December is bringing a fresh wave of legislative changes across Canada and Ontario, affecting everything from workplace rights and travel discounts to drug regulations and property taxes. Several new federal rules come into force next month under the Canada Labour Code, alongside updates involving controlled substances and the renewal of the Canada Strong Pass. In Ontario, some homeowners will also need to meet key deadlines under vacant home tax requirements.
One of the most anticipated national changes is the return of the Canada Strong Pass, a flagship promise of Prime Minister Mark Carney. From December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026, Canadians can once again enjoy free or reduced admission to federal attractions, including national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Families will also receive discounts on winter accommodations such as camping, roofed stays and heritage lodgings. Museums and galleries are included as well, and VIA Rail is offering free travel for children 17 and under when accompanied by an adult, along with reduced fares for passengers aged 18 to 24. As before, there’s no physical card—discounts are applied automatically.
Another significant change takes place on December 19, when carisoprodol, a sedative and muscle relaxant used illegally in various parts of the world, becomes permanently classified as a controlled substance in Canada. The drug is not approved for sale domestically, and possession, importation, distribution or production without authorization will now be illegal under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. This follows a temporary emergency order earlier this year, during which border officials intercepted illegal shipments entering the country.
Workers under federal labour jurisdiction will also see new protections in December. One major update is the introduction of a three-day paid leave for pregnancy loss before the 20th week, part of broader reforms contained in Bill C-59. The government says this change recognizes the emotional and physical impact of pregnancy loss and gives employees time to recover. For stillbirths after 20 weeks, employees may take up to eight weeks of leave. Further amendments provide up to eight weeks of unpaid bereavement leave following the death of a child, and a new 16-week unpaid support worker leave for Canadians who take on responsibilities related to the adoption or surrogacy placement of a child. These measures align leave entitlements with related employment insurance benefits and help ensure parents can access them without risking job security.
Ontario residents, particularly in Toronto, face key property-related deadlines in December. Homeowners must make sure their 2024 vacant home tax is paid, and anyone wishing to challenge assessments from 2022, 2023 or 2024 must file a Notice of Complaint by December 31 through the city’s online portal. Declarations for the 2025 vacant home tax are already open and must be submitted by April 30, 2026. Toronto’s system—and similar programs in places like Hamilton—aims to push owners of unused residential properties to rent or sell them, helping ease local housing shortages.
As Canadians move into the busy holiday season, these new laws will bring meaningful changes to workplaces, families, travellers and homeowners—marking December as a month of both celebration and important civic responsibility.