Canadian Legislation

The law caps loan interest at the Bank of Canada overnight rate plus 30 percentage points. All fees count as interest, and payday loans must follow the same national cap.

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The minister must quickly review new bills for effects on women, especially Indigenous women, and post statements online. Rules start six months after the law is passed.

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Lets 16- and 17-year-olds vote in federal elections and referendums. Updates voter lists and forms; takes effect up to six months after royal assent or earlier.

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The bill removes the $4,000 wealth test and land-owning rule for most new Senators. Quebec's special rules stay for now, so more people can be appointed outside Quebec.

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Future Governors General must speak and understand English and French clearly on day one. Appointments will be checked for language skills; unilingual candidates cannot be picked.

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Canadians aged 16 and 17 will be able to vote in federal elections. The change starts about six months after the law is approved.

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After one year, Canada will stop imports containing any Xinjiang-made parts. This applies to all shoppers and businesses, with no exceptions or permits.

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Future New Brunswick lieutenant governors must speak English and French at appointment, and temporary administrators must also be bilingual. It does not change current office holders.

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More B.C. lakes and rivers need federal approval for docks, bridges, and other works. Public notice and comment will be required, including at inlets and outlets.

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The Health Minister will design a school meal plan with provinces. It sets rules and due dates but adds no funding yet.

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Federally regulated workers get longer bereavement leave. Up to 8 weeks for child death or stillbirth, 3 days for miscarriage, and 10 days for other family deaths.

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More Senate leaders get extra pay with annual increases. Appointments of watchdogs and Emergencies Act reviewers must include wider Senate consultation.

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The bill ends many mandatory minimum prison terms and lets more people get conditional sentences at home. Judges can still give long terms, especially when weapons are used.

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Provinces must meet national child care rules to get federal funds. Parents can see yearly reports on spaces, fees, quality, and access.

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Canada makes conversion therapy illegal for all ages. Promoting it, taking kids abroad for it, or profiting from it is also banned, with prison terms up to five years.

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Sets and indexes extra pay for Senate leaders. Adds Senate group leaders to watchdog and security review consultations, and lets them change a key committee when Parliament is not sitting.

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Adds a right to proper housing at reasonable cost under federal law. People can challenge unreasonable barriers in federal programs one year after it becomes law.

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Self-harm to avoid duty will no longer be a military crime. Harm to others can still be charged under other offences.

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You can file complaints about federal judges. Hearings are usually public, with options like warnings or training; some legal costs are paid by the government.

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If coal mines stay listed, every new mine would face a federal impact review, no size cutoff. Expect more public input and Indigenous consultation, and possibly longer project timelines.

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It designates every September as Ukrainian Heritage Month. No holiday, rules, or costs; events are voluntary.

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The minister must create a national plan to study and improve soil health with Indigenous input. Expect more research, training, a soil data system, regular reports, and new awareness days.

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Creates a new offence for repeated controlling behaviour in relationships and households. Police can charge abusers, even without physical assault, with penalties up to five years.

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Volunteer firefighters and search and rescue workers can claim a larger federal tax credit, retroactive to 2022. The maximum savings rises to $1,500 a year, but it is non-refundable.

Summary not yet verified