What to know
- The Ontario provincial government made amendments and updates to a slew of laws, which all came into effect on Canada Day.
- Among the updates include: increased safety and support for children, an increase to the Trillium Benefit threshold, and lowering the screening age for colorectal cancer.
- Several changes were made to the Insurance act, including policies on accident coverage and what is considered a minor vehicle accident.
- Additionally, pharmacists can now prescribe medications for nine more minor ailments, including headaches and nasal congestion.
Starting on Canada Day, a slew of updated laws in Ontario have taken effect, including rules around air conditioning and auto insurance.
These laws are just two amendments in a host of regulatory changes that took effect on July 1, 2026. Here’s what residents need to know to stay in the loop.
Changes to the Professional Engineers Act
The province is making it easier for applications to acquire professional engineer licenses by reducing the mandatory years of experience from four years to two years.
Increased support for children under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act
To keep children who have aged out of child protection and support services safer, new amendments to the Child, Youth, and Family Services Act will limit how their information are disclosed and used.
Helping children better understand their rights
To help children and young people better understand their rights, the province is requiring Children’s Aid Societies and licensed out-of-home care providers to make information on asking for help and raising concerns more accessible.
New health and safety requirements in child care settings
Under the Child Care and Early Years Act, new regulations are being introduced to make sure children are better protected. This includes making emergency medication more easily accessible and expanding the list of offenses that prevent people from working in childcare programs.
Amendments to provincial park regulations
To improve how Ontario protects drinking water, the government is making land-use development approvals faster and more predictable at the municipal level under the Safe Drinking Water and Clean Water Act.
Updates to the Insurance Act
Starting July 1, the province has made several changes to the Insurance Act. Firstly, drivers will be able to choose whether they want to purchase optional accident benefits beyond the basic coverage.
Second, auto insurance policies are now on the hook for paying for eligible medical and rehabilitation expenses that result from a car accident, before using private health insurance plans.
Third, the province is changing the definition of a minor vehicle accident. Damages costing up to $5,000 is now considered a minor accident, up from $2,000.
Raising the Trillium Benefit payout threshold
The province is raising the Trillium Benefit single-payment threshold for residents with low to middle-class income. A single payment can now be as high as $500, from $360. This will give more people more funds quicker.
Updates to the Pension Benefits Act
Under the Pension Benefits Act, Ontario is introducing Variable Life Benefits, which gives retired individuals an option to receive lifetime income directly from their pension plans.
The province is also improving pension reporting requirements so residents that have pension plans are better protected and are guaranteed to have access to their pension benefits in the future.
Tenants can install air conditioners
Tenants can install window or portable air conditioning units by themselves in their rental units if their landlords don’t supply one.
Updates to the Pharmacy Act
Pharmacists now have authority to prescribe medications for nine more minor ailments, including calluses and corns, dandruff, dry eye, lice, jock itch, mild headaches, respiratory congestion, ringwork, and warts.
Lowering the age of eligibility for colorectal cancer screenings
The province is lowering the age of eligibility for colorectal cancer screenings, from 50 to 45. Anyone who is between the ages of 45 to 74 can access screening services. People who are 40 and older with increased risk of colorectal cancer can also get screened.
