The 2020 Toyota Yaris is a rebadged Mazda 2 , reliable but not as nice as the Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is pretty bulletproof and drives a lot better than previous generations. Very reliable for 10+ years.
The Toyota Prius is the most reliable and maintains its value better than other vehicles. She could easily keep it for 10 years+. AWD Option is only $1000 more. Mileage is 100km, a excellent choice with fuel pricing still over $1.20/L.
The Subaru Impreza is the nicest of the bunch to drive but not sporty, and the only one with AWD. It would be my pick for SW Ontario and the snow squalls that frequent the area, but would be among the most expensive in Canada due to the importer. Get the MT if she can drive one. Unfortunately you can't get the Eyesight safety feature without a CVT.
The '19 3 is the best driver, but the 2020 version being introduced this spring is smoother and less sporty.
The Kia Soul has the funkiest styling , and is a good driver, and a good value
The Golf is a great car, but expensive to maintain. Get the MT if she can drive one.
I'd look seriously at the Impreza, Corolla, and Prius with an out the door budget of CAD28-29K (inc HST)
Look at the Yaris and Soul for a budget of >CAD26K