The main changes in Canadian legislation for 2023
The new year will bring a number of changes in laws, regulations and programs at the federal and provincial levels.
Federal changes
1. Two-year ban for foreign homebuyers.
In 2023-2024 foreign citizens will not be able to buy a house in Canada. The government understands the importance of reducing property values. Reduced demand leads to a fall in prices. That's why many Canadians supported the bill.
2. Increase in emission tax rates.
Starting in April 2023, the federal government is launching a program to increase the price of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Previously the price was $50 CAD, in the spring it will become $65 CAD per ton. Accordingly, this will entail additional costs for car owners.
3. Clean fuel rule.
On July 1, 2023, the price of gas will increase (at least that is what is predicted). This bill would require fuel producers to reduce the carbon intensity of their products.
4. Increasing the savings account.
Starting in 2023, you can keep or use as an investment $6,500 CAD in a savings account. The amount is tax-free. The last increase was in 2019.
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5. Fixing the travel time of trucks and buses.
The trucks and buses will be equipped with electronic travel time sensors. Previously, paper logbooks were used. The rule will affect those who regularly travel between provinces and on long trips across Canada to fix the time (the number of hours drivers spend on the road).
6. Minimum age requirements for hazardous work.
Beginning January 1, 2023, the government will introduce new age requirements for hazardous work. For example, it is forbidden to hire anyone under 16 for construction work, and those over 18 will be allowed to work with a chainsaw.
Alberta's new laws
Alberta will adjust tax rates in 2023 and provide a range of benefits for residents of the province because of high inflation. Public sector workers, seniors and families with children will see benefits as early as the first month:
- Seniors with annual incomes below $180,000 CAD can apply for $100 CAD in 6 months — only $600 CAD;
- Families with children will receive $600 CAD for each child under 18 under the same conditions;
- the government abolishes the provincial fuel tax from January 1 to July 1. Previously it was 13% per litre.
New Saskatchewan programs
In 2023, the provincial government plans:
- raise the minimum wage. It will now be $14 CAD per hour;
- permission for online education for children will be organized centrally. According to the project, there will be online classes for children of all ages: from preschoolers to high school students.
Manitoba's new programs
In this province, the government is also thinking about increasing the minimum cost per hour. Starting April 1, 2023, the amount will be $14.15 CAD per hour, and by October 1, 2023, the plan is to reach $15 CAD per hour.
Residents of Manitoba with disabilities can expect to receive additional benefits. Payments will be made in two stages, and the program begins on January 1.
New Ontario programs
Residents of the province will have easier access to medications. Pharmacists will be able to sell without a doctor's prescription certain medicines for common ailments: stomatitis, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, menstrual cramps, acid reflux, herpes and urinary tract infections.
New Quebec programs
The government has decided to change the privacy law. Residents of Quebec have the right in some cases to "ban" search engines from indexing their names online, and there will be new rules and bans on collecting personal information through the Internet.
As of September 1, international students who study in Quebec under government-subsidized programs will be able to obtain a work permit after graduation. Graduates of private colleges will not automatically be able to obtain such a permit.
In Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Northwest Territories, the minimum rate will be increased.
