Stricter penalties for impaired driving
Ontario is introducing tougher measures to combat alcohol and drug impaired driving. The new rules include longer roadside licence suspensions and extended look back periods for prior offences.
Young and novice drivers will face longer suspensions for zero tolerance violations, while repeat offenders will be required to participate in mandatory treatment programs. The changes are implemented under the Highway Traffic Act.
Pay transparency becomes mandatory in job postings
Employers with 25 or more workers will be required to disclose salary ranges in public job advertisements, starting at $50,000. Postings with a maximum salary above $200,000 per year are exempt.
All forms of non discretionary compensation, including bonuses and commissions, must be disclosed. Employers must also state whether artificial intelligence is used in hiring and inform interviewed candidates of hiring decisions within 45 days. These measures amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000.
Expanded carbon monoxide alarm requirements
New Ontario Fire Code standards will require carbon monoxide alarms on every floor of residential homes, including floors without bedrooms. Landlords and building owners will be responsible for installation, testing, and maintenance, while tenants must report any issues.
The changes aim to reduce injuries and fatalities linked to carbon monoxide exposure and follow recent incidents involving elevated carbon monoxide levels in residential buildings.
Higher vitamin D content in dairy products
New federal regulations will significantly increase the required vitamin D levels in cow’s milk and margarine and raise the permitted levels in goat’s milk. The objective is to address widespread vitamin D deficiency and improve bone health across Canada.
Recycling responsibilities shift across Ontario
In Toronto, recycling services for most households will transition from municipal management to producer responsibility under the expanded blue box program. Across Ontario, additional materials such as black plastic containers and beverage cups will become recyclable.
The transition will be overseen by Circular Materials, with provincial and municipal supervision.
Higher tolls on Highway 407
Tolls and transponder fees on Highway 407 will increase in 2026, with some peak rates exceeding $1 per kilometre. At the same time, the Route Relief Program will provide eligible households with up to eight free trips per month.
Water and waste fees rise in Toronto
Toronto City Council has approved an interim increase of 3.75% to water rates and solid waste fees. Average households will see annual water costs rise by approximately $40, while garbage collection fees will increase based on bin size.
Labour mobility rules ease interprovincial work
Qualified professionals from other provinces, including doctors, engineers, and electricians, will be allowed to work in Ontario within 10 business days while completing registration. The policy is designed to address labour shortages, particularly in health care.
Grocery code of conduct comes into force
Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct will take effect nationwide, setting standards for commercial relationships between grocers and suppliers. While immediate price reductions are not expected, the framework aims to stabilize food inflation and reduce supply chain disputes.
