New Canada Laws and Changes in December 2025: Essential Guide for Newcomers and Residents
If you are planning to immigrate to Canada or already living there as a temporary or permanent resident, staying updated on new Canada laws and changes in December 2025 is crucial. This month brings significant updates affecting domestic travel, workplace leave rights, drug control, and property taxation in Toronto. Understanding these changes helps newcomers, international students, and foreign workers protect their status and make better settlement decisions.
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1. Canada Strong Pass 2025–2026: Affordable Travel Across Canada
One of the most notable updates in December 2025 is the renewal of the Canada Strong Pass, a federal initiative that supports affordable domestic travel and boosts local tourism. The renewed pass is valid from December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026, with another launch planned for summer 2026.
Through the Canada Strong Pass, eligible travellers can enjoy:
- Free admission to Parks Canada national parks and historic sites.
- Discounts on camping fees and overnight stays.
- Free or reduced admission at participating museums and cultural institutions.
- Free or discounted VIA Rail trips on selected routes within Canada.
For newcomers and international students, this program is an excellent way to explore Canadian cities, landscapes, and culture while staying within budget.
2. New Leave Rights Under the Canada Labour Code in 2025
Another key area of change in December 2025 involves new leave entitlements under the Canada Labour Code for federally regulated employees, especially in cases of pregnancy loss and the death of a child. These changes reflect Canada’s focus on worker protection and mental health.
The main updates include:
- Up to eight weeks of leave if a pregnancy results in a stillbirth at or after 20 weeks.
- Up to three days of leave for other types of pregnancy loss, with the first three days paid for employees with at least three months of continuous service.
- Job protection during leave, with the right to return to the same or a comparable position and maintain benefits.
- Extended bereavement leave of up to eight weeks following the death of a child of the employee, their spouse, or common-law partner.
For foreign workers and new permanent residents, these changes show the importance Canada places on compassionate leave and job security.
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3. New Drug Controls in Canada: Permanent Rules for Carisoprodol
December 2025 also brings stricter drug control regulations through permanent federal controls on the sedative carisoprodol. This drug is used as a muscle relaxant in some countries but is not approved for medical use in Canada and has been detected in illegal markets.
As of December 19, 2025, unauthorized possession, import, sale, or distribution of carisoprodol is subject to penalties under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
The goal is to combat organized crime networks and reduce overdose risks, particularly when the substance is mixed with opioids or counterfeit pills.
Newcomers should be especially cautious about bringing medications into Canada and always ensure they are prescribed and legal.
4. Toronto Vacant Home Tax 2025: Important for Property Owners
For those interested in real estate or already owning property in Toronto, the 2025 Vacant Home Tax (VHT) is a key change to track.
- The City of Toronto has opened its declaration portal for the 2025 VHT, covering occupancy between January 1 and December 31, 2025; the declaration deadline is April 30, 2026.
- All residential property owners must file a declaration, even if their home was occupied; failing to declare may result in the property being deemed vacant and taxed.
- The tax targets homes left vacant for more than six months in the year, with exemptions for principal residences and certain eligible occupancies.
This measure is part of Toronto’s strategy to increase housing availability and discourage speculative vacancies in a tight housing market.
5. Why December 2025 Changes Matter for Your Canada Plans
The laws and policy changes coming into effect in December 2025 will shape the experience of living, working, travelling, and investing in Canada.
Whether you are a prospective immigrant, student, worker, or investor, aligning your plans with these updates is essential to avoid issues and maximize your opportunities in Canada.
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How Get In Canada Can Help You Navigate the New Rules
Get In Canada can review your profile, explain how December 2025 rules affect your immigration or study pathway, and help you design a settlement plan that takes full advantage of available programs while remaining compliant with Canada’s latest regulations.
