Canadian Federal Bills
Smarter energy labels, tougher enforcement
More products must meet efficiency and labelling rules. Expect clearer labels, fewer false claims, pilot tests for new tech, and stronger inspections with bigger fines.
First Nations Gain Control of On-Reserve Gaming
First Nations can run and license lotteries on reserves after giving notice. Provincial control ends on-reserve, and local rules apply, including online raffles for charities.
Budget Law Delivers Credits, Housing, Open Banking
Taxes change, new credits arrive, and housing efforts expand. School meals grow, open banking starts, and clean energy incentives increase.
New Crime: Promoting Terrorism Online
It makes praising terrorist groups a crime, with up to five years in prison. Truthful reporting, good-faith debate, and flagging harmful content are protected.
Survivor pensions for late-life spouses
Spouses and partners can get survivor pensions even if the relationship started after age 60 or after retirement. Retirees no longer need to cut their own pension to fund coverage.
Tougher Penalties for Vandalism at Religious Sites
Sets mandatory minimum penalties for vandalism at places of worship and cemeteries. Offenders must pay owners at least $1,000; repeat offenders face short jail terms.
Keeps Mandatory Minimums for Child Exploitation Crimes
Judges must give at least the set jail time for possessing or accessing child sexual abuse material. It uses the notwithstanding clause and lasts up to five years.
Criminal Ban on Residential School Denialism
Public statements that deny or distort residential schools could be crimes. Offenders face up to two years in jail; private talks are excluded, with defences for truth and good faith.
Competition Watchdog Can Flag Internal Trade Barriers
The Competition Commissioner can recommend fixes to laws that block trade inside Canada. Federal bodies must reply within 120 days, and responses or no-response notices will be posted online.
Ottawa to Draft Basic Income Plan
No new payments now. The bill orders a national plan for basic income, with public reports and consultations, including Indigenous partners. It could guide future benefits for people over 17.
Canada to Align Finance With Climate Targets
Banks and many firms must make climate plans and yearly reports. Fossil fuel loans face higher capital rules. Crown financial bodies must act in line with net-zero goals.
Modernizing Meter Rules and Inspections
Electricity and gas meters must meet updated rules and regular checks. Inspectors get new powers, and fees may apply, which could change your bill if a meter is wrong.
Canada Tightens Bail and Sentencing Laws
The bill makes it harder to get bail for repeat violent crimes and raises some penalties. It adds stricter youth rules and tougher tools to collect federal fines.
Flag Lowered to Honour Peacetime Fallen
October 22 becomes a day to remember military members lost in peacetime. Only the Peace Tower flag must be at half-mast; no holiday or closures.
Canada Tightens Ban on Forced Labour Goods
Border officers will hold risky imports until companies prove they are not made with forced or child labour. Some products may be delayed in stores.
Pay Flight Attendants for All Work Time
Flight attendants must be paid for boarding, safety checks, delays at work, and training at their regular wage. Airlines must count these hours toward daily and weekly limits and overtime.
More EI Weeks for Parents and Caregivers
Parents can use all their EI weeks and extend their benefit period. Caregivers of critically ill adults get up to 26 weeks.
Lower Tariffs on UK Imports to Canada
Canada will cut many tariffs on UK goods. Some dairy, poultry, and eggs stay protected. Changes start when the trade deal takes effect.
Canada Designates April Arab Heritage Month
April will be Arab Heritage Month across Canada. It is symbolic only and creates no new programs, costs, or rules.
Military Sex Offences Move to Civilian Courts
Sexual offence cases involving Canadian Armed Forces members now go to civilian police and courts. Victims get more support and clearer publication ban rules; military justice roles gain fixed terms.
Canada Tightens Hate Crime and Symbol Laws
Police can charge hate crimes faster and seek tougher penalties. Displaying certain hate or terror symbols, or blocking access to schools, worship sites, seniors’ homes, and cemeteries, becomes a crime.
New Rules for Citizenship by Descent
Canada fixes past citizenship gaps and sets a new presence test for children born or adopted abroad. Adults applying by descent need language, civics, and security checks.
Porn sites must verify age in Canada
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.
Cancer warning required on alcohol labels
Alcohol packages will show a cancer warning, standard drinks, and a health risk limit. Changes start one year after it becomes law.
Indian Act expands status and band rights
More people can be registered as Status Indians and added to federal Band Lists. Women who lost membership by marriage, and their descendants, regain entry; removal on request is allowed.
Canada Declares September Ukrainian Heritage Month
September will be an official month to celebrate Ukrainian culture. No new programs, duties, or costs; events are optional.
National Sickle Cell Care Plan
The Health Minister must create a national plan for sickle cell care. It sets standards, supports newborn screening and research, and reviews benefits and drug coverage.
Border, Immigration and Anti-Money Laundering Overhaul
It tightens refugee rules, boosts border checks, and raises penalties for money laundering. Ports must give CBSA free space, and police get more tools and data.
Limit Prison Isolation, Expand Community Corrections
Isolation over 48 hours needs a judge. Prisoners get mental health checks and hospital care; Indigenous and community groups can help with release; courts can shorten sentences after unfair treatment.
National Rules for Sports Betting Ads
The federal government would draft national standards for sports betting ads to reduce harm, especially for kids. New limits could follow after reviews due in one year.
Independent Commissioner for Modern Treaty Oversight
Creates an independent watchdog to check how federal departments carry out modern treaties with Indigenous partners. Reports to Parliament may lead to changes.
Declare October 31 Cities and Municipalities Day
Creates a national Cities and Municipalities Day on October 31. It is not a legal holiday; schools and businesses stay open, and any events or observances are optional.
Tougher Rules for Federal Notwithstanding Clause
The federal government could override Charter rights only after a Supreme Court ruling and a two-thirds House vote. Public reasons and more debate would be required.
Canada Plans National Time Change Conference
Ottawa will host a Canada-wide meeting on time change. A public report will follow within six months; no clock rules change.
Removes Minister Powers in Labour Disputes
The Labour Minister would lose powers to steer labour board action during disputes. Federally regulated sectors would rely on regular processes for mediation and rulings.
New Cyber Rules for Critical Infrastructure
The government can order telecoms to remove risky gear and services. Operators in key sectors must run cybersecurity programs and report hacks fast to cut outages.
Gore Mutual Shift to Quebec Rules
It lets Gore Mutual ask to switch from federal to Quebec insurance law. If Quebec agrees, the company will be run under Quebec rules, and old federal acts end.
Canada to Plan National Soil Health Strategy
The federal government must draft a soil health plan within two years. It will consult farmers and Indigenous partners and report progress every three years; no new rules are created.
Federal Voting Age Lowered to 16
Citizens aged 16 and 17 can vote in federal elections and referendums. Forms, voter lists, and party fundraiser reports will include them.
Automatic Record Expiry Replaces Pardons
Most criminal records expire automatically 2–5 years after a sentence ends; youth records expire when the sentence ends. No fees apply, and employers can't ask about expired convictions.
Forced Sterilization Treated as Aggravated Assault
If someone sterilizes you without consent, it can be charged as aggravated assault. Doctors and hospitals must document clear consent for sterilization procedures.
Stronger Victims' Rights and Restitution Support
Victims get case updates automatically and access to support. The plan adds training, awareness, and help to enforce restitution orders.
Parole Reapply Ban After Murder Denials
After parole is refused or ended, people convicted of murder cannot reapply. Their next review will happen only on the schedule set in law.
National Plan on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
The Health Minister must build a Canada-wide plan on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. It sets standards, training, research, and awareness; provinces may adopt parts later.
Canada Enshrines Anti-Trafficking Strategy
The bill locks Canada's anti-trafficking plan into law. It requires updates, reviews, yearly reports, training, and a public website to help survivors and inform the public.
Judges Can't Weigh Deportation in Sentences
Judges could not change sentences to avoid deportation. Sentences would be based on the crime, not on immigration effects for the person or family.
Multiculturalism Act Exempted in Quebec
The federal Multiculturalism Act would no longer apply in Quebec. Federal services and funding rules tied to the Act could change there; other provinces stay the same.
Youth Justice Adds Addiction Treatment Options
Police and courts can steer youths into approved addiction programs, with consent. Judges cannot jail a youth just for skipping treatment.
No Assisted Dying for Mental Illness Only
People with only a mental illness would not qualify for assisted dying. Access for those with qualifying physical illnesses stays the same.
Back-to-back sentences for sexual offences
People convicted of more than one sexual offence will serve sentences one after another. Judges still set each term and must keep the total fair.
Mandatory Max-Security for High-Risk Offenders
Dangerous offenders and multiple murderers must stay in maximum-security prisons. They cannot get unescorted passes; parole rules stay the same.
Crackdown on Foreign Repression and Influence
Canada adds new sanctions for foreign repression and corruption. Some family of sanctioned people lose visas, and broadcasters tied to bad actors can lose licences.
Parole Delays for Withholding Body Location
Courts and parole boards will weigh if an offender is withholding a body's location. Refusal can bring tougher sentences and later or denied parole.
Judges Can Delay Parole Up to 40 Years
In the worst cases, judges could set parole eligibility at 25 to 40 years. This applies when abduction, sexual assault, and murder all happen to the same victim.
National Grocery Unit Pricing Framework
The Industry Minister must design a plan for unit pricing and price change info. No immediate changes, but shoppers may later see clearer shelf labels and public reports.
Public Registry of Forgiven Corporate Debts
The Treasury Board must post a public list of large corporate debts the government waives or forgives. It covers cases of $1,000,000 or more and names the company and law.
New Medal for Living Organ Donors
Creates a federal medal for living organ donors. Eligible citizens and permanent residents who donated in Canada can be honoured at public ceremonies; nomination rules will be set later.
Canada Tightens Military Export Permits
Companies exporting military goods need individual permits and more risk checks. No country exceptions. Annual public reports will show where and what Canada exports.
Explain Parole Dates in Victim Notices
Registered victims will get notices that show how parole and release dates were set. Release rules do not change; officials must add clear, simple explanations.
Natural Health Products Exempt from Drug Rules
Vitamins and herbal remedies would not face the same federal monitoring as drugs and devices. Nicotine quit aids stay under stricter rules. Some past cases are paused.
Stop dumping and risky boat sales
The bill tightens sea dumping bans and blocks sales of boats to buyers who cannot maintain them. Sellers and owners face penalties if they allow dumping or risky transfers.
Unified Atlantic Groundfish Seasons and Monitoring
Recreational groundfish seasons match across Atlantic provinces. Closures only cover spawning; two months online notice and a new catch reporting system will help planning and enforcement.
Restitution for Front-Line Community Services
Courts can order traffickers and drug offenders to repay shelters, hospitals, and support groups for clear costs. Payments go to organizations, not individuals.
Tougher Bail Rules Prioritize Public Safety
Police can't release serious offenders. More accused must convince a judge for bail, non-citizens must surrender passports, and the federal government will publish a yearly report on bail.
Health Transfers Tied to Provincial Accountability
Provinces must set and publish wait-time and spending goals, then report results each year. The federal government can cut health transfers if they do not follow the rules.
Ottawa to Draft Youth Housing Strategy
The government must draft a housing plan for people 17 to 34. It will consult provinces, cities, students, and renters and publish reports, but no new money or programs.
National Flood and Drought Forecasting Strategy
The bill creates a national plan to improve flood and drought forecasts. It requires wide consultations and reports, with no immediate changes, but better warnings and maps may follow.
Parental Benefits and Leave Continue After Child’s Death
Parents keep parental benefits and job-protected leave until the original end date, even if a child dies. No new claim is needed.
Child Safety First in Custody Decisions
Courts must prioritize child safety and family violence in custody decisions. It limits alienation claims, bans reunification therapy, and eases moves for primary caregivers.
New 21 Day Treaty Review and Oversight
Before ratifying treaties, the government must share plain-language summaries and wait 21 sitting days. You can see treaties and changes online within 7 days; major deals get committee review.
Tougher Penalties for Intimate Partner Violence
Creates new domestic violence crimes with higher penalties. Treats intimate partner murder as first-degree and tightens arrest, bail, and seized property rules.
Tougher Sentences for Assaults on Caregivers, Responders
Judges must consider harsher penalties when health workers or on-duty first responders are assaulted or threatened. Crimes stay the same; this change affects sentencing only.
Judges Can Order Rehab, Tougher Fentanyl Sentences
Judges can add rehab steps to prison time, tied to correctional plans and parole reviews. Large-scale fentanyl trafficking counts as an aggravating factor, leading to harsher sentences.
National ADHD Care and School Framework
The federal government must create a plan for ADHD care and school support within two years. It sets training goals and access steps, but gives no funding or guaranteed services.
Border, Immigration, and Policing Powers Overhaul
Police get faster digital data access and stronger anti‑money‑laundering powers. Most cash payments over $10,000 are banned, mail checks expand, and refugee claim rules tighten.
Dairy, Poultry, Eggs Off Limits in Trade
Stops the foreign affairs minister from expanding import quotas or cutting high tariffs on dairy, poultry, and eggs in future trade deals. No change to current prices or rules.
Faster Permits and Easier Work Across Canada
Provincial rules and licences count for federal ones. Big projects can get one federal permit faster, with conditions, safety checks, and Indigenous consultation.
Authorize 2025-26 Federal Spending
Lets the federal government spend up to $149.8 billion to run services through March 2026. Some student debts are erased, and border and tax funds last two years.
Authorizes $8.58B for Defence and Cybersecurity
This bill lets Ottawa spend $8.58B on defence and cybersecurity this year. It keeps military and cyber operations running; no change to taxes.
National Thanadelthur Day on February 5
Canada would mark February 5 to honor Thanadelthur, a Denesuline peacemaker. It is not a legal holiday; work, school, and courts stay open.
Federal Prosecutors For First Nation Laws
Federal prosecutors will handle minor offences under First Nation laws unless the community uses its own or provincial prosecutors. This gives a clear default and may improve enforcement.
Canada Jay Named National Bird
Canada would declare the Canada jay as the national bird. No new programs, rules, or costs; daily life stays the same.
Free Tuition for Students with Disabilities
The federal government would pay tuition for students with disabilities who qualify for the disability tax credit. Money goes to schools as a tax-free grant for tuition only.
Child Online Safety and Deepfake Crackdown
Platforms must set strong safety defaults for kids and offer parental controls. Creating fake sexual images and online harassment become crimes; internet providers must report child abuse material.
National Plan for Container Spill Pollution
The minister must create a national plan on container spill pollution within one year, with Indigenous input. It requires a study and yearly public updates; no new rules yet.
Canada aims for 100% renewable power by 2030
The minister must plan for all electricity to be renewable by 2030. New start-up incentives could help homes and businesses add solar, wind, tidal, or biomass systems.
Stops PR Loss for Refugee Cessation
Permanent residents would not lose status if their refugee protection ends. Travel or using a home-country passport would no longer, by itself, trigger deportation.
New Immigration Ombud to Tackle Fairness
Creates an independent watchdog for immigration and citizenship. People can file complaints about unfair or biased treatment, and the Minister must answer its recommendations.
RCMP Must Enforce First Nation Laws
RCMP officers would clearly enforce First Nation laws and carry out related warrants. It would start once the bill becomes law and only changes RCMP duties.
Ottawa takes charge of Chignecto flood defenses
The bill puts the Chignecto dikes under federal control. It allows faster emergency repairs and partnerships, but it sets no funding or timelines.
November Named National Immigration Month
November would be National Immigration Month. No policy changes or required activities; communities may choose to celebrate.
Create a National Plan for Children and Youth
The government must draft a child and youth plan, with goals and regular reports. No new money now, but you may be asked to join consultations.
Provinces' Decisions Count for Federal Disability
Provincial approvals will usually count for federal disability supports. Many people will get the tax credit and Canada Pension Plan disability with fewer duplicate forms, starting in 2026.
MPs and Senators get oath choice
No change to services or taxes. Federal members can choose an Oath of Office, the Oath of Allegiance, or both when sworn in.
Advance assisted dying allowed after incapacity
People diagnosed with serious illness could authorize assisted dying if they later lose capacity, using a witnessed, doctor-certified declaration. All existing safeguards apply, and care stops if they resist.
Tax Cuts, Home Rebates, Carbon Charge Repeal
It lowers the first income tax rate, adds a big rebate for first-time new-home buyers, ends the federal fuel charge, and sets national privacy rules for political parties.
Gatineau Park Gets Stronger Protections
It locks Gatineau Park's borders and puts nature first. Expect some permits or fees, stronger enforcement, and a bigger role for the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation.
November Named Albanian Heritage Month Nationwide
November will be Albanian Heritage Month across Canada. It is symbolic only and creates no programs, funding, or duties.
Limits Non-Disclosure Agreements in Harassment, Violence, Discrimination
Federal bodies and funded groups can use NDAs only if the person asks after legal advice. No public money to enforce NDAs. Annual totals reported.
Canada Names National Livestock Brand
The bill makes a livestock brand a national symbol. It changes no branding rules and creates no new programs, fees, or rights.
Make January 11 Judicial Independence Day
Canada would mark January 11 as Judicial Independence Day. It creates no holiday or closures; daily life stays the same.
Supermajority Needed to Exit CPP
A province cannot replace CPP with its own plan unless two thirds of CPP provinces, representing two thirds of their population, agree. Your CPP contribution and benefits stay the same.
National Brain Injury Care Strategy
The federal government must create a national plan for brain injury prevention, care, and rehab. It will set guidelines, improve data, and link supports in schools, sports, and workplaces.
Protecting Homeless Encampments on Federal Land
The bill stops quick clearings of homeless camps on federal land. It requires meaningful talks, options for residents, and Indigenous involvement, with better data and reporting.
Create Jury Duty Appreciation Week Nationwide
The second week of May would be Jury Duty Appreciation Week across Canada. It is symbolic only; no changes to jury pay, leave, or court rules.
Bigger Tax Credit for Volunteer Responders
Volunteer firefighters and search and rescue workers can claim a bigger tax credit starting in 2026. On-call time counts, and small pay won't block eligibility; credit remains non-refundable.
September Named Ukrainian Heritage Month
September would be recognized as Ukrainian Heritage Month across Canada. It creates no new programs or costs and does not change services or laws.
Tax agency to reveal tax gap, convictions
The tax agency will list all tax evasion convictions each year and publish tax gap stats every three years. The Budget Officer gets the data for deeper, confidential analysis.
Federal to Draft Basic Income Framework
No new money now. The Finance Minister must design and publish a basic income plan within a year, consult provinces and Indigenous groups, and report yearly.
Alcohol Ads and Sponsorships Largely Banned
Alcohol ads, endorsements, and sponsorships would mostly end. Only limited adult-only and point-of-sale info stays. Inspectors could enforce rules; violations bring heavy fines and possible jail.
Mental Health Coverage Added to Canada Health Act
Public plans must cover mental health and addiction care, including in community settings. Provinces decide details and timing; no new federal funding.
National Heart Failure Care Plan
The Health Minister must create a national plan for heart failure care. It sets timelines, consultation, telehealth use, and data tracking, but brings no new services now.
Judges Can Bypass Mandatory Minimums, Consider Treatment
Judges may give lower sentences and use treatment programs. Juries can recommend parole timing in murder cases.
Parties Must Post Diversity and Candidate Rules
Big parties must post candidate rules and diversity plans online. Elections Canada will publish anonymous reports on candidate demographics after elections.
Cabinet Can Forfeit Foreign State Assets
Cabinet could take and sell foreign state assets already frozen under sanctions, without a court order. Banks would transfer assets, and sale money could support set uses.
March Named Hellenic Heritage Month Nationwide
March would be Hellenic Heritage Month across Canada. It honors Greek Canadians and creates no new holidays, programs, or costs.