Social Welfare in Canada
Compare recent bills on this issue across different governments.
Canada
View Bills →Appropriation Act No. 2, 2026-27
This law lets federal departments keep running and paying staff through March 31, 2027. It does not change taxes or benefits.
Status
Royal assent
Timeline
Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2
This bill changes taxes, housing, work rules, and travel complaints. It bans most non‑competes, raises housing guarantees, and adds new tax and crypto reporting for businesses.
Status
Senate pre-study
Timeline
Seniors' Pension Boost and Work Exemption
People 65 and over would get a larger Old Age Security cheque. Low-income seniors could earn more from work before their Guaranteed Income Supplement is cut.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
An Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements)
More people can get Indian status if one parent has it. Women who lost band membership by marrying out, and their descendants, can be added back.
Status
Consideration in committee
Timeline
National Framework on Sickle Cell Disease Act
Creates a national plan to improve diagnosis, care, and research for sickle cell disease. Aims for newborn screening, clear standards, and possible financial help for patients and caregivers.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (restitution orders)
Courts can order traffickers and drug offenders to repay shelters, hospitals, and support groups for clear costs. Payments go to organizations, not individuals.
Status
Consideration in committee
Timeline
Service Dogs for Veterans Act
Veterans will be assessed for service dogs during rehabilitation planning. Federal rules will set standards and funding later.
Status
First reading
Timeline
Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 1
Changes taxes, funds housing and school meals, and creates open banking and stablecoin rules. It gives credits, housing money, and new bank protections.
Status
Royal assent
Timeline
Ontario
View Bills →Public Safety and Adoption Overhaul
Adds new police powers, tightens adoption rules, bans some pill presses, and helps trafficking victims stop debt collections.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
Workers' Protections and Faster Project Approvals
Employers can no longer charge for normal uniforms and some injury benefits rise. The law also speeds some project approvals and limits fees by talent agencies.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
Budget Overhaul: Retail, Tickets, Pensions
Lowers some pension guarantees, changes taxes and privacy rules. Stores can open on two holidays and ticket resale prices are capped.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Enforceable Rights for Group Home Residents
Supported group home residents get clear, enforceable rights on privacy, care, visitors, and eviction. Agencies must support resident and family councils and respond to concerns.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Limits Rent Hikes and Creates Rent Registry
Caps rent hikes, stops big reset hikes when new tenants move in, and creates a public rent registry. Tenants get stronger rules for evictions and renovations.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Ontario Proposes New Workers' Compensation System
Injured workers would get 90% of net wages and pain-and-suffering pay. It speeds payments, funds retraining and medical care, and covers students and volunteers; employers may pay higher premiums.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
2025–26 Government Spending Approval
Keeps core public services funded from April 2025 to March 2026 so hospitals, schools, transit and supports keep running. No tax or program changes.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2025 (No. 2)
Elections can be called anytime within five years. New tax credits, indexed benefits, pharmacy payment caps, and a new conservation agency change rules for businesses, families, and public lands.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
British Columbia
View Bills →Risk Agreements for Experimental Medicines
Doctors and pharmacists could use listed drugs only if distributors sign risk agreements with the health minister. This may delay access to vaccines, SSRIs, harm-reduction medicines, and gender care.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Half Tax for Under-40s, Big Spending Cut
People under 40 would pay half their provincial income tax. Public services could face deep cuts to meet a required 50% spending cut within five years.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Online Government Services and Data-Sharing Reform
Gives government new power to share your data across online service platforms. Makes more records public and changes how people ask for information.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Annual Government Spending Authorization
Allows the government to pay for public services and approved projects during the year. It does not create new taxes or change program rules.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Close Overdose Sites and Suspend Benefits
It would close provincially funded supervised drug sites, require not using illegal drugs in funded housing, and suspend benefits after drug possession until treatment is done.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
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.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
New Rules for Supportive Housing Tenancies
Supportive housing will get special tenancy rules and faster action when weapons are involved. Operators can limit access and staff entry, and the tenancy branch can approve or change orders.
Status
Committee
Timeline
Province ends insurer health transfers, updates child funds
Drivers keep past ICBC coverage. The bill sets a retro tax paid by ICBC and clarifies when the Public Guardian handles children's money, with extra rules for Indigenous children.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Alberta
View Bills →Municipal Reform and Development Acceleration Act
Speeds up development, changes who controls local services and taxes, and sets new rules for libraries, seniors' lodges, and municipal employee pay.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
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.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Tourism Levy Hike and Pension Overhaul
Hotel stays will face a 6% tourism levy from April 2026. Caregiver tax credits and pension rules change, and data centres and credit unions face new fees and oversight.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Approving Spending for Services and Projects
This bill lets government pay for hospitals, schools, roads, and social programs. It keeps services running and allows shifts to speed up school and health projects.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Tighter Election Rules and Legal Reforms
You must show ID to sign citizen petitions and candidates need 100 nomination signatures. Legal aid funding and lawyer discipline rules also change.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Minimum Wage Hike and Tip Protections
Minimum pay rises in steps and then yearly with inflation. Tips belong to workers and can be pooled only if staff agree in writing.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
Midyear Budget Top Up and Transfers
This bill gives government departments extra money so services keep running this year. It shifts big hospital funds into assisted living but does not raise taxes.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Payday fees cut; liquor, cannabis markups set
Payday loans get slightly cheaper. The Minister can set liquor and cannabis wholesale prices, and people can sign key documents by video.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Québec
View Bills →Act mainly aimed at better supporting individuals whose mental state may pose a risk to their own safety or that of others.
You can write psychiatric directives. Assessments and temporary holds will be faster, with the right to a lawyer and appeal to a specialized court.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
An Act to Enhance the Intervention Powers of Municipalities and to Amend Other Legislative Provisions
The city can acquire properties with unpaid taxes and sell or give small parcels to neighbors. More municipal buildings offered to NPOs and childcare centers.
Status
Prise en considération du rapport de commission
Timeline
Act to establish the provision of educational childcare services by individuals recognized as responsible for a community educational childcare service.
The text creates community childcare services with supervision and clear rules. It aims to increase the number of spaces while protecting children and safety.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
Personal Self-Directed Assistance Act for Persons with Disabilities
You receive a monthly payment to pay for assistants of your choice. The application is made to Retraite Québec and the needs are reassessed every two years.
Status
Présentation
Timeline
Act to Promote the Safety and Security of the Population and to Amend Various Provisions
This law could make information about certain sex offenders public and establish rules for demonstrations, affecting the daily lives of citizens and the safety of elected officials.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
Act to Protect the Child and Parent Victims of Domestic Violence
The courts prioritize the safety of children. A parent recognized as violent must prove their ability and provide guarantees to obtain custody.
Status
Présentation
Timeline
Act to Reduce Bureaucracy, Increase State Efficiency, and Strengthen Accountability of Senior Officials
The project brings together agencies and changes who manages certain public benefits. This could affect daily processes such as family benefits and health services.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
Bill No. 1 on Credits, 2026-2027
This law allows for the payment of public services starting April 1st. Hospitals, schools, daycare centers, and roads receive funding without a tax increase.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
Newfoundland and Labrador
View Bills →AN ACT TO AMEND THE CHILDREN'S LAW ACT AND THE FAMILY LAW ACT
Changes custody rules to decision-making, parenting time, and contact. Courts must use only the child's best interests and set clear relocation, safety, and enforcement steps.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
AN ACT RESPECTING THE SENIORS' ADVOCATE
Creates a stronger, independent Seniors' Advocate who can investigate problems and get records. Care homes must forward seniors' requests to the office.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
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.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
AN ACT FOR 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
Funds government services for 2026–27 and keeps hospitals, schools, roads, and social programs running. It also lets officials move money for pay, emergencies, and federal projects.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
AN ACT TO AMEND THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 2019
Student loan appeals move to an internal two-step review with the director's decision final. The minister can file a certificate that enforces unpaid loans like a court judgment.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
AN ACT TO AMEND THE INCOME TAX ACT, 2000 NO. 2
Child benefit continues for six months after a child's death. Businesses can transfer unused green, manufacturing, and film tax credits after mergers or wind-ups, and excess film credits are refunded.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
AN ACT TO AMEND THE WORKPLACE HEALTH, SAFETY AND COMPENSATION ACT, 2022
If you were hurt at work and still get wage-loss benefits at 65, you get a one-time payment. The amount is 5% or 10% of past benefits with interest.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
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.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
Manitoba
View Bills →The Child and Family Services Amendment Act
Allows some youth in care to keep provincial help until age 21. It also lets Indigenous services take over cases when their law applies, with notice to families.
Status
Concurrence and 3rd Reading
Timeline
The Adult Abuse Registry Amendment Act
People named in abuse reports get a chance to give information before decisions. Reviews of alleged abuse will follow clearer, consistent steps.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
The Advocate for Children and Youth Amendment Act
The law names and protects all children's identities and helps the Advocate coordinate services. It requires reviews every seven years.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
The Minor Amendments and Corrections Act, 2026
Updates wording and names across many laws. It improves reporting, lets agencies request information, and can extend time to challenge missed ticket convictions.
Status
Concurrence and 3rd Reading
Timeline
Stop Funding Law-Breaking Organizations
If a funded group breaks workplace or human rights law, the minister must stop their government funding. Funding can be restored only if cutting it would harm people.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
The Winnipeg Foundation Amendment Act
The foundation must get yearly independent audits and post a short financial summary online. The mayor will no longer automatically sit on the board.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
The Interim Appropriation Act, 2026
Lets the government pay for schools, health care, and services at the start of the year with temporary spending limits. It sets clear dollar caps so services continue.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Stronger Accessibility Planning and Awareness Week
Public bodies must make and update accessibility plans with people with disabilities. Fines must fund education and an annual Access Awareness Week will start each May.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Nova Scotia
View Bills →Appropriations Act, 2026
An Act to Provide for Defraying Certain Charges and Expenses of the Public Service of the Province
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Caps Rent Hikes and Strengthens Tenant Rights
Limits annual rent increases to inflation and bans rent jumps between tenants. Gives 90-day notice, refunds for lost services, and stops blanket no-pet bans.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Housing Accountability and Supply Act
Sets yearly housing-supply targets and public reporting. It expands public and non-market housing and boosts tenant protections to improve affordability.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Unified Child Care System, $10-A-Day Goal
Families use one online account to join a common waitlist and get offers from licensed centres. The province funds the system to aim for $10 daily fees.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
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.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Halve Core Housing Need by 2035
Sets annual housing and homelessness targets, builds more public and non-market homes, and boosts supports so most households pay under 30% of income for housing.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Modernization and Tax Changes Act
It updates taxes, housing rules, bridge oversight, and entertainment rules. It cuts small-business tax rates, adds a 10% nonresident home tax, and lets savers use e-signatures.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Partner Risk Disclosure and Safety Act
People can ask police if a current or former partner has a violent past. The law widens domestic violence definitions and requires training, risk checks, and privacy safeguards.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Saskatchewan
View Bills →Spending Authority for 2026–27 Budget
Gives legal permission to spend on health, schools, roads and social programs for 2026–27. It does not change taxes or create new programs.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Preserve and Share Child Welfare Records
Requires the minister to preserve records about Indigenous children and the Sixties Scoop. It favors sharing those records and requires written reasons if requests are refused.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
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.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Cross Border Child Support Made Easier
Makes it simpler to register and enforce child and family support orders from other places. Courts can take evidence remotely and hide contact details for safety.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Refundable Fertility Treatment Tax Credit
Pays back 50% of eligible fertility costs, up to $10,000 per person. Each partner may claim once; refund is paid even if you owe no tax.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Free Parking for Cancer Treatment Patients
Cancer patients need not pay parking at designated cancer treatment sites. It only covers patients during treatment and not family, visitors, or other appointments.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Nunavut
View Bills →Interim Funding to Keep Services Running
Allows government to spend up to $2.47 billion for core services in 2026–27. It keeps hospitals, schools, housing and other services funded but does not create new programs.
Status
Assent
Timeline
Extra Capital Funding for Public Infrastructure
Families with children get a bigger monthly payment. The amount will rise each year with inflation starting in 2026.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Northwest Territories
View Bills →Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act
Officials can order people to leave rental units linked to illegal activity and end tenancies. Innocent tenants may get help, but failure to obey can mean fines or jail.
Status
2nd Reading
Timeline
An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act, No. 2
Firefighters and front-line emergency workers get an automatic presumption for some cancers, heart injuries, and PTSD so it's easier to get workers' compensation.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2026-2027
Adds one-time government funds for hospitals, schools, roads, and local services. Money must be spent by March 31, 2027.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
Civil Forfeiture Act
Government can seize property likely tied to crime through court or paperwork. Owners must dispute within 60 days or may lose assets.
Status
2nd Reading
Timeline
An Act to Amend the Children's Law Act
Replaces old custody terms, sets equal starting rights for parents, adds move notice rules, stronger enforcement, and a service to recalculate child support.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
An Act to Amend the Family Law Act
Updates parenting terms, defaults child support recalculation unless opted out, limits arbitration to Canadian law, and recognizes some foreign polygamous marriages.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act
Creates a one-time lump sum for permanent loss and monthly pay for lost earnings after recovery. Monthly payments usually end near retirement age and can be reviewed.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2025-2026.
Allows government to spend up to $2.38B for running services in 2025–26. Sets borrowing limits and requires records; it does not change taxes.
Status
2nd Reading
Timeline
Yukon
View Bills →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.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
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.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
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.
Status
Assent
Timeline
United States
View Bills →Cancer Care Planning Coverage
Adds Medicare coverage and payment for written cancer care plans and coordination; sets initial payment equal to transitional care management.
Status
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Timeline
Community Mental Wellness Training Grants Act
Creates a grant program to train community based mental health workers and expand non clinical support, improving access to early help.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Diabetes Prevention Program Reauthorization
Extends and funds the National Diabetes Prevention Program with set annual amounts for FY2027–2031.
Status
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Timeline
Cap Commissary Prices in Detention
Sets a limit on prices for items sold in immigration detention facility commissaries; referred to Judiciary and Homeland Security committees. No further details publicly available.
Status
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Timeline
Lifetime identity protection expansion
extends lifetime identity-theft protection and requires at least 5 million coverage; allows agencies to reimburse privacy tools for employees and contractors; funding and scope remain unclear.
Status
N/A
Timeline
AI tax and work protections
Proposes an excise tax on foundation models and creates a Work Protection Administration with grants to fund public-service jobs and worker protections.
Status
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Timeline
National service expansion
Expands national service by adding at least 500,000 positions for 2027, raises participant living allowances to 200% of the poverty line, and links funding to inflation.
Status
Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Timeline
Maternal Health Equity Act
A proposal to reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve outcomes by expanding access, enhancing data collection, funding state programs, and improving hospital and clinician practices.
Status
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Timeline
Toronto
View Bills →Island Ferry Fares Free This August for Children and Seniors
From August 1 to 31, eligible riders get free round trips on the Island ferry. It means families and seniors pay less when visiting the island.
Status
Adopted
Timeline
Temporary Cuts to Residential Development Charges
Cuts development charges 40–60% for most new homes for about three years and adds rental incentives. Federal and provincial money replaces some city development charge revenue.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline
Major Deal Funds Transit and Housing
The deal brings funding for transit, housing, shelters, and highway upkeep. Riders get more safety measures; drivers face no immediate tolls.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline
Legalize and License Shared Rental Homes
Allows rooming houses citywide with licences, inspections, and no parking minimums. Tenants get clearer safety rules; operators need annual licences and must meet standards.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Push for National School Food Program
The city asks the federal government to fund a national school food program. If funded, more students could get free or low-cost meals at school.
Status
N/A
Timeline
City Backs Shelters, Seeks Federal Funding
City will pay one-time support to groups sheltering refugee claimants and asks the federal government for funding and a reception centre. That could add shelter spaces and speed housing.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline
Fairer Rules for Park Encampment Clearings
City will give clearer notices, a contact person, and on-site health supports during park encampment clearings. Residents get more engagement and a public complaints process.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline
City Declares Gender-Based Violence Epidemic
The city calls gender-based and intimate partner violence an epidemic and asks higher governments to act. There are no immediate law changes but this may bring more programs and supports.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline