Major Changes Coming to Ontario in July 2025: New Protections for Tenants, Gig Workers, and People with Disabilities
Ontario Introduces Sweeping Legal Changes in July 2025 to Support Renters, Gig Workers, and Persons with Disabilities
Starting July 2025, Ontario will implement three impactful new laws and regulations aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and modernizing provincial frameworks. These include:
- A powerful new bylaw to stop unfair tenant evictions in Toronto,
- The Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act, offering stronger workplace protections for gig workers,
- And the federal rollout of the Canada Disability Benefit, delivering financial relief to low-income adults with disabilities.
These initiatives reflect a broader shift in Ontario’s legal and social policy landscape—one that prioritizes housing security, fair labour practices, and economic inclusion.
1. Toronto’s Renoviction Bylaw: A Game-Changer for Tenant Protection
Effective July 31, 2025, Toronto will enforce a groundbreaking Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw to combat “renovictions”—when landlords misuse renovation notices (N13) to evict tenants, raise rents, or deny re-entry after renovations.
Key Provisions of the Bylaw:
- Mandatory Licensing: Landlords must obtain a Rental Renovation Licence before issuing any N13 eviction notice.
- Strict Pre-Renovation Requirements: This includes approved building permits and verification by a licensed architect or engineer that the unit genuinely requires vacancy.
- Tenant Rights & Compensation:
- Tenants must be notified of the renovation plans.
- They are guaranteed the right to return to their unit at the same rent once renovations are complete.
- Landlords must provide either comparable temporary housing or rent-gap payments if the tenant finds alternate accommodations.
- If a tenant chooses not to return, landlords must offer severance equivalent to three months’ rent-gap compensation.
Enforcement & Penalties:
- Fines range from $1,000 for licensing delays to $100,000 for unlawful evictions or unapproved changes to renovation plans.
- City inspectors will monitor compliance throughout the renovation process.
This bylaw is modeled after a successful 2024 policy in Hamilton and targets Toronto’s housing crisis by protecting lower-income residents from illegal evictions and displacement.
2. Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act: Protecting Gig Workers Across Ontario
As of July 1, 2025, the Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act (DPWRA) will become law. It introduces first-of-its-kind protections for Ontario’s growing gig economy workforce—those working for apps like Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart.
Key Worker Protections Under the DPWRA:
- Minimum Wage Guarantee: Gig workers must be paid at least the provincial minimum wage ($17.20/hour as of October 2024) for all active work time, such as traveling to or completing assignments.
- Pay Transparency: Employers must disclose detailed pay calculations and performance metrics within 24 hours of a worker joining the platform.
- Tip Protection: Companies are banned from deducting or withholding worker tips.
- Stable Pay Schedules: Gig workers are entitled to regular pay periods and set paydays.
- Fair Dismissal Rights: Platforms must provide written notice and justification for any suspension lasting 24 hours or more—except in extreme circumstances like criminal activity or safety concerns.
- Ontario-Based Dispute Resolution: All employment-related disputes must be settled within Ontario, and workers are protected from employer retaliation.
Enforcement & Compliance:
- The Act will be enforced by Ministry of Labour officers, who can conduct inspections and issue fines up to $100,000 for first-time violations and $500,000 for repeat offences.
This law places Ontario in line with leading jurisdictions like British Columbia, France, and Spain in granting substantive rights to gig workers while preserving their independent status.
3. Canada Disability Benefit Launches: Monthly Support for Low-Income Adults with Disabilities
A major federal milestone is also taking effect in July 2025: the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) will begin distributing financial support to eligible low-income adults aged 18–64 living with disabilities.
Program Highlights:
- Monthly Payment: Up to $200/month or $2,400/year, based on income level.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Aged 18–64
- Filed a 2024 federal income tax return
- Must be a Canadian tax resident (permanent and certain temporary residents are eligible)
Income Thresholds:
- Full benefit for:
- Individuals earning less than $23,000/year
- Or up to $33,000/year with at least $10,000 in employment income
- Phase-out begins at $33,000, with benefits reduced by $0.20 per additional dollar.
- Benefit ends fully at $45,000 annual income.
How to Apply:
- Through the Canada Disability Benefit Application Portal
- By phone, mail, or in-person at Service Canada offices
- Applications opened June 20, and those approved by June 30 will begin receiving payments in July 2025
- Retroactive payments available for up to two years
Community organizations are also providing free help with DTC and CDB applications.
Why These Reforms Matter
These three new rules represent a paradigm shift in how Ontario and Canada address core socio-economic challenges:
- Tenant Protection ensures housing security in a time of rising rents and eviction fears.
- Gig Worker Rights offer a safety net in an economy increasingly powered by app-based labour.
- Disability Support provides financial inclusion for those most at risk of poverty and economic exclusion.
Together, these policies reflect a growing focus on equity, accountability, and support for underrepresented communities.
What You Should Do Next
If You’re a Tenant in Toronto:
- Received an N13 notice after July 31? Contact the City of Toronto to verify your landlord’s licence.
If You’re a Gig Worker:
- Know your rights under the DPWRA
- If your platform violates them, report it to the Ministry of Labour
If You Have a Disability:
- Apply for the Disability Tax Credit
- Use the Canada Disability Benefit Estimator Tool to see how much you may receive
- Submit your application by June 30, 2025, for July payment eligibility
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
