Cecily Zamora
Canada has been introducing new laws and regulations to address various issues, including environmental protection, citizenship, and online safety. One notable piece of legislation is the Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act (Bill S-5), which aims to improve the assessment of major projects to protect the environment and provide certainty to industries and investors. Additionally, the Online Harms Act (Bill C-63) seeks to create a safer online environment by addressing social media content and balancing freedom of expression with privacy concerns. Canada has also made changes to its citizenship rules, with the Citizenship Act introducing a first-generation limit to citizenship by descent, although the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has declared this limit unconstitutional. These are just a few examples of the new laws and regulations being implemented in Canada, each designed to address specific concerns and improve the lives of Canadians.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Keeping Canadians safe from gun crime |
| Name | Former Bill C-21 |
| Date of Royal Assent | December 15, 2023 |
| Amendments | Codifying the national handgun freeze into law, increasing penalties for firearms smuggling and trafficking, and adding new offences around ghost guns |
| Other Features | New harm reduction measures, including "Red Flag" laws and new licence revocation provisions to help address the role of firearms in violence |
| Other | Former Bill C-21 amended the definition of "prohibited firearm" in the Criminal Code to add a new category of firearms that meet certain technical criteria |
| Other Legislation | Bill C-50: Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act (June 20, 2024); Bill C-58: An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Industrial Relations Board Regulations, 2012 (June 20, 2024); Bill C-29: National Council for Reconciliation Act (April 30, 2024) |
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What You'll Learn
The Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act
Bill S-5, Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, received Royal Assent on June 13, 2023. The Act amends the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, to make related amendments to the Food and Drugs Act and to repeal the Perfluorooctane Sulfonate Virtual Elimination Act.
The Act recognizes the right of every individual in Canada to a healthy environment, as provided under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA or the Act). It confirms the Government's commitment to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), including free, prior, and informed consent, and recognizes the role of Indigenous knowledge in decision-making related to environmental protection and human health.
The Act also emphasizes the importance of considering vulnerable populations in risk assessments and minimizing the risks posed by the cumulative effects of toxic substances. It encourages the development and timely incorporation of scientifically justified alternative methods and strategies in the testing and assessment of substances to replace, reduce, or refine the use of vertebrate animal testing.
Amendments to the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) expand the Minister of Health's ability to manage environmental risks resulting from drugs. They enable the Government of Canada to create an environmental risk assessment and risk management framework for drugs under the FDA, strengthening the environmental risk assessment and risk management of drugs.
Additionally, the Act provides for conditional prohibitions on certain activities involving toxic substances, with the goal of minimizing or eliminating harmful effects on human health and the environment. It also requires the development of an implementation framework to protect the right to a healthy environment and mandates research, studies, and monitoring activities to support the Government in this effort.
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Amendments to citizenship rules and requirements
Canada has introduced numerous new laws and legislative amendments in the recent past. Here are the details of the Amendments to citizenship rules and requirements:
Former Bill C-21, which received Royal Assent on December 15, 2023, is a comprehensive plan to strengthen gun control and keep Canadians safe from gun violence. It includes a national freeze on the sale, purchase, or transfer of handguns within Canada, with limited exceptions, and increases penalties for firearms smuggling and trafficking. It also adds new offences, such as those related to "ghost guns" and the illegal manufacture of firearms, and introduces harm reduction measures like "Red Flag" laws to address firearms' role in various types of violence.
Bill C-22, the Canada Disability Benefit Act, was enacted on June 22, 2023, to establish a disability benefit aimed at reducing poverty and enhancing the financial security of working-age persons with disabilities.
Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, was introduced on June 20, 2024, to promote economic growth, create sustainable jobs, and support workers and communities in the transition to a net-zero economy.
Bill C-58, also from June 20, 2024, amends the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Industrial Relations Board Regulations, 2012. This legislation prohibits the use of replacement workers and enhances processes to protect public health and safety during labour disputes.
Additionally, there are other proposed bills currently under consideration by the Parliament of Canada, such as Bill C-15, which aims to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and Bill C-36, which seeks to make legislative changes to the Canadian Human Rights Act regarding hate propaganda, hate crimes, and hate speech.
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Tax changes
Canada has introduced several tax changes for 2023 and beyond. Here are the key details:
Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
A new registered account, the FHSA, allows first-time home buyers to save for a home purchase. Contributions are tax-deductible, and withdrawals for a first home purchase are non-taxable. Eligible individuals can create an FHSA account starting in 2023.
Residential Property Flipping Rule
A new deeming rule, effective January 1, 2023, ensures that profits from flipping residential properties are fully taxed. Profits from dispositions of residential property owned for less than a year are now taxable as business income, with exemptions for specific life events such as death, marriage breakdown, eligible relocations, and others.
Canada Dental Benefit
Applications for the new interim Canada Dental Benefit opened on December 1, 2022, offering financial support for dental care to eligible families with an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 in 2021. Parents and guardians of children under 12 who don't have private dental insurance can apply for up to two payments per eligible child.
One-Time Payment for Lower-Income Renters
The government introduced a tax-free one-time payment of $500 to assist lower-income renters facing housing affordability challenges. Eligible individuals must have filed their 2021 tax return and applied by March 31, 2023.
Advance Canada Workers Benefit Payments
Starting in 2023, taxpayers no longer need to apply for advance payments of the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB). These payments are now issued automatically to eligible individuals, and Form RC201 has been discontinued.
Phase-out of Zero-Emission Vehicles and Automotive Equipment
The federal government proposed a phase-out period for the enhanced Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) rate of 100% for eligible zero-emission vehicles and equipment. This reduction will apply to vehicles and equipment available for use after 2023.
Substantive Canadian Controlled Private Corporations (CCPC)
The government announced plans to prevent certain tax planning strategies by substantive CCPCs, with legislation included in Bill C-59. This will apply to tax years starting on or after April 7, 2022.
Short-Term Rental Deductions
Starting January 1, 2024, the federal government will deny deductions for short-term rental expenses if taxpayers are non-compliant with provincial or municipal laws and regulations related to short-term rentals.
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The Online Harms Act
Canada has seen a number of new laws introduced in recent times, with 40 government bills becoming law during the 44th Parliament. These new laws cover a range of issues, including firearms, affordable housing, disability benefits, and foreign nationals.
One notable piece of legislation is the former Bill C-21, which aims to keep Canadians safe from gun crime. This bill includes measures such as increasing penalties for firearms smuggling and trafficking, adding new offences, and implementing harm reduction strategies to address the role of firearms in different types of violence.
Another important law is the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act (Bill C-50), which establishes a framework to promote economic growth, create sustainable jobs, and support communities as Canada transitions to a net-zero economy.
Additionally, Bill C-9 amends the Judges Act, establishing a new process for reviewing allegations of judicial misconduct that do not warrant removal from office.
The Canada Disability Benefit Act (Bill C-22) is also worth mentioning, as it aims to reduce poverty and enhance the financial security of working-age persons with disabilities.
While I cannot find specific information about the "Online Harms Act" in the sources provided, it is clear that Canada is taking active steps to address various social, economic, and safety issues through its recent legislative actions.
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Federal sustainability laws
Canada has several federal laws and strategies in place to promote sustainability and protect the environment. One notable legislation is the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA), which was last amended in 2020. Under the FSDA, the Minister of the Environment is responsible for developing the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. This strategy sets goals and targets for federal departments to advance sustainable development and was first adopted in 2010. The Minister of the Environment must provide progress reports every three years.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA) is another key piece of legislation. It focuses on assessing the environmental impacts of major projects in areas of federal jurisdiction and as a result of federal decisions associated with those projects. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the National Energy Board also play a role in implementing this Act.
In addition, Canada has specific acts targeting certain areas, such as the Canada Water Act and the International Rivers Improvement Act (IRIA), which are administered by Environment Canada. The Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology Act establishes a foundation to fund the development of technologies addressing climate change, clean air, water, and soil quality.
Furthermore, the Environmental Enforcement Act (EEA) strengthens the enforcement of laws protecting Canada's national parks. The Weather Modification Information Act allows the federal government to set reporting requirements for activities that artificially influence weather conditions. The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) is a cornerstone of Canada's environmental legislation, aiming to prevent pollution and protect the environment and human health.
Overall, Canada's federal sustainability laws cover a range of areas, from water management to climate change mitigation, with the shared goal of promoting sustainability and protecting the country's natural resources.
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Frequently asked questions
As of January 1, 2023, there is a two-year federal ban on foreign homebuyers in Canada. This includes a $10,000 fine for non-Canadian citizens or permanent residents who buy residential property. There are exemptions for foreign buyers purchasing recreational properties and for international students on a path to permanent residency, among others.
In 2023, the minimum wage in several regions in Canada will increase. For example, in Saskatchewan, minimum wage employees must be paid at least $14 per hour as of October 1, and in Manitoba, the minimum wage will increase to $14.15 per hour on April 1.
Starting in 2023, pharmacists in Ontario and British Columbia will be allowed to offer prescriptions for common medical ailments. Additionally, the government is putting new rules in place to support jurors who face mental health challenges as a result of their involvement in a trial.
