Social Welfare in Canada
Compare recent bills on this issue across different governments.
Canada
View Bills →Appropriation Act No. 2, 2026-27
This law lets federal departments keep running and paying staff through March 31, 2027. It does not change taxes or benefits.
Status
Royal assent
Timeline
Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2
This bill changes taxes, housing, work rules, and travel complaints. It bans most non‑competes, raises housing guarantees, and adds new tax and crypto reporting for businesses.
Status
Senate pre-study
Timeline
Seniors' Pension Boost and Work Exemption
People 65 and over would get a larger Old Age Security cheque. Low-income seniors could earn more from work before their Guaranteed Income Supplement is cut.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
An Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements)
More people can get Indian status if one parent has it. Women who lost band membership by marrying out, and their descendants, can be added back.
Status
Consideration in committee
Timeline
Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 1
Changes taxes, funds housing and school meals, and creates open banking and stablecoin rules. It gives credits, housing money, and new bank protections.
Status
Royal assent
Timeline
Omnibus Budget Law: Taxes, Competition, Housing
It adds taxes on big digital firms and buybacks, boosts clean tech credits, and creates housing and water agencies. Workers get new leaves; therapy is tax-free.
Status
Royal assent
Timeline
Budget Brings New Taxes, Credits, Protections
Canada's budget law adds a 15% minimum tax on large firms, new clean tech credits, worker rights, school food funds, housing rules, open banking, and stronger car-theft and money-laundering laws.
Status
Royal assent
Timeline
Appropriation Act No. 4, 2025-26
Adds $5.4 billion to keep mail, CBC, defence, and public services running until March 2026. It also cancels many old student loans.
Status
Royal assent
Timeline
Ontario
View Bills →Public Safety and Adoption Overhaul
Adds new police powers, tightens adoption rules, bans some pill presses, and helps trafficking victims stop debt collections.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
Budget Overhaul: Retail, Tickets, Pensions
Lowers some pension guarantees, changes taxes and privacy rules. Stores can open on two holidays and ticket resale prices are capped.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Workers' Protections and Faster Project Approvals
Employers can no longer charge for normal uniforms and some injury benefits rise. The law also speeds some project approvals and limits fees by talent agencies.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
Enforceable Rights for Group Home Residents
Supported group home residents get clear, enforceable rights on privacy, care, visitors, and eviction. Agencies must support resident and family councils and respond to concerns.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Limits Rent Hikes and Creates Rent Registry
Caps rent hikes, stops big reset hikes when new tenants move in, and creates a public rent registry. Tenants get stronger rules for evictions and renovations.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2025 (No. 2)
Elections can be called anytime within five years. New tax credits, indexed benefits, pharmacy payment caps, and a new conservation agency change rules for businesses, families, and public lands.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Ontario Proposes New Workers' Compensation System
Injured workers would get 90% of net wages and pain-and-suffering pay. It speeds payments, funds retraining and medical care, and covers students and volunteers; employers may pay higher premiums.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
2025–26 Government Spending Approval
Keeps core public services funded from April 2025 to March 2026 so hospitals, schools, transit and supports keep running. No tax or program changes.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
British Columbia
View Bills →Risk Agreements for Experimental Medicines
Doctors and pharmacists could use listed drugs only if distributors sign risk agreements with the health minister. This may delay access to vaccines, SSRIs, harm-reduction medicines, and gender care.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Half Tax for Under-40s, Big Spending Cut
People under 40 would pay half their provincial income tax. Public services could face deep cuts to meet a required 50% spending cut within five years.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Close Overdose Sites and Suspend Benefits
It would close provincially funded supervised drug sites, require not using illegal drugs in funded housing, and suspend benefits after drug possession until treatment is done.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Online Government Services and Data-Sharing Reform
Gives government new power to share your data across online service platforms. Makes more records public and changes how people ask for information.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Annual Government Spending Authorization
Allows the government to pay for public services and approved projects during the year. It does not create new taxes or change program rules.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
New Service Taxes, Investment Credit, Disability Benefit
Adds sales tax to many professional services and creates a new investment tax credit. Starts a monthly disability supplement and pauses some income tax inflation adjustments.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
New Rules for Supportive Housing Tenancies
Supportive housing will get special tenancy rules and faster action when weapons are involved. Operators can limit access and staff entry, and the tenancy branch can approve or change orders.
Status
Committee
Timeline
Province ends insurer health transfers, updates child funds
Drivers keep past ICBC coverage. The bill sets a retro tax paid by ICBC and clarifies when the Public Guardian handles children's money, with extra rules for Indigenous children.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Alberta
View Bills →Municipal Reform and Development Acceleration Act
Speeds up development, changes who controls local services and taxes, and sets new rules for libraries, seniors' lodges, and municipal employee pay.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Tourism Levy Hike and Pension Overhaul
Hotel stays will face a 6% tourism levy from April 2026. Caregiver tax credits and pension rules change, and data centres and credit unions face new fees and oversight.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Approving Spending for Services and Projects
This bill lets government pay for hospitals, schools, roads, and social programs. It keeps services running and allows shifts to speed up school and health projects.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
No-Fault Auto Care and Seniors Reform
Drivers get faster no-fault crash care and limited rights to sue. Seniors get higher benefits, and the province can invest directly in startups.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Tighter Election Rules and Legal Reforms
You must show ID to sign citizen petitions and candidates need 100 nomination signatures. Legal aid funding and lawyer discipline rules also change.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Minimum Wage Hike and Tip Protections
Minimum pay rises in steps and then yearly with inflation. Tips belong to workers and can be pooled only if staff agree in writing.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
Midyear Budget Top Up and Transfers
This bill gives government departments extra money so services keep running this year. It shifts big hospital funds into assisted living but does not raise taxes.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Payday fees cut; liquor, cannabis markups set
Payday loans get slightly cheaper. The Minister can set liquor and cannabis wholesale prices, and people can sign key documents by video.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Québec
View Bills →Act mainly aimed at better supporting individuals whose mental state may pose a risk to their own safety or that of others.
You can write psychiatric directives. Assessments and temporary holds will be faster, with the right to a lawyer and appeal to a specialized court.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
An Act to Enhance the Intervention Powers of Municipalities and to Amend Other Legislative Provisions
The city can acquire properties with unpaid taxes and sell or give small parcels to neighbors. More municipal buildings offered to non-profit organizations and childcare centers.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
Act to establish the provision of educational childcare services by individuals recognized as responsible for a community educational childcare service.
The text creates community childcare services with supervision and clear rules. It aims to increase the number of spaces while protecting children and ensuring safety.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
Personal Self-Directed Assistance Act for Persons with Disabilities
You receive a monthly payment to pay for assistants of your choice. The application is made to Retraite Québec and needs are reassessed every two years.
Status
Présentation
Timeline
Act to Promote the Safety and Security of the Population and to Amend Various Provisions
This law could make information about certain sex offenders public and establish rules for demonstrations, affecting the daily lives of citizens and the safety of elected officials.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
Act to Protect the Child and Parent Victims of Domestic Violence
The courts prioritize the safety of children. A parent recognized as violent must prove their ability and provide guarantees to obtain custody.
Status
Présentation
Timeline
Act to Reduce Bureaucracy, Increase State Efficiency, and Strengthen Accountability of Senior Officials
The project brings together agencies and changes who manages certain public benefits. This could affect daily processes such as family benefits and health services.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
Bill No. 1 on Credits, 2026-2027
This law allows for the payment of public services starting April 1st. Hospitals, schools, daycare centers, and roads receive funding without a tax increase.
Status
Présentation
Timeline
Newfoundland and Labrador
View Bills →AN ACT TO AMEND THE CHILDREN'S LAW ACT AND THE FAMILY LAW ACT
Changes custody rules to decision-making, parenting time, and contact. Courts must use only the child's best interests and set clear relocation, safety, and enforcement steps.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
AN ACT RESPECTING THE SENIORS' ADVOCATE
Creates a stronger, independent Seniors' Advocate who can investigate problems and get records. Care homes must forward seniors' requests to the office.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
AN ACT TO AMEND THE PENSION BENEFITS ACT, 1997
If your pension is moved to another province, the receiving plan must be fairly funded (at least 85%). A regulator must approve the transfer.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
AN ACT FOR GRANTING TO HIS MAJESTY CERTAIN SUMS OF MONEY FOR DEFRAYING CERTAIN EXPENSES OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2027 AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE
Funds government services for 2026–27 and keeps hospitals, schools, roads, and social programs running. It also lets officials move money for pay, emergencies, and federal projects.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
AN ACT TO AMEND THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 2019
Student loan appeals move to an internal two-step review with the director's decision final. The minister can file a certificate that enforces unpaid loans like a court judgment.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
AN ACT TO AMEND THE INCOME TAX ACT, 2000 NO. 2
Child benefit continues for six months after a child's death. Businesses can transfer unused green, manufacturing, and film tax credits after mergers or wind-ups, and excess film credits are refunded.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
AN ACT RESPECTING THE DISABILITY ADVOCATE
Creates an independent office to help people with disabilities get service problems investigated and fixed. It can receive complaints, investigate, mediate with consent, and issue public recommendations.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
AN ACT GRANTING TO HIS MAJESTY CERTAIN SUMS OF MONEY FOR DEFRAYING CERTAIN EXPENSES OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2027 AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE
Allows about $4 billion to keep hospitals, schools, roads and services running until the full budget is passed.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Manitoba
View Bills →The Child and Family Services Amendment Act
Allows some youth in care to keep provincial help until age 21. It also lets Indigenous services take over cases when their law applies, with notice to families.
Status
Concurrence and 3rd Reading
Timeline
Stop Funding Law-Breaking Organizations
If a funded group breaks workplace or human rights law, the minister must stop their government funding. Funding can be restored only if cutting it would harm people.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
The Adult Abuse Registry Amendment Act
People named in abuse reports get a chance to give information before decisions. Reviews of alleged abuse will follow clearer, consistent steps.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
The Advocate for Children and Youth Amendment Act
The law names and protects all children's identities and helps the Advocate coordinate services. It requires reviews every seven years.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
The Minor Amendments and Corrections Act, 2026
Updates wording and names across many laws. It improves reporting, lets agencies request information, and can extend time to challenge missed ticket convictions.
Status
Concurrence and 3rd Reading
Timeline
The Interim Appropriation Act, 2026
Lets the government pay for schools, health care, and services at the start of the year with temporary spending limits. It sets clear dollar caps so services continue.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Stronger Accessibility Planning and Awareness Week
Public bodies must make and update accessibility plans with people with disabilities. Fines must fund education and an annual Access Awareness Week will start each May.
Status
N/A
Timeline
New Autism Strategy for All Ages
Requires a public autism plan in two years. It aims to improve diagnosis, school and child care supports, jobs, housing, and annual public reports.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
Nova Scotia
View Bills →Publicly funded birth control and IVF
Public health would cover birth control and menopause treatment, and a new IVF program would be funded. Coverage could depend on income and residency.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
New Suicide Prevention Strategy Moves Forward
A plan to improve mental health support and suicide prevention across government. It will set goals and report yearly on progress for communities and people who need help.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Lawsuits Against Employers in Violence Cases
The bill could let workers sue employers when violence could happen and protections were not taken. It would let workers keep benefits while suing.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Plan for Public Addiction Treatment Network
The bill would create publicly funded residential addiction treatment centers. It would help people access housing, jobs and ongoing support during recovery.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Rent Cap Reform Aims to Stabilize Costs
The bill would cap rent increases to inflation and boost tenant protections. It would also set standards for heating, pets, and enforcement, helping households manage housing costs.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Workers Gain Paid Leave and Protections
The bill would give workers more paid sick days, more vacation time, and stronger pay rules. It also changes overtime rules and limits how employers replace workers during strikes.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Rent Bank Delivers Quick Housing Aid
The bill would set up a rent bank to help people pay rent and utilities quickly. It would offer interest-free loans and aim to stop evictions.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Caseworker training standards roll out
The bill sets training and competency rules for workers' compensation caseworkers. It will publish staff qualifications and decision timelines to improve fairness and clarity.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Saskatchewan
View Bills →Spending Authority for 2026–27 Budget
Gives legal permission to spend on health, schools, roads and social programs for 2026–27. It does not change taxes or create new programs.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Preserve and Share Child Welfare Records
Requires the minister to preserve records about Indigenous children and the Sixties Scoop. It favors sharing those records and requires written reasons if requests are refused.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Income Tax Credit Updates and Volunteer Boost
Sets and indexes key tax credit amounts and raises the basic personal amount. Doubles volunteer first responder credit, clarifies senior home renovation rules, and extends a fertilizer business incentive.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Cross Border Child Support Made Easier
Makes it simpler to register and enforce child and family support orders from other places. Courts can take evidence remotely and hide contact details for safety.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Refundable Fertility Treatment Tax Credit
Pays back 50% of eligible fertility costs, up to $10,000 per person. Each partner may claim once; refund is paid even if you owe no tax.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Free Parking for Cancer Treatment Patients
Cancer patients need not pay parking at designated cancer treatment sites. It only covers patients during treatment and not family, visitors, or other appointments.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Nunavut
View Bills →Interim Funding to Keep Services Running
Allows government to spend up to $2.47 billion for core services in 2026–27. It keeps hospitals, schools, housing and other services funded but does not create new programs.
Status
Assent
Timeline
Extra Capital Funding for Public Infrastructure
Families with children get a bigger monthly payment. The amount will rise each year with inflation starting in 2026.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Northwest Territories
View Bills →Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act
Officials can order people to leave rental units linked to illegal activity and end tenancies. Innocent tenants may get help, but failure to obey can mean fines or jail.
Status
2nd Reading
Timeline
An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act, No. 2
Firefighters and front-line emergency workers get an automatic presumption for some cancers, heart injuries, and PTSD so it's easier to get workers' compensation.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2026-2027
Adds one-time government funds for hospitals, schools, roads, and local services. Money must be spent by March 31, 2027.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
Civil Forfeiture Act
Government can seize property likely tied to crime through court or paperwork. Owners must dispute within 60 days or may lose assets.
Status
2nd Reading
Timeline
An Act to Amend the Children's Law Act
Replaces old custody terms, sets equal starting rights for parents, adds move notice rules, stronger enforcement, and a service to recalculate child support.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
An Act to Amend the Family Law Act
Updates parenting terms, defaults child support recalculation unless opted out, limits arbitration to Canadian law, and recognizes some foreign polygamous marriages.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act
Creates a one-time lump sum for permanent loss and monthly pay for lost earnings after recovery. Monthly payments usually end near retirement age and can be reviewed.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2025-2026.
Allows government to spend up to $2.38B for running services in 2025–26. Sets borrowing limits and requires records; it does not change taxes.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
Yukon
View Bills →Budget Approves $2.46B for Services
This bill lets the government spend $2.46 billion on health, schools, roads, and homes. It also sets a $100 million contingency for emergencies.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Mid-Year Budget Top-Up Keeps Services Running
This adds money to keep health, schools, roads, and help programs running until March 31, 2026. It does not add new taxes.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Bridge Funding to Keep Services Running
Keeps government services running for two months while the full budget is finished. Pays for hospitals, schools, roads, and income supports.
Status
Assent
Timeline
United States
View Bills →Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act
Reduces the standard workweek to 32 hours, sets overtime rules, and phases the change in over three years.
Status
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Timeline
Young-onset Alzheimer's benefits expansion
Expands disability and Medicare timing for young-onset Alzheimer's, using precedent for immediate entitlement and delegating the diagnosis definition to agency guidance.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Child Care and Early Learning Package
Creates a large child care and early learning package with work-linked eligibility, universal preschool, and wage supports for educators across participating states.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act
Caps Post‑9/11 VA payments for public‑school flight training at $100,000, adjusted yearly by CPI; applies to training begun on or after August 1, 2026.
Status
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 696.
Timeline
Behavioral Health Crisis Expansion Act
Requires Medicare, Medicaid, private plans, TRICARE, VA, FEHB, and CHIP to cover crisis response services and defines facility types.
Status
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs, Oversight and Government Reform, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Timeline
INSULIN Act of 2026
Limits out-of-pocket insulin costs, funds an uninsured resource center and hotline, and aims to speed biosimilar competition.
Status
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Timeline
Pacific Seabed Revenue Sharing
Shares seabed-mining revenues with nearby Pacific territories to improve economic security; bill text and details are not publicly available.
Status
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Timeline
9-8-8 Implementation Act
Funds and expands 9-8-8 lifeline, crisis services, training, and insurer coverage for crisis care.
Status
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs, Oversight and Government Reform, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Timeline
Toronto
View Bills →Island Ferry Fares Free This August for Children and Seniors
From August 1 to 31, eligible riders get free round trips on the Island ferry. It means families and seniors pay less when visiting the island.
Status
Adopted
Timeline
Temporary Cuts to Residential Development Charges
Cuts development charges 40–60% for most new homes for about three years and adds rental incentives. Federal and provincial money replaces some city development charge revenue.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline
Major Deal Funds Transit and Housing
The deal brings funding for transit, housing, shelters, and highway upkeep. Riders get more safety measures; drivers face no immediate tolls.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline
Legalize and License Shared Rental Homes
Allows rooming houses citywide with licences, inspections, and no parking minimums. Tenants get clearer safety rules; operators need annual licences and must meet standards.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline
Push for National School Food Program
The city asks the federal government to fund a national school food program. If funded, more students could get free or low-cost meals at school.
Status
N/A
Timeline
City Backs Shelters, Seeks Federal Funding
City will pay one-time support to groups sheltering refugee claimants and asks the federal government for funding and a reception centre. That could add shelter spaces and speed housing.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline
Fairer Rules for Park Encampment Clearings
City will give clearer notices, a contact person, and on-site health supports during park encampment clearings. Residents get more engagement and a public complaints process.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline
City Declares Gender-Based Violence Epidemic
The city calls gender-based and intimate partner violence an epidemic and asks higher governments to act. There are no immediate law changes but this may bring more programs and supports.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline