Ontario Regulatory and Policy Changes Effective January 1
Ontario has introduced several new rules and regulatory changes effective January 1. These updates span employment practices, professional mobility, public safety, consumer protections, and environmental programs, and may affect individuals, employers, and property owners across the province. Below is a summary of the key changes to be aware of.
- The province will require employers to disclose salary ranges in job postings.
- Ontario is introducing an “as-of-right” framework that allows certified professionals from other Canadian jurisdictions to begin working in the province within 10 business days, for up to six months, while completing full registration. This applies to more than 50 non-health regulatory bodies and over 300 certifications, including engineers, architects, and electricians, once credentials are verified by the regulator.
- A lifetime driver’s licence suspension will apply to individuals convicted of impaired driving causing death, along with mandatory remedial education for first-time alcohol- or drug-related driving offences.
- Ontario is extending administrative licence suspension periods under the Highway Traffic Act. First-time suspensions will increase from three to seven days, and second-time suspensions from seven to 14 days.
- Police will be permitted to review up to 10 years of prior drug- and alcohol-related driving offences, doubling the previous five-year lookback period.
- Beginning in 2026, cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and margarine will be fortified with nearly twice the current amount of vitamin D, in response to data showing that approximately one in five people in Canada do not get enough vitamin D.
- New Ontario Fire Code requirements taking effect in 2026 will require a working carbon monoxide alarm on every level of any residence containing a gas-burning appliance, including furnaces, water heaters, and stoves.
- As of January 1, Ontario will adopt a provincewide recycling material list to standardize what can be placed in blue boxes, as responsibility for recycling programs shifts from municipalities to producers and manufacturers. The updated list expands recyclable items to include hot and cold beverage cups, black plastic containers, ice cream tubs, toothpaste tubes, deodorant containers, and more.
- Ontario will no longer treat Canadian Disability Benefit payments as income when assessing eligibility for child care fee subsidies.
Assentt Insight
While many of these changes are regulatory in nature, several may have practical implications for employers, professionals, property owners, and families across Ontario. Staying aware of evolving provincial requirements can help reduce compliance risks and support better planning decisions. If you have questions about how any of these updates may affect your personal or business situation, professional guidance can help clarify your obligations and next steps.
The information provided is for educational/entertainment purposes only. Actual information may vary, please consult our office for further details. Got a question? Feel free to reach us at helpdesk@assentt.com.
