Canadians will see these new laws and rule changes take effect this June
The Government of Canada is rolling out several new laws and regulatory changes in June that will focus on consumer protections and public health.
These new laws and regulations are amendments to existing laws and regulations. One important change set to take effect is the addition of certain synthetic opioids and a precursor chemical to Canada’s list of controlled substances, which will help control and restrict their importation, production, and distribution.
Another change set to kick in will further protect consumers by making it easier for Canadians to change or cancel their cellphone or internet plans. The government is also updating the toxic substances regulations by prohibiting or further restricting the use of chemicals known to be harmful to humans.
Here’s everything you need to know about the changes taking effect in June.
Temporary controls on certain drugs
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The government is continuing to crack down on the illegal supply of powerful synthetic opioids that have led to drug-related deaths nationwide.
In May, Health Canada said that it’s adding new temporary controls under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. These changes will give border officials the power to seize these substances at the border to stop their illegal importation, production, and distribution. Controls will be put in place for two synthetic opioids — spirobrorphine and spirochlorphine — and the precursor chemical R 29676.
Spirobrorphine has only been detected in other countries; however, spirochlorphine has been found at the border. R 29676 could be used to produce large amounts of synthetic opioids, and the chemical has been intercepted at the border.
These new controls will be in effect from June 5, 2026, to June 4, 2027.
CRTC eliminating some cellphone and internet fees
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Canadians in search of better rates or plans will no longer be on the hook for fees charged when switching internet or cellphone plans. That’s because the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission will be implementing additional changes that make it easier for Canadians to change or modify their plans.
Under the new rules, telecommunications providers will no longer be allowed to charge activation fees when consumers sign up for new cellphone or internet plans. Companies will also be prohibited from charging fees for modifying existing plans. In addition, customers without a subsidized device tied to their contract can no longer be charged early cancellation fees.
These changes will come into effect on June 12, 2026. Additional amendments will be announced in the following months.
Prohibition of certain toxic substances
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The government is updating restrictions on certain toxic substances with new changes to the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025, replacing the 2012 version.
The government added several substances to the list as they’re harmful and toxic to the environment and humans, increasing the risk of certain cancers and other health issues. Under the new regulations, the government will remove certain exemptions or limit specific activities, further restricting the manufacture, use, sale, and import of products that contain:
- Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) — used as repellents for paper and packaging, on carpets and fabrics, and in firefighting foams.
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) — used in the manufacture of stain- and water-resistant coatings for textiles and carpets; hoses, cables, and gaskets; non-stick coatings on cookware; and personal care products.
- Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs) can be found in personal care products, cleaning products, and used as surface treatments for textiles, upholstery, leather, automotive parts, carpet, paper products, and packaging.
- Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) — used as a flame retardant in polystyrene foam insulation for building materials. Also, used as a flame retardant in textiles for residential and commercial upholstered furniture, transportation seating, wall coverings and draperies, as well as in adhesives, paints, plastics, and electronic goods.
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) — used in residential upholstered furniture foam, automotive parts, aerospace parts, appliances, electrical and electronic equipment, and building materials.
Regulations will come into effect on June 30, 2026.