A number of Ontario’s laws are changing as of July 1.
Here are some of the more notable rules and regulations coming into effect:
- Stores that sell alcohol will be required to post signs warning of the dangers of consuming alcohol during pregnancy
- Alcohol manufacturers will be able to have bars or restaurants at all of their manufacturing sites, while people visiting these sites will be able to carry open liquor between the bar or restaurant and the manufacturing facility
- Alcoholic beverages will be able to be legally auctioned for charity at special occasions
- Child care licence fees will increase for the first time since 1993
- Potatoes will no longer be required to be packed in specific container sizes
- Christine Elliott will start her role as Ontario’s first patient ombudsman, with the ability to respond to complaints from the public about hospitals, long-term care homes and Community Care Access Centres
- Justices of the peace will be allowed to remain in office until they turn 75
- More regulated health professionals will be able to prescribe use of service dogs
- Construction companies will be required to ensure their workers are protected from hazardous biological and chemical substances
- The fee to start a proceeding at the Ontario Municipal Board will increase from $125 to $300
- For the first time, Ontario’s integrity commissioner will be able to investigate the province’s lobbyists