Public policy, made understandable.
Plain-language summaries.
Legislative tracking.
Civic understanding.
The Civics Project is a nonpartisan platform that helps you make sense of public policy. We break down bills, budgets, and votes into clear summaries so it is easier to follow what is being proposed and how institutions are moving.
Democracy works best when more people can participate. Our job is to replace confusion with clarity and provide the tools you need to stay informed, understand public choices, and hold officials accountable.
Plain-language summaries.
Legislative tracking.
Civic understanding.
Policy intelligence for serious work
Go beyond summaries. Track legislation, compare decisions, and stay ahead of what governments are actually doing.
- Track bills, votes, and policy changes in real time
- Follow topics that matter to you (housing, climate, tech, and more)
- Compare legislation across provinces and jurisdictions
- Get clear, structured breakdowns, not headlines or spin
Built for people who need to understand policy, not just follow it.
Latest bills
Lawful Access Act, 2026
Police can force providers to confirm accounts and obtain subscriber or technical data faster. Providers may need to retain metadata and build tools to help law enforcement.
Canadian Space Launch Act
Creates permits and safety rules for rocket launches and reentry. Nearby people may face zoning limits, road closures, and possible taxpayer costs after an accident.
Stronger Cyber Rules for Critical Infrastructure
The bill sets strict cyber rules for banks, energy, telecom, transport and nuclear. It lets government block risky gear and order quick incident reporting.
Providing Alternatives to Isolation and Ensuring Oversight and Remedies in the Correctional System Act (Tona’s Law)
Isolation over 48 hours needs a court's OK. People in federal prisons get faster mental health care and more chances for community release, with more Indigenous and community oversight.
Citizenship Pathway for Former Youth in Care
Lets people who grew up in government care apply for citizenship and stops deportation while applications are decided.
Combatting Hate Act
Police can charge hate cases faster. Public Nazi or terrorist symbols are banned, with narrow exceptions, hate-driven crimes get tougher penalties, and access to worship and community sites is protected.
Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation Act
Creates an independent watchdog to check how federal departments carry out modern treaties with Indigenous partners. Reports to Parliament may lead to changes.
Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act
Porn sites must use age checks to block users under 18. If a site fails to comply, a court can order ISPs to block it in Canada.
New Law Tightens Control Over Schools
The law gives the education minister more control over schools, teacher training, and building projects. Parents can request school ID numbers for children in licensed child care.
Government Moves to Take City Airport Lands
The province would take control of certain city-owned airport lands and buildings. The city gets market-value pay and cannot sell those lands anymore.
Black Health Equity and Accountability Act
Requires hospitals and health units to collect race data, set equity targets, and fund Black-led services. Audits and penalties apply for institutions that fail to meet targets.
Bill 75, Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, 2025
Drivers face longer suspensions, more impounds, and higher fines; accused must post money up front. Most invasive cat and dog research is banned, and inquest recordings are limited.
Fast-Track Housing, Transit, and Water
Sets provincial rules on transit fares, city planning, and water systems. Makes payments simpler, allows smaller lots and faster transit projects, and limits some local site and EV charging rules.
AI Labels and Takedowns for Elections
AI political ads must disclose AI use; false voting info can be removed and fined. The chief electoral officer appoints returning officers and chooses election day within a one-week window.
Workers' Protections and Faster Project Approvals
Employers must pay for required uniforms and faster wage recovery protects workers. The law also speeds up project approvals, boosts some injury benefits, and limits talent-agency fees.
Cut Food Sales Tax and Boost Grocery Competition
Removes provincial sales tax on many food and drinks and bans lease rules that block new grocery stores. Shoppers may pay less and see more stores.
Self-directed personal assistance service
You receive a monthly payment to pay for assistants of your choice. The application is made to Retraite Québec and needs are reassessed every two years.
Priority to the safety of children
The courts prioritize the safety of children. A parent deemed violent must prove their capability and provide assurances to obtain custody.
New rules for the construction industry
This project changes the rules of the construction sector. It affects safety on construction sites, the negotiation of decrees and training, and reduces certain administrative duties.
Prohibition of deepfakes and identity theft
The law prohibits using a person's image, voice, or identity without consent for selling or promoting. The OPC or the AMF can order the removal and preservation of evidence.
Reform of municipal land and transfers
The city can acquire properties with unpaid taxes and sell or give small parcels to neighbors. More municipal buildings offered to non-profit organizations and early childhood centers.
Enhanced protection for individuals in mental crisis
You can write psychiatric directives. Assessments and temporary holds will be faster, with the right to a lawyer and appeal to a specialized court.
Expanded mail-in voting for absentees and students
Absent voters will be able to vote by mail for up to five years. Students will be able to vote for the entire duration of their program with proof of enrollment.
Expenditure authorizations for public services
This law allows for the payment of public services starting April 1st. Hospitals, schools, daycare centers, and roads receive funding without a tax increase.
On-the-Spot 30-Day Driving Ban
Police can take your licence and ban you from driving for 30 days for stunts or very high speeds, without a criminal charge. Driving while banned carries fines and jail.
Certified Professionals Streamline Development Approvals
Cities must accept technical reports signed by licensed professionals, speeding up development approvals. If a certified report causes harm, the professional not the city is responsible.
Firefighter Health Screening and Compensation Review
Sets a province-wide plan for cancer screening, physicals with mental health checks, and lab tests for eligible firefighters. Requires a workers' compensation review and public report.
Mandatory Dash Cams for Commercial Vehicles
Most commercial vehicles must have a forward-facing dash cam that records while driven. Owners or lessees must install and maintain them, and drivers must keep them on.
Cabinet Secrecy, Fuel Fees and Housing Reforms
This law shields some cabinet records, updates electric vehicle targets, allows fuel program fees, and changes housing, tenancy and jail rules. It may raise costs and limit court reviews.
New Service Taxes, Investment Credit, Disability Benefit
Adds sales tax to many professional services and creates a new investment tax credit. Starts a monthly disability supplement and pauses some income tax inflation adjustments.
K’ómoks Treaty Sets Land And Foreshore Rules
The law gives K’ómoks ownership of certain lands and control of the foreshore. It changes forestry rights and removes farm reserve rules on those lands.
Repeal Speculation and Vacancy Tax
Ends provincial tax on empty or under-used homes after a set date. Past years' filings, audits, and payments still apply.
Tightening Rules for Medical Assistance in Dying
MAID would be limited to adults expected to die within 12 months and excludes mental-illness-only cases. Some facilities can refuse on-site MAID and a provincial service will approve providers.
Ban Deepfakes and Restrict Citizen Petitions
Makes it illegal to make or share fake political videos and lets officials remove them. Stops citizen initiatives near elections and raises the public pay disclosure threshold.
Refocus Schools on Academics and Neutrality
Schools will focus on core learning and limit political programming. The anthem will play weekly with written opt-outs, and the province can assume some school properties.
Teach Industry Skills and Create Fossil Fuel Day
Students will learn about oil, farming, forestry, construction and related jobs. February 13 will be Fossil Fuel Recognition Day, not a holiday.
Ban Flavoured Disposable Vapes
After one year, stores cannot sell flavoured disposable vapes except plain tobacco. Refillable vapes are not changed now but may face rules later.
Mutual Recognition of Out-of-Province Approvals
Stores and services must accept approvals from other provinces, so more products and licensed providers may arrive faster. Rules on dangerous goods and public health still apply.
Fair Hiring Rules for Foreign Workers
Stops recruiters and employers from charging foreign workers fees or taking passports. Employers must register and recruiters must be licensed.
No-Fault Auto Care and Seniors Reform
Drivers get faster no-fault crash care and limited rights to sue. Seniors get higher benefits, and the province can invest directly in startups.
Right to a Healthy Environment
Gives everyone a right to a healthy environment and a new commissioner. Sets a public registry, stronger input, and protects workers who report harms.
Cutting Red Tape for Interprovincial Trade
If a product or service is allowed in another province, it can be sold in this province too. This should cut red tape and add choice, while keeping safety rules.
Hydro Rebuild Gets Special Project Rules
Speeds up a big hydro rebuild with special buying, bonding, and labor rules. Could lower financing costs and affect power rates and worker arrangements.
Child Protection Agreements Validated Retroactively
The minister can agree with parents to place children with other caregivers without court. Past agreements since January 26, 2024 are valid, with protection for good-faith actions.
Supplementary Budget Boosts Health and Housing
The government adds $465 million to key services this year. More money goes to health, social supports, housing, education, and public safety. No new taxes.
Investor Dispute Service and Tougher Penalties
Investors get a faster dispute service with awards up to $350,000. The bill tightens promotion rules, raises fines, and protects people who report wrongdoing to stop scams.
Upgrading 911 Security and Call Centre Rules
911 calls will be handled more smoothly and securely. Agencies must meet new standards, share needed info to respond, report outages, and face penalties for misuse.
New rules for wills and breakups
People 16+ can make a will. Marriage won't cancel your will, but breakups usually cancel gifts to an ex. Courts can use more evidence to carry out your wishes.
The Health System Governance and Accountability Amendment Act (Eliminating Mandatory Overtime for Nurses)
Nurses cannot be forced to work extra hours except in real emergencies. Hospitals must plan and report to cut routine mandatory overtime.
The Health System Governance and Accountability Amendment Act(Nurse-to- Patient Ratios)
Government can set minimum nurse-to-patient ratios. Hospitals must plan and report shortfalls; missed ratios do not allow lawsuits.
The Pharmaceutical Amendment, Regulated Health Professions Amendment and Public Health Amendment Act
Pharmacists may give a different medicine with a similar effect unless you or your doctor say no. The law also lets regulators merge and judges change some health orders.
Protect Tax Referendum Rule
Ministers lose half their extra pay if government tries to weaken or pause the tax referendum rule. If the change fails, withheld pay is returned.
The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Amendment Act
People must be 18 and show photo ID to buy pepper spray or long blades. Online sellers verify age and require ID at delivery; sellers keep basic sales records.
The Street Weapons Control Act
The law bans carrying listed weapons in public parts of towns and cities. Police can seize items and fines or jail can follow.
The Waste Reduction and Prevention Amendment Act (Strengthening Enforcement)
This law gives inspectors stronger powers, orders to fix problems, and fines for non-compliance. The public can see approved recycling programs and some compliance actions online.
The Improving Access to Breast Cancer Screening Act
This bill requires clear rules to identify people at higher breast cancer risk and expands access to mammograms, with yearly public reporting and outreach to underserved communities.
Appropriations Act, 2026
An Act to Provide for Defraying Certain Charges and Expenses of the Public Service of the Province
Administrative Measures for Housing, An Act Respecting
An Act Respecting Administrative Measures for Housing
Annual Well-Being Budget and Reports
The government must publish a yearly budget that shows how spending affects health, education and fairness. Reports will be plain language, with data by region and group.
Cannabis Control Act (amended)
An Act to Amend Chapter 3 of the Acts of 2018, the Cannabis Control Act
Justice and Social Services Act
An Act Respecting Justice and Social Services
Elections Act (amended) and House of Assembly Act (amended)
An Act to Amend Chapter 5 of the Acts of 2011, the Elections Act, and Chapter 1 (1992 Supplement) of the Revised Statutes, 1989, the House of Assembly Act
Support for Fire Protection Services Act
An Act to Provide Support for Fire Protection Services
Community Colleges Act (amended)
An Act to Amend Chapter 4 of the Acts of 1995-96, the Community Colleges Act
AN ACT TO AMEND THE WILD LIFE ACT
Hunters can be stopped for licence checks and face higher fines, jail, and licence bans for moose or caribou offences. Seized gear is returned if no charges in three months.
Children's Law Act and the Family Law Act (Amdt.)
Summary coming soon.
AN ACT TO AMEND THE PENSION BENEFITS ACT, 1997
If your pension is moved to another province, the receiving plan must be fairly funded (at least 85%). A regulator must approve the transfer.
AN ACT TO AMEND THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
Raises fines and daily penalties, expands search, seizure and phone or electronic warrant powers, and allows limited permits; government gets up to 180 days to answer listing advice.
AN ACT TO AMEND THE REVENUE ADMINISTRATION ACT NO. 2
Fuel taxes are set at lower rates and a 7-cent cut stays. Drivers, boat operators, and airlines pay less at the pump.
AN ACT RESPECTING THE DISABILITY ADVOCATE
Creates an independent office to help people with disabilities get service problems investigated and fixed. It can receive complaints, investigate, mediate with consent, and issue public recommendations.
AN ACT GRANTING TO HIS MAJESTY CERTAIN SUMS OF MONEY FOR DEFRAYING CERTAIN EXPENSES OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2027 AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE
Allows about $4 billion to keep hospitals, schools, roads and services running until the full budget is passed.
AN ACT TO AMEND THE REVENUE ADMINISTRATION ACT
Sugary drinks will cost less because the sugary drink tax is removed. Stores and makers no longer collect or report this tax.
Associate Judges to Speed Family Cases
Creates associate judges to hear more civil and family cases and free up judges. They have set pay, rules, and a public complaint process.
Ban on Grocery Store Blocking Clauses
Stops lease or land rules that block new grocery stores. Makes it easier for more grocers and supermarkets to open in your area.
Income Tax Credit Updates and Volunteer Boost
Sets and indexes key tax credit amounts and raises the basic personal amount. Doubles volunteer first responder credit, clarifies senior home renovation rules, and extends a fertilizer business incentive.
Finance Minister's Grant Power Expansion
Lets the finance minister create and run grant programs and set their rules, sometimes retroactive to January 1. Ministry staff and the minister are protected from lawsuits for honest actions.
Higher Bank Capital Tax, Crown Tax Phaseout
Large banks pay a higher capital tax from April 1 2026. Most businesses and small lenders pay no new tax; Crown corporation taxes fall to zero by 2027.
Require Ready Land for New Schools
Cities and towns must secure and service land for new schools. The province can order action, charge developers, or withhold transfers if deadlines are missed.
Stop Secret Algorithmic Price Hikes
Stores and online sellers must tell you and get your clear yes before charging higher prices based on your data. Electronic shelf prices must be honored at checkout.
Fertilizer Investment Credit Extended
Firms get more time to build or expand fertilizer plants and claim the tax credit. This can mean more local jobs, but also fiscal costs and environmental effects.
Suing Opioid Companies for Health Costs
Governments can sue opioid makers to recover health care costs using population data. Your medical records stay private and prescriptions are not affected.
Health Transition: Interim Authority and Powers
Gives the minister short-term control over the health system during the change. Your care continues, but health information may be shared and suing over transition actions is mostly barred.
Budget Approves $2.46B for Services
This bill lets the government spend $2.46 billion on health, schools, roads, and homes. It also sets a $100 million contingency for emergencies.
Budget Contingency Vote for Emergencies
Allows a small emergency fund in the annual budget for urgent, unforeseen public needs. Transfers need board approval and public reports.
Clean Energy Law Repealed
The law ends the Clean Energy Act and removes duties, targets, and some rules created by it. Programs tied only to the act may stop; contact the government office.
Bridge Funding to Keep Services Running
Keeps government services running for two months while the full budget is finished. Pays for hospitals, schools, roads, and income supports.
Mid-Year Budget Top-Up Keeps Services Running
This adds money to keep health, schools, roads, and help programs running until March 31, 2026. It does not add new taxes.
Assembly Control Over Debate Agenda
This confirms the assembly can set its own debate priorities. You might see MLAs raise urgent local issues sooner, with no change to services or taxes.