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
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
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
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 Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking Act
Makes the federal anti-trafficking plan law, with yearly reports, training, and a survivor-led approach. It boosts prevention and support, and shares clear info for the public.
Status
Second 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
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
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
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
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
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 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 non-profit organizations and childcare centers.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
Joint custody: new option
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 needs are reassessed every two years.
Status
Présentation
Timeline
Security and Disclosure Act
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
Public reorganization for greater efficiency
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
Présentation
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 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 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 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 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 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
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
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 Westminster United Church Foundation Incorporation Amendment Act
Updates a church foundation's board language and seat rules. If the foundation closes, leftover assets must go to other registered charities chosen by 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
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
1st 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
3rd 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
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
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
United States
View Bills →Major Housing Supply and Tenant Support Bill
Eases rules and funds pilots to speed home building. Adds renter help like an eviction helpline, inspection fixes, and savings escrow pilots.
Status
Motion by Senator Thune to refer to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs the House message to accompany H.R. 6644 with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 5825) fell when cloture was invoked on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6644 in Senate.
Timeline
Medicaid Expansion Asset Test
States could require asset limits for Medicaid expansion adults. People with modest savings or a car might lose coverage or face more paperwork.
Status
Introduced
Timeline
Allow Blended Workforces for SNAP
This lets agencies use both government and non-government staff to run SNAP tasks. It may change who handles your application and case work.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Fair Earned Wage Access Act
Lets workers get early pay with a free option, clear fees, fewer debt collection tools, and stronger privacy rules.
Status
Introduced
Timeline
Tribes Operate SNAP Programs
The bill lets tribes choose to run SNAP for their communities. People could get benefits from a tribal agency instead of the state.
Status
Introduced
Timeline
Prioritizing Rural Childcare Projects
Gives rural childcare projects priority for certain USDA loans and grants in 2027–2029. That may help more childcare centers open or improve in small towns.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Disaster Loan Accountability and Limits
Requires SBA to report disaster loan funding faster and fix forecasts. If funds fall very low, SBA can limit new loans to ones with collateral until Congress provides money.
Status
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 603.
Timeline
Update Enforcement Rules for Unaccompanied Minors
Changes how the U.S. treats children who arrive alone. It may alter where they stay, how long they wait, and how their cases are handled.
Status
Introduced
Timeline
Toronto
View Bills →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
Housing Oversight Unit Added to Ombudsman
Creates a housing unit inside the city's Ombudsman to review housing programs and shelters. It will investigate broad problems and report recommendations to City Council.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline