxes and ways to protect yourself from tax scams. Ages 55 and up. Registration is not required and space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

More information

The library is committed to removing barriers and creating programs to foster learning and empower Mississauga residents. This includes developing programs like free income tax clinics and workshops to help continue supporting vulnerable residents across Mississauga.

There’s a wide range of free programming and resources available at the library to provide opportunities for residents to learn, engage and grow. Learn more about all that the library has to offer at mississaugalibrary.ca/programs.

Author Talks invites readers to go beyond the pages of their favourite stories. The Mississauga Library brings opportunities like these to help residents engage with the ideas and inspirations behind the book through conversations with the authors themselves. Whether you’re already a fan or looking for your next great read, this is your opportunity to ask burning questions and remain a lifelong reader.

Talks will be held virtual only in February and in-person in March. This program is free to attend, and you must register in advance to reserve your spot.

Antonio Michael Downing

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Time: 7 – 8 p.m.

Location: Virtual only

Register now

Antonio Michael Downing is the current host of the CBC Radio program “The Next Chapter.” He is the author of the acclaimed memoir “Saga Boy” and children’s book “Stars in My Crown.” His debut novel “Black Cherokee” is a courageous coming-of-age story about a mixed-race black girl fighting for recognition in a South Carolina Cherokee community, told with dazzling language, keen insight, and an unforgettable voice. Check out his books available at the library.

Nita Prose

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Time: 7 – 8 p.m.

Location: Noel Ryan Auditorium, Hazel McCallion Central Library, 301 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Mississauga

Register now

Nita Prose is the number one bestselling author of the “Maid” series, a crime thriller that has sold millions of copies worldwide. Her series has captured the minds of readers worldwide and won the Ned Kelly Award for International Crime Fiction, the Fingerprint Award for Debut Novel of the Year, the Anthony Award for Best First Novel and the Barry Award for Best First Mystery. Capacity is limited for in-person talks so make sure to register early to save your spot. Check out the series at the library.

Take a look at highlights from previous Author Talks at the Mississauga Library’s official playlist.

More information

The book may end, but the experience continues. Mississauga Library amplifies diverse Canadian voices and stories through a wide selection of books and media to explore. Discover your next read by signing up for the Book Buzz e-newsletter, or visit your nearest library location to ask staff for their recommendations.

Mississauga Library brings residents together through events and activities year-round that inspire learning and foster a lifelong love of reading. Explore everything your library has to offer at Mississaugalibrary.ca.

Throughout the month of February, the City of Mississauga, in partnership with the Black Caucus Alliance, will continue to commemorate Mississauga’s Black community through a variety of programs and events.

All are encouraged to visit the Black History Month webpage, which highlights a variety of learning opportunities and engagement activities designed to deepen the understanding of this important month, some of which include but aren’t limited to the following:

• Raptors 905 vs Greensboro Swarm – Black Heritage Month Game
• REEL Thursdays – The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit
• African Drumming & Storytelling
• Book Club: Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
• Midday Melodies: Chamber Music Live with Waleed Abdulhamid
• Library Movie Screenings
• Online Author Talk: Antonio Michael Downing
• Virtual Roots and Resilience Fitness Classes

Celebrating Black Excellence Event

The third annual Celebrating Black Excellence event will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mississauga City Hall. The event will include performances, keynote speakers and an awards ceremony. If you know someone deserving of a Black Excellence Award, please take a moment to submit a nomination – which will be accepted until February 13, 2026.

Background

Discover more about the actions the City is taking to engage Black community members in decision-making processes, ensuring that programs and services are equitable and inclusive for all residents.

• First Steps: A Community-Driven Report on Making Mississauga More Equitable for Black Communities was received by Mississauga City Council in April 2022. The City developed a multi-year implementation plan and tracking mechanism for the 36 recommendations in the City’s purview. The City is well on its way to implementing the recommendations with:
  • 7 initiatives completed prior to the roadmap
  • 18 initiatives implemented and operational
  • 4 initiatives in progress
  • 11 initiatives are either awaiting initiation and/or require further planning
• Mississauga’s Black Community Engagement sessions helped inform the First Steps report through the recommendations, ideas and the lived experiences of hundreds of community members.
• Anti-Black and Indigenous Racism – Resolution 207

The City of Mississauga recognizes that racism, and in particular anti-Black racism and discrimination is a crisis in our community that requires immediate and sustained attention.

• International Decade for People of African Descent – Resolution 0039-2022

The City of Mississauga joins the global community in recognizing 2015 to 2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent.

• In 2021, the House of Commons officially designated August 1 as Emancipation Day. Each year, the City of Mississauga raises the Pan-African flag and lights the City Hall clock tower red, black and green to recognize this important day.

Quotes

“Mississauga is now and has always been a proudly diverse city. It’s through our work with community groups including the Black Caucus Alliance that allows us to better understand the needs, the struggles and the history of our residents. As a City, we are committed to continuing our work to create a united Mississauga, a space where all residents feel safe, understood and valued.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada, a milestone to reflect on the brilliance and sacrifice of those who built our foundation. In partnership with the City of Mississauga, we are honoring this legacy and this year, prioritizing youth well-being and equity. By celebrating our ancestors’ resilience, we reaffirm our commitment to dismantling anti-Black racism. Together, we are ensuring tomorrow’s visionaries inherit a city that protects their health and empowers their potential.” – Shelly Scott-England, Chair, Black Caucus Alliance