New laws and measures kicking in this December in Canada
Several new laws are scheduled to come into effect in Canada this December, bringing a range of important changes that will impact employees and public safety.
Most of the new laws are updates to the existing Canada Labour Code. One focuses on safety in the workplace, while the other makes changes to the leave that Canadian employees are entitled to under certain conditions.
Here’s a look at the laws and rules you can expect in Canada in December 2025.
Hazardous Products Act
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Although the Hazardous Products Act and regulations came into effect on Dec. 15, 2022, suppliers were given a three-year transition period until Dec. 15, 2025. During the three years, suppliers were required to “bring product classifications, safety data sheets and labels into compliance with the amendments.”
The act is an update on the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). This comprehensive system provides health and safety information on hazardous products used, handled, or stored in Canadian workplaces.
Suppliers and importers are responsible for meeting the requirements of the Hazardous Products Act and regulations. That includes:
- Determining the appropriate classification of hazardous products
- Providing labels
- Providing safety data sheets
Leave related to pregnancy Loss, bereavement leave and leave for the placement of a child
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Bill C-59 introduces several updates to the Canada Labour Code and is expected to come into effect on Dec. 12.
One update is the new leave related to pregnancy loss. Employees who experience a stillbirth are entitled to up to eight weeks of leave of absence or three days of leave for any form of pregnancy loss. Employees who have completed three months of employment are entitled to paid leave during the first three days.
Another update allows employees up to 16 weeks of unpaid leave to attend to “responsibilities related to the placement of a child into their care as a result of adoption or surrogacy.”
The existing bereavement leave has also been updated. Employees now have the right to be reinstated in the same or a comparable position at the end of the leave. They’re entitled to be informed of training opportunities while on leave. They’re also entitled to adjust the length of leave if needed, and they have the right to accumulate benefits while they’re on leave.
Changes to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
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Starting Dec. 19, Canada will apply “permanent controls” to carisoprodol, a sedative drug found in global illegal drug markets. This means that law enforcement can act to prevent carisoprodol from being imported, used, distributed, or sold. Anyone involved in any of these acts could face criminal penalties.
The drug is used as a muscle relaxant and has a similar sedative effect to benzodiazepines. Initially, temporary controls were in place early this year in an effort to strengthen border security and disrupt the illegal drug trade.
Check out the new laws and measures that kicked in this month in Canada.