Need a laptop $1400-1500 MAX Canada

Total budget (in local currency) and country of purchase. Please do not use USD unless purchasing in the US:
$1400-1500 CAD max or below, Canada

Are you open to refurbs/used?
No, only new.

How would you prioritize form factor (ultrabook, 2-in-1, etc.), build quality, performance, and battery life?
Battery life and performance are the most important. Build quality is also very important since I want the laptop to last 5 to 7 years. I do not need a 2-in-1.

How important is weight and thinness to you?
Moderately important. I would prefer something relatively light because I carry it to university and I have some shoulder/back issues, but I am willing to accept slightly more weight if it improves build quality or longevity.

Do you have a preferred screen size? If indifferent, put N/A.
13–14 inches.

Are you doing any CAD/video editing/photo editing/gaming? List which programs/games you desire to run.
Mostly writing papers, research, and general productivity. Usually around 6+ browser tabs open with YouTube or Spotify in the background and a few other apps running (3-4 apps total). No heavy editing software.

If you're gaming, do you have certain games you want to play? At what settings and FPS do you want?
Only light gaming occasionally (Bloons TD6 or Roblox). Settings and FPS are not very important.

Any specific requirements such as good keyboard, reliable build quality, touch-screen, finger-print reader, optical drive or good input devices (keyboard/touchpad)?
Good keyboard (lots of typing) and reliable build quality are very important.
At least 16GB RAM.
Good battery life.
Touchscreen is not necessary.

Leave any finishing thoughts here that you may feel are necessary and beneficial to the discussion.
I am a university student studying History (3rd year, going into 4th year). This laptop will mainly be used for school and later for full-time work after graduation. I might also pursue graduate school in 2-3 years, so I want something reliable that will last 5-7 years.

This laptop will act as the portable companion to my Windows 11 gaming PC, which I use for heavy tasks and AAA games. The laptop will mostly be used for writing, research, and light multitasking. I don't mind a macbook either btw.