New Ontario laws in the new year will impact workers, renters, and homeowners

Laws cover pay transparency, carbon monoxide detectors, job postings, and more starting Jan 1.

A range of new laws and regulations will take effect across Ontario on Jan. 1, 2026, bringing changes that affect job seekers, employers, healthcare workers, landlords, tenants, and homeowners.

One of the most significant updates involves new pay transparency rules.

Employers with 25 or more workers will be required to include an expected salary or pay range in publicly advertised job postings. The range cannot be wider than $50,000, and most forms of compensation, including bonuses and commissions, must be disclosed.

Employers must also say whether artificial intelligence is used in hiring and whether a posting represents a real vacancy. Interviewed candidates must be notified of hiring decisions within 45 days.

Ontario is also moving ahead with so-called “As of Right” rules to improve free trade and labour mobility within Canada.

Goods and services approved in other provinces will be recognized in Ontario, reducing red tape for businesses. Skilled professionals such as doctors, engineers, and electricians will be able to start working in Ontario within 10 business days while completing registration, a move aimed at improving access to healthcare and other services.

Changes to the Ontario Fire Code will expand carbon monoxide alarm requirements in homes, apartments, condos, and rental units. Alarms will be required near sleeping areas and on every storey of a home. Landlords and building owners will be responsible for installation and maintenance.

At the federal level, the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act will also take effect, allowing provincially licensed workers and compliant products to meet comparable federal requirements.