January 1, 2023 – Ontario welcomes 2024 with a slew of fresh regulations; some that could impact your daily life, while others are more clerical in nature. From agriculture to transportation, here’s a snapshot of some of the changes set to roll out across the province:
Agriculture Impacting Your Feast: Turkeys take center stage as changes to the Commodity Boards and Marketing Agencies Act aim to ease the burden on turkey farmers. The prescribed maximum levy is slashed, promising a more budget-friendly Thanksgiving.
Cannabis Expansion: Even more Cannabis! Amendments to the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018, mean a doubling of cannabis retail store authorizations. Now at 150, this boost aims to foster a healthier and more competitive legal cannabis market.
Legal Proceedings Simplified: If you find yourself tangled in legal matters, take note – the Courts of Justice Act sees amendments. Word and page limits are introduced, bringing a streamlined approach to certain procedural rules for civil proceedings.
Colleges Act Gets a Facelift: Changes in the education landscape are underway. With amendments to the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005, now known as the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005, students can expect simpler regulations, easier refunds, and updated requirements.
Quantity of Education: Building schools faster is the goal with the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023, which brings streamlined processes for school construction. Shared-use sites, surplus property sales, and quicker decisions for internationally trained teachers are on the horizon.
Quantity of Teachers: The Ministry of Colleges and Universities is also amending a regulation that requires the Ontario College of Teachers to decide within 60 business days of the application request on the certification of internationally trained teachers. This change is intended to help get more qualified teachers into Ontario classrooms faster.
Streamlining Energy Efficiency: Under the Electricity Act, 1998, red-tape is being cut in the energy sector. Eligible large-building owners will no longer be required to provide supporting documentation on either an annual or ongoing basis for reporting energy consumption and water use.
Cheers to Extended Liquor Imports: Liquor lovers, take note! Changes to the Liquor Licence and Control Act extend the “sunset date” for importing alcohol from other provinces. Now extended to January 1, 2026, this change aims to keep the spirits flowing.
Privacy Protection Boost: The Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) gets a boost, strengthening privacy protection. Monetary penalties can now be imposed on individuals and organizations contravening health privacy laws.
Internet Access for All: Building Broadband Faster Act, 2021, paves the way for reliable high-speed internet. Qualified individuals must handle designated broadband projects, ensuring every community in the province is connected.
Language Proficiency Aligned: The Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act, 2006, aligns language proficiency testing with federal requirements for immigration selection. This opens doors for skilled professionals aiming to contribute to Ontario.
Cracking Down on Invasive Species for our Environment: Ministry of Natural Resources is designating 10 species and four genera (groups of species) as ‘Invasive’ to help prevent and reduce their spread to protect Ontario’s economy and biodiversity.
Towing Industry Overhaul: Starting January 1, 2024, the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, 2021, introduces new customer rights and will be regulated by the province as opposed to municipalities. Now you have a say in where your vehicle goes and how much you pay.
Caring for Animals: The Ministry of the Solicitor General is strengthening the authority of animal welfare inspectors to keep pets safe. They are also updating Animal Care Review Board hearings and proceedings timelines and creating new regulation-making authority in relation to certain Animal Care Review Board processes so incidents of abuse can be dealt with promptly.
As Ontario rolls out these changes, it’s a reminder that a new year brings new opportunities and challenges. Stay informed, stay engaged, and let’s make 2024 a year to remember! For a detailed look at all the regulations, visit here.