Ontario will introduce significant new laws and rules starting in 2026. These changes aim to enhance public safety, promote economic transparency, and improve health standards. Below are the key updates that residents should anticipate in the coming year.
Strengthening Impaired Driving Laws
Ontario is escalating penalties for impaired driving. This includes stringent roadside suspensions and extended look-back periods for prior offenses. Young and novice drivers will face stricter consequences for zero-tolerance violations, while repeat offenders must engage in mandatory treatment programs. These modifications are being enacted under the Highway Traffic Act.
New Pay Transparency Measures
Beginning next year, employers in Ontario with 25 or more employees must disclose salary ranges in job advertisements. The starting salary range is set at $50,000. However, positions with salaries exceeding $200,000 are exempt from this requirement. Employers must also provide information about bonuses, commissions, and any other relevant compensation. Disclosure of artificial intelligence usage in hiring processes is also mandated, along with informing candidates of their application status within 45 days.
Expanded Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations
All residential properties in Ontario must adhere to new carbon monoxide alarm standards under the Ontario Fire Code. This mandates installations on every floor, including non-bedroom areas. Landlords and building owners will oversee the installation and maintenance, while tenants are responsible for reporting any issues. These measures aim to decrease incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly following recent fire hazards.
Increased Vitamin D in Dairy Products
Health Canada has announced updated regulations that will nearly double the vitamin D requirements in cow’s milk and margarine. Additionally, the permissible levels in goat’s milk will increase. These adjustments are designed to combat widespread vitamin D deficiencies and enhance bone health throughout Canada.
Changes in Recycling Protocols
Starting next year, Toronto will transfer recycling responsibilities away from municipal management to individual producers, as part of the expanded blue box program. This shift will make more materials, such as black plastic containers and beverage cups, recyclable across Ontario. Circular Materials will oversee this transition, with guidance from local government entities.
Increased Tolls and New Relief Programs
The 407 ETR will raise tolls and transponder fees, with some peak rates surpassing $1 per kilometer. To mitigate the impact, the Route Relief Program will offer eligible households up to eight complimentary trips each month.
Water and Waste Fee Increases in Toronto
Toronto City Council has approved a 3.75% increase in water and solid waste fees. Households can expect an average annual rise of approximately $40 in water costs. Garbage collection fees will vary based on bin size.
Labour Mobility Initiatives
Ontario will streamline the process for qualified professionals, including doctors and engineers, from other provinces to work in the province. This “As of Right” labour mobility initiative will allow them to begin employment within 10 business days while completing their registration. The goal is to alleviate workforce shortages in critical sectors, particularly healthcare.
Implementation of the Grocery Code of Conduct
Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct will take effect, establishing standards for transactions between grocers and suppliers. Although immediate price changes may not be observed, the code aims to stabilize food prices and minimize conflicts within the supply chain. This initiative is supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and entails analysis from the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University.
As 2026 approaches, Ontarians can expect these new laws and rules to take effect, impacting various aspects of daily life across the province.
