Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG)

Court Power to Order Blood/DNA Tests
Ontario is proposing changes to the Children’s Law Reform Act that would allow the Ontario Court of Justice to order blood or DNA testing to help determine parentage. This would support a more effective resolution of family law cases where knowing who a child’s parent is can impact decisions about child support, custody, and access.

Amending the Attorney General’s Civil and Family Rulemaking Provision to Improve Clarity
Ontario is proposing to remove an unnecessary subsection in the part of the law that outlines Attorney General’s civil and family rulemaking authority. This would improve clarity and reduce the possibility of legal uncertainty.

Designating Additional Individuals/Positions as Commissioners by Virtue of Office
Ontario will be consulting on proposed changes to Ontario Regulation 386/12 – Commissioners and Other Persons Who May Take Affidavits to add additional individuals/positions as commissioners by virtue of office to help them avoid the costs and time of applying to become a commissioner for taking affidavits.

Enhancing the Visibility of Ontario’s Authorized Cannabis Retail Stores
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Ontario’s regulator for private cannabis retail, is helping consumers more easily identify authorized cannabis retailers. Authorized retailers will be required to clearly display the official Ontario cannabis retail seal in their stores and on their websites. The AGCO will also list the websites of authorized retailers on their own website. These changes will help make it easier for consumers to find legal cannabis retailers, whether shopping online or in person, and will help legal businesses compete more fairly.

Escheats Act, 2015 Amendment
Ontario is proposing a legislative amendment to the Escheats Act, 2015 to retroactively validate the sale of a royalty by the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) to IAMGOLD Corporation. This amendment will provide certainty that sale is valid, giving the company certainty in their investment and allow them to realize the value of the commercial transaction in which they invested time, effort, and capital. It would also prevent costly and time-consuming litigation by confirming Ontario was legally entitled to sell the forfeited property previously owned by Superior Corporate Services Limited.

Extending Term Lengths for Notary and Commissioner Appointments
In Ontario, commissioners for taking affidavits and non-lawyer/non-paralegal Notaries Public are appointed by the Ministry of the Attorney General for three-year terms with the possibility of renewal. Ontario will be consulting on a proposal to extend term lengths to 10 years. This change would help save commissioners and notaries time and money by making renewals less frequent.

Increased Divisional Court Flexibility
Ontario is proposing to give the Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Justice (SCJ) more flexibility to decide which cases in the Divisional Court can be heard by a single judge instead of a three-judge panel.

Succession Law Reform Act Amendments
Ontario is proposing a legislative amendment to Part III of the Succession Law Reform Act to make the rules clearer for substitute decision makers. The change would clarify that substitute decision makers can renew, replace, transfer, or convert financial instruments (e.g., RRIF, pension, etc.) on behalf of the incapable person while capable, as long as the beneficiary remains the same.

Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG) / Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH)

Landlord Tenant Board Reform
The Ministry of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing will explore potential future legislative amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. These changes would help reduce delays and backlogs at the Landlord and Tenant Board. The ministries will work together to identify opportunities that would make the process more efficient, while still preserving parties’ access to justice.

Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)

Exemptions for the Canada Disability Benefit
Ontario intends to exempt the Canada Disability Benefit from being counted as income for recipients of the Ontario Disability Support Program, Ontario Works, and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities program. By exempting the Canada Disability Benefit, social assistance recipients will be able to fully benefit from the new program. This action furthers Ontario’s commitment to protect families by building a more effective and efficient social assistance system that supports those who need it most.

Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism (MCM)

Update to Operational Processes and Archaeology Standards and Guidelines
Ontario is proposing to improve how archaeological assessments are carried out. The plan includes updating the Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists (S&Gs) to streamline reporting requirements for assessments and shorten timelines for assessment reviews, with implementation planned in phases following notification and consultations with Indigenous partners and stakeholders .These changes will streamline the assessment process and save time and costs for licensed consultant archaeologists and proponents, enhancing efficiency within Ontario’s heritage framework.

Streamlining Licence Processes for Licensed Consultant Archaeologists
Ontario is considering the removal of licence renewals for licensed consultant archaeologists. This change would better support the archaeology sector, by reducing administrative delays, so they can focus on their work and support archaeological assessments needed to keep development and infrastructure projects moving.

Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCURES)

Improving College and University Board Governance
Ontario is consulting with publicly assisted colleges and universities to explore ways to improve board governance. This change would ensure our colleges and universities are focused on producing made-in-Ontario talent for the jobs our economy needs to keep Ontario a global leader in key industries. This consultation will explore how to improve efficiency, accountability, and consistency in order to keep boards focused on student success.

Ministry of Education (EDU)

Revised Pathways to Principals’ Qualifications
To support Ontario’s focus on STEM education, the province is making it easier for educators with expertise in technological education to become principals and vice-principals. These changes would reduce barriers for teachers certified through Initial Teacher Education programs in Technological Education, even if they do not have an undergraduate degree. The changes will also extend to teachers certified for Indigenous Languages and Primary/Junior Teachers of Indigenous Ancestry.

Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)

Compliance Policy Modernization
Ontario is finalizing changes that will help the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks focus on higher-risk events, such as spills that could harm human health. Lower risk issues like construction noise, would be directed to the appropriate authorities. The changes will clarify roles and responsibilities between the ministry and other regulatory authorities, reduce burden on the regulated community including small businesses by simplifying compliance oversight for low-risk activities, and provide provincial officers with better guidance on how to apply compliance tools.

Strengthening Transparency, Communication, Compliance and Collection Under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act
Ontario is proposing changes to the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act that would improve Ontario’s blue box program. The changes would enhance transparency, cost disclosure, and collection of materials. The proposed changes would allow Ontario’s producer responsibility framework to be more responsive to the needs of businesses and identify ways to help drive blue box costs down.

Carbon Management Framework
Ontario will be proposing a carbon management framework that would accelerate the use of new technologies and support the growth of a strong carbon management sector. This builds on the government’s efforts to enable geologic carbon storage and support the growth of a strong carbon management sector. This would open the door to new export markets and attract investment, while reducing industry’s carbon footprint.

Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) / Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG)

Expansion of Areas Where Alcohol can be Consumed in Provincial Parks
Ontario is supporting tourism by proposing changes to the Liquor Licence Control Act to expand areas where alcohol can be consumed in Ontario Parks, beginning in 2026. This amendment would improve visitor experiences in parks by expanding opportunities for socially responsible consumption of alcohol.

Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM)

Addressing Permitting Delays Associated with Land Tenure
Ontario is finding solutions that would allow mine development activities to proceed without delays due to securing land. These changes would help ensure mining projects move forward on time and allow critical minerals, used in things like electric vehicle batteries and advanced military technologies, to reach markets faster. Ontario will also conduct a review on the current term length of mining leases under the Mining Act and provide recommendations to the government.

Legislative Framework for Tailings Storage Facilities
Ontario is working to create a comprehensive legislative framework that clarifies the governing law and streamlines government activities related to the tailings storage facilities. This initiative aims to eliminate confusion caused by unclear oversight – spread across multiple ministries – regarding the location, design, construction, operation, decommissioning, and safety of these facilities.

Modernization of the Professional Geoscientists Act, 2000
Ontario is proposing to provide the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (PGO) with greater flexibility. These changes would meet the needs of their membership by removing unnecessary restrictions on eligibility requirements and provide a modernized approach to regulating geoscience in Ontario.

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)

Temporary Help Agencies and Recruiter Licensing
Ontario is currently exploring potential changes to the renewal period of a temporary help agency and recruiter licence under the Employment Standards Act, 2000.

Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC)

Health Assessment Form Modernization
Ontario is working with sector partners on a second phase of modernization work to digitize the Health Assessment Form (HAF), which is used during the admissions process to determine eligibility for long-term care. The changes are expected to reduce administrative burden, result in better data quality and reduce instances where follow-ups are required.

Inspection Reports
Ontario is proposing a legislative amendment to introduce a publication period of three years for inspection-related reports that are published online to establish clear governance over the publication of critical information related to the compliance of long-term care homes.

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH)

Explore Feasibility of Enabling New Private Financing Arrangements for Clean Energy Projects
Ontario is exploring the feasibility of enabling new municipally administered private financing arrangements for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for commercial and multi-residential properties in the province. New municipally administered private financing arrangements, as a voluntary financing tool, could help spur construction and economic development, while supporting commercial and multi-residential properties with a new low-cost approach to become more energy efficient at no cost to municipal taxpayers.

Strengthening the Strong Mayor Framework
Ontario is exploring changes to strengthen the strong mayor framework in response to the most recent expansion of the strong mayor framework to 170 additional municipalities that came into effect on May 1, 2025.

Supporting Municipal Financial Accountability and Transparency
Ontario is proposing to amend the Municipal Act, 2001 and the City of Toronto Act, 2006 to modernize the publication requirements for annual municipal audited financial statements and other annual financial information by allowing for online posting. The proposed changes strengthen Ontario’s commitment to transparency and accountability in local government by making it easier for the public to access these financial statements and enables them to hold their municipal governments to account.

Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth (MNEDG) / Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT)

Northern Small Business Enterprise Centres
Ontario is streamlining its funding delivery and reporting requirements for Northern Ontario Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) to reduce administrative burden, streamline reporting processes, and reduce operational costs. These changes support economic development in the North and address feedback received from SBEC representatives.

Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)

Geologic Carbon Storage Commercial-Scale Framework
As part of Bill 27, the Resource Management and Safety Act, the government is proposing a new Geologic Carbon Storage Act to enable the safe, responsible, and permanent storage of carbon dioxide within geologic formations in a manner that protects public safety and the environment, and other land and resource uses.

Legislative Amendment to the Crown Forest Sustainability Act
Ontario is seeking approval to update the Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994 to add new regulatory authority to the Act that would enable a ‘rules in regulation’ approach to streamline permitting while managing environmental, health and safety protections and hazard reduction.

Sustainable Forest Management
Ontario is exploring changes that would align with Ontario’s Forest Sector Strategy goals to improve Ontario’s cost competitiveness. These changes would also be in line with the Ontario Forest Industries Association submission for red tape reduction. These possible changes could include implementing the updates from the 2024 Forest Manuals into forest management plans, updating forest management guides, and improving processes and increases in financial incentives for salvage harvesting, among others.

Ministry of Health (MOH)

Assistive Devices Program (ADP) Orthotics Modernization
Ontario is making changes that will modernize Assistive Devices Program funding for orthotic devices to enhance access for Ontarians with disabilities and provide a smoother experience in obtaining an orthotic device, including a streamlined application process. These changes will make it easier for businesses to submit claims for orthotic devices to the Assistive Devices Program for funding, reducing administrative burden for businesses and the government.

Emergency Health Services Division (EHSD) Case Management System
As part of Ontario’s efforts to modernize the paramedic sector, a new one-window approach to investigations and the incident case management system is in development. This will help the Ministry of Health better manage investigations and inspection cases while providing paramedics with a streamlined process for submitting documentation.

Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act Amendment
Ontario is proposing amendments that will allow x-ray inspection reports to be delivered electronically. This would replace the current process of writing reports by hand on carbon copy paper and delivering them in person, or by registered mail. This will significantly reduce time and costs. This is in addition to the CCPay Online Payment Service introduced in January 2025, which allows facility owners to pay for x-ray machine installations online, removing the need for certified cheques, bank drafts, or money orders.

New OASIS Card Process
As part of ongoing efforts to modernize paramedic services, digital photos and documentation can now be submitted for an OASIS Card application, replacing the need for printed material. This will save stakeholders time and associated costs.

Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI)

Centralizing the Broader Real Estate Authority
Ontario is taking the next step in its plan to establish a framework to improve how the province manages its real estate. The government is proposing legislative changes that would centralize the real estate authority for office space of two provincial entities under the Ministry of Infrastructure: iGaming Ontario (iGO) and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO). These legislative changes would help streamline real estates decisions, and improve efficiency, while allowing both organizations to continue delivering services effectively.

District Social Services Administration Boards Eligibility for Infrastructure Ontario Loans
Ontario is helping District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSABs) to build resilient northern communities by allowing them to be eligible to apply for affordable loans through Infrastructure Ontario’s (IO) Loan Program. This includes access to both short-term construction financing and long-term fixed-rate loans. Providing DSSABs with access to IO’s lending program would provide another financing option to help the boards deliver critical local infrastructure in their communities.

Ministry of Public and Business and Service Delivery Procurement (MPBSDP)

At Your Service Act, 2022
Ontario is proposing a housekeeping amendment that would transfer the requirement to publish the Business Service Standard List to the Minister responsible for administering the At Your Service Act, 2022, instead of the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Responsibility for the Business Service Standard List would move to the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement who currently has responsibility for the At Your Service Act, 2022.

Rewards Points under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002
Ontario is proposing to amend the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 to replace the existing rules for rewards points agreements with new requirements. This includes giving consumers the right to request that a supplier credit back any rewards points that were expired, cancelled, or suspended contrary to the act or its regulations. The changes would also give the government clear authority to set new rules through regulation, such as limiting when reward points may expire, be cancelled, or suspended. It would also establish new disclosure requirements for rewards points agreements.

Consumer Reporting Act
Ontario is proposing amendments to the Consumer Reporting Act to eliminate unnecessary administrative burden on consumer reporting agencies, creditors, and lenders. These changes would reduce potential privacy risks for consumers who may share sensitive personal or credit information with creditors via email. The amendments may especially benefit seniors, newcomers and vulnerable people who are at increased risk of identity theft and who may be less aware of which information should be shared via less secure communication channels, such as email.

Minister’s Exemption for Propane Purging
Ontario is helping businesses avoid unnecessary costs by allowing specified propane workers with the appropriate skills to complete work on propane tanks necessary for national and provincial safety standard compliance.

Updating Ontario’s Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002
Ontario is proposing amendments to the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002, to strengthen consumer protection, modernize rules for and respond to the needs of the bereavement sector. These changes would also improve protections for known burial sites and address a recommendation from the Auditor General.

Increasing Access to Services
Ontario is launching several pilot projects to make it easier for people to access important government services through ServiceOntario. These include longer hours, self-serve stations, community outreach technology for portable in-person services and outreach to remote communities. These efforts aim to ensure Ontarians can access the services they need, no matter where they live.

Ministry of Red Tape Reduction (MRTR)

Modernizing Ontario for People and Businesses Act, 2020 Amendments
Ontario is proposing amendments to the Modernizing Ontario for People and Businesses Act, 2020 (MOPBA) and its regulation to better support existing Ministry of Red Tape Reduction programs. These changes would also give ministries clearer guidance on how to meet their obligations under the Act.

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG)

Streamlining Board Governance for the Royal Ontario Museum
Ontario is proposing to change the number of appointees required for the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) Board of Trustees from a fixed number of 21 to a range of 13 to 21. This change would help the Board continue to operate effectively, make legal decisions, and give the government and ROM staff more flexibility, saving time and money.

Ministry of Transportation (MTO)

Red Light Camera Program Amendment
Ontario plans to make it easier for municipalities to establish red light camera programs. These programs help reduce red-light running and improve road safety in communities across the province.

Trail Grooming Amendments
Ontario is proposing amendments to the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, 1990 to make trail grooming practices more affordable, sustainable, and efficient in Ontario. These updates will also maintain Ontario’s strong safety standards for snowmobile trails.

Ministry of the Solicitor General (SOLGEN)

Animal Welfare Webpage Update (Improving Online Access to Animal Welfare Services)
Ontario is proposing updates to its public Animal Welfare web page to make it easier for people to understand how to file a complaint about an animal welfare inspector or the Chief Animal Inspector. These updates would clearly explain the steps and documentation needed to submit a complaint.

Enhanced Information Sharing under Christopher’s Law (Sex Offender Registry), 2000
Ontario is proposing legislative amendments to Christopher’s Law (Sex Offender Registry), 2000 that would authorize the disclosure of information contained in the Ontario Sex Offender and Trafficker Registry to certain organizations, this includes sharing information with approved law enforcement agencies in the United States. This would help cross-border investigations and the monitoring of sex offenders.

Exploring Options to Fast-track Security Guard Licensing for Veterans
Ontario is exploring ways to streamline the security guard licensing process for veterans to reduce administrative burden and accelerate entry into a new career.

Streamlining Community Safety Grant Programs
Ontario is exploring opportunities to provide a more streamlined process for police services, especially smaller and medium sized services, to access funding for public safety initiatives to better support all police services and their efforts to protect Ontario.