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From tougher bail rules to a new dental care plan, a range of new measures are taking effect across Canada in 2024, aiming to address human rights, public safety, health and other concerns.
The changes also include stricter financial requirements for international students, reporting obligations for companies and government agencies under a new Modern Slavery Act, and improvements in work and pay equity policies.
Here are some of the new laws and rules you need to know about:
Ottawa is rolling out what it calls its largest federal dental program in phases, as it aims to reduce financial barriers to access dental care such as cleaning, exams and root canals. The country’s eldest low-income residents who are uninsured can start accessing the new Canadian Dental Care Plan’s benefits as early as May 2024. The government said eligible residents should await a letter that will provide instructions on how to apply by phone.
Carbon price rural rebate boost
Ottawa is doubling the rural top-up rate for the pollution price rebate from 10 to 20 per cent, beginning in April 2024. The government said the move recognizes that rural residents face higher energy costs, increased energy needs and limited access to clean transportation.
CPP tax hike
Employers and employees will each have to pay $3,867 in 2024 because of the higher maximum pensionable earnings covered by the Canada Pension Plan tax, according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. This represents an increase of $113 in tax in 2024 for both employers and workers earning at least $68,500. In addition, a second CPP tax(opens in a new tab) will be applied on any income between $68,500 and $73,200, the federation said. For that second tax, the maximum tax amount will be $188 in 2024.
