Bill 119, Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026

EXPLANATORY NOTE

SCHEDULE 1
CHILD, YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES ACT, 2017

The Schedule makes various amendments to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 in respect of adoption. Among those amendments are the following:

   1.  A new section 191.1 allows a Director to grant approvals authorizing a person to act as an adoption practitioner if the person meets certain criteria. The approval allows its holder to, for the purposes of the Act, prepare adoption homestudies as well as reports of the adjustment of a child in the home of a person who has applied to adopt the child. Section 191.1 also provides that a Director may issue a direction to the holder of an approval requiring them to take any steps outlined in the direction in order to address concerns identified by the Director.

   2.  A new section 230.1 provides that a Director may, if certain criteria are met, grant a term on a licence to place children for adoption that permits the licensee to act under subsection 183 (2) of the Act to bring children who are not residents of Canada from a specified country into Ontario to be placed for adoption. Notably, a Director may refuse to grant such a term on the grounds that it would be inappropriate in the circumstances or contrary to the public interest. A new section 234.1 provides for an appeal procedure for certain decisions respecting the granting of such a term. A new section 236.1 allows the Director to, in certain circumstances, suspend such a term.

   3.  Amendments are made to the grounds upon which a Director may propose to refuse to issue a licence to place children for adoption or may propose to revoke or to refuse to renew such a licence. In particular, a new section 231.1 provides that a Director may refuse to issue such a licence if doing so would be contrary to the public interest, having regard to the number of licensees licensed to place children for adoption and the number of children in Ontario who are available for adoption.

In addition, the Act is amended to permit a person in charge of a place of secure custody or a place of secure temporary detention to place a young person in a locked room in the circumstances, and in accordance with the procedures, that are prescribed by the regulations. The locked room must also meet any standards prescribed by the regulations.

SCHEDULE 2
CHRISTOPHER’S LAW (SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY), 2000

The Schedule amends Christopher’s Law (Sex Offender Registry), 2000 as follows:

The Act currently applies to persons who are convicted or found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder of a sex offence, as defined by the Act to include specified offences. The Act is amended to apply to a person who is subject to an order or obligation that requires the person to comply with the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (Canada). Related amendments are made to the definitions of “sex offence” and “offender” and new definitions of “obligation” and “order” are added.

Amendments are made to require that offenders comply with the reporting requirements under the Act for the duration of time that they are a sex offender for the purposes of the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (Canada). Transitional rules are included with respect to how the new reporting requirements apply to offenders who are subject to an order or obligation before the day the amendments come into force.

The Schedule repeals the provisions that relate to what occurs when an offender is pardoned in respect of a sex offence or when their conviction or finding of not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder is overturned, including requirements to delete references to an offender from the sex offender registry. The Act is amended to require the Minister to ensure that such information that relates to an offender is destroyed and permanently removed from the sex offender registry as required by and in accordance with the regulations.

The Lieutenant Governor in Council’s regulation-making powers are amended to include, among other things, the authority to prescribe and govern exceptions respecting the application of the Act and governing the destruction and permanent removal of information from the sex offender registry.

Existing references to “the ministry” throughout the Act are updated to refer to “the Minister”. Other technical amendments are made to the Act.

SCHEDULE 3
COMMUNITY SAFETY AND POLICING ACT, 2019

The Schedule amends the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019. The major elements are described below:

   1.  Several provisions throughout the Act relating to misconduct, complaints and investigations are expanded to apply to prescribed persons.

   2.  The duties of the Minister in section 3 of the Act are expanded to include consulting with and advising on the effective operation of police service boards, O.P.P. detachment boards and First Nation O.P.P. boards and monitoring trends in policing.

   3.  New section 3.1 is added to give the Minister the power to issue directives to police service boards establishing priorities that the board must reflect in their strategic plan.

   4.  Section 22 is amended to allow the Minister to require the Inspector General to investigate and report on whether appropriate arrangements have been made for the provision of adequate and effective policing if an arrangement were to be approved by the Minister under that section. A similar existing power in subsection 30 (3) is amended to allow the Minister to require the Inspector General to investigate and report, rather than ask for the investigation and report.

   5.  Section 44 is amended to provide that meetings of a police service board, or of a committee of the board, are also closed to prescribed persons. The duty of confidentiality in subsection 44 (4) is expanded to apply to any person who attends a meeting or part of the meeting that is closed to the public.

   6.  New section 49.1 prohibits certain contracts between police service boards and current or former members of a police service board.

   7.  Section 80 is amended to require disclosure of personal information to the Commissioner in specified cases where the information has been disclosed for the purpose of the protection of the public. New section 80.1 requires the Commissioner to disclose this information on a publicly accessible website. Provisions are set out for corrections to and the removal of this information.

   8.  New section 101.2 authorizes officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or other prescribed persons who are peace officers under the law of a Canadian jurisdiction other than Ontario to exercise the prescribed powers of a police officer under Ontario legislation. It also allows prescribed employees of a government in a Canadian jurisdiction other than Ontario to be peace officers in prescribed areas of Ontario.

   9.  Currently, subsection 107 (6) requires the Inspector General to forward certain policy or procedure complaints to the Minister. This subsection is amended to provide that the Inspector General may, but is not required to, forward the complaints if the Inspector General has investigated certain matters in the complaint and determined that there are no further grounds to investigate those matters.

10.  New section 110.1 authorizes the Inspector General to consolidate certain related complaints.

11.  Section 119 is amended to allow the Inspector General to disclose specified information to the Minister.

12.  Section 122 is amended to allow the Inspector General to amend or rescind a direction to a board member under that section.

13.  Currently, the powers in section 124 may be exercised if the report made under subsection 123 (1) discloses evidence that a member of a board has committed misconduct. This section is amended so that the powers may be used only if the Inspector General is of the opinion that a member of a board has committed misconduct. The report provisions in sections 124 and 125 are expanded to also apply to any decisions of the Inspector General to not take action under those sections.

14.  Certain related regulation-making powers are added to section 261.

SCHEDULE 4
ENFORCEMENT OF CANADIAN RESTRAINING ORDERS ACT, 2026

The Schedule enacts the Enforcement of Canadian Restraining Orders Act, 2026. Under the Act, restraining orders made by courts in Canada but outside of Ontario are deemed to be Ontario court orders and enforceable as such. The restraining orders may also be registered with the Ontario court. A party to a final non-Ontario restraining order can apply in Ontario under the Family Law Rules to have the order varied or set aside if specified criteria are met.

A complementary amendment is made to section 21.8 of the Courts of Justice Act so that applications to vary or set aside a non-Ontario restraining order fall within the jurisdiction of the Family Court of the Superior Court of Justice where it sits (and the Superior Court of Justice otherwise), and to provide the Family Rules Committee with sufficient related rule-making authority under section 68 of that Act.

SCHEDULE 5
INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION ACT, 1998

The Schedule makes various amendments to the Intercountry Adoption Act, 1998. Among those amendments are the following:

   1.  Currently, the Act provides that a person who is habitually resident in Ontario may make an application to a licensee or to a Director for approval to leave Ontario for the purpose of an intercountry adoption or to finalize an intercountry adoption. The Act is amended so that such an application may only be made to a licensee.

   2.  A new section 7.1 allows a Director to grant approvals authorizing a person to act as an adoption practitioner if the person meets certain criteria. The Act is further amended to provide that the report of an adoption homestudy for the purposes of an intercountry adoption must be prepared by a person who holds such an approval. Section 7.1 also provides that a Director may issue a direction to the holder of an approval requiring them to take any steps outlined in the direction in order to address concerns identified by the Director.

   3.  A new section 8.2 provides that a Director may grant a term on a licence permitting the licensee to facilitate intercountry adoptions from a specific country if certain criteria are met. Notably, a Director may refuse to grant such a term on the grounds that it would be inappropriate in the circumstances or contrary to the public interest. A new section 12.1 provides for an appeal procedure for certain decisions respecting the granting of such a term. A new section 14.1 allows the Director to, in certain circumstances, suspend such a term.

   4.  Amendments are made to the grounds upon which a Director may propose to refuse to issue a licence to facilitate intercountry adoptions or may propose to revoke or to refuse to renew such a licence.

   5.  A new section 18.1 provides for the issuance of binding directives, to licensees, in respect of any matters prescribed by the regulations. A new section 18.2 provides for the issuance of compliance orders in cases of non-compliance with the Act, its regulations, a directive issued under section 18.1 or a condition on a licensee’s licence.

SCHEDULE 6
PILL PRESSES AND PRECURSORS ACT, 2026

The Pill Presses and Precursors Act, 2026 is enacted.

The terms “pill press” and “precursor” are defined.

The use, possession or sale of pill presses or precursors in certain circumstances is prohibited. The Act also includes a prohibition on the possession of proceeds of an offence under the Act and a requirement to report stolen pill presses.

The Act includes a number of enforcement provisions. A police officer who has reasonable grounds to believe a person is guilty of an offence may require the person to identify themself. Provisions are included to provide for offences, penalties, searches and seizures.

SCHEDULE 7
PLANNING ACT

The Schedule amends the Planning Act to give local municipalities the power to impose an administrative penalty on a person if the local municipality is satisfied that the person has failed to comply with any provisions of a by-law of the local municipality respecting the matter described in paragraph 1 of subsection 34 (1) of the Act (restricting use of land). The amendments also provide that such an administrative penalty constitutes a debt to the local municipality, which, if not paid within 15 days after the day it becomes due and payable, may be added to the tax roll and collected in the same manner as municipal taxes.

SCHEDULE 8
POLICE RECORD CHECKS REFORM ACT, 2015

The Schedule amends the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 to authorize a chief of police or a member of a police service designated by a chief of police for the purposes of this Act to apply to the Minister for an eligible body to be designated as an authorized body for the purposes of section 6.3 of the Criminal Records Act (Canada).

The Minister is authorized to make regulations governing the designation of an eligible body as an authorized body.

SCHEDULE 9
PREVENTION OF AND REMEDIES FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING ACT, 2017

The Schedule re-enacts Part IV of the Act respecting coerced debts: debts incurred as a result of the debtor being a victim of human trafficking. The Part sets out prohibitions against the collection or attempted collection of debts that have been established to be coerced debts under the Part (subsection 22 (1)). It also contains prohibitions against taking established coerced debts into account when determining whether to provide specified services or products (section 23). Contraventions of the prohibitions are offences subject to specified penalties on conviction (sections 24 and 25).

A debt can be established to be a coerced debt in one of three ways: by written agreement between the debtor and creditor, on application to a court for a determination or on application to an adjudicator for a determination (subsection 18 (2)). The Part sets out the framework for establishing a coerced debt, as well as related procedural preconditions and requirements, which may be supplemented by regulations made under the Part.

An application may not be brought without the involvement of a designated organization. Designated organizations are entities with experience working with victims of human trafficking and that meet other specified requirements (section 34). They may enter into agreements with other organizations that provide support services to victims of human trafficking for the referral of debts that the debtor believes to be a coerced debt (section 26). A designated organization is required to review a debt referred to it and, if it is satisfied that the debt is a coerced debt, must notify the creditor. On receiving the notice the creditor is, in most cases, required to ensure that debt collection is paused for a specified period (section 27). If the debtor and creditor, with the involvement of the designated organization, do not agree that the debt is a coerced debt, an application may be brought for a determination. Section 28 specifies when an application must be made to a court and when a determination by an adjudicator under a simplified dispute resolution process is available under the Part. Applications heard by adjudicators are in writing only, in accordance with procedures to be set out by regulations made under the Part (section 29).

The Part sets out implications of the establishment of a coerced debt, including requirements for the creditor to notify specified persons and entities (section 31), implications for the civil enforcement of court orders under the rules of court (section 32) and requirements for authorities that issue specified licences and permits to take certain steps if the debtor’s licence or permit was previously implicated by the debtor’s failure to pay a debt (section 33).

Additional amendments are made to support the re-enactment of Part IV, including the following:

   1.  The definition of “human trafficking” in section 1 is re-enacted. The substance of the previous definition is incorporated into Part II, which is renamed as a consequence (restraining orders).

   2.  Related amendments are made to the Consumer Reporting Act and the Personal Property Security Act.

   3.  The Protection from Coerced Debts Incurred in relation to Human Trafficking Act, 2023 is repealed. The main substance of that Act is retained and expanded on in the Schedule.

Finally, the Schedule makes other amendments to the Act, including the following:

   1.  Amendments to section 10 to expand the list of people who must or may be the subject of an order under that section (order restricting publication, etc.).

   2.  Amendments to replace gendered language.

   3.  Grammatical amendments to the French version of references to “human trafficking”.

SCHEDULE 10
PRIVATE SECURITY AND INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES ACT, 2005

The Schedule makes various amendments to the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005, including the following:

   1.  Currently, subsection 2 (4) provides that a security guard is a person who performs work, for remuneration, that consists primarily of guarding or patrolling for the purpose of protecting persons or property. The subsection is amended to provide that a security guard is a person who performs work, for renumeration, that consists of guarding and patrolling for the purpose of protecting persons or property.

   2.  Section 3 currently provides that the Lieutenant Governor in Council shall appoint a Registrar of Private Investigators and Security Guards and one or more deputy registrars. The section is amended to provide that the Minister shall appoint a Registrar of Private Investigators and Security Guards and deputy registrars.

   3.  Subsection 10 (1) is amended to make the payment of the required fee for the issuance or renewal of the appropriate licence a requirement for a person to be eligible to hold a licence.

   4.  Section 12 is amended to provide that, when a person must do certain things with respect to their licence, these actions extend to their digital licence or to the hard copy of their digital licence.

   5.  Subsections 19 (7) to (10), which set out a facilitation process in cases where a complaint to the Registrar is in regard to a breach of the code of conduct established under the regulations, are repealed. Subsection 19 (6) is amended and subsection 19 (7) is re-enacted to provide that, in such cases, the Registrar must review the complaint to determine whether an investigation is warranted and, if so, initiate an investigation.

   6.  A new section 23.1 authorizes justices of the peace to issue production orders to investigators.

   7.  Section 37 is amended so that a person is no longer required to return their licence to the Registrar in certain circumstances but is instead required to destroy their licence. Related amendments are made to sections 10, 25 and 29.

SCHEDULE 11
PROVINCIAL ANIMAL WELFARE SERVICES ACT, 2019

Currently, section 14.1 of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 provides for a record-keeping requirement in respect of dogs. The section is amended so that the requirement applies in respect of dogs, cats and any other animals prescribed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

SCHEDULE 12
PROVINCIAL OFFENCES ACT

The Schedule amends section 5.1 of the Provincial Offences Act respecting early resolution meetings between defendants and prosecutors in relation to offence notices served under Part I of the Act. The amendments set out a process by which the clerk of the court may enter a conviction and impose a fine in accordance with an agreement between the defendant and prosecutor in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty and they both agree to a resulting penalty. If specified requirements are not met, the matter must proceed to trial before a justice. Section 13 is amended to add related regulation-making authority, and various consequential amendments are made.

The Schedule also re-enacts the definition of “court” in subsection 1 (1) to expressly refer to a justice, and makes related consequential amendments throughout the Act.

Finally, the Schedule makes various housekeeping amendments, such as repealing spent provisions.

SCHEDULE 13
SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORK ACT, 1998

Currently, the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998 authorizes the Council of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or its Executive Committee to make interim orders suspending the certificate of registration of a member of the College or imposing terms, conditions or limitations on a member’s certificate of registration in certain circumstances. Notably, an allegation respecting the member must have been referred for a hearing before the Discipline Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee. The Schedule amends the Act to, in particular, allow the Council or Executive Committee to make such interim orders at any point after a complaint regarding the conduct or actions of a member has been filed with the Registrar of the College or the Registrar has appointed one or more investigators to conduct an investigation in respect of a member.

SCHEDULE 14
SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT ACT, 2019

The Schedule amends the Special Investigations Unit Act, 2019.

The definition of “official” is amended so that additional persons may be prescribed as “officials” for the purposes of the Act.

Subsection 36 (1) currently provides that the SIU Director may refer certain matters involving officials, other than police officers, to a chief of police. The subsection is amended so that the Director may refer those matters to a prescribed person instead, though the Director may still refer the matter to a chief of police if no person has been prescribed.

Regulation-making powers are added to allow the regulations to clarify or modify the application of the Act or the regulations to persons prescribed as “officials” or to exempt them from certain provisions.

SCHEDULE 15
TOWING AND STORAGE SAFETY AND ENFORCEMENT ACT, 2021

The Schedule makes various amendments to the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, 2021. Here are some highlights:

   1.  Currently, section 9 of the Act provides that an appeal of certain decisions does not operate as a stay of the decision. The section is amended to provide that a further appeal of a decision does not operate as a stay of the appeal body’s decision unless the Divisional Court orders a stay.

   2.  Currently, section 28 of the Act requires the Director of Towing and Vehicle Storage Standards to publish the amounts for towing services and vehicle storage services that tow operators and vehicle storage operators are required to submit to the Director. The section is amended to require the Director to publish changes in the amounts submitted within the time period specified by the regulations.

   3.  Subsection 38 (1) of the Act is re-enacted to provide for two separate restrictions on the provision of towing services at a collision. Tow truck drivers, tow operators and persons acting on their behalf must not provide or offer towing services within 200 metres of a collision. Tow truck drivers and tow operators are prohibited from parking or stopping a tow truck within 200 metres of a collision.

   4.  New section 47.1 provides that an offence notice or summons that is provided to a tow truck driver is deemed to be served on the tow operator of the tow truck.

   5.  New subsection 49 (2) authorizes the Director to delegate their powers and duties under the Act to a person employed in the Ministry.

SCHEDULE 16
VICTIMS’ BILL OF RIGHTS, 1995

The Victims’ Bill of Rights, 1995 is amended with respect to harassment:

   1.  Subsection 3 (2) lists victims of crimes that are presumed to have suffered emotional distress for the purposes of subsection 3 (1), which establishes a specified cause of action against persons convicted of crimes prescribed by the regulations made under the Act. Victims of criminal harassment are added to the list.

   2.  A new cause of action against persons who engage in harassment is added in section 3.1. The cause of action is not contingent on a charge or conviction of criminal harassment against the defendant. Section 4.1 is added to provide that if a plaintiff brings multiple actions for harassment against the same person under the Act, the court must take into account any damages already awarded in respect of the harassing conduct in another action.

A number of housekeeping amendments are also made to the Act, including amendments to remove gendered language.

Bill 119 2026

An Act to enact two new Acts and to amend various other Acts

CONTENTS

 

Preamble

The Government of Ontario is committed to:

Protecting Ontario communities by supporting an efficient and effective justice system.

Providing tools for stronger enforcement to address illegal activity and to better protect Ontario.

Taking action to protect people, including vulnerable populations, and increasing efforts to support victims of human trafficking.

Therefore, His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Contents of this Act

1 This Act consists of this section, sections 2 and 3 and the Schedules to this Act.

Commencement

2 (1)  Except as otherwise provided in this section, this Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

(2)  The Schedules to this Act come into force as provided in each Schedule.

(3)  If a Schedule to this Act provides that any of its provisions are to come into force on a day to be named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, an order may apply to one or more of those provisions, and orders may be issued at different times with respect to any of those provisions.

Short title

3 The short title of this Act is the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026.

SCHEDULE 1
CHILD, YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES ACT, 2017

1 Subsection 33 (1) of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 is amended by striking out “or” at the end of clause (c) and by adding the following clause:

(c.1) in the case of a licensee whose licence is issued under Part VIII (Adoption and Adoption Licensing), a condition of the licence; or

2 Section 145 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Locked room

(5)  A person in charge of a place of secure custody or a place of secure temporary detention may, in the prescribed circumstances and in accordance with the prescribed procedures, place a young person in a locked room that meets any prescribed standards.

3 Subsection 174 (1) of the Act is amended by adding “or in accordance with Part VI (Youth Justice)” at the end.

4 Subsection 183 (4) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Placement of child from outside of Canada

(4)  No licensee described in subsection (2) shall bring a child who is not a resident of Canada into Ontario to be placed for adoption unless,

  (a)  the licensee is permitted under its licence to bring children into Ontario to be placed for adoption from the country in question;

  (b)  the licensee has obtained a Director’s approval of the person with whom the child is to be placed as eligible and suitable to adopt under section 189; and

  (c)  after obtaining the approval referred to in clause (b), the licensee has obtained a Director’s approval of the proposed placement under section 190.

5 Subsection 188 (2) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Who may make homestudy

(2)  The report of the adoption homestudy shall be prepared by a person who,

  (a)  holds an approval to act as an adoption practitioner issued by a Director under section 191.1; or

  (b)  is, in the opinion of a local director, qualified to make an adoption homestudy.

6 Subsection 189 (2) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Who may make homestudy

(2)  The report of the adoption homestudy shall be prepared by a person who,

  (a)  holds an approval to act as an adoption practitioner issued by a Director under section 191.1; or

  (b)  is, in the opinion of a local director, qualified to make an adoption homestudy.

7 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Approvals to act as an adoption practitioner

191.1  (1)  A Director may grant a person an approval authorizing the person to act as an adoption practitioner if,

  (a)  the Director is of the opinion that the person is qualified and competent to make adoption homestudies, supervise adoption placements, prepare reports respecting a child’s adjustment in the home and carry out any other related responsibilities and will do so with honesty and integrity; and

  (b)  the person meets the prescribed criteria, if any.

Duration

(2)  An approval is valid for the length of time indicated by the Director in the approval.

Directions

(3)  A Director may issue a direction to a person who holds an approval requiring the person to take any steps outlined in the direction within the time period specified in the direction in order to address any concerns identified by the Director about the person’s ability to carry out any of the activities referred to in subsection (1).

Same

(4)  Without limiting the generality of subsection (3), a direction under that subsection may require the holder of an approval to do one or more of the following:

   1.  Do or refrain from doing anything outlined in the direction.

   2.  Prepare, submit and implement a plan to address the concerns identified by the Director.

   3.  Complete any training specified in the direction.

Revocation, etc.

(5)  A Director may suspend, revoke or refuse to renew an approval if the holder of the approval fails to comply with a direction issued under subsection (3).

Same

(6)  Subsection (5) shall not be interpreted as restricting the Director’s authority to suspend, revoke or refuse to renew an approval for reasons other than the reason set out in that subsection.

Transition

(7)  Any document attesting to a person being, in the opinion of the Director, qualified to make an adoption homestudy for the purposes of subsection 188 (2) or 189 (2) or any Director’s approval referred to in clause 202 (6) (b), as those provisions read immediately before the day on which the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 received Royal Assent, that was issued before that day is deemed to be an approval to act as an adoption practitioner issued by a Director under this section.

8 Clause 202 (6) (b) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

  (b)  a person who holds an approval to act as an adoption practitioner issued by a Director under section 191.1 or who is approved by a local director.

9 (1)  Subsections 229 (2) to (4) of the Act are repealed and the following substituted:

Application

(2)  An application for a licence or the renewal of a licence to place children for adoption shall be made by submitting to a Director,

  (a)  an application, in the form approved by the Minister, completed by the applicant;

  (b)  any information or documentation that may be prescribed; and

  (c)  payment of the prescribed fee, if any.

Additional information

(3)  An applicant for a licence or the renewal of a licence shall provide any additional information or documentation that the Director considers necessary to assess the application.

Additional requirements

(4)  An applicant for a licence or the renewal of a licence shall comply with any other requirements that may be prescribed.

Director’s duty to issue or renew

(4.1)  Subject to subsection (4.2), a Director shall issue or renew a licence if the applicant has complied with subsections (2) to (4), unless,

  (a)  the Director proposes to refuse to do so in accordance with section 231 or 232;

  (b)  in the case of an application for a licence, the Director refuses, under section 231.1, to issue the licence; or

  (c)  the Director is not prepared, under section 230.1, to grant a term on the licence permitting the applicant to act under subsection 183 (2) to bring children who are not residents of Canada into Ontario to be placed for adoption, if the applicant is not also seeking to place children who are resident in Ontario for adoption.

Individual or non-profit agency only

(4.2)  A licence shall only be issued to an individual or a non-profit agency.

(2)  Section 229 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Transition

(8)  If, on the day subsection 9 (1) of Schedule 1 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 comes into force, the Director has yet to make a decision on an application for a licence or to renew a licence that was made before that day, section 231.1 does not apply to the application and this section and sections 231 and 232, as they read immediately before being amended by Schedule 1 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026, continue to apply to the application.

10 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Terms permitting intercountry placements

230.1  (1)  On issuing or renewing a licence or at any other time, a Director may grant a term on the licence permitting the licensee to act under subsection 183 (2) to bring children who are not residents of Canada from a specified country into Ontario to be placed for adoption if,

  (a)  the applicant or licensee had requested the term and had done so in accordance with the regulations, if any;

  (b)  the applicant or licensee has provided any additional information or documentation that the Director has indicated as being necessary to assess the application; and

  (c)  the Director is of the opinion that,

         (i)  the applicant or licensee is competent to facilitate intercountry adoptions from that country, and

        (ii)  granting the term is appropriate in the circumstances and not contrary to the public interest, having regard to the considerations set out in subsection (2).

Considerations

(2)  The following are the considerations mentioned in subclause (1) (c) (ii):

   1.  The number of licensees whose licence permits them to bring children from that country into Ontario to be placed for adoption and the number of children in that country who are available for intercountry adoption.

   2.  The adequacy of safeguards with respect to the intercountry adoption process that exist in that country.

   3.  Any additional considerations that may be prescribed.

   4.  Any other considerations that, in the Director’s opinion, are relevant.

Public interest

(3)  The decision to refuse to grant a term under subsection (1) on the grounds that granting the term is inappropriate in the circumstances or contrary to the public interest is within the sole discretion of a Director and is not subject to appeal to the Tribunal.

Transition

(4)  A term permitting the licensee to act under subsection 183 (2) that is contained in a licence issued before the day section 10 of Schedule 1 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 comes into force remains valid, despite anything in this section and subject to section 236.1.

Same

(5)  If, on the day section 10 of Schedule 1 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 comes into force, a Director has yet to make a decision on a request that the Director include in a licence a term permitting the licensee to act under subsection 183 (2) that was made before that day, the request shall be considered by the Director without reference to this section.

11 (1)  Clause 231 (a) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

  (a)  the applicant, an employee of the applicant or, if the applicant is a corporation, an officer or director of the corporation is not competent to place children for adoption in a responsible manner in accordance with this Act and the regulations or any other applicable law;

(2)  Clause 231 (b) of the Act is amended by adding “or any other applicable law or will not be carried on with honesty and integrity” after “the regulations”.

12 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Grounds for refusal, public interest

231.1  (1)  A Director may refuse to issue a licence where, in the Director’s opinion, issuing the licence would be contrary to the public interest, having regard to the number of licensees licensed to place children for adoption and the number of children in Ontario who are available for adoption.

Decision at Director’s discretion

(2)  The decision to refuse to issue a licence under subsection (1) is within the sole discretion of a Director and is not subject to appeal to the Tribunal.

13 (1)  Clause 232 (a) of the Act is amended by striking out the portion before subclause (i) and substituting the following:

  (a)  the licensee, an employee of the licensee or, if the licensee is a corporation, an officer or director of the corporation has contravened or has knowingly permitted a person under their control or direction or associated with them to contravene,

.     .     .     .     .

(2)  Section 232 of the Act is amended by adding the following clause:

(a.1) the conduct of any person mentioned in clause (a) affords reasonable grounds to believe that,

         (i)  children are not being or will not be placed for adoption in a responsible manner in accordance with this Act, the regulations or any other applicable law, or

        (ii)  children are not being or will not be placed for adoption with honesty and integrity;

14 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Review of decision not to grant term

234.1  (1)  Where a director, under section 230.1, refuses to grant a term on a licence permitting the licensee to act under subsection 183 (2) to bring children who are not residents of Canada from a given country into Ontario to be placed for adoption, the Director shall notify the licensee of the decision.

Request for hearing

(2)  A notice under subsection (1) shall set out the reasons for the decision and shall, unless the refusal is based on the grounds set out in subsection 230.1 (3), state that the licensee is entitled to a hearing by the Tribunal if they deliver a written request for a hearing to the Director and to the Tribunal within 10 days after the notice is given.

Power of Tribunal where hearing requested

(3)  Where a licensee requests a hearing under subsection (2), the Tribunal shall appoint a time for and hold a hearing and may, on hearing the matter,

  (a)  confirm the Director’s decision; or

  (b)  order the Director to take such other action as the Tribunal considers appropriate, in accordance with this Part and the regulations.

Discretion of Tribunal

(4)  In making an order under subsection (3), the Tribunal may substitute its opinion for that of the Director.

15 Subsection 236 (3) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Request for hearing

(3)  A notice under subsection (1) shall set out the reasons for the suspension and shall state that the licensee is entitled to a hearing by the Tribunal if they deliver a written request for a hearing to the Director and to the Tribunal within 10 days after the notice is given.

Powers of Tribunal where hearing requested

(4)  Where a licensee requests a hearing under subsection (2), the Tribunal shall appoint a time for and hold a hearing and may, on hearing the matter,

  (a)  rescind or confirm the suspension; or

  (b)  order the Director to take such other action as the Tribunal considers appropriate, in accordance with this Part and the regulations.

Discretion of Tribunal

(5)  In making an order under subsection (4), the Tribunal may substitute its opinion for that of the Director.

16 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Suspension of term permitting intercountry adoptions

236.1  (1)  A Director may, by giving written notice to a licensee, suspend a term of the licence permitting the licensee to act under subsection 183 (2) to bring children into Ontario to be placed for adoption from the country specified in the term if, in the Director’s opinion, the safeguards with respect to the intercountry adoption process in that country are inadequate so as to pose an immediate or imminent threat to the health, safety or welfare of children.

Decision at Director’s discretion

(2)  The decision to suspend a term under subsection (1) is within the sole discretion of the Director and is not subject to appeal to the Tribunal.

17 Section 344 of the Act is amended by adding the following paragraph:

2.1  prescribing, for the purposes of subsection 145 (5), standards that a locked room must meet, circumstances in which a person in charge of a place of secure custody or a place of secure temporary detention may place a young person in a locked room and the procedures to be followed in such circumstances;

18 (1)  Subsection 346 (1) of the Act is amended by adding the following paragraphs:

5.1  prescribing criteria for the purposes of clause 191.1 (1) (b);

5.2  prescribing rules and standards that apply to persons who hold approvals to act as an adoption practitioner issued by a Director under subsection 191.1 (1);

(2)  Paragraph 22 of subsection 346 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

22.  governing the issuing, renewal and expiry of licences, including prescribing information or documentation for the purposes of clause 229 (2) (b), fees for the purposes of clause 229 (2) (c) and requirements for the purposes of subsection 229 (4);

(3)  Subsection 346 (1) of the Act is amended by adding the following paragraphs:

22.1 governing the manner in which an applicant or licensee must request to be able to facilitate intercountry adoptions from a country for the purposes of clause 230.1 (1) (a), including requiring the applicant or licensee to provide specified information or documents;

.     .     .     .     .

24.1 prescribing additional considerations for the purposes of paragraph 3 of subsection 230.1 (2);

Commencement

19 (1)  Except as otherwise provided in this section, this Schedule comes into force on the day the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 receives Royal Assent.

(2)  Sections 9 to 16 and subsections 18 (2) and (3) come into force on a day to be named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

SCHEDULE 2
CHRISTOPHER’S LAW (SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY), 2000

1 (1)  The English version of the definition of “ministry” in subsection 1 (1) of Christopher’s Law (Sex Offender Registry), 2000 is amended by striking out “the Ministry” and substituting “the ministry”.

(2)  Subsection 1 (1) of the Act is amended by adding the following definition:

“obligation” means,

  (a)  an obligation under section 490.019 or 490.02901 of the Criminal Code (Canada) to comply with the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (Canada), or

  (b)  an obligation under section 36.1 of the International Transfer of Offenders Act (Canada) to comply with the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (Canada); (“obligation”)

(3)  The definition of “offender” in subsection 1 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

“offender” means a person described in section 1.1; (“délinquant”)

(4)  Subsection 1 (1) of the Act is amended by adding the following definition:

“order” means an order under section 490.012 of the Criminal Code (Canada) to comply with the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (Canada); (“ordonnance”)

(5)  The definition of “pardon” in subsection 1 (1) of the Act is repealed.

(6)  The definition of “sex offence” in subsection 1 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

“sex offence” means an offence in connection with which an order or obligation is made; (“infraction sexuelle”)

(7)  The definition of “sex offender registry” in subsection 1 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “established under section 2” at the end and substituting “referred to in section 2”.

2 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Application of Act

1.1  Except as otherwise prescribed, this Act applies to every person who is resident in Ontario and who is subject to an order or an obligation on or after the day this section comes into force.

3 Section 2 of the Act is amended by,

  (a)  striking out “The ministry” at the beginning and substituting “The Minister”; and

  (b)  striking out “the sex offences for which, on or after the day section 3 comes into force, they are serving or have served a sentence or of which they have been convicted or found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder” and substituting “the sex offences for which they were convicted or found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder”.

4 (1)  Subsection 3 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “who is resident in Ontario” in the portion before clause (a).

(2)  Clause 3 (1) (b) of the Act is amended by striking out “an absolute or conditional discharge” and substituting “a conditional discharge”.

(3)  Clauses 3 (1) (e.1) and (e.2) of the Act are repealed.

(4)  Section 3 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Exception

(1.0.0.1)  Despite a requirement under subsection (1) for an offender to appear in person at a location, an offender who was subject to an order or an obligation before the day subsection 4 (4) of Schedule 2 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 comes into force is not required to appear in person at a location within the prescribed periods described in clauses (1) (a) to (b) if, before that day, the offender appeared in person at a location as required by any of those clauses.

(5)  The French version of subsections 3 (1.0.1), (1.0.2) and (1.4) of the Act is amended by striking out “l’obligation” wherever it appears and substituting in each case “l’exigence”.

(6)  Subsections 3 (1.1) to (1.3) of the Act are repealed.

(7)  Subsection 3 (3) of the Act is amended by striking out “subsections (1), 7 (2), 9 (1) and 9.0.1 (1)” and substituting “subsections (1) and 7 (2)”.

(8)  Subsection 3 (4) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Notice of requirement to report

(4)  Every police service shall make reasonable efforts to provide notice to every person it charges that the person may be required to report under subsection (1) if the offence on which the charge is based could, if the person is convicted or found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder for such offence, result in an order or obligation.

(9)  Subsection 3 (5) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Notice of requirements of Act

(5)  If an offender appears in person at a location under any of clauses (1) (a) to (b), the police service shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that it gives written notice to the offender of the requirements of this Act.

(10)  Subsection 3 (6) of the Act is amended by striking out “the ministry” at the end and substituting “the Minister”.

5 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Reporting period

3.1  An offender shall comply with section 3 in accordance with the following rules:

   1.  Unless paragraph 2 applies, the offender shall comply with section 3 for the duration of time the offender is a sex offender for the purposes of the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (Canada).

   2.  If, on the day before section 5 of Schedule 2 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 comes into force, the offender was subject to an order or an obligation and was required to comply with section 3 of this Act, the offender is required to comply with section 3 until the earlier of the following dates:

          i.  The date on which the offender is no longer a sex offender for the purposes of the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (Canada).

          ii.  The date on which the offender would no longer have been required to comply with section 3, as determined on the day before section 5 of Schedule 2 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 came into force.

6 Section 4 of the Act is amended by striking out “the ministry” wherever it appears and substituting in each case “the Minister”.

7 Section 4.1 of the Act is amended by striking out “the ministry” wherever it appears and substituting in each case “the Minister”.

8 Section 5 of the Act is amended by striking out “the ministry” wherever it appears and substituting in each case “the Minister”.

9 Subsection 6 (3) of the Act is amended by striking out “the ministry” wherever it appears and substituting in each case “the Minister”.

10 (1)  Subsection 7 (1) of the Act is repealed.

(2)  Subsection 7 (2) of the Act is amended by,

  (a)  striking out “who is resident in Ontario” in the portion before clause (a); and

  (b)  striking out “an absolute or conditional discharge” in clause (b) and substituting “a conditional discharge”.

(3)  The French version of subsections 7 (2.0.1) and (2.0.2) of the Act is amended by striking out “l’obligation” wherever it appears and substituting in each case “l’exigence”.

(4)  Subsections 7 (2.1) and (2.2) of the Act are repealed.

(5)  Subsection 7 (4) of the Act is repealed.

11 Section 8 of the Act is repealed.

12 Sections 9, 9.0.1 and 9.1 of the Act are repealed and the following substituted:

Permanent removal and destruction of information

9 The Minister shall ensure that such information that relates to an offender is destroyed and permanently removed from the sex offender registry as required by and in accordance with the regulations.

13 Section 10 of the Act is amended by striking out “employee of or person authorized by the ministry” wherever it appears and substituting in each case “employee of the ministry or person authorized by the Minister”.

14 Section 10.1 of the Act is amended by striking out “employee of or person authorized by the ministry” wherever it appears and substituting in each case “employee of the ministry or person authorized by the Minister”.

15 The English version of subsection 11 (5) of the Act is amended by striking out “the offender may” and substituting “the officer may”.

16 (1)  Section 14 of the Act is amended by striking out the portion before clause (a) and substituting the following:

Regulations

14 The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations respecting any matter that the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers necessary or advisable to carry out effectively the intent and purpose of this Act, including,

.     .     .     .     .

(2)  Clause 14 (a) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

  (a)  prescribing and governing exceptions that apply for the purposes of section 1.1;

(3)  Clause 14 (f) of the Act is amended by striking out “the ministry and any other ministry” and substituting “the Minister and any other Minister”.

(4)  Clause 14 (g) of the Act is amended by striking out “the ministry” and substituting “the Minister”.

(5)  The French version of clause 14 (h.3) of the Act is amended by striking out “obligations” and substituting “exigences”.

(6)  The French version of subclause 14 (h.4) (ii) of the Act is amended by striking out “l’obligation” and substituting “l’exigence”.

(7)  Clause 14 (h.5) of the Act is repealed.

(8)  Clause 14 (h.6) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

(h.6) governing the destruction and permanent removal of information from the sex offender registry, including prescribing when such information must be destroyed and permanently removed;

(9)  Clause 14 (i) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

   (i)  governing any transitional matters which, in the opinion of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, are necessary or desirable to facilitate the implementation of Schedule 2 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026.

Commencement

17 This Schedule comes into force on a day to be named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

SCHEDULE 3
COMMUNITY SAFETY AND POLICING ACT, 2019

1 The definition of “misconduct” in subsection 2 (1) of the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 is amended by striking out “or” at the end of clause (b), by adding “or” at the end of clause (c) and by adding the following clause:

  (d)  in the case of a prescribed person who is not described in clause (a), (b) or (c), any conduct that is prescribed for the purposes of this clause; (“faute”)

2 (1)  Clause 3 (1) (d) of the Act is amended by striking out “in respect of policing, the administration of police services and related matters” in the portion before subclause (i) and substituting “in respect of policing, the administration of police services, the effective operation of police service boards, O.P.P. detachment boards and First Nation O.P.P. boards and related matters”.

(2)  Clause 3 (1) (g) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

  (g)  monitor trends in policing and conduct research and analysis to inform policy and program development, system planning and the evaluation of service delivery and outcomes in respect of policing, public complaints and related matters;

3 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Directive establishing priorities

3.1  (1)  The Minister may issue a directive to a police service board to establish priorities for the board that must be reflected in the board’s strategic plan.

Copy to Inspector General

(2)  The Minister shall provide a copy of any directive issued under this section to the Inspector General.

General or particular

(3)  A directive issued under this section may be general or particular in its application.

Non-application of Legislation Act, 2006

(4)  Part III (Regulations) of the Legislation Act, 2006 does not apply to directives issued under this section.

4 Section 22 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Inspector General

(5.1)  The Minister may require the Inspector General to investigate and report on whether appropriate arrangements have been made for the provision of adequate and effective policing in the affected area if an arrangement were to be approved under subsection (1) or (2).

5 Subsection 30 (3) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Inspector General

(3)  The Minister may require the Inspector General to investigate and report on whether appropriate arrangements have been made for the provision of adequate and effective policing in the affected area if the municipal board is dissolved.

6 Subsection 35 (4) of the Act is amended by striking out “following their appointment” and substituting “following the day the person became a member of the board or committee”.

7 (1)  Paragraph 2 of subsection 39 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

   2.  The objectives, priorities and core functions of the police service, which must reflect any applicable priorities established by a directive issued to the police service board under section 3.1.

(2)  Section 39 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsections:

Directive

(5.1)  If a directive is issued to a police service board under section 3.1, the police service board shall review the strategic plan and, if necessary, revise it to reflect the priorities set out in the directive.

Review to be completed within specified time

(5.2)  The police service board shall review and revise the strategic plan within the time period specified by the Minister in the directive.

Consultation, etc., does not apply

(5.3)  Subsections (2) to (4) do not apply to any review or revision of a strategic plan that is required under subsection (5.1).

8 (1)  Section 44 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Other persons prohibited from closed meeting

(3.1)  A meeting or part of a meeting that is closed to the public under subsection (2) or (3) is also closed to any prescribed persons.

(2)  Subsection 44 (4) of the Act is amended by striking out the portion before clause (a) and substituting the following:

Duty of confidentiality

(4)  Any person who attends a meeting or part of a meeting that is closed to the public under subsection (2) or (3) shall keep any matter considered in the closed part of the meeting confidential, including by keeping confidential any information obtained for the purpose of considering the confidential matter, except,

.     .     .     .     .

9 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Restriction on contracts with current or former board members

49.1  (1)  A police service board shall not enter into a contract to employ, whether as a member of the police service or otherwise, a current or former member of a police service board unless at least two years have passed since the person was a member of a police service board.

Same

(2)  A police service board shall not enter into a contract to receive services from a current or former member of a police service board unless at least two years have passed since the person was a member of a police service board.

Transition

(3)  This section does not apply to contracts that were entered into before the day this section came into force.

10 Subsection 60 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “Subject to subsection (2)” at the beginning of the portion before clause (a).

11 (1)  The French version of clause 79 (2) (a) of the Act is amended by striking out “ses activités” and substituting “son fonctionnement”.

(2)  The French version of clause 79 (3) (a) of the Act is amended by striking out “ses activités” and substituting “son fonctionnement”.

12 (1)  Section 80 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Copy to Commissioner

(2.1)  If a chief of police, other than the Commissioner, or their designate discloses personal information under subsection (1) that, in the chief’s or designate’s opinion, meets the requirements of subsection 80.1 (1), the chief of police or designate shall notify and provide a copy of the information to the Commissioner.

(2)  Subsection 80 (3) of the Act is amended by striking out “subsection (1)” and substituting “subsection (1) or (2.1)”.

(3)  Subsection 80 (4) of the Act is amended by striking out “subsection (1)” and substituting “subsection (1) or (2.1)”.

13 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Public website

80.1  (1)  The Commissioner shall publish on a publicly accessible website any personal information that is disclosed by a chief of police or designate in accordance with section 80 if,

  (a)  the personal information was disclosed for the purpose of the protection of the public;

  (b)  the individual to whom the personal information relates has been convicted or found guilty of an offence under any federal Act or of a prescribed offence;

  (c)  the chief of police or designate reasonably believes that the individual to whom the personal information relates poses a significant risk to other persons or to property; and

  (d)  the chief of police or designate reasonably believes that the disclosure of the personal information is necessary to reduce the risk described in clause (c).

Caution

(2)  The Commissioner shall ensure that the website prominently displays a caution warning users that any use of the information on the website to injure, harass or commit a criminal act against any person may subject the user to criminal prosecution.

Notice

(3)  Before publishing personal information in accordance with subsection (1), the Commissioner shall, in accordance with the regulations, make reasonable efforts to ensure that written notice is given to the person to whom the personal information relates and for them to be given an opportunity to identify any errors and correct the personal information.

Corrections

(4)  Subsection 47 (2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and subsection 36 (1) of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act do not apply with respect to personal information disclosed in accordance with subsection (1) and instead any person may apply to request that the personal information be corrected in accordance with the regulations.

Removal of information

(5)  The Commissioner shall remove personal information about a person from the website,

  (a)  within a prescribed period of time after it was published if the person has not been convicted or found guilty of an offence under any federal Act, or of a prescribed offence, since the date of publication; or

  (b)  in any other prescribed circumstances.

Commissioner’s discretion

(6)  The Commissioner may remove, or decline to publish, any personal information on the website if the Commissioner determines it to be in the public interest to do so.

Deemed compliance

(7)  Any disclosure made under subsection (1) shall be deemed to be in compliance with clauses 42 (1) (e) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and 32 (e) of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

14 Subsection 96 (5) of the Act is repealed.

15 Subsection 101.1 (4) of the Act is repealed.

16 Part VI of the Act is amended by adding the following section:

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officers and Other Peace Officers

Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers and other peace officers

101.2  (1)  An officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or another prescribed person who is a peace officer under the law of a Canadian jurisdiction other than Ontario, may exercise the prescribed powers of a police officer under Ontario legislation.

Peace officers in prescribed areas

(2)  A person is a peace officer in a prescribed area of Ontario if they meet all of the following requirements:

   1.  The person is a prescribed employee of a prescribed agency or department of a government in a Canadian jurisdiction other than Ontario.

   2.  The person is a peace officer under the law of a Canadian jurisdiction other than Ontario.

17 (1)  Subsection 107 (6) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Policy or procedure complaint, no investigation

(6)  If the Inspector General receives a complaint described in subsection (6.1), the Inspector General shall,

  (a)  forward the complaint to the Minister and to,

         (i)  the police service board that maintains the police service, if the complaint relates to the board’s policies, by-laws, rules or procedures or the procedures established by the chief of police, or

        (ii)  the O.P.P. detachment board or the First Nation O.P.P. board, if the complaint relates to the board’s local policies, by-laws, rules or procedures; and

  (b)  inform the complainant of the decision and of the persons or bodies that the complaint has been forwarded to.

Same

(6.1)  Subsection (6) applies to the following complaints:

   1.  A complaint that does not relate to the matters referred to in clause (1) (a) or (b) but that does relate to the policies, by-laws, rules or procedures referred to in clause (1) (c) or (d).

   2.  A complaint that relates to both the matters referred to in clause (1) (a) or (b) and the policies, by-laws, rules or procedures referred to in clause (1) (c) or (d) where the Inspector General has determined that there do not appear to be grounds to investigate the matters referred to in clause (1) (a) or (b).

Policy or procedure complaint, no further grounds to investigate

(6.2)  If the Inspector General receives a complaint described in subsection (6.3), the Inspector General may take the actions described in clause (6) (a) or (b) with respect to the complaint or may choose to take no further action.

Same

(6.3)  Subsection (6.2) applies to a complaint that relates to both the matters referred to in clause (1) (a) or (b) and the policies, by-laws, rules or procedures referred to in clause (1) (c) or (d) where the Inspector General has investigated the matters referred to in clause (1) (a) or (b) and determined that there do not appear to be grounds to investigate them further.

(2)  Subsection 107 (7) of the Act is amended by striking out “that receives a complaint under subsection (6)” in the portion before clause (a) and substituting “that is forwarded a complaint by the Inspector General under this section”.

(3)  Subsection 107 (9) of the Act is amended by striking out “received under clause (6) (a)” and substituting “that is forwarded to them by the Inspector General under this section”.

18 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Consolidation of complaints

110.1  (1)  The Inspector General may consolidate two or more complaints made under section 106 or 107 if,

  (a)  the Inspector General determines that the complaints relate to the same matter; or

  (b)  the prescribed circumstances exist.

Effect of consolidation

(2)  Complaints that have been consolidated under this section into a single complaint shall be treated as a single complaint for the purposes of this Part.

19 Section 119 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Disclosure to Minister

(2)  The Inspector General may disclose information to the Minister if the information is related to the discharge of the Minister’s duties.

20 Subsection 120 (2) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Misconduct notice

(2)  If, in the course of an inspection under this Part, an inspector becomes aware that a police officer, a special constable employed by the Niagara Parks Commission, a member of a police service board, an O.P.P. detachment board or a First Nation O.P.P. board, a peace officer in the Legislative Protective Service or a prescribed person may have engaged in conduct that constitutes misconduct,

  (a)  the inspector shall notify the Inspector General; and

  (b)  if the misconduct is alleged to have been committed by a police officer, a special constable employed by the Niagara Parks commission, a peace officer in the Legislative Protective Service or a prescribed person, the Inspector General shall notify the Complaints Director.

21 (1)  Subsection 122 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Board member duties during and after investigation

(1)  The Inspector General may direct a member of a police service board, an O.P.P. detachment board or a First Nation O.P.P. board whose conduct is being investigated under this Part to decline to exercise their powers or perform their duties as a member of the board.

Compliance

(1.1)  A member who receives a direction under subsection (1) must comply with the direction until the earliest of the following:

   1.  The day the member receives notice from the Inspector General that the direction has been rescinded.

   2.  The day the member receives notice from the Inspector General that no further action will be taken in respect of the investigation.

   3.  The day the Inspector General exercises a power under section 124 as a result of the investigation.

Amendment or rescission

(1.2)  The Inspector General may amend or rescind a direction issued under this section at any time.

(2)  Subsection 122 (2) of the Act is amended by striking out “of subsection (1)” and substituting “of a direction issued under this section”.

22 (1)  Subsection 124 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out the portion before clause (a) and substituting the following:

Inspector General’s powers

(1)  If, after reviewing a report made under subsection 123 (1), the Inspector General is of the opinion that a member of a board has committed misconduct, the Inspector General may,

.     .     .     .     .

(2)  Subsection 124 (7) of the Act is amended by striking out “shall not be reappointed” and substituting “shall not be appointed or reappointed”.

(3)  Subsection 124 (8) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Report

(8)  The Inspector General shall prepare a report respecting any action the Inspector General has taken under subsection (1), or respecting the decision not to take an action under that subsection, in response to a report made under subsection 123 (1) and shall publish the report on the Internet in accordance with the regulations made by the Minister, if any.

23 Subsection 125 (8) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Report

(8)  The Inspector General shall prepare a report respecting any direction the Inspector General has issued under subsection (1), or respecting the decision not to issue a direction under that subsection, in response to a report made under subsection 123 (1) and shall publish the report on the Internet in accordance with the regulations, if any.

Copy of direction

(9)  If the Inspector General issues a direction under subsection (1), the Inspector General shall provide a copy of it to the Minister and shall include a copy in the report published under subsection (8).

24 Subsection 126 (11) of the Act is amended by striking out “shall not be reappointed” and substituting “shall not be appointed or reappointed”.

25 Subsection 138 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “a police service board, or the Niagara Parks Commission” and substituting “a police service board, the Niagara Parks Commission or an employer of a prescribed person”.

26 Section 142 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Prescribed persons

(4)  A liaison to the Complaints Director in respect of prescribed persons may be designated in accordance with the regulations, if they so provide.

27 (1)  The definition of “designated authority” in subsection 151 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “and” at the end of clause (e), by adding “and” at the end of clause (f) and by adding the following clause:

  (g)  in relation to a prescribed person, the prescribed authority or, if none has been prescribed, the person’s employer; (“autorité désignée”)

(2)  Subsection 151 (3) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Notice, etc., re certain special constables

(3)  A requirement under this Part to give a notice or other communication or document to the designated authority of a special constable employed by the Niagara Parks Commission, or a prescribed person who is a special constable, shall be read as also requiring that the notice or other communication or document be given to the police service board or, if applicable, the Commissioner that appointed the special constable under section 92.

28 Section 152 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Application to prescribed persons

(2)  If the regulations so provide, this Part applies to the conduct of a prescribed person who is not listed in subsection (1), subject to such modifications as may be prescribed.

29 (1)  Clauses 159 (1) (a) and (b) of the Act are repealed and the following substituted:

  (a)  in the case of a complaint about the conduct of a police officer or a prescribed person who is a member of a police service, other than a chief of police or deputy chief of police, direct the officer’s or member’s chief of police or the chief of police of an unrelated police service to conduct the investigation;

  (b)  in the case of a complaint about the conduct of a special constable employed by the Niagara Parks Commission or a prescribed person who is not a member of a police service, direct a chief of police to conduct the investigation; or

(2)  Subsection 159 (4) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Same

(4)  The Complaints Director shall make a direction under subsection (3) with respect to a complaint about the conduct of a police officer or a prescribed person who is a member of a police service to the chief of police of an unrelated police service, unless, in the Complaints Director’s opinion, it is necessary for the purposes of the investigation to obtain access to information that cannot be obtained using the investigation powers of an unrelated police service.

30 Subsection 168 (3) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Same, special constables

(3)  In the case of a special constable who is employed by the Niagara Parks Commission or who is a prescribed person, the police service board or, if applicable, the Commissioner that appointed the special constable under section 92 shall, on receipt of the notice of the determination in accordance with subsection 151 (3), also take any other measures the board or Commissioner considers appropriate and give written notice of any such measures to the complainant, if any, and the Complaints Director.

31 (1)  Subsection 172 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

By investigator

(1)  If the regulations made by the Minister so provide, the cost of an investigation conducted by an investigator about the conduct of any of the following shall be paid as described in subsection (1.1):

   1.  A police officer, other than a police officer who is a member of the Ontario Provincial Police.

   2.  A special constable employed by the Niagara Parks Commission.

   3.  A person who is prescribed under subsection 152 (2), other than a prescribed person who is a member of the Ontario Provincial Police.

Same

(1.1)  If the regulations so provide, the cost of an investigation described in subsection (1) shall be paid by the police service board that employs the police officer, by the Niagara Parks Commission or by the employer of the prescribed person, as the case may be, except in such circumstances as the regulations may specify.

(2)  Subsection 172 (2) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

By chief of police other than Commissioner

(2)  In the case of an investigation conducted by a chief of police, other than the Commissioner, about the conduct of a person who is not a member of the chief of police’s police service, the chief of police may require that the cost of the investigation, as certified by the chief of police, be paid to the chief of police’s police service board by,

  (a)  in the case of an investigation about the conduct of a member of a police service maintained by a police service board, the police service board;

  (b)  in the case of an investigation about the conduct of a member of the Ontario Provincial Police, the Minister;

  (c)  in the case of an investigation about the conduct of a special constable employed by the Niagara Parks Commission, the Niagara Parks Commission; or

  (d)  in the case of an investigation about the conduct of a person who is prescribed under subsection 152 (2) and who is not a member of a police service, the employer of the prescribed person.

32 Subsection 197 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “who is a police officer” and substituting “who is a police officer or a prescribed person”.

33 (1)  Subsection 261 (1) of the Act is amended by adding the following paragraphs:

27.1 establishing and governing a process for notifying persons before their personal information is published on the website described in subsection 80.1 (1) and for the persons to identify any errors and correct the personal information;

27.2 governing the correction of personal information on the website described in subsection 80.1 (1) and establishing a process for persons to request that the personal information be corrected;

27.3 prescribing circumstances in which personal information on the website described in subsection 80.1 (1) must be removed and establishing a process for persons to request that the personal information be removed;

(2)  Paragraph 51 of subsection 261 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

51.  governing the publication of reports under section 125 or 126, including,

          i.  prescribing the period within which the Inspector General must publish the report,

          ii.  prescribing circumstances in which the Inspector General shall not publish a report,

         iii.  prescribing information that shall not be included in the published report, and

         iv.  governing the manner of publication of the report;

(3)  Subsection 261 (1) of the Act is amended by adding the following paragraphs:

53.  governing the appointment of liaisons to the Complaints Director in respect of prescribed persons;

.     .     .     .     .

59.1 prescribing persons to whom Part X applies and clarifying or modifying the application of any provision of this Act or the regulations to those persons;

(4)  Paragraph 31 of subsection 261 (2) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

31.  for the purposes of subsections 172 (1) and (1.1),

          i.  providing that the cost of an investigation conducted by an investigator about the conduct of a person described in paragraph 1, 2 or 3 of subsection 172 (1) shall be paid by a person or entity described in subsection 172 (1.1),

          ii.  governing the calculation of the cost of an investigation,

         iii.  governing the payment of the cost of an investigation, including with respect to the time and manner of payment,

         iv.  providing for circumstances in which the requirement to pay the cost of an investigation does not apply;

(5)  Subsection 261 (3) of the Act is amended by striking out “59” and substituting “60”.

(6)  Subsection 261 (5) of the Act is amended by striking out “2 or 18” and substituting “2, 3 or 18”.

Commencement

34 (1)  Except as otherwise provided in this section, this Schedule comes into force on the day the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 receives Royal Assent.

(2)  Sections 12, 13 and 14 and subsection 33 (1) come into force on a day to be named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

SCHEDULE 4
ENFORCEMENT OF CANADIAN RESTRAINING ORDERS ACT, 2026

CONTENTS

 

Interpretation and Application

Definitions

1 In this Act,

“Canadian restraining order” means an order or any part of an order made in a proceeding, other than a criminal proceeding, by a court of a province or territory of Canada other than Ontario that, for the safety of a specified person,

  (a)  prohibits someone from doing something such as,

         (i)  being in physical proximity to the person or following the person from place to place,

        (ii)  directly or indirectly contacting or communicating with the person,

        (iii)  engaging in molesting, annoying, harassing or threatening conduct directed at the person, or

       (iv)  attending at or within a certain distance of a specified place or location, or

  (b)  requires someone to,

         (i)  return specified personal effects or documents belonging to the person to them, or

        (ii)  return recordings of the person to them or destroy recordings of the person; (“ordonnance interdictive canadienne”)

“Ontario court” means the Superior Court of Justice, including the Family Court of the Superior Court of Justice; (“tribunal de l’Ontario”)

“regulations” means the regulations made under this Act. (“règlements”)

Application

2 This Act applies with respect to a Canadian restraining order that is in effect on or after the day this Act comes into force, even if the order was made before that day.

Enforceability

Canadian restraining orders are enforceable in Ontario

3 (1)  A Canadian restraining order is deemed to be an order of the Ontario court, and is enforceable as an order of the Ontario court.

If varied, set aside by other court

(2)  A Canadian restraining order that is varied or set aside by a court in the province or territory in which it was made is deemed to have been varied or set aside by the Ontario court accordingly.

Registration not a factor

(3)  For greater certainty, this section applies with respect to a Canadian restraining order or any order varying or setting aside a Canadian restraining order regardless of whether the order is registered under this Act.

Order may be registered with Ontario court

4 (1)  The registrar or clerk of the Ontario court shall register a Canadian restraining order as an order of the Ontario court if a party to the Canadian restraining order requests the registration in accordance with the regulations.

Order varying, setting aside

(2)  Subsection (1) applies with necessary modifications with respect to an order of a court of a province or territory of Canada other than Ontario that varies or sets aside a Canadian restraining order.

Same

(3)  Subsection (2) applies regardless of whether the Canadian restraining order that is varied or set aside was registered under subsection (1).

Application to Vary, Set Aside

Application may be brought in Ontario

5 (1)  A party to a final Canadian restraining order may apply to the Ontario court in accordance with the Family Law Rules to vary or set aside the order, if the party and at least one of the persons protected by the order habitually reside or are physically present in Ontario.

Registration not a factor

(2)  This section applies regardless of whether the Canadian restraining order, or any order of a court of a province or territory of Canada other than Ontario varying the Canadian restraining order, is registered with the Ontario court under this Act.

Determination

6 (1)  The Ontario court may vary or set aside a final Canadian restraining order on application if,

  (a)  there is a material change in circumstances; and

  (b)  in the case of an order that is made for the benefit of or affects a child, it is in the best interests of the child.

Court may decline

(2)  The Ontario court may decline to vary or set aside a final Canadian restraining order if the Ontario court determines that it is more appropriate for the matter to be considered by a court in another province or territory in Canada.

Effect outside Ontario

(3)  For greater certainty, the variation or setting aside of a Canadian restraining order under this Act does not in itself affect the status of the order in the province or territory in which it was made.

Regulations

Regulations

7 The Minister responsible for the administration of this Act may make regulations,

  (a)  governing the registration of Canadian restraining orders, including of orders of a court of a province or territory of Canada other than Ontario varying or setting aside a Canadian restraining order;

  (b)  respecting any matter that the Minister considers necessary or advisable to facilitate the implementation of this Act.

Amendment to Another Act

Courts of Justice Act

8 Paragraph 1 of the Schedule to section 21.8 of the Courts of Justice Act is amended by adding the following:

Enforcement of Canadian Restraining Orders Act, 2026, sections 5 and 6

Commencement and Short Title

Commencement

9 The Act set out in this Schedule comes into force on a day to be named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

Short title

10 The short title of the Act set out in this Schedule is the Enforcement of Canadian Restraining Orders Act, 2026.

SCHEDULE 5
INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION ACT, 1998

1 (1)  Subsection 5 (2) of the Intercountry Adoption Act, 1998 is repealed.

(2)  Subsection 5 (3) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Who may make adoption homestudy

(3)  The report of the adoption homestudy shall be prepared by a person who holds an approval to act as an adoption practitioner issued by the Director under section 7.1.

(3)  Clause 5 (5) (b) of the Act is amended by striking out “if any” after “licensee”.

2 Clause 6 (3) (b) of the Act is amended by striking out “if any” after “licensee”.

3 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Approvals to act as an adoption practitioner

7.1  (1)  A Director may grant a person an approval authorizing the person to act as an adoption practitioner if,

  (a)  the Director is of the opinion that the person is qualified and competent to make adoption homestudies, supervise adoption placements, prepare progress or follow-up reports and carry out any other related responsibilities and will do so with honesty and integrity; and

  (b)  the person meets the prescribed criteria, if any.

Duration

(2)  An approval is valid for the length of time indicated by the Director in the approval.

Directions

(3)  A Director may issue a direction to a person who holds an approval requiring the person to take any steps outlined in the direction within the time period specified in the direction in order to address any concerns identified by the Director about the person’s ability to carry out any of the activities referred to in subsection (1).

Same

(4)  Without limiting the generality of subsection (3), a direction under that subsection may require the holder of an approval to do one or more of the following:

   1.  Do or refrain from doing anything outlined in the direction.

   2.  Prepare, submit and implement a plan to address the concerns identified by the Director.

   3.  Complete any training specified in the direction.

Revocation, etc.

(5)  A Director may suspend, revoke or refuse to renew an approval if the holder of the approval fails to comply with a direction issued under subsection (3).

Same

(6)  Subsection (5) shall not be interpreted as restricting a Director’s authority to suspend, revoke or refuse to renew an approval for reasons other than the reason set out in that subsection.

Transition

(7)  Any document attesting to a person being, in the opinion of the Director, qualified to make an adoption homestudy for the purposes of subsection 5 (3), as it read immediately before the day on which the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 received Royal Assent, that was issued before that day is deemed to be an approval to act as an adoption practitioner issued by the Director under this section.

4 Section 8 of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Licences

8 (1)  Subject to subsection (2), no person except a licensee acting under the authority of its licence shall facilitate an intercountry adoption.

Facilitation by Director

(2)  A Director may, if the Director considers it appropriate in the circumstances, facilitate some aspects of an intercountry adoption.

Application

(3)  An application for a licence or the renewal of a licence shall be made by submitting to a Director,

  (a)  an application, in the form approved by the Minister, completed by the applicant;

  (b)  any information or documentation that may be prescribed; and

  (c)  payment of the prescribed fee, if any.

Additional information

(4)  An applicant for a licence or the renewal of a licence shall provide any additional information or documentation that the Director considers necessary to assess the application.

Additional requirements

(5)  An applicant for a licence or the renewal of a licence shall comply with any other requirements that may be prescribed.

Director’s duty to issue or renew

(6)  A Director shall issue or renew a licence if the applicant has complied with subsections (3) to (5) unless,

  (a)  the Director proposes to refuse to do so in accordance with section 9 or 10; or

  (b)  the Director is not prepared, under section 8.2, to grant at least one term permitting the applicant to facilitate intercountry adoptions from a specified country.

Provisional licence or renewal

(7)  If an applicant for a licence or renewal does not meet all the requirements for issuing or renewal of the licence and requires time to meet them, a Director may issue a provisional licence for the period the Director considers necessary to give the applicant time to meet the requirements, and may impose conditions on the provisional licence.

Non-transferable

(8)  A licence is not transferable.

Transition

(9)  If, on the day section 4 of Schedule 5 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 comes into force, the Director has yet to make a decision on an application for a licence or to renew a licence that was made before that day,

  (a)  instead of subsections (3) to (7) of this section, subsections (2) to (4) of this section, as they read immediately before being amended by Schedule 5 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026, continue to apply to the application; and

  (b)  sections 9 and 10, as they read immediately before being amended by Schedule 5 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026, continue to apply to the application.

5 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Term permitting facilitation from specified country

8.2  (1)  On issuing or renewing a licence or at any other time, a Director may include a term on the licence permitting the licensee to facilitate intercountry adoptions from a specified country if,

  (a)  the applicant or licensee had requested the term and had done so in accordance with the regulations, if any;

  (b)  the applicant or licensee has provided any additional information or documentation that the Director has indicated as being necessary to assess the application; and

  (c)  the Director is of the opinion that,

         (i)  the applicant or licensee is competent to facilitate intercountry adoptions from that country, and

        (ii)  permitting the applicant or licensee to facilitate intercountry adoptions from that country would be appropriate in the circumstances and not contrary to the public interest, having regard to the considerations set out in subsection (2).

Considerations

(2)  The following are the considerations mentioned in subclause (1) (c) (ii):

   1.  The number of licensees whose licence permits them to facilitate intercountry adoption from that country and the number of children in that country who are available for intercountry adoption.

   2.  The adequacy of safeguards with respect to the intercountry adoption process that exist in that country.

   3.  Any additional considerations that may be prescribed.

   4.  Any other considerations that, in the Director’s opinion, are relevant.

Public interest

(3)  The decision to refuse to grant a term under subsection (1) on the grounds that granting the term is inappropriate in the circumstances or contrary to the public interest is within the sole discretion of a Director and is not subject to appeal to the Tribunal.

Transition

(4)  Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as affecting the authority conferred by a licence issued before the day section 5 of Schedule 5 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 comes into force to facilitate intercountry adoptions from a specific country in accordance with the licence and its conditions, but any provisions of the licence conferring that authority may be suspended under section 14.1.

Same

(5)  If, on the day section 5 of Schedule 5 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 comes into force, the Director has yet to make a decision on a request that the Director include provisions in a licence authorizing the licensee to facilitate intercountry adoptions from a specific country that was made before that day, the request shall be considered by the Director without reference to this section.

6 (1)  Clause 9 (a) of the Act is amended by adding “or any other applicable law” at the end.

(2)  Clause 9 (b) of the Act is amended by adding “or any other applicable law or will not be facilitated with honesty and integrity” after “the regulations”.

7 Section 10 of the Act is amended by adding the following clause:

(a.1) the conduct of any person mentioned in clause (a) affords reasonable grounds to believe that,

         (i)  intercountry adoptions are not being or will not be facilitated in a responsible manner in accordance with this Act and the regulations or any other applicable law, or

        (ii)  intercountry adoptions are not being or will not be facilitated with honesty and integrity;

8 Subsection 12 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “subsection 8 (2), (3) or (4) or” and substituting “subsection 8 (7)”.

9 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Review of decision not to grant specific term

12.1  (1)  If a Director refuses to include, under section 8.2, a requested term on a licence, the Director shall cause notice of the decision, together with written reasons, to be served on the person requesting the term.

Right to hearing

(2)  Unless the refusal is based on the grounds set out in subsection 8.2 (3), the person requesting the term is entitled to a hearing by the Tribunal if the person mails or delivers to the Director and to the Tribunal, within 10 days after the notice is served, a written request for a hearing, and the notice shall so inform the person.

Powers of Tribunal if hearing

(3)  If a hearing is requested, the Tribunal shall set a time for and hold a hearing and may, on hearing the matter,

  (a)  confirm the Director’s decision; or

  (b)  order the Director to take any other action that the Tribunal considers appropriate, in accordance with this Act and the regulations.

Same

(4)  The Tribunal may substitute its opinion for that of the Director.

10 Subsection 14 (4) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Application of s. 11 (2), (4) and (5)

(4)  Subsections 11 (2), (4) and (5) apply, with necessary modifications, and, for that purpose, clause 11 (4) (a) shall be read as permitting the Tribunal to rescind or confirm the suspension.

11 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Suspension of term

14.1  (1)  A Director may, by causing notice to be served on a licensee, suspend a term on the licence permitting the licensee to facilitate intercountry adoptions from a given country if, in the opinion of the Director, the safeguards in that country with respect to intercountry adoptions are inadequate so as to pose an immediate or imminent threat to the health, safety or welfare of children.

Decision at Director’s discretion

(2)  The decision to suspend a term under subsection (1) is within the sole discretion of a Director and is not subject to appeal to the Tribunal.

12 The Act is amended by adding the following sections:

Directives and Compliance Orders

Directives

18.1  (1)  The Director may issue directives to licensees with respect to any prescribed matter.

Binding

(2)  Every licensee shall comply with every directive issued to it under this section.

General or particular

(3)  A directive may be general or particular in its application.

Law prevails

(4)  For greater certainty, in the event of a conflict between a directive issued under this section and a provision of any applicable Act or regulation, the provision prevails.

Public availability

(5)  The Director shall make every directive under this section available to the public.

Non-application of Legislation Act, 2006

(6)  Part III (Regulations) of the Legislation Act, 2006 does not apply to a directive issued under this section.

Compliance orders

Grounds

18.2  (1)  The Director may make an order under subsection (2) if the Director believes on reasonable grounds that a licensee has failed to comply with,

  (a)  this Act or the regulations;

  (b)  a directive issued under section 18.1; or

  (c)  a condition on the licensee’s licence.

Order

(2)  For the purposes of subsection (1), the Director may issue an order to the licensee that requires either or both of the following:

   1.  That the licensee do anything, or refrain from doing anything, to achieve compliance within the time period specified in the order.

   2.  That the licensee prepare, submit and implement, within the time specified in the order, a plan for achieving compliance.

Compliance required

(3)  A licensee to whom an order is issued under this section shall comply with the order within the time specified in it.

Public availability

(4)  The Director,

  (a)  may make orders under this section available to the public; and

  (b)  shall make a summary of each order under this section available to the public in accordance with the regulations, if any.

13 Subsection 20 (3) of the Act is amended by striking out “subsection 8 (2) or (3) (licence, renewal)” and substituting “section 8”.

14 (1)  Section 24 of the Act is amended by adding the following clauses:

(f.1)  prescribing criteria for the purposes of clause 7.1 (1) (b);

(f.2)  prescribing rules and standards that apply to persons who hold approvals to act as an adoption practitioner issued by a Director under subsection 7.1 (1);

(2)  Clause 24 (h) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

  (h)  governing the issuing, renewal and expiry of licences, including prescribing information or documentation for the purposes of clause 8 (3) (b), fees for the purposes of clause 8 (3) (c) and requirements for the purposes of subsection 8 (5);

(3)  Section 24 of the Act is amended by adding the following clauses:

(h.0.1) governing the manner in which an applicant or licensee must request to be able to facilitate intercountry adoptions from a country for the purposes of clause 8.2 (1) (a), including requiring the applicant or licensee to provide specified information or documents;

(h.0.2) prescribing considerations for the purposes of paragraph 3 of subsection 8.2 (2);

(4)  Section 24 of the Act is amended by adding the following clauses:

(m.1)  prescribing matters for the purposes of subsection 18.1 (1);

(m.2)  governing the manner in which summaries of orders are to be made available to the public under clause 18.2 (4) (b);

15 Section 25 of the Act is repealed.

Commencement

16 (1)  Except as otherwise provided in this section, this Schedule comes into force on the day the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 receives Royal Assent.

(2)  Sections 4 to 11 and subsections 14 (2) and (3) come into force on a day to be named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

SCHEDULE 6
PILL PRESSES AND PRECURSORS ACT, 2026

CONTENTS

 

Definitions

1 In this Act,

“pill press” means a designated device as defined in subsection 2 (1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada); (“presse à comprimés”)

“police officer” has the same meaning as in the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019; (“agent de police”)

“precursor” means a precursor as defined in subsection 2 (1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada); (“précurseur”)

“proceeds”, in relation to an offence, means,

  (a)  property, other than money, derived in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the commission of the offence, and

  (b)  money derived directly or indirectly from the commission of the offence. (“produit”)

Pill presses — prohibitions

2 No person shall,

  (a)  use a pill press in a way that would contravene the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada);

  (b)  possess a pill press with the intention of using it in a way that would contravene the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada); or

  (c)  sell a pill press if the person knows or ought to know that the pill press will likely be used in a way that would contravene the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada).

Precursors — prohibitions

3 No person shall,

  (a)  use a precursor in a way that would contravene the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) or the Precursor Control Regulations (Canada);

  (b)  possess a precursor with the intention of using it in a way that would contravene the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) or the Precursor Control Regulations (Canada); or

  (c)  sell a precursor if such sale would contravene the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) or the Precursor Control Regulations (Canada).

Possession of proceeds — prohibition

4 (1)  No person shall knowingly possess the proceeds of an offence under this Act.

Exceptions

(2)  Subsection (1) does not apply to possession by,

  (a)  an uninvolved interest holder as defined in section 2 of the Civil Remedies Act, 2001;

  (b)  a peace officer acting in the course of their duties or a person who receives proceeds from such a peace officer; or

  (c)  a person prescribed for the purposes of this clause.

Same

(3)  Subsection (1) does not apply in the prescribed circumstances.

Regulations

(4)  The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations prescribing persons for the purposes of clause (2) (c) or circumstances for the purposes of subsection (3).

Duty to report stolen pill presses

5 A person who owns a pill press or leases a pill press from someone else and who believes that the pill press has been stolen shall promptly report the matter to the police.

Direction to identify

6 (1)  If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is guilty of an offence under this Act, the officer may, for the purpose of commencing a proceeding under Part I or III of the Provincial Offences Act, direct the person to provide their full name, date of birth and address.

Compliance

(2)  A person who is the subject of a direction under subsection (1) shall promptly comply with the direction.

Arrest without warrant

(3)  A police officer may arrest, without a warrant, a person who the officer believes on reasonable grounds is guilty of an offence for contravening subsection (2).

Offences

7 (1)  A person who contravenes section 2 or 3, subsection 4 (1), section 5 or subsection 6 (2) is guilty of an offence.

Same, directors and officers

(2)  A director or officer of a corporation who causes, authorizes, permits or participates in an offence under this Act by the corporation is guilty of the offence.

Limitation

(3)  No proceeding under this section shall be commenced more than two years after the day the offence was, or is alleged to have been, committed.

Penalties

8 (1)  Except as provided in subsection (2), a person convicted of an offence under this Act is liable to a fine of not more than $250,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years, or to both.

Same

(2)  A person is liable to a fine of not more than $25,000 upon being convicted of,

  (a)  an offence for contravening section 5; or

  (b)  an offence for contravening subsection 6 (2) for not complying with a direction made by a police officer who had reasonable grounds to believe that the person was guilty of an offence for contravening section 5.

Searches in exigent circumstances

9 (1)  A police officer may enter and search a place without a warrant, if the conditions for obtaining a search warrant under section 158 of the Provincial Offences Act exist but, by reason of exigent circumstances, the officer determines that it would be impracticable to obtain the warrant.

Dwellings

(2)  Subsection (1) does not apply to a place or part of a place that is actually being used as a dwelling.

Seizure

10 (1)  A police officer may seize any thing if the police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that,

  (a)  the thing will afford evidence of an offence under this Act; or

  (b)  the thing is proceeds of an offence under this Act possessed in contravention of subsection 4 (1).

Order of restoration

(2)  The Ontario Court of Justice may, on the application of any person made within 30 days after a seizure under subsection (1), order that the things seized be restored without delay to the applicant if the court is satisfied that,

  (a)  the applicant is entitled to possession of the things seized;

  (b)  the things seized are not required as evidence in any proceeding;

  (c)  continued detention of the things seized is not necessary to prevent the commission of an offence; and

  (d)  it is unlikely that the things will be forfeited on conviction in accordance with an order made under subsection (5).

Same

(3)  If the court is satisfied that an applicant under subsection (2) is entitled to possession of the things seized but is not satisfied as to all of the matters mentioned in clauses (2) (b), (c) and (d), it shall order that the things seized be restored to the applicant,

  (a)  on the expiration of three months after the date of the seizure, if no proceeding in respect of an offence has been commenced; or

  (b)  on the final conclusion of any such proceeding.

Forfeiture

(4)  If no application has been made for the return of a thing seized under subsection (1), or an application has been made but on the hearing of the application no order of restoration has been made, the thing seized is forfeited to the Crown.

Same

(5)  If a person is convicted of an offence under this Act, the court that convicts the person shall order that any thing seized under subsection (1) in connection with the offence be forfeited to the Crown, unless the court considers that the forfeiture would be unjust in the circumstances.

Relief against forfeiture

(6)  Any person with an interest in a thing forfeited under this section may apply to the Superior Court of Justice for relief against the forfeiture and the court may make an order providing for any relief that it considers just, including, but not limited to, one or more of the following orders:

   1.  An order directing that the thing or any part of the thing be returned to the applicant.

   2.  An order directing that any interest in the thing be vested in the applicant.

   3.  An order directing that an amount be paid by the Crown to the applicant by way of compensation for the forfeiture.

Same

(7)  The court shall not order any relief under subsection (6) unless it is satisfied that the applicant did not, directly or indirectly, participate in, or benefit from, any offence in connection with which the thing was seized.

Commencement

11 The Act set out in this Schedule comes into force on the day the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 receives Royal Assent.

Short title

12 The short title of the Act set out in this Schedule is the Pill Presses and Precursors Act, 2026.

SCHEDULE 7
PLANNING ACT

1 The Planning Act is amended by adding the following sections:

Administrative penalties

67.2  (1)  A local municipality may require a person, subject to such conditions as the local municipality considers appropriate, to pay an administrative penalty if the local municipality is satisfied that the person has failed to comply with any provisions of a by-law of the local municipality respecting the matter described in paragraph 1 of subsection 34 (1).

Purpose of administrative penalties

(2)  The purpose of a system of administrative penalties established by a local municipality under this section is to assist the local municipality in promoting compliance with the provisions of the by-law referred to subsection (1).

Monetary limit

(3)  The amount of an administrative penalty established by a local municipality,

  (a)  shall not be punitive in nature; and

  (b)  shall not exceed the amount reasonably required to promote compliance with the provisions of the by-law referred to subsection (1).

Effect on offences

(4)  If a person is required by a local municipality to pay an administrative penalty under subsection (1) in respect of a contravention, the person shall not be charged with an offence in respect of the same contravention.

Regulations

(5)  The Minister may make regulations providing for any matters which, in the Minister’s opinion, are necessary or desirable for the purposes of this section, including,

  (a)  granting a local municipality powers with respect to requiring that persons pay administrative penalties and with respect to other matters necessary for a system of administrative penalties;

  (b)  imposing conditions and limitations on a local municipality’s powers with respect to administrative penalties.

Debt

67.3  (1)  An administrative penalty imposed by a local municipality on a person under section 67.2 constitutes a debt of the person to the local municipality.

Amount owing added to tax roll

(2)  If an administrative penalty imposed under section 67.2 is not paid within 15 days after the day that it becomes due and payable, the treasurer of a local municipality may add the administrative penalty to the tax roll for any property in the local municipality if the property is owned only by the same persons who are responsible for paying the administrative penalty, and collect it in the same manner as municipal taxes.

2 Subsection 77 (3) of the Act is amended by striking out “46 and 69” and substituting “46, 67.2, 67.3 and 69”.

Commencement

3 This Schedule comes into force on the day the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 receives Royal Assent.

SCHEDULE 8
POLICE RECORD CHECKS REFORM ACT, 2015

1 (1)  The definition of “authorized body” in subsection 1 (1) of the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 is repealed.

(2)  Clause (d) of the definition of “police record check provider” in subsection 1 (1) of the Act is amended by adding “designated under section 8.1” after “authorized body”.

2 Subsection 8 (2) of the Act is amended by striking out “An authorized body, a third party entity” at the beginning and substituting “A third party entity” and by striking out “the body or entity” and substituting “the entity”.

3 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Authorized body

8.1  (1)  A chief of police or a member of a police service designated by a chief of police for the purposes of this Act may apply to the Minister for an eligible body to be designated as an authorized body for the purposes of section 6.3 of the Criminal Records Act (Canada).

Application

(2)  The applicant shall make the application in the form approved by the Minister and include the prescribed information, if any.

Designation

(3)  If the eligible body meets the prescribed requirements, the Minister may designate it as an authorized body and may impose any terms or conditions on the designation that the Minister considers appropriate.

Delegation

(4)  The Minister may delegate in writing to any person employed in the Ministry the Minister’s power to designate an eligible body as an authorized body under subsection (3).

Definition

(5)  In this section,

“eligible body” means a person or entity specified in the regulations.

4 Section 17 of the Act is amended by striking out “or authorized body” and “or body’s”.

5 Subsection 22 (2) of the Act is amended by adding the following clauses:

(b.1) prescribing information for the purposes of subsection 8.1 (2);

(b.2) governing a designation made under subsection 8.1 (3), including,

         (i)  amending or revoking a designation,

        (ii)  imposing new terms or conditions or varying existing terms or conditions on a designation,

        (iii)  providing for reporting requirements with respect to the designation;

(b.3) prescribing requirements for the purposes of subsection 8.1 (3);

(b.4) specifying persons or entities for the purposes of the definition of “eligible body” in subsection 8.1 (5);

Commencement

6 This Schedule comes into force on a day to be named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

SCHEDULE 9
PREVENTION OF AND REMEDIES FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING ACT, 2017

1 The French version of the short title of the Prevention of and Remedies for Human Trafficking Act, 2017 is repealed and the following substituted:

Loi de 2017 sur la prévention de la traite des personnes et les recours en la matière

2 Section 1 of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Interpretation

Definitions

1 (1)  In this Act,

“human trafficking” means the recruitment, transportation, transfer, holding, concealing, harbouring or receipt of a person, or the exercise of control, direction or influence over a person’s movements, for the purpose of exploitation, including,

  (a)  the exploitation of another person’s sexual services or other forms of sexual exploitation, which may occur in person or through electronic means, including the non-consensual recording and distribution of intimate images or audio,

  (b)  coerced labour or services, or servitude, or

  (c)  the removal of a human organ or tissue; (“traite des personnes”)

“Minister” means the Attorney General or such other member of the Executive Council to whom the administration of this Act may be assigned or transferred under the Executive Council Act; (“ministre”)

“Ministry” means the ministry of the Minister; (“ministère”)

“prescribed” means prescribed by the regulations; (“prescrit”)

“regulations” means the regulations made under this Act. (“règlements”)

Same, “human trafficking”

(2)  Conduct included in the definition of “human trafficking” in subsection (1) is human trafficking regardless of the means used, including,

  (a)  the threat or use of force or other form of coercion, abduction, fraud or deception;

  (b)  the provision of a controlled substance;

  (c)  the abuse of power, authority or trust or the abuse of a position of vulnerability; or

  (d)  the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person who has control over another person.

Same

(3)  For the purposes of the definition of “human trafficking” in subsection (1), the consent of the victim to the intended exploitation is irrelevant.

3 The heading to Part II of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

PART II
RESTRAINING ORDERS

4 Section 2 of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Definitions

2 In this Part,

“child” means a person under the age of 18 years; (“enfant”)

“court” means the Ontario Court of Justice; (“tribunal”)

“victim” means a person who is or may be a victim of human trafficking or of the conduct referred to in paragraph 2 of subsection 4 (2). (“victime”)

5 (1)  Paragraph 3 of subsection 3 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “gives his or her consent” and substituting “consents”.

(2)  Subsection 3 (2) of the Act is amended by striking out “the victim if he or she is not the applicant” and substituting “the victim (if different from the applicant)”.

6 (1)  Subsection 4 (2) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Restraining order

(2)  The court may, on application under section 3, make a restraining order against the respondent if the court determines, on reasonable grounds, that the respondent has engaged or may engage in any of the following conduct with respect to the victim:

   1.  Human trafficking.

   2.  Conduct described in section 279.01, 279.011, 279.02 or 279.03 of the Criminal Code (Canada), taking into account any evidentiary or other rules set out in those sections respecting the determination of the conduct but not requiring a charge or conviction under any of those sections.

(2)  The English version of paragraph 13 of subsection 4 (3) of the Act is amended by striking out “his or her” and substituting “their”.

7 (1)  The English version of subsection 6 (2) of the Act is amended by striking out “until he or she is served with the order” and substituting “until the order is served on the respondent”.

(2)  The English version of clause 6 (4) (a) of the Act is amended by striking out “to prove that that” and substituting “to prove that”.

8 The English version of subsection 8 (2) of the Act is amended by striking out “his or her” and substituting “their”.

9 (1)  Section 10 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Definition

(0.1)  In this section,

“affected person” means, in respect of an application, any person other than the victim for whom protection under a restraining order is sought and any witness.

(2)  Subsection 10 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “witness” and substituting “affected person”.

(3)  Subsection 10 (2) of the Act is amended by striking out “a victim or witness” and substituting “a party to or affected person”.

(4)  Subsection 10 (3) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Duty to inform

(3)  The court shall, at the first reasonable opportunity after the application is commenced, inform a party or affected person who is not a child that the court may make an order under subsection (2).

Exception

(3.1)  Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply to the respondent.

10 Subsection 15 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “responsible for the administration of this Act” in the portion before clause (a).

11 The French version of the heading to Part III of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

PARTIE III
DÉLIT DE TRAITE DES PERSONNES

12 The French version of subsection 16 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “traite de personnes” wherever it appears and substituting in each case “traite des personnes.

13 The French version of clause 17 (1) (b) of the Act is amended by striking out “traite de personnes” at the end and substituting “traite des personnes”.

14 Part IV of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

PART IV
COERCED DEBTS INCURRED AS A RESULT OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Interpretation and Application

Interpretation

Definitions

18 (1)  In this Part,

“adjudicator” means an individual designated under section 35; (“arbitre”)

“coerced debt” means, subject to the regulations, a debt that was incurred as a result of the debtor being a victim of human trafficking; (“dette contractée sous la contrainte”)

“court order” includes an instrument filed with a court for enforcement purposes; (“ordonnance judiciaire”)

“designated organization” means an entity designated under section 34. (“organisme désigné”)

Interpretation, established coerced debt

(2)  A debt is considered to have been established as a coerced debt for the purposes of this Part if,

  (a)  the debtor and creditor agree in writing that the debt is a coerced debt, subject to the regulations; or

  (b)  the debt is determined to be a coerced debt on an application made under subsection 28 (4) or section 29.

Police report, investigation not needed

(3)  A police report or investigation respecting the human trafficking is not required for the purposes of establishing a debt as a coerced debt in accordance with subsection (2).

Insurance premiums

(4)  For greater certainty, a reference in this Part to a debt includes reference to an unpaid insurance premium.

Debt portion

(5)  For greater certainty, a reference in this Part to a debt includes reference to all or any applicable part of a debt.

No application if paid

(6)  For greater certainty, this Part does not apply to a debt that has been paid.

Transition, existing debt

19 This Part applies with respect to a debt even if it was incurred before the day on which section 14 of Schedule 9 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 came into force.

Crown bound

20 This Part binds the Crown.

Conflict

21 In the event of a conflict between this Part and any other Act or regulation, this Part prevails.

Prohibitions, Offences and Penalties

Prohibition against collection

22 (1)  No person or entity shall, through any means whatsoever, knowingly collect or attempt to collect an established coerced debt.

No effect on related enforcement

(2)  Subsection (1) does not affect any right, statutory or otherwise, of a person to enforce a security interest, mortgage, charge or lien as it pertains to an established coerced debt in order to realize on the security interest, mortgage, charge or lien.

Deficiencies

(3)  A debtor is not liable for any deficiency under subsection 64 (3) of the Personal Property Security Act or under any other right to claim against a debtor for a deficiency.

Prohibition against consideration

23 (1)  No person or entity shall, in determining whether to provide credit services or products to a debtor of an established coerced debt, take into account the existence of the coerced debt.

Same, terminated insurance contract

(2)  No insurer shall, in determining whether to provide insurance to a debtor of an established coerced debt, take into account the termination of an insurance contract that provided insurance to the debtor because the coerced debt was not paid.

Offences

24 (1)  A person is guilty of an offence if the person contravenes subsection 22 (1) or 23 (1) or (2).

Corporation

(2)  An officer or director of a corporation who knowingly concurs in the commission of an offence in respect of subsection 22 (1) or fails to take reasonable care to prevent the corporation from committing an offence in respect of subsection 23 (1) or (2) is guilty of an offence.

Penalties

Individual

25 (1)  An individual who is convicted of an offence under section 24 is liable to a fine of not more than $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day, or to both.

Corporation

(2)  A corporation that is convicted of an offence under section 24 is liable to a fine of not more than $250,000.

Order for compensation, restitution

(3)  If a person is convicted of an offence under section 24, the court making the conviction may, in addition to any other penalty, order the person convicted to pay compensation or make restitution.

Disputes re Coerced Debt

Referral of dispute to designated organization

26 (1)  A designated organization that receives a referral from an entity described in subsection (2) respecting a debt that a debtor believes is a coerced debt shall, subject to the debtor’s written consent, review the matter.

Referring entity

(2)  Subsection (1) applies with respect to an entity that,

  (a)  provides support services to victims of human trafficking;

  (b)  receives funding from the Government of Ontario and meets the Government’s funding-related governance and accountability requirements;

  (c)  has a written agreement with the designated organization that provides for the making and acceptance of the referrals and is consistent with any regulations made under clause 39 (1) (g); and

  (d)  meets any criteria that may be prescribed.

Notice to creditor

27 (1)  If, following its review, the designated organization is satisfied that the debt is a coerced debt, the designated organization shall notify the creditor in accordance with the prescribed requirements, if any.

Requirement to respond

(2)  A creditor who receives a notice shall respond to the designated organization within the prescribed period and in accordance with the prescribed requirements, if any.

Effect of notice on debt collection

(3)  A creditor shall ensure that no further step is taken to collect or attempt to collect the debt during the prescribed period following receipt of the notice.

Exception

(4)  Subsection (3) does not apply to a debt imposed by a court order.

Extension

(5)  The period referred to in subsection (3) may be extended by the court in an application under subsection 28 (4) or an adjudicator in an application under section 29.

If failure to agree

Definition

28 (1)  In this section,

“dispute threshold” means, with respect to a debt amount, an amount that is within the monetary jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court, as set out under section 23 of the Courts of Justice Act.

Application of section

(2)  This section applies if,

  (a)  a creditor fails to respond to a notice under section 27 in accordance with the requirements of that section; or

  (b)  a creditor responds to a notice under section 27 in accordance with the requirements of that section but does not, within the time prescribed for the purposes of subsection 27 (2), agree that the debt is a coerced debt.

When simplified dispute resolution process available

(3)  If the debt is within the dispute threshold, an application may be made under section 29 for a determination of whether the debt is a coerced debt by,

  (a)  the designated organization, on behalf of the debtor and with their written consent; or

  (b)  the creditor.

When application to court required

(4)  If the debt exceeds the dispute threshold, the debtor or creditor may make an application to the Superior Court of Justice in accordance with the rules of court for a determination of whether the debt is a coerced debt.

Exception

(5)  Subject to the debtor’s written consent, the designated organization and creditor may agree to proceed by application under section 29 in respect of a debt that exceeds the dispute threshold, in which case subsection (4) does not apply with respect to the matter.

Multiple debts with single creditor

(6)  If the debtor has more than one debt with the same creditor, the total debt amount with that creditor that is in dispute shall be used for the purposes of determining whether the debt is within or exceeds the dispute threshold.

Simplified dispute resolution process

29 (1)  If subsection 28 (3) or (5) applies, the designated organization or creditor may apply in accordance with the regulations for a determination by an adjudicator of whether a debt is a coerced debt.

Required information, documents

(2)  An application shall include such information and documents as may be prescribed and, if the application is made by the designated organization, shall also include a letter from the designated organization setting out prescribed information in support of the application.

Written hearing only

(3)  An application shall be heard in writing.

Procedures

(4)  An adjudicator may determine the procedures to be followed on an application, subject to subsection (3) and any procedures specified by the regulations.

Determination

(5)  After giving the parties an opportunity to be heard, the adjudicator shall,

  (a)  determine whether the debt is a coerced debt and, if so, confirm its amount; and

  (b)  give a copy of the determination to the parties.

Non-application of Statutory Powers Procedure Act

(6)  The Statutory Powers Procedure Act does not apply with respect to an application under this section.

Duties of adjudicator

(7)  An adjudicator shall,

  (a)  be independent of the parties and act impartially; and

  (b)  promptly disclose to the parties any circumstance of which the adjudicator becomes aware during the hearing that may give rise to a reasonable apprehension of bias.

Determination final

(8)  The adjudicator’s determination is final.

Copies of determinations

30 (1)  After giving a copy of the determination to the parties under section 29, the adjudicator shall promptly give a copy to the Ministry.

Requirement to provide copies

(2)  The Minister shall, on the request of a prescribed person or entity, give the person or entity a copy of a determination made under section 29, excluding reasons, if the request is for the purpose of assisting the person or entity in determining whether there has been compliance with subsection 22 (1) or section 23 or with an Act or regulation administered by the prescribed person or entity.

Requirement to make determinations public

(3)  If the regulations so provide, anonymized copies of determinations shall be made publicly available in accordance with the regulations.

If Coerced Debt Established

Creditor’s duties to give notice

31 (1)  Promptly after a debt is established to be a coerced debt or within such time as may be prescribed, a creditor shall notify the following entities in writing that the debt is a coerced debt to which this Part applies:

   1.  Every consumer reporting agency within the meaning of the Consumer Reporting Act to which the debt was reported, for the purposes of clause 9 (3) (b.1) of that Act.

   2.  Any collection agency within the meaning of the Collection and Debt Settlement Services Act that is attempting or has authority to collect the debt.

   3.  Every licensing authority within the meaning of section 33 that the creditor notified of the non-payment of the debt.

   4.  If the debt was imposed on the debtor by a court order, the applicable court.

   5.  Any other person or entity the creditor notified to collect or enforce the debt.

   6.  Any prescribed person or entity.

Before selling, etc., debt

(2)  The creditor of an established coerced debt shall, before selling, assigning or transferring the coerced debt, notify the person or entity who is purchasing or acquiring it, or to whom it is being assigned or transferred, that the debt is a coerced debt to which this Part applies.

Civil enforcement of court orders

32 (1)  This section applies with respect to a court order if it is subject to civil enforcement under the rules of court.

Implications on enforcement of coerced debt

(2)  If a debt imposed by a provision of a court order is established to be a coerced debt,

  (a)  the provision is unenforceable by any process at law or in equity, to the extent of the amount of the established coerced debt; and

  (b)  if the creditor took any step to enforce the debt, the creditor shall promptly take all steps necessary under the rules of court and any other applicable Act or regulation to cease enforcement.

Restoring licences and permits

33 (1)  In this section,

“licence or permit” means a driver’s licence or vehicle permit issued under the Highway Traffic Act, and any other licence or permit that may be prescribed; (“permis, licence ou certificat”)

“licensing authority” means a person or entity authorized to issue a licence or permit. (“autorité responsable des permis, licences ou certificats”)

Application of section

(2)  This section applies if a licensing authority refused to issue, renew or validate, or cancelled, suspended or revoked or otherwise changed the status of, a licence or permit held by a debtor because the debtor did not pay a debt.

Requirement to notify debtor

(3)  If the licensing authority receives a notice under subsection 31 (1) that the debt is an established coerced debt, the licensing authority shall, subject to subsections (5) and (7), promptly give notice to the debtor informing them whether they are or may be eligible for the licence or permit.

Giving notice

(4)  The notice is sufficiently given to the debtor if it is delivered personally or is sent by mail or courier to the latest address or any previous address of the debtor on the licensing authority’s records or to another address at which there is reason to believe the debtor may be found.

Notice unnecessary

(5)  The licensing authority does not need to give notice to the debtor if the debtor has already contacted it in respect of the debtor’s eligibility for the licence or permit after the debt is established to be a coerced debt.

Where restoration, etc., required

(6)  If, after the licensing authority receives a notice under subsection 31 (1) that the debt is an established coerced debt, the debtor applies to the licensing authority in accordance with its procedures to have the licence or permit issued, renewed or restored, the licensing authority shall do so, unless the debtor is ineligible to hold the licence or permit for a reason unrelated to the established coerced debt.

If debtor eligible

(7)  If the licensing authority receives a notice under subsection 31 (1) that the debt is an established coerced debt and is able to determine that the debtor is eligible to hold the licence or permit, the licensing authority may issue, renew or restore the licence or permit without giving notice under subsection (3).

No fee, etc., payable

(8)  The licensing authority shall not require the debtor to pay any fee, charge or other amount arising from any action taken by the licensing authority in respect of the established coerced debt.

Miscellaneous

Designated organizations

34 (1)  The Minister may designate entities that meet the requirements listed in subsection (2) for the purposes of this Part.

Requirements

(2)  An entity may be designated if,

  (a)  it is able to identify coerced debts and has experience working with victims of human trafficking;

  (b)  it receives funding from the Government of Ontario and meets the Government’s funding-related governance and accountability requirements; and

  (c)  any other requirements that may be prescribed are met.

Publication

(3)  The Minister shall ensure that a current list of designated organizations is maintained on a Government of Ontario website.

Adjudicators

35 (1)  The Minister may designate individuals as adjudicators for the purposes of this Part.

Roster

(2)  The Minister shall establish and maintain a roster of designated adjudicators.

Personal information

36 The Minister may collect, directly or indirectly, personal information within the meaning of section 38 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purposes of this Part.

No personal liability

37 (1)  No cause of action arises against any current or former adjudicator for any act done in good faith in the exercise or performance, or intended exercise or performance, of the adjudicator’s powers, duties or functions under this Part or for any alleged neglect, default or other omission in the exercise or performance in good faith of those powers, duties or functions.

Proceedings barred

(2)  No proceeding shall be commenced against any current or former adjudicator in respect of a matter referred to in subsection (1).

Testimonial immunity

38 An adjudicator shall not be compelled to give evidence in any proceeding in respect of a matter that was the subject of an application over which the adjudicator presided under this Part.

Regulations

Regulations

39 (1)  The Minister may make regulations respecting any matter necessary or advisable to carry out effectively the intent and purposes of this Part, including regulations,

  (a)  respecting anything that, under this Part, may or must be prescribed or done by regulation;

  (b)  providing for exceptions to the application of this Part, and making any exceptions subject to conditions;

  (c)  further specifying or clarifying the meaning of “coerced debt” for the purposes of this Part;

  (d)  governing the operation of clause 18 (2) (a), including governing agreements for the purposes of that clause or providing that the clause does not apply unless additional requirements are met;

  (e)  providing that a provision of the Personal Property Security Act or the Repair and Storage Liens Act does not apply, or applies with specified modifications, for the purposes of implementing section 22;

   (f)  specifying or clarifying the meaning of “enforce” or “realize on” for the purposes of subsection 22 (2);

  (g)  governing the provision and receipt of referrals for the purposes of section 26, including requiring or limiting the provision or receipt of specified information or documents;

  (h)  governing a designated organization’s review of a matter under section 26, including setting out matters that the designated organization must consider and providing for and governing additional powers, duties and functions of a designated organization in respect of a review, or specifying restrictions or limitations that apply to a designated organization in respect of a review, and governing the designated organization’s communications with debtors and creditors;

   (i)  for the purposes of section 27,

         (i)  governing notices to a creditor, including setting out a time and manner for providing a notice and governing its contents,

        (ii)  governing responses to a notice, including setting out a time and manner for providing a response and governing its contents,

        (iii)  specifying when a notice is considered to have been received by the creditor,

       (iv)  specifying periods for the purposes of subsection 27 (3), and

        (v)  providing for procedural consequences of not providing a response in accordance with the applicable requirements;

   (j)  governing applications under section 29, including,

         (i)  governing the making of applications, including governing the time and manner of making applications and their contents,

        (ii)  providing for and governing the service of documents,

        (iii)  providing for and governing the assignment by the Ministry of adjudicators to hear applications,

       (iv)  setting out additional powers, duties and functions of adjudicators in an application, or specifying restrictions or limitations that apply to adjudicators in an application,

        (v)  governing procedures in an application, including specifying the parties to the application and providing for and governing the powers, duties and functions of the designated organization in the application,

       (vi)  governing procedures that apply if an adjudicator fails to complete an application, and

       (vii)  establishing procedures for the making and resolution of complaints against an adjudicator;

  (k)  providing for and governing, for the purposes of subsection 30 (3), the removal of identifying information from copies of determinations and the making of the anonymized copies public;

   (l)  governing notice under section 31, including governing the time and manner of giving notice and its contents;

(m)  respecting such transitional matters as the Minister considers necessary or advisable to facilitate the implementation of this Part or of the amendments made to this Act by Schedule 9 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026.

Same

(2)  Before making a regulation under clause (1) (e), the Minister shall consult with the Minister responsible for the administration of the applicable Act.

Consumer Reporting Act

15 (1)  Subsection 9 (3) of the Consumer Reporting Act is amended by adding the following clause:

(b.1) information respecting,

         (i)  any debt that is established to be a coerced debt under Part IV of the Prevention of and Remedies for Human Trafficking Act, 2017, or

        (ii)  any insurance contract that was terminated by an insurer because of an unpaid debt that is established to be a coerced debt under Part IV of the Prevention of and Remedies for Human Trafficking Act, 2017;

(2)  Subsection 23 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “one year” in the portion after clause (c) and substituting “two years less a day”.

Personal Property Security Act

16 Subsection 73 (2) of the Personal Property Security Act is amended by striking out “and” at the end of clause (b), by adding “and” at the end of clause (c) and by adding the following clause:

  (d)  where there is a conflict between a provision of this Act and a provision of Part IV of the Prevention of and Remedies for Human Trafficking Act, 2017, the provision of the Part prevails.

Protection from Coerced Debts Incurred in relation to Human Trafficking Act, 2023

17 The Protection from Coerced Debts Incurred in relation to Human Trafficking Act, 2023 is repealed.

Commencement

18 (1)  Except as otherwise provided in this section, this Schedule comes into force on a day to be named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

(2)  Section 17 and this section come into force on the day the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 receives Royal Assent.

SCHEDULE 10
PRIVATE SECURITY AND INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES ACT, 2005

1 Section 1 of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 is amended by adding the following definition:

“business day” means Monday to Friday, excluding holidays; (“jour ouvrable”)

2 (1)  Subsection 2 (4) of the Act is amended by striking out “primarily”.

(2)  Clause 2 (5) (c) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

  (c)  performing services while undercover or in plain clothes to avoid detection in order to prevent the loss of property through theft or sabotage in an industrial, commercial, residential or retail environment, for example, as a loss prevention specialist.

3 (1)  Subsections 3 (1) and (2) of the Act are amended by striking out “Lieutenant Governor in Council” wherever it appears and substituting in each case “Minister”.

(2)  Section 3 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsections:

Delegation

(3)  The Registrar may delegate any of the Registrar’s powers and duties under this Act or the regulations to a deputy registrar in writing, subject to any limitations, conditions or requirements set out in the delegation.

Appointments continued

(4)  A person appointed as Registrar or deputy registrar by the Lieutenant Governor in Council before the day section 3 of Schedule 10 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 came into force is deemed to have been so appointed by the Minister.

4 (1)  Subsection 10 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “and” at the end of clause (a) and by adding the following clause:

(a.1) the person has paid the required fee for the issuance or renewal of the appropriate licence; and

(2)  Clause 10 (1) (b) of the Act is amended by striking out “and” at the end of subclause (ii) and by adding the following subclause:

     (ii.1)  the person has completed the training that is approved by the Minister and that meets the prescribed requirements, if any, and

(3)  Subclause 10 (1) (b) (iii) of the Act is amended by striking out “training and”.

(4)  Subsection 10 (2) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Loss of requirement

(2)  If, at any time subsequent to being issued a licence, a person ceases to meet a requirement set out in subsection (1), the person shall,

  (a)  cease to act or offer services under the licence;

  (b)  destroy the licence as required by section 37 within five business days; and

  (c)  notify the Registrar that they have done so within five business days of destroying the licence.

(5)  Section 10 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Same, licence issued in error

(3.1)  If the Registrar becomes aware that a licence has been issued in error, the Registrar shall revoke the licence and promptly give the person notice that the Registrar’s records have been changed to show that the person no longer has a valid licence, and the person shall,

  (a)  cease to act or offer services under the licence;

  (b)  destroy the licence as required by section 37 within five business days; and

  (c)  notify the Registrar that they have done so within five business days of destroying the licence.

(6)  Subsection 10 (4) of the Act is amended by striking out “under subsection (3)” and substituting “under subsection (3) or (3.1)”.

5 (1)  Clause 11 (1) (f) of the Act is amended by striking out “and” at the end of subclause (ii) and by adding the following subclause:

     (ii.1)  of the completion of the training that is approved by the Minister and that meets the prescribed requirements, if any, and

(2)  Subclause 11 (1) (f) (iii) of the Act is amended by striking out “training and”.

6 Section 12 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Licence to include digital licence

(2)  Any requirement under this Act to carry, display, possess, produce or destroy a licence is satisfied by carrying, displaying, possessing, producing or destroying a digital licence or a hard copy of a digital licence.

7 Subsection 15 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “or” at the end of clause (a), by adding “or” at the end of clause (b) and by adding the following clause:

  (c)  on request of the licensee.

8 Clause 16 (1) (c) of the Act is amended by striking out “under section 15” and substituting “under section 15, except when revoking a licence under clause 15 (1) (c)”.

9 (1)  Subsection 19 (6) of the Act is amended by striking out “refer the complaint to a facilitator, unless the complainant does not wish the matter to be referred” at the end and substituting “review the complaint to determine whether an investigation is warranted”.

(2)  Subsections 19 (7) to (10) of the Act are repealed and the following substituted:

If investigation is warranted

(7)  If, after reviewing the complaint, the Registrar determines an investigation is warranted, the Registrar shall cause an investigation to be initiated.

10 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Production orders

23.1  (1)  On application without notice and subject to subsection (3), a justice of the peace may issue an order to a person, other than a person under investigation for an offence, requiring the person to,

  (a)  produce documents or copies of documents certified to be true copies or produce data; or

  (b)  prepare a document based on documents or data already in existence and produce it.

Content of order

(2)  An order under subsection (1) shall require the document or data to be produced within the time, at the place and in the form specified in the order and require that it be given to an investigator named in the order.

Grounds for order

(3)  A justice of the peace may make an order under subsection (1) if he or she is satisfied by information given under oath or affirmation that there are reasonable grounds to believe that,

  (a)  an offence under this Act has been or is being committed;

  (b)  the document or data will provide evidence respecting the offence or suspected offence; and

  (c)  the person who is subject to the order has possession or control of the document or data.

Conditions

(4)  An order under subsection (1) may contain such conditions as the justice of the peace considers advisable.

Evidence

(5)  A copy of a document produced under this section that is certified to be a true copy is admissible in evidence in proceedings under this Act and has the same probative force as the original document would have if it had been proved in the ordinary way.

No return of copies

(6)  Copies of documents produced under this section are not required to be returned to the person who provided them.

11 Clause 25 (1) (a) of the Act is amended by striking out “returned to the Registrar” and substituting “destroyed”.

12 Clause 29 (1) (a) of the Act is amended by striking out “returned to the Registrar” and substituting “destroyed”.

13 Clause 34 (1) (c) of the Act is amended by striking out “produce” and substituting “promptly produce”.

14 Clause 35 (1) (c) of the Act is amended by striking out “produce” and substituting “promptly produce”.

15 Subsection 36 (1) of the Act is amended by adding “and the person’s licence number is displayed on any website or social media page where the person sells those services” at the end.

16 (1)  Section 37 of the Act is amended by striking out the portion before paragraph 1 and substituting the following:

37 A person shall immediately destroy their licence in the following circumstances:

.     .     .     .     .

(2)  Section 37 of the Act is amended by adding the following paragraph:

   5.  The licence has been issued in error and the person is prohibited under subsection 10 (3.1) from acting or offering services under the licence.

17 Section 41 of the Act is amended by adding “or” at the end of clause (c) and by adding the following clause:

  (d)  sent to the email address on file with the Registrar, if there is one.

Commencement

18 (1)  Except as otherwise provided in this section, this Schedule comes into force on the day the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 receives Royal Assent.

(2)  Sections 2 and 9 come into force on the later of September 1, 2026 and the day the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 receives Royal Assent.

SCHEDULE 11
PROVINCIAL ANIMAL WELFARE SERVICES ACT, 2019

1 Section 14.1 of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 is amended by striking out “dogs” at the end and substituting “dogs, cats and any other animals prescribed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council”.

Commencement

2 This Schedule comes into force on the later of the day section 2 of the Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales Act, 2024 comes into force and the day the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 receives Royal Assent.

SCHEDULE 12
PROVINCIAL OFFENCES ACT

1 (1)  The definition of “court” in subsection 1 (1) of the Provincial Offences Act is repealed and the following substituted:

“court” means the Ontario Court of Justice or a justice in the Ontario Court of Justice, as the case may be; (“tribunal”)

(2)  Subsection 1 (1) of the Act is amended by adding the following definition:

“regulations” means the regulations made under this Act; (“règlements”)

2 (1)  Subsections 5.1 (7) to (12) of the Act are repealed and the following substituted:

Agreement on plea and sentence

(7)  At their meeting, the defendant and the prosecutor may agree,

  (a)  that the defendant is entering a guilty plea to the offence or a substituted offence; and

  (b)  to a penalty, including an extension of time for payment.

Prosecutor must report meeting outcome

(8)  The prosecutor shall notify the clerk of the court of the outcome of the meeting within the period and in the form specified by the regulations.

Defective meeting outcome form

(9)  If a form is submitted under subsection (8) within the specified period but is defective, as determined by the regulations,

  (a)  the clerk of the court shall not accept the form and shall notify the defendant and the prosecutor of the defect; and

  (b)  the prosecutor shall give the clerk of the court a corrected form within the period specified by the regulations.

If agreement is reached

(10)  If the clerk of the court accepts a meeting outcome form in which agreement is reached under subsection (7), the clerk of the court shall enter a conviction and impose a fine in accordance with the agreement.

Matter to be referred to trial

(11)  In any of the following circumstances, the matter shall be referred to trial and the clerk of the court shall give notice to the defendant and the prosecutor of the time and place of the trial:

   1.  The clerk of the court accepts a meeting outcome form that indicates that the defendant attended the meeting but an agreement was not reached.

   2.  The prosecutor fails to notify the clerk of the court of the outcome of the meeting within the period referred to in subsection (8).

   3.  The prosecutor did not give the clerk of the court a corrected form in accordance with clause (9) (b) if required to do so.

Rescheduling time of trial

(12)  The clerk of the court may, for administrative reasons, reschedule the time of the trial by giving a revised notice to the defendant and the prosecutor within 21 days of giving notice of the trial.

Transition

(13)  This section, as it read immediately before the day subsection 2 (1) of Schedule 12 to the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 came into force, continues to apply with respect to a meeting if notice of the meeting was given by the clerk of the court under subsection (3) before that day.

(2)  Subsection 5.1 (13) of the Act, as enacted by subsection (1), is repealed.

3 Subsection 7 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “sitting in court”.

4 (1)  Subsection 9 (1) of the Act is amended by adding “or” at the end of clause (a), by striking out “or” at the end of clause (b) and by striking out clause (c).

(2)  Subsections 9 (5) and (7) of the Act are repealed.

5 Clauses 13 (1.1) (a) and (b) of the Act are repealed and the following substituted:

  (a)  prescribing forms for the purposes of this Part, and requiring and governing their use;

  (b)  specifying periods for the purposes of subsection 5.1 (8) and clause 5.1 (9) (b);

  (c)  prescribing the characteristics that make a meeting outcome form defective for the purposes of subsection 5.1 (9);

6 Subsections 18.2 (2) and (3) of the Act are repealed and the following substituted:

Same

(2)  The certificate requesting a conviction shall state,

  (a)  that the certificate of parking infraction is complete and regular on its face;

  (b)  if the defendant is liable as owner, that the person is satisfied that the defendant is the owner;

  (c)  that there is valid legal authority for charging the defendant with the parking infraction;

  (d)  that the defendant was given a notice of impending conviction at least 15 days before the certificate requesting a conviction is filed;

  (e) that the alleged infraction occurred less than 75 days before the certificate requesting a conviction is filed;

   (f)  that the defendant has not given notice of intention to appear in court for the purpose of entering a plea and having a trial of the matter;

  (g)  that payment of the set fine has not been made; and

  (h)  any information that may be prescribed.

7 Clauses 20 (1.1) (a) and (b) of the Act are repealed and the following substituted:

  (a)  prescribing forms for the purposes of this Part, and requiring and governing their use;

8 Subsection 36 (2) of the Act is amended by adding “under subsection (1)” after “certificate”.

9 (1)  Subsection 45 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Taking of plea by justice

(1)  When taking a plea, a justice shall,

  (a)  inform the defendant of the substance of the information or certificate; and

  (b)  ask whether the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty to the offence charged in the information or certificate.

(2)  Subsection 45 (4) of the Act is amended by adding “or (3.1)” after “subsection (3)”.

(3)  The English version of subsection 45 (6) of the Act is amended by striking out “guilty of” and substituting “guilty to”.

(4)  Section 45 of the Act is amended by striking out “court” wherever it appears and substituting in each case “justice”.

10 Subsection 45.1 (2) of the Act is amended by striking out “The court, or a justice of the court, shall preside” at the beginning and substituting “A justice shall preside”.

11 Subsection 47 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “The court” at the beginning and substituting “A justice”.

12 Clause 49 (5) (a) of the Act is amended by striking out “filed with the court” and substituting “filed with the clerk of the court”.

13 (1)  Subsection 56 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “file with the court” and substituting “file with the clerk of the court”.

(2)  Subsection 56 (2) of the Act is amended by striking out “Where a report is filed with the court under subsection (1), the clerk of the court shall cause a copy of the report to be provided” at the beginning and substituting “The clerk of the court shall cause a copy of a report filed under subsection (1) to be provided”.

14 Subsections 59 (2) and (3) of the Act are amended by striking out “the court” wherever it appears and substituting in each case “the justice”.

15 Subsection 60.1 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “by regulations made under this Act” at the end and substituting “by the regulations”.

16 (1)  Subsection 66 (2) of the Act is amended by striking out “Where the court imposes a fine, the court shall” at the beginning and substituting “In imposing a fine, a justice shall”.

(2)  Subsections 66 (3) and (4) of the Act are amended by striking out “the court” wherever it appears and substituting in each case “the justice”.

17 Subsection 85 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “by the regulations made under this Act” and substituting “the regulations”.

18 Subsection 91 (5) of the Act is amended by striking out “by the court presided over by a provincial judge” at the end and substituting “by a judge”.

19 Subsection 100 (2) of the Act is amended by striking out “file with the court” and substituting “file with the clerk of the court”.

Parking Infractions Statute Law Amendment Act, 1992

20 Section 3 of the Parking Infractions Statute Law Amendment Act, 1992 is repealed.

Commencement

21 (1)  Except as otherwise provided in this section, this Schedule comes into force on the day the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 receives Royal Assent.

(2)  Subsection 2 (1) and sections 4 to 7 come into force on a day to be named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

(3)  Subsection 2 (2) comes into force on the earlier of a day to be named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council and the day that is 18 months after the day on which subsection 2 (1) comes into force.

SCHEDULE 13
SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORK ACT, 1998

1 Section 25 of the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998 is repealed and the following substituted:

Reference by Council or Executive Committee

25 (1)  The Council or the Executive Committee may direct the Discipline Committee to hold a hearing and determine any allegation of professional misconduct or incompetence on the part of a member of the College.

Same

(2)  The Council or the Executive Committee may direct the Fitness to Practise Committee to hold a hearing and determine any allegation of incapacity on the part of a member of the College.

No hearing

(3)  The Council or the Executive Committee need not hold a hearing or afford any person an opportunity to make oral or written submissions before giving a direction under this section.

Interim orders

25.1  (1)  The Council or the Executive Committee may make an interim order directing the Registrar to suspend the certificate of registration of a member of the College or impose terms, conditions or limitations on a member’s certificate of registration if,

  (a)  a complaint referred to in subsection 24 (1) regarding the conduct or actions of the member has been filed with the Registrar or the Registrar has appointed one or more investigators under subsection 32 (1) to conduct an investigation in respect of the member; and

  (b)  the Council or the Executive Committee believes that the actions or conduct of the member exposes or is likely to expose the member’s clients to harm or injury.

Restriction

(2)  No order shall be made under subsection (1) unless the Council or Executive Committee has,

  (a)  given the member written notice of its intention to make the order along with a copy of the provisions of this section; and

  (b)  afforded the member at least 14 days to make written submissions to the Council or the Executive Committee.

Same

(3)  Subsection (2) does not apply if the Council or the Executive Committee believes that the delay would be inappropriate in view of the risk of harm or injury to the member’s clients.

Order without notice

(4)  If an order is made under subsection (1) without notice, the Council or Executive Committee shall inform the member in writing of the basis for the order and provide the member with a copy of the provisions of this section, and the member has the right to make submissions while the suspension or the terms, conditions or limitations are in place.

No hearing

(5)  Except as provided by this section, the Council or the Executive Committee need not hold a hearing or afford any person an opportunity to make oral or written submissions before making an order under subsection (1).

Procedure following order

(6)  If an order is made under subsection (1), the matter to which the order relates shall be,

  (a)  investigated and, if necessary, prosecuted by the College expeditiously; and

  (b)  given precedence by any committee tasked with considering it.

Duration of order

(7)  An order made under subsection (1) continues in force until,

  (a)  the order is varied or rescinded by the Council or Executive Committee; or

  (b)  the matter to which the order relates has been finally disposed of under this Act.

Transition

(8)  An order may be made by the Council or the Executive Committee under subsection (1) in respect of a member even if the relevant complaint or appointment was filed or made before the day on which the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 received Royal Assent.

Commencement

2 This Schedule comes into force on the day the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 receives Royal Assent.

SCHEDULE 14
SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT ACT, 2019

1 The definition of “official” in subsection 1 (1) of the Special Investigations Unit Act, 2019 is repealed and the following substituted:

“official” means,

  (a)  a police officer,

  (b)  a special constable employed by the Niagara Parks Commission,

  (c)  a person who is a peace officer under section 103.0.2 of the Legislative Assembly Act, and

  (d)  any other person who may be prescribed; (“agent”)

2 Subclause 15 (2) (b) (i) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

         (i)  engaged in the investigation, pursuit, detention or arrest of a person or otherwise exercised the powers of a police officer, special constable, peace officer or other prescribed person, as the case may be, whether or not the official intended to exercise such powers or identified him or herself as a person who may exercise such powers, or

3 Paragraphs 1 and 2 of subsection 36 (1) of the Act are repealed and the following substituted:

   1.  If the official is a member of a police service, to the chief of police of an unrelated police service.

   2.  In any other case,

          i.  to the prescribed person, if any, or

          ii.  if no person is prescribed for the official, to any chief of police.

4 Subsection 38 (1) of the Act is amended by adding the following clauses:

(a.1) prescribing persons as “officials” for the purpose of the definition of “official” in subsection 1 (1) and governing any transitional matters that may arise as a result;

(a.2) clarifying or modifying the application of this Act or the regulations to persons prescribed as “officials” under clause (a.1) or exempting them from any provision of this Act or the regulations;

Commencement

5 This Schedule comes into force on the day the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 receives Royal Assent.

SCHEDULE 15
TOWING AND STORAGE SAFETY AND ENFORCEMENT ACT, 2021

1 (1)  Subsection 9 (2) of the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, 2021 is amended by adding “under subsection (1)” after “an appeal”.

(2)  Section 9 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Same

(3)  Despite the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, the filing of an appeal of a decision of the prescribed person or entity mentioned in subsection (1) does not operate as a stay of the decision, unless the Divisional Court orders a stay.

2 (1)  Subsection 28 (2) of the Act is amended by adding the following clause:

(d.1) specify time periods for the purposes of subsection (5);

(2)  Subsections 28 (4) to (6) of the Act are repealed and the following substituted:

Publication by Director

(4)  The Director shall publish a list of the following amounts on a website of the Government of Ontario:

   1.  Amounts submitted under subsection (3), unless the Director gives a written notice with respect to the amount under subsection (7).

   2.  Amounts specified in a notice under clause (7) (b).

Same

(5)  If a subsequent amount is submitted under subsection (3), the Director shall update the list within the time period specified by the regulations, to reflect the most recently submitted amount.

(3)  Clause 28 (7) (a) of the Act is amended by adding “under subsection (3)” after “amount”.

(4)  Clause 28 (7) (b) of the Act is amended by striking out “subsection (6)” at the end and substituting “paragraph 1 of subsection (4)”.

(5)  Subsection 28 (9) of the Act is amended by striking out “subsection (6)” and substituting “subsection (4) or (5)”.

(6)  Subsection 28 (10) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Same

(10)  If a maximum amount is prescribed in respect of a service, no person shall charge an amount for that service that exceeds the applicable prescribed maximum amount.

3 (1)  Subsection 38 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Restriction on provision of towing services at collision

(1)  No tow truck driver, tow operator or person acting for or on behalf of a tow truck driver or tow operator shall provide or offer to provide towing services within 200 metres of,

  (a)  the scene of a collision or apparent collision; or

  (b)  a motor vehicle involved in a collision.

Restriction on parking at a collision

(1.1)  No tow truck driver or tow operator shall park or stop a tow truck within 200 metres of,

  (a)  the scene of a collision or apparent collision; or

  (b)  a motor vehicle involved in a collision.

(2)  Subsection 38 (2) of the Act is amended by striking out “Subsection (1) does not apply” at the beginning and substituting “Subsections (1) and (1.1) do not apply”.

(3)  Section 38 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Same

(2.1)  Subsection (1.1) does not apply with respect to a tow truck driver who is parked within the distance mentioned in that subsection before the collision or apparent collision occurred.

4 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Service on tow truck driver sufficient

47.1  In respect of an offence under this Act that involves a tow truck, delivery of the offence notice or summons to the tow truck driver or any other person with the care, charge or control of the tow truck is deemed to be service on the tow operator of the tow truck for the purpose of Part I of the Provincial Offences Act unless, at the time of the offence, the tow truck was in the possession of that person without the tow operator’s consent.

5 Section 49 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Delegation

(2)  The Director may, with the Minister’s approval, delegate any or all of the Director’s powers and duties under this Act to a public servant employed under Part III of the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006 who works in the Ministry, subject to any conditions or restrictions set out in the delegation.

Commencement

6 This Schedule comes into force on the day the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 receives Royal Assent.

SCHEDULE 16
VICTIMS’ BILL OF RIGHTS, 1995

1 Section 1 of the Victims’ Bill of Rights, 1995 is amended by adding the following definition:

“prescribed” means prescribed by the regulations made under this Act; (“prescrit”)

2 The English version of paragraphs 3 and 4 of subsection 2 (1) of the Act are amended by striking out “he or she” wherever it appears and substituting in each case “the victim”.

3 Subsection 3 (2) of the Act is amended by adding the following paragraph:

   8.  A victim of criminal harassment.

4 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Actions re harassment

3.1  (1)  In this section,

“harassment” means conduct prohibited under section 264 of the Criminal Code (Canada).

Same

(2)  A person who engaged in harassment is liable in damages to,

  (a)  any person who was the subject of the harassment;

  (b)  any person who, as a result of the harassment, suffered emotional or physical harm, loss of or damage to property or economic harm; and

  (c)  if the harassment resulted in the death of a person described in clause (a) or (b), any of the following persons, unless they engaged in the harassment:

         (i)  A child or parent of the person, within the meaning of section 1 of the Family Law Act.

        (ii)  A dependant or spouse of the person, both within the meaning of section 29 of the Family Law Act.

Charge, conviction not required

(3)  An action referred to in subsection (2) may be brought against a person even if the person has not been charged with or convicted of the crime of criminal harassment.

Proof of damage not required

(4)  An action referred to in subsection (2) may be brought without proof of damage.

Standard of proof

(5)  Findings of fact in the action shall be made on the balance of probabilities.

Damages

(6)  The court may award damages to the plaintiff, including general, special, aggravated and punitive damages, in the action.

Same, considerations

(7)  In awarding damages, the court shall have regard to all of the circumstances of the case, including,

  (a)  any particular vulnerabilities of the plaintiff;

  (b)  all aspects of the defendant’s conduct; and

  (c)  the nature of any existing relationship between the plaintiff and the defendant.

Interpretation

(8)  Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to limit remedies otherwise available under existing law or to preclude the development of remedies under the law.

5 (1)  Subsection 4 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “to a civil proceeding in which” and substituting “to an action, under this Act or otherwise, in which”.

(2)  Subsection 4 (5) of the Act is amended by striking out “his or her discretion” and substituting “the discretion”.

6 The Act is amended by adding the following section:

Assessing damages if multiple harassment actions

4.1  When assessing damages in an action under this Act respecting conduct constituting harassment within the meaning of section 3.1 that is or was the subject of a different action under this Act, a court shall take into account any damages awarded in the other action in respect of the same conduct.

7 The English version of subsection 5.1 (5) of the Act is amended by striking out “he or she” and substituting “the Attorney General”.

Commencement

8 This Schedule comes into force on the day the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 receives Royal Assent.