{"id":2939,"date":"2025-06-30T13:40:54","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T17:40:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/?p=2939"},"modified":"2025-06-30T13:40:56","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T17:40:56","slug":"major-changes-coming-to-ontario-in-july-2025-new-protections-for-tenants-gig-workers-and-people-with-disabilities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/?p=2939","title":{"rendered":"Major Changes Coming to Ontario in July 2025: New Protections for Tenants, Gig Workers, and People with Disabilities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Ontario Introduces Sweeping Legal Changes in July 2025 to Support Renters, Gig Workers, and Persons with Disabilities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting July 2025, Ontario will implement <strong>three impactful new laws and regulations<\/strong> aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and modernizing provincial frameworks. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A powerful <strong>new bylaw to stop unfair tenant evictions<\/strong> in Toronto,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Digital Platform Workers\u2019 Rights Act<\/strong>, offering stronger workplace protections for gig workers,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And the federal rollout of the <strong>Canada Disability Benefit<\/strong>, delivering financial relief to low-income adults with disabilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These initiatives reflect a broader shift in Ontario\u2019s legal and social policy landscape\u2014one that prioritizes housing security, fair labour practices, and economic inclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">1. <strong>Toronto\u2019s Renoviction Bylaw: A Game-Changer for Tenant Protection<\/strong><\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Effective <strong>July 31, 2025<\/strong>, Toronto will enforce a groundbreaking Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw to combat <strong>&#8220;renovictions&#8221;<\/strong>\u2014when landlords misuse renovation notices (N13) to evict tenants, raise rents, or deny re-entry after renovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key Provisions of the Bylaw:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mandatory Licensing:<\/strong> Landlords must obtain a <strong>Rental Renovation Licence<\/strong> before issuing any N13 eviction notice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strict Pre-Renovation Requirements:<\/strong> This includes approved building permits and verification by a licensed architect or engineer that the unit genuinely requires vacancy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tenant Rights &amp; Compensation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tenants must be notified of the renovation plans.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are guaranteed the right to return to their unit <strong>at the same rent<\/strong> once renovations are complete.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Landlords must provide either comparable temporary housing or rent-gap payments if the tenant finds alternate accommodations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If a tenant chooses not to return, landlords must offer <strong>severance equivalent to three months\u2019 rent-gap compensation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Enforcement &amp; Penalties:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fines range from <strong>$1,000 for licensing delays<\/strong> to <strong>$100,000 for unlawful evictions or unapproved changes to renovation plans<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>City inspectors<\/strong> will monitor compliance throughout the renovation process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This bylaw is modeled after a successful 2024 policy in Hamilton and targets Toronto\u2019s housing crisis by protecting lower-income residents from illegal evictions and displacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">2. <strong>Digital Platform Workers\u2019 Rights Act: Protecting Gig Workers Across Ontario<\/strong><\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As of <strong>July 1, 2025<\/strong>, the <strong>Digital Platform Workers\u2019 Rights Act (DPWRA)<\/strong> will become law. It introduces <strong>first-of-its-kind protections<\/strong> for Ontario\u2019s growing gig economy workforce\u2014those working for apps like Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key Worker Protections Under the DPWRA:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Minimum Wage Guarantee:<\/strong> Gig workers must be paid at least the provincial minimum wage (<strong>$17.20\/hour<\/strong> as of October 2024) for all <strong>active work time<\/strong>, such as traveling to or completing assignments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pay Transparency:<\/strong> Employers must disclose detailed pay calculations and performance metrics within <strong>24 hours<\/strong> of a worker joining the platform.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tip Protection:<\/strong> Companies are banned from deducting or withholding worker tips.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stable Pay Schedules:<\/strong> Gig workers are entitled to <strong>regular pay periods<\/strong> and set paydays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fair Dismissal Rights:<\/strong> Platforms must provide written notice and justification for any suspension lasting 24 hours or more\u2014except in extreme circumstances like criminal activity or safety concerns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ontario-Based Dispute Resolution:<\/strong> All employment-related disputes must be settled within Ontario, and workers are protected from employer retaliation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Enforcement &amp; Compliance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Act will be <strong>enforced by Ministry of Labour officers<\/strong>, who can conduct inspections and issue fines up to <strong>$100,000 for first-time violations<\/strong> and <strong>$500,000 for repeat offences<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This law places Ontario in line with leading jurisdictions like <strong>British Columbia, France, and Spain<\/strong> in granting substantive rights to gig workers while preserving their independent status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">3. <strong>Canada Disability Benefit Launches: Monthly Support for Low-Income Adults with Disabilities<\/strong><\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A major <strong>federal milestone<\/strong> is also taking effect in July 2025: the <strong>Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)<\/strong> will begin distributing financial support to eligible low-income adults aged 18\u201364 living with disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Program Highlights:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Monthly Payment:<\/strong> Up to <strong>$200\/month<\/strong> or <strong>$2,400\/year<\/strong>, based on income level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eligibility Criteria:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Must be approved for the <strong>Disability Tax Credit (DTC)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aged <strong>18\u201364<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Filed a <strong>2024 federal income tax return<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Must be a <strong>Canadian tax resident<\/strong> (permanent and certain temporary residents are eligible)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Income Thresholds:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Full benefit for:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Individuals earning less than <strong>$23,000\/year<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Or up to <strong>$33,000\/year<\/strong> with at least $10,000 in employment income<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phase-out begins at <strong>$33,000<\/strong>, with benefits reduced by <strong>$0.20 per additional dollar<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Benefit ends fully at <strong>$45,000<\/strong> annual income.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to Apply:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Through the <strong>Canada Disability Benefit Application Portal<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By phone, mail, or in-person at <strong>Service Canada<\/strong> offices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applications opened <strong>June 20<\/strong>, and those approved by <strong>June 30<\/strong> will begin receiving payments in <strong>July 2025<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Retroactive payments<\/strong> available for up to two years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Community organizations are also providing <strong>free help<\/strong> with DTC and CDB applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Why These Reforms Matter<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These three new rules represent a <strong>paradigm shift<\/strong> in how Ontario and Canada address core socio-economic challenges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tenant Protection<\/strong> ensures housing security in a time of rising rents and eviction fears.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gig Worker Rights<\/strong> offer a safety net in an economy increasingly powered by app-based labour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Disability Support<\/strong> provides financial inclusion for those most at risk of poverty and economic exclusion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, these policies reflect a growing focus on <strong>equity, accountability, and support for underrepresented communities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">What You Should Do Next<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If You\u2019re a Tenant in Toronto:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Received an N13 notice after July 31? Contact the <strong>City of Toronto<\/strong> to verify your landlord\u2019s licence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If You\u2019re a Gig Worker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Know your rights under the <strong>DPWRA<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your platform violates them, <strong>report it to the Ministry of Labour<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If You Have a Disability:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apply for the <strong>Disability Tax Credit<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the <strong>Canada Disability Benefit Estimator Tool<\/strong> to see how much you may receive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit your application by <strong>June 30, 2025<\/strong>, for July payment eligibility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-vivid-red-background-color has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size\">For a <strong> consultation<\/strong> about Immigration options, reach out to the <strong>CAD IMMIGRATION <\/strong>today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/cadimmigration\/profilecard\/?igsh=aWYzamtvMzlvZHUy\" style=\"border-radius:50px;color:#fffffa;background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(135,9,53) 0%,rgb(179,22,22) 100%)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">INSTAGRAM<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@cad_immigration?_t=8rYlOtSiktj&amp;_r=1\" style=\"border-radius:50px;color:#fffffa;background:linear-gradient(317deg,rgb(135,9,53) 0%,rgb(179,22,22) 100%)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TIKTOK<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/cad-immigration\/\" style=\"border-radius:50px;color:#fffffa;background:linear-gradient(42deg,rgb(135,9,53) 0%,rgb(179,22,22) 100%)\">LINKEDIN<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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: These initiatives reflect a broader shift in Ontario\u2019s legal and social policy landscape\u2014one that prioritizes [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":2940,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[79,83,49,3,78,76,77,57,70,36],"class_list":["post-2939","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cicnews","tag-cad-immigration","tag-cad-immigration-news","tag-cadimmigration","tag-canadaimmigration","tag-immigration-canada","tag-immigration-new-rules","tag-immigration-new-updates","tag-immigration-trend","tag-immigration-updates-canada","tag-immigrationupdates"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2939","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2939"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2939\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2941,"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2939\/revisions\/2941"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2940"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2939"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2939"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cadimmigration.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2939"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}