Major Changes in Canadian Laws & Rules Arriving in December 2025

With the arrival of December 2025 comes a series of major changes across Canada that affect residents, workers, travellers, and homeowners. These changes are wide-ranging, extending from the return of nationwide travel benefits for the holiday season and new regulated workplace leave entitlements to strengthened federal controls on certain drugs and a crucial annual tax reminder for residential property owners in Toronto.

Read on and get an overview of the most important updates coming into effect from this month.

1. Renewal of the Canada Strong Pass Nationwide

A major federal initiative, the Canada Strong Pass, has been renewed to encourage affordable domestic travel. This programme, confirmed by Prime Minister Mark Carney, focuses on supporting tourism and easing holiday travel expenses.

• The renewed Pass will be active from December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026, with a plan for it to return in the summer of 2026.
• The Pass grants Canadians free admission to Parks like the Canada national parks and historic sites, discounts on overnight stays and campground fees, and reduced or free entry at participating museums and art galleries. It also includes free or discounted travel fares on VIA Rail within Canada.
• There is no required registration or physical pass; admission or discounts are automatically applied when engaging with participating sites and travel partners.

2. New Regulated Workplace Leave Rights

From December 12, 2025, certain amendments to the Canada Labour Code will grow employee protections for federally regulated workers, particularly regarding long-term leave and pregnancy loss.

• Employees facing a stillbirth at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy are now entitled to up to eight weeks of leave. For other instances of pregnancy loss, workers can take up to three days of leave.
• For those employees who have served for at least three consecutive months, the first three days of pregnancy loss leave will be paid. This leave can be taken once per pregnancy and does not have an annual limit.
• The changes also ensure that employees returning from extended leave are able to resume the same or a similar position, retain their benefits during their absence, and receive updates on employment opportunities, with the ability to adjust the length of their leave with appropriate notice.
• Bereavement leave has also been expanded to a maximum of eight weeks for the death of an employee’s child or the child of their spouse or common-law partner.

Also Read: IRCC Invites 6,000 Express Entry Candidates with French Language Proficiency

3. Permanent Federal Controls on Carisoprodol

As of December 19, 2025, Canada will be implementing permanent federal controls on the sedative drug carisoprodol. While this drug is used as a muscle relaxant in some international jurisdictions, it is not approved for use in Canada.

• The decision comes after the substance was identified in illegal markets and noted for its misuse, often alongside opioids. The new, permanent controls will lead to penalties under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for any unauthorised distribution, sale, importation, or possession of the drug.
• This measure is part of a broader federal strategy to counter organised crime, reduce health risks, and suppress illegal drug networks.

4. Toronto Vacant Home Tax (VHT) Declaration Portal Now Open

For homeowners in Canada’s largest city, the City of Toronto has opened its declaration portal for the 2025 Vacant Home Tax (VHT).

• All residential property owners in Toronto must submit a declaration outlining the occupancy status for the period between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
• The mandatory declaration must be completed by April 30, 2026.
• The tax applies to properties that were left vacant for a cumulative period of more than six months throughout the year, unless specific exemptions (such as being a principal residence) are met.
• Property owners who fail to submit the required declaration risk having their home automatically associated with vacant, which will trigger the associated tax.

Also Read: Canada Now Allows Special Study Permits for Accompanying Family of Workers & Students

Stay Ahead of December 2025 Canada Changes With GetGIS Expert Guidance

With major updates such as the Canada Strong Pass renewal, new workplace leave rights, drug controls, and Toronto's Vacant Home Tax now in effect, ensure that you and your family navigate these impacts seamlessly. Get tailored advice on how these changes affect travel, work, housing, and immigration planning from GetGIS.

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