A range of new measures will go into effect across Canada in 2024 aimed at addressing human rights, public safety, health and other concerns, from stricter bail rules to a new dental care plan. .
The changes also include stricter financial requirements for international students, reporting requirements for businesses and government agencies under the new Modern Slavery Act, and improved labor and pay equity policies.
Here are some of the new laws and regulations you need to know.
Nationwide
Development of dental treatment plan
The City of Ottawa is gradually rolling out what it calls the province’s largest federal dental program, aimed at reducing financial barriers to accessing dental care such as cleanings, exams and root canals. The country’s oldest uninsured low-income residents will be able to start accessing new Canada Dental Care Plan benefits as early as May 2024. The government said eligible residents should wait for a letter with instructions on how to apply by phone.
Boosting local rebates on carbon prices
The City of Ottawa plans to double the provincial premium on pollution price rebates from 10 per cent to 20 per cent starting April 2024. The government said the measure recognizes that rural residents face higher energy costs. Increased energy demand and limited access To clean transportation.
CPP tax increase
Employers and employees must each pay $3,867 in 2024. This is because the maximum amount of pension benefits covered by this scheme is higher. canada pension plan tax, according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. This would result in a $113 tax increase in 2024 for both employers and workers making at least $68,500. In addition, a second CPP tax will apply to incomes between $68,500 and $73,200, the federation said. The highest tax amount for the second tax will be $188 in 2024.
MAiD changes
If Ottawa decides not to further suspend the changes; Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) ActPeople suffering from mental illness in particular will be able to qualify from March 17, 2024. The federal government said it was considering whether to pause plans to extend the rules a second time, citing public and political concerns.
Stricter bail laws
federal government bail reform bill, formerly C-48, makes it more difficult for severely violent repeat offenders to get bail, placing the burden on defendants to prove why they should be released. Legislative changes to the Criminal Code, which will come into force on January 4, 2024, will make it harder to obtain bail for people charged with certain firearm and weapons offenses, as well as further cases involving suspected intimate partner violence.
Modern slavery requirements
Private companies and government agencies in Canada must comply with national regulations. New law to combat the use of child labor and forced laborUnder the Modern Slavery Act, companies must report the steps they take to prevent and reduce the risk of child labor and forced labor in their operations, including their supply chains. Companies that meet the criteria have until May 31, 2024 to submit a report and prominently publish it on their website. Penalties include fines of up to $250,000 and a possible ban on importing the product.
Reforms affecting international students
Government seeks to address concerns regarding international students There are rules It will be released in the new year. To secure living in Canada, study permit applicants will need to meet higher cost of living financial requirements starting January 1, 2024. This requirement would more than double the current savings amount of $10,000. For applications received after January 1st, the student must demonstrate that she has $20,635 plus tuition and travel expenses for the first year.
Accessibility plans for employers
By the time summer approaches, federally regulated employers will accessibility plan Ready and created in consultation with people with disabilities. Employers with 10 to 99 employees must publish their plans by June 1, 2024, in accordance with Canada’s Accessible Act and Canada’s Accessible Regulations, according to Canadian business law firm Macmillan LP. . Employers with at least 100 employees must prepare and publish an annual progress report on how they have implemented their accessibility plan by June 1, 2024. These large employers had until June 1, 2023 to submit and post their plans.
Wage equity reform
Federally regulated employers with 10 or more employees are required to publish a pay equity plan by September 3, 2024 under the Paycheck Fairness Act and Paycheck Equity Regulations, according to McMillan Law Firm. There is. Employers with 100 or more employees and unionized employers can use the , a Wage Fairness Commission must be established. Employers who identify wage disparities must increase compensation for jobs that should receive equal pay for work of equal value.
nova scotia
Nova Scotia is Expanding the scope of work accident compensation From 1 September 2024, people who experience significant long-term stress as a result of their work will be eligible. The Nova Scotia Workers’ Compensation Board will adjudicate the claim for gradual onset stress. This was announced by the workers’ compensation insurance company. gradual onset of stress This stems from a “psychologically unhealthy workplace,” defined as a workplace that does not respect workers, fails to listen to workers’ opinions, and where workers lack some degree of control over their work. There is.
northwest territories
The Northwest Territories are health benefit policy Targeting low-income populations to increase equity in health care, especially critical medication and preventive services. This change will take effect on April 1, 2024. The revised policy also uses income assessments to determine eligibility for all benefits except for seniors. Similarly, the requirement to have certain medical conditions to access benefits will be removed.
nunavut territory
Nunavut is raising the minimum wage Starting January 1, 2024, your hourly rate will go from $16 to $19, making it the highest rate in Canada. The territory’s Department of Justice recommended the increase after conducting an investigation and consultation with businesses and employees last summer.
Ontario
To prevent exploitation of temporary and vulnerable workers, temporary agencies and recruitment agencies license required Effective July 1, 2024, we will be assigning staff to work in Ontario. Based on the revised Employment Standards Act, this amendment prohibits clients from using unauthorized services. These businesses must also pay a $750 application fee and provide a $25,000 letter of credit to cover wages owed to employees.
quebec
Immigration programs for temporary foreign workers or international students who graduate in Quebec face stricter language standards starting November 23, 2024. Quebec experience program (PEQ) currently requires a language proficiency level of at least 7 in spoken French and 5 or above in written French, according to the Quebec scale.
With files from Canadian Press, Reuters Senior Digital Parliamentary Reporter Rachel Aiello and CTVNews.ca Writer Megan Delair