From minimum wage increases in some provinces to Canada’s ban on foreign property buyers, the new year will usher in a number of New laws and rules coming to Canada in 2023.
Changes coming into effect in 2023 also include higher payroll deductions for Canadian workers, the introduction of federal carbon pricing in three Atlantic provinces, and new medication-prescribing powers for Ontario pharmacists.
Here are some of the New laws and rules coming to Canada in 2023 you need to know about:
New laws and rules coming to Canada in 2023 NATIONWIDE:
Higher payroll deductions
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions and employment insurance (EI) premiums are increasing in 2023, meaning less take-home pay for Canadian workers.
The employee and employer CPP contribution rates will increase to 5.95 per cent from 5.70 per cent in 2022, the Canada Revenue Agency announced in November.
That means the maximum employee contribution to the CPP plan for 2023 will be $3,754.45, up from $3,499.80 in 2022.
In a separate notice, the federal government said that changes to employment insurance rates will result in workers paying a maximum annual EI premium of $1,002.45 in 2023, compared to $952.74 in 2022.
As of Jan. 1, 2023, foreign commercial enterprises and people will be prohibited from buying residential properties in Canada for two years. Parliament approved the ban last summer in an effort to address housing shortages and affordability issues, but many people will be exempt from the new rule, including those with temporary work permits, refugee claimants and international students who meet certain criteria.
Federal carbon price increase
The federal government’s carbon pricing is set to increase from $50 per tonne to $65 per tonne on April 1, 2023. The Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation says that will increase the current 11.05 cents per litre carbon price to 14.31 cents per litre of gas – costing a family “about $10.88 every time they fuel up their minivan.”
The taxpayers’ federation also says clean fuel regulations set to take effect on July 1, 2023 are expected to increase the price of gas. Those regulations will require gasoline and diesel producers and importers to reduce the carbon intensity of their fuel.
First annual TFSA limit increase since 2019
If you plan on making a contribution to your Tax-Free Savings Account – or opening a TFSA for the first time — the annual limit for 2023 will be $6,500 – a $500 increase from the previous year and the first limit increase since 2019.
New laws affecting jury duty
As of mid-January 2023, Canadians who face mental health challenges as a result of fulfilling their jury duties – such as seeing disturbing evidence during trials, for example – will be allowed to discuss their jury work with a mental health professional. Discussing trial information is normally forbidden, but the passing of Bill S-206 makes the exemption for jurors who need to seek professional support.
A separate piece of federal legislation will allow jury selection to be done via videoconferencing as of Jan. 14, among other changes to the criminal justice system meant to streamline the process.
New rules for operating trucks, buses
As of Jan. 1, 2023, trucks and buses travelling between provinces and territories must have electronic devices that log the number of hours drivers spend on the road, instead of relying on paper log books.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
New homebuyer protection period rules
As of Jan. 3, 2023, there will be a mandatory three-day consumer protection period for real estate purchases in order to give homebuyers an opportunity to secure financing and arrange home inspections, the provincial government said.
Minimum age requirements for hazardous work
As of Jan. 1, 2023, the B.C. government will enforce minimum age requirements for work considered too hazardous for young employees. For example, the minimum age to work in construction will be 16 and the minimum age to operate a chainsaw at a work site will be 18.
New laws and rules coming to Canada in 2023 PROVINCES:
ALBERTA
Inflation relief measures
As part of its inflation relief efforts, the provincial government is rolling out affordability payments in 2023 to those who are eligible.
Similarly, families with annual household incomes below $180,000 can apply to get a total of $600 for each dependent child under 18 years of age.
The provincial government is also adjusting personal income tax rates for inflation and says many Albertans will see the benefits of that “on their first paycheques of 2023.”
Fuel tax drop
From Jan. 1 to July 1, 2023, Alberta will drop the provincial fuel tax, making filling up a tank of gas cheaper. The collection of the 13-cent-per-litre tax had been previously paused to help Albertans cope with high cost of living, but was then reinstated.
MANITOBA
Minimum wage increase
The province’s minimum wage is expected to increase by 65 cents on April 1, 2023, to $14.15 per hour. The government has also said that it plans to further raise the wage “to approximately $15” by Oct. 1, 2023.
New disability income support program
In mid-December, the provincial government announced a new disability income support program that it says “will provide better supports and services for Manitobans living with severe and prolonged disabilities.” The program will be launched in two phases, with the first beginning on Jan. 1, 2023.
SASKATCHEWAN
Minimum wage increase
On Oct. 1, 2023, the provincial minimum wage will increase by one dollar, to $14 per hour.
New centralized online schooling
For the 2023-24 school year, the Saskatchewan government is introducing a centralized online schooling system, which it says “will provide Kindergarten to Grade 12 classes to any Saskatchewan school student who chooses to study online,” no matter where they live.
ONTARIO
Easier access to certain medications
As of Jan. 1, pharmacists in Ontario will have the power to prescribe medications for 13 types of “common ailments,” without the need for the patient to see a doctor.
Those 13 ailments include hay fever, oral thrush, dermatitis, pink eye, menstrual cramps, acid reflux, cold sores, and urinary tract infections.
Ontario drug plan changes
Starting March 31, 2023, the province will begin transitioning seniors and those on social assistance to cheaper, generic prescription medications covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) plan.
The provincial government said certain drugs covered by the ODB will be switched to Health Canada-approved “biosimilar” versions of the medications. There will be a transition period to allow ODB recipients to discuss the changes with their health-care providers.
Naloxone required in some workplaces
Starting on June 1, 2023, Ontario workplaces deemed at risk of staff witnessing or experiencing an opioid overdose will be required to have Naloxone kits on site. Naloxone is a type of medication widely used to reverse opioid overdoses.
QUEBEC
Changes to privacy laws
Quebec’s Law 25 is bringing a number of changes to the province’s privacy laws in 2023, including new rules on how consumers’ personal information is collected and the right of individuals to have their names and information de-indexed online in certain cases. Tech company Didiomi has a breakdown of what Law 25 entails.
No more work permits for some international students
A massive municipal reform plan will reduce the number of local governments in New Brunswick from 104 to 78 and amalgamate various local ‘service districts’ into 12 new rural districts, among other changes.
The province says the changes will lead to better local representation and a fairer municipal tax structure.
Changes to how kids learn French in school
In September 2023, the province plans to introduce a controversial, new French immersion program that cuts the time elementary school students spend learning in French.
Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said Nova Scotia households will receive carbon pricing rebates of $248 every three months.
New rules for short-term rentals
As of April 1, 2023, all short-term rentals in the province – including those operated out of private homes – will be required to register every year with the N.S. Tourist Accommodations Registry and include their registration number in online booking platform listings.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Minimum wage increases
On Jan. 1, 2023, the provincial minimum wage will increase by 80 cents to $14.50 per hour. Another increase on Oct. 1, 2023 will bring it to $15 per hour.
Arrival of carbon pricing
P.E.I. will be among the Atlantic provinces where the federal carbon pricing will be applied as of July 1, 2023. The federal environment minister said the rebate payments to P.E.I households will amount to $240 every three months.
Changes to basic income tax exemption
As of January 2023, the provincial personal income tax exemption will be raised by $750 to $12,000 – a measure the government says is intended to allow residents to keep more money “in their own pockets.”
NEWFOUNDLAND
Minimum wage increases
On April 1, 2023, the provincial minimum wage will increase to $14.50 per hour. It will be raised to $15 per hour on Oct. 1, 2023.
Arrival of carbon pricing
Federal carbon pricing will be imposed on the province as of July 1, 2023 – a move the Newfoundland and Labrador government has called disappointing.
However, the federal environment minister has said that Newfoundland households will receive carbon pricing rebates of $328 every three months.
YUKON
New rules for animal protection
The territory’s new Animal Protection and Control Act will be enforced in 2023. The legislation covers a wide range of issues related to all types of animals, from higher standards of care to more enforcement tools for local governments to deal with feral animals.
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Changes to how minimum wage is adjusted
As of Sept. 1, 2023, the minimum wage will be adjusted annually using a new formula that takes into account the Consumer Price Index – a tool used to measure inflation – for Yellowknife and the average hourly wage in the territory. The minimum wage is currently $15.20 per hour.
New laws and rules coming to Canada in 2023
With files from The Canadian Press, CTV News Toronto, CTV News Calgary, CTV News Edmonton, CTV News Atlantic, CTV News Vancouver Island, CTV News Vancouver
VICTORIA – The British Columbia government says it is taking steps to ensure tree fruit growers are compensated for past harvests after the closure of a co-operative that had served farmers for almost 90 years.
It says the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC is “redirecting” about $4 million in provincial funding that will be used to ensure co-op members receive money they are owed.
The province says the foundation will pay growers in the coming weeks and then recoup the funds at the end of the court process involving the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative that filed for creditor protection last month.
In July, the co-op, which processed, stored, packaged and sold fruit for 230 member farms, announced it was shutting down after 88 years of operation.
It says it has more than $58 million in liabilities.
The agriculture ministry says it is has also provided $100,000 to the BC Fruit Growers Association that will go toward food-safety certification that was previously done by the co-op.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 12, 2024.
VANCOUVER – Jesse Marsch issued Canada’s men’s soccer squad a challenge — get physical.
The edict came after the Canadians surprised many at this summer’s Copa America tournament, making it through to the semifinals. As his players departed for their professional clubs, the head coach wanted them thinking about continued growth.
“I challenged them to be more physically present in the matches that they played in,” Marsch said. “I’ve tried to encourage all the players to sprint more, to win more duels, to win more balls, to be more dynamic in matches.”
When Canada reconvened for a pair of friendlies last week, the coach saw some players had already heeded his call, including Vancouver Whitecaps product Ali Ahmed.
The 23-year-old midfielder started in both Canada’s 2-1 victory over the United States on Saturday and Tuesday’s 0-0 draw against Mexico.
“I’m really happy for him,” Marsch said. “I think he’s still young and still has a lot of room and potential to continue to grow.”
Playing under Marsch — who took over as head coach in May — has been a boon for the young athlete, currently in his second full season with Major League Soccer’s Whitecaps.
“Jesse has a very clear way of playing,” Ahmed said. “And I think the way we’ve been training and the way we’ve been growing as a group, it’s been helpful for me.”
The reward of getting minutes for a national team can spur a player’s growth, including Ahmed, said Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini.
“Of course that fuels him inside to say ‘Hey, I want to be a better player. I want to get to that stage,'” said Sartini.
Vancouver had six players — including Ahmed — away on international duty during its 0-0 draw against Dallas FC on Saturday. The absences are a good problem to have, Sartini said.
“Because we have players that are close to the national team, we have a lot of players that development is faster, better, bigger than it would have been if they hadn’t been called,” he said.
Born in Toronto, Ahmed came up through the Whitecaps’ academy system and played for Vancouver’s MLS Next Pro side before cementing his spot on the first team in 2023. He put up two goals and two assists across 22 regular-season games, and added another goal and another helper in 19 appearances this year.
Taking the next step will require the five-foot-11, 154-pound Ahmed to push himself physically, Marsch said.
“Tactically, he’s technically gifted,” the coach said. “I’ve told him he’s got to get in the gym more.
“There’s a lot of these little things where too many guys, they still look like kids and we need to help them look like men and play like men. And that’s what the high standards of the game are about.”
Marsch has quickly adjusted to recalibrating standards in his short time with Team Canada. Since taking over the squad in May, the coach said he’s learned the players are smarter and more capable than he originally thought, which forces the coach to constantly recalibrate his standards.
“That’s my job right now, to keep raising the level of the demands,” he said.
The way 40th-ranked Canada is viewed on the international stage is evolving, too.
“I think we’re changing the perception on the way we’re playing now,” he said. “I think beating the U.S. — it would have been nice to beat Mexico as well — the way we did, the way that we performed at Copa, I think teams are starting to look at us differently.
“Right now, I think we’re focused on ourselves. We’re definitely trying to be the best in CONCACAF and we have higher goals as well.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 12, 2024.
An investigator gave the World Anti-Doping Agency a pass on its handling of the inflammatory case involving Chinese swimmers, but not without hammering away at the “curious” nature of WADA’s “silence” after examining Chinese actions that did not follow rules designed to safeguard global sports.
WADA on Thursday released the full decision from Eric Cottier, the Swiss investigator it appointed to analyze its handling of the case involving the 23 Chinese swimmers who remained eligible despite testing positive for performance enhancers in 2021.
In echoing wording from an interim report issued earlier this summer, Cottier said it was “reasonable” that WADA chose not to appeal the Chinese anti-doping agency’s explanation that the positives came from contamination.
“Taking into consideration the particularities of the case, (WADA) appears … to have acted in accordance with the rules it has itself laid out for anti-doping organizations,” Cottier wrote.
But peppered throughout his granular, 56-page analysis of the case was evidence and reminders of how WADA disregarded some of China’s violations of anti-doping protocols. Cottier concluded this happened more for the sake of expediency than to show favoritism toward the Chinese.
“In retrospect at least, the Agency’s silence is curious, in the face of a procedure that does not respect the fundamental rules, and its lack of reaction is surprising,” Cottier wrote of WADA’s lack of fealty to the world anti-doping code.
Travis Tygart, the CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and one of WADA’s fiercest critics, latched onto this dynamic, saying Cottier’s information “clearly shows that China did not follow the rules, and that WADA management did nothing about it.”
One of the chief complaints over the handling of this case was that neither WADA nor the Chinese gave any public notice upon learning of the positive tests for the banned heart medication Temozolomide, known as TMZ.
The athletes also were largely kept in the dark and the burden to prove their innocence was taken up by Chinese authorities, not the athletes themselves, which runs counter to what the rulebook demands.
Despite the criticisms, WADA generally welcomed the report.
“Above all, (Cottier) reiterated that WADA showed no bias towards China and that its decision not to appeal the cases was reasonable based on the evidence,” WADA director general Olivier Niggli said. “There are however certainly lessons to be learned by WADA and others from this situation.”
Tygart said “this report validates our concerns and only raises new questions that must be answered.”
Cottier expanded on doubts WADA’s own chief scientist, Olivier Rabin, had expressed over the Chinese contamination theory — snippets of which were introduced in the interim report. Rabin was wary of the idea that “a few micrograms” of TMZ found in the kitchen at the hotel where the swimmers stayed could be enough to cause the group contamination.
“Since he was not in a position to exclude the scenario of contamination with solid evidence, he saw no other solution than to accept it, even if he continued to have doubts about the reality of contamination as described by the Chinese authorities,” Cottier wrote.
Though recommendations for changes had been expected in the report, Cottier made none, instead referring to several comments he’d made earlier in the report.
Key among them were his misgivings that a case this big was largely handled in private — a breach of custom, if not the rules themselves — both while China was investigating and after the file had been forwarded to WADA. Not until the New York Times and German broadcaster ARD reported on the positives were any details revealed.
“At the very least, the extraordinary nature of the case (23 swimmers, including top-class athletes, 28 positive tests out of 60 for a banned substance of therapeutic origin, etc.), could have led to coordinated and concerted reflection within the Agency, culminating in a formal and clearly expressed decision to take no action,” the report said.
WADA’s executive committee established a working group to address two more of Cottier’s criticisms — the first involving what he said was essentially WADA’s sloppy recordkeeping and lack of formal protocol, especially in cases this complex; and the second a need to better flesh out rules for complex cases involving group contamination.
