As June 2025 approaches, Ontario is set to roll out a series of impactful new laws and regulations that will reshape the lives of residents, employers, and businesses.
From enhanced job-protected leaves to expanded dental care access, a temporary increase in the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), and the phasing out of TTC tokens, these changes are poised to make waves.
Whether you’re an employee, a business owner, a traveler, or a TTC commuter, here’s everything you need to know about Ontario’s new rules for June 2025.
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New Job-Protected Leave: Long-Term Illness Leave Takes Effect June 19, 2025
One of the most significant updates is the introduction of a new job-protected leave under Ontario’s Working for Workers Six Act, 2024, which received Royal Assent in December 2024.
Starting June 19, 2025, employees across Ontario will gain access to an unpaid Long-Term Illness Leave, offering up to 27 weeks of job security within a 52-week period for those facing serious medical conditions.
Who Qualifies for Long-Term Illness Leave?
To be eligible, employees must:
- Have been continuously employed for at least 13 consecutive weeks.
- Be unable to work due to a serious medical condition.
- Provide a certificate from a qualified health practitioner (e.g., a doctor, registered nurse, or psychologist) that confirms the condition and specifies the duration of absence.
This leave is one of the longest job-protected leaves in Canada, designed to support workers during extended recovery periods without the fear of losing their jobs.
It aligns with existing human rights obligations for employers to accommodate employees with serious illnesses, codifying these protections into the Employment Standards Act, 2000.
Employers should review their leave policies to ensure compliance and prepare for potential requests starting in June 2025.
Why It Matters
This new leave reflects Ontario’s commitment to supporting employee well-being, particularly for those navigating serious health challenges.
It provides peace of mind, allowing workers to focus on recovery while maintaining job security.
For employers, it’s a reminder to update workplace policies and ensure compliance with the Employment Standards Act to avoid penalties.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): Expanded Coverage and Renewal Deadlines
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is set to expand significantly in June 2025, bringing affordable dental care to millions of uninsured Canadians aged 18 to 64.
This federal program, which began rolling out in 2024 for seniors, children under 18, and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit, will open applications for remaining eligible Canadians in May 2025, with coverage starting as early as June 1, 2025.
Eligibility and Application Process
To qualify for the CDCP, you must:
- Have a net family income of less than $90,000 per year.
- Not have access to private or employer-sponsored dental insurance.
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and have filed your 2024 tax return.
- Apply through Service Canada (online, by phone at 1-833-537-4342, or at a Service Canada Centre).
Applications opened in May 2025, staggered by age group:
- May 1: Ages 55–64
- May 15: Ages 18–34
- May 29: Ages 35–54
Renewal Requirements
Current CDCP members must renew their coverage by June 1, 2025, to avoid a lapse.
Renewal requires a filed 2024 tax return and a 2024 Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.
Failure to renew by the deadline will result in coverage ending on June 30, 2025, and any dental services received during a coverage gap will not be reimbursed.
Impact on Dental Practices
For dental professionals, the CDCP represents a significant opportunity to expand patient bases, as it increases access to care for millions of previously uninsured Canadians.
However, practices must sign the CDCP Claims Processing and Payment Agreement with Sun Life and ensure billing systems are updated to handle CDCP claims separately.
Dentists should also be aware of changes to GST/HST input tax credits, as the Canada Revenue Agency is eliminating the simplified accounting method for dental practices starting in 2025.
Why It Matters
With over 3.4 million Canadians already approved for CDCP coverage and 1.7 million receiving care in its first year, this expansion is a game-changer for healthcare equity.
It reduces financial barriers to dental care, improving overall health outcomes and easing pressure on the healthcare system.
Residents should confirm their local dental provider’s participation in the CDCP by contacting Sun Life at 1-888-888-8110 or checking the Fetch Community Health directory.
Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Increase in Toronto
Starting June 1, 2025, Toronto will temporarily increase its Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) from 6% to 8.5% on transient accommodations, with the hike in effect until July 31, 2026.
This tax applies to hotels, motels, hostels, private clubs, condo hotels, and multi-use complexes offering short-term stays.
Purpose of the MAT Increase
The MAT funds Destination Toronto, supporting the city’s tourism industry and services like transit, parks, and recreation that visitors enjoy.
The temporary increase aims to boost revenue for these programs, ensuring Toronto remains a vibrant destination for tourists.
Who It Affects
Travelers and Visitors: Expect higher costs for accommodations in Toronto, which may impact travel budgets.
Hospitality Businesses: Hotels and other accommodation providers must update pricing and ensure compliance with the new 8.5% tax rate, which may affect competitiveness in the tourism market.
Why It Matters
The MAT increase will directly impact Toronto’s tourism sector, potentially raising costs for visitors but also enhancing the city’s infrastructure and appeal.
Businesses in the hospitality industry should prepare for the change by updating booking systems and communicating the tax hike to customers.
TTC Tokens and Tickets Phase-Out
If you’re still holding onto TTC tokens or tickets, time is running out.
Starting June 1, 2025, these traditional fare methods will no longer be accepted across the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) system.
The decision, approved at the December 2024 TTC Board meeting, extends the original deadline from December 31, 2024, giving commuters a final chance to use their remaining tokens and tickets.
Why the Change?
The TTC has been modernizing its fare payment system, with tokens, tickets, and day passes accounting for less than 1% of fares.
The agency stopped selling tokens, youth/senior tickets, and day passes at stations in December 2019, and third-party retailers ceased sales in July 2022 (tickets) and March 2023 (tokens).
Moving forward, acceptable payment methods include:
- Cash (at station fare boxes, buses, and streetcars)
- Debit or credit cards
- Presto cards
No Refunds or Exchanges
The TTC will not offer refunds, exchanges, or credits for unused tokens or tickets, so commuters are urged to use them by May 31, 2025.
This change aligns with the TTC’s push for a more efficient, digital-first fare system.
Why It Matters
For TTC riders, this marks the end of an era for physical tokens and tickets, which have been a staple of Toronto’s transit system for decades.
Commuters should plan to transition to Presto or contactless payments to avoid disruptions.
The shift also reflects broader trends toward digitalization in public transit, improving efficiency but requiring adaptation from users.
Ontario’s Ongoing Legislative Changes
The June 2025 changes are part of a broader wave of legislative updates in Ontario, driven by the province’s Working for Workers series and federal initiatives like the CDCP.
Other notable regulations already in effect or upcoming include:
Gig Worker Protections: Starting July 1, 2025, the Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act, 2022 will provide minimum wage, pay transparency, and dispute resolution rights for app-based gig workers (e.g., Uber, DoorDash), though it stops short of classifying them as employees.
Childcare Fee Caps: As of January 2025, childcare fees for families in the national $10-a-day program are capped at $22 per day, with further reductions planned.
Immigration Fraud Crackdown: Changes to the Ontario Immigration Act impose stricter standards and penalties on fraudulent immigration representatives, protecting newcomers.
Strong Mayor Powers: Starting May 1, 2025, 169 additional municipalities will gain enhanced mayoral powers to streamline housing and infrastructure development.
Preparing for June 2025: Action Steps
Employees: If facing a serious medical condition, consult with your employer and a healthcare practitioner to prepare for the Long-Term Illness Leave. Ensure your workplace policies are updated to reflect this new entitlement.
Employers: Review and update leave policies to comply with the Working for Workers Six Act. Train HR teams on the new job-protected leave requirements and prepare for potential CDCP-related changes in employee benefits.
CDCP Members: File your 2024 tax return and renew your CDCP coverage by June 1, 2025, to maintain uninterrupted dental care. New applicants should apply in May based on their age group.
Travelers and Hospitality Businesses: Budget for the 8.5% MAT in Toronto and ensure booking systems reflect the new tax rate.
TTC Commuters: Use up any remaining tokens or tickets by May 31, 2025, and transition to Presto or contactless payments.
Stay Ahead of Ontario’s June 2025 Changes
Ontario’s new laws and regulations for June 2025 are set to make a significant impact, from supporting workers with serious illnesses to expanding dental care access and modernizing Toronto’s transit system.
By understanding these changes and preparing accordingly, residents and businesses can navigate the transition smoothly.
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