Overview of the December 2025 Legislative Wave
December 2025 arrives with a packed agenda for Canadians from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The federal government has rolled out a series of programs and regulatory updates that touch on travel, employment, public health, and municipal taxation. While some of the measures are aimed at making everyday life a little easier, others introduce new obligations that could catch homeowners and employers off guard. Below is a detailed look at the most consequential changes slated to take effect this month, along with practical tips on how to stay compliant and make the most of the new benefits.
Canada Strong Pass – A Nationwide Travel Booster
The Canada Strong Pass, a federal initiative that first launched in early 2024, is being renewed for an additional six‑week window running from December 12 2025 through January 15 2026. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the extension during a press briefing on December 1, emphasizing the program’s role in reviving domestic tourism after two years of restricted travel.
Key features of the refreshed pass include:
- Free admission to all Parks Canada national parks and historic sites.
- A 25 percent discount on campground fees at participating provincial parks.
- Complimentary or reduced‑price entry to selected museums, art galleries, and science centres that have partnered with the program.
- Discounted VIA Rail tickets for journeys that begin and end at any Canadian station, with the discount applied automatically at the point of purchase.
There is no physical card to carry, nor is there a registration portal to log into. The system works on a “present‑to‑receive” basis; travelers simply need to show a valid government‑issued ID at the venue or ticket counter, and the discount or free entry will be applied.
The federal government says the renewal is intended to offset higher holiday travel costs, encourage inter‑regional exploration, and support local economies that rely heavily on tourism dollars. For families planning a winter road trip, a ski‑resort stay, or a museum‑circuit across the country, the pass offers a timely financial cushion.
New Regulated Workplace Leave Rights – Effective December 12
Federal labour standards are undergoing a significant overhaul as of December 12 2025. Amendments to the Canada Labour Code introduce expanded leave provisions for federally regulated employees, with a particular focus on pregnancy‑related losses and bereavement.
The updated entitlements include:
- Up to eight weeks of leave for a stillbirth occurring at or after 20 weeks gestation.
- A minimum three‑day leave for other forms of pregnancy loss, with the first three days paid for employees who have completed three consecutive months of service.
- No annual cap on the number of pregnancy‑related leaves a worker may take, provided each leave is tied to a distinct pregnancy event.
- An expanded bereavement leave of up to eight weeks for the death of a child, whether the child is the employee’s own, a step‑child, or the child of a spouse or common‑law partner.
In addition to the new leave durations, the amendments reinforce job‑protection measures: employees on approved leave must be reinstated to the same or a comparable position, retain their benefits throughout the leave period, and receive notifications of any relevant internal job openings. Employers are also required to accommodate reasonable adjustments to the length of leave when proper notice is given.
These changes mark the most comprehensive update to federal workplace protections in a decade, aiming to reduce the financial and emotional strain on workers facing loss while preserving their career trajectories.
Permanent Federal Controls on the Sedative Carisoprodol – Effective December 19
Health Canada, in conjunction with the Public Safety department, announced permanent controls on the muscle‑relaxant drug carisoprodol, taking effect on December 19 2025. Although not approved for medical use in Canada, the compound has repeatedly been intercepted in illicit drug shipments and is known to be mixed with opioids and other depressants, raising the risk of overdose.
The new regulations classify unauthorized possession, importation, sale, or distribution of carisoprodol as a Schedule III offence under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Penalties range from fines of up to $10,000 for first‑time offenders to imprisonment for repeat violations. Law‑enforcement agencies are now equipped with broader search and seizure powers, and border officials will apply enhanced screening protocols for parcels and cargo that contain the substance.
Public health officials stress that the permanent measures are part of a wider strategy to curtail the supply chain of synthetic and semi‑synthetic narcotics that have flooded the Canadian market in recent years. By tightening the legal framework around carisoprodol, the government hopes to lower the incidence of drug‑related emergencies that involve the sedative.
Toronto Vacant Home Tax 2025 – Declaration Portal Open
For owners of residential real estate in Toronto, the municipal Vacant Home Tax (VHT) remains a pressing compliance issue. The City of Toronto has launched the online declaration portal for the 2025 tax year, allowing property owners to report occupancy status for the period of January 1 through December 31 2025. The portal will stay open until April 30 2026, after which any undeclared property will be automatically deemed vacant and assessed the tax.
The VHT applies to residential units that have been unoccupied for more than six consecutive months, unless an exemption applies (e.g., the property serves as the owner’s principal residence, houses an eligible senior, or is undergoing a permitted renovation). The tax rate for 2025 is set at 1 percent of the assessed property value, payable in two installments.
Toronto’s compliance team employs a mix of data‑driven tools to verify declarations, including utility‑usage analytics, postal‑service delivery records, 311 complaint logs, and cross‑checks with provincial land‑registry data. Random audits are also conducted, and owners who fail to provide satisfactory proof of occupancy may face additional penalties.
The municipal government frames the tax as a mechanism to increase the city’s housing supply, discourage speculative holding, and ultimately bring more units onto the rental market. Homeowners who are unsure whether their property qualifies for an exemption are encouraged to consult the city’s guidelines or seek professional advice before the declaration deadline.
How These Changes May Affect You
- Travelers – If you plan to visit a national park, museum, or travel by rail this winter, make a note of the Canada Strong Pass dates and keep a valid ID handy to claim the benefits.
- Employees – Review your employer’s internal policies to ensure they reflect the new leave entitlements. If you have experienced a pregnancy loss or bereavement, you may now be eligible for extended paid leave.
- Health‑Concerned Citizens – The permanent ban on carisoprodol underscores the importance of staying informed about substances that appear in the illicit market. Reporting suspicious activity to local police can help enforcement efforts.
- Toronto Homeowners – Log into the VHT portal well before the April 30 deadline, upload the required documentation, and keep records of utility bills or lease agreements as proof of occupancy.
Staying proactive will help you avoid penalties, claim entitled benefits, and make the most of the policy shifts that December 2025 brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will the Canada Strong Pass be extended beyond January 2026?
The federal government has indicated that the pass will be evaluated after the current renewal period, with the possibility of additional extensions if travel data shows sustained demand. No official decision has been announced yet.
2. How does an employee prove a pregnancy loss to qualify for the new leave?
Employers may request a medical certificate or a letter from a licensed health‑care professional confirming the loss. The documentation does not need to disclose detailed medical information beyond the fact of the loss and the estimated gestational age.
3. What should a Toronto homeowner do if they believe their property was mistakenly flagged as vacant?
Owners can submit an appeal through the VHT portal, attaching supporting evidence such as recent utility bills, a signed lease, or a letter from a property‑management company confirming occupancy. The city will review the appeal and, if satisfied, will remove the tax assessment.
4. Are there any exemptions for small‑scale importers regarding the carisoprodol ban?
No. The permanent controls apply uniformly to all parties, including individuals, commercial importers, and online retailers. Any attempt to bring the substance into Canada without a license is a criminal offence.
5. Can an employee combine the new pregnancy‑loss leave with existing sick or compassionate‑care leave?
Yes. The Canada Labour Code now allows the eight‑week pregnancy‑loss leave to be taken in addition to any accrued sick or compassionate‑care leave, provided the employee meets the eligibility criteria for each leave type.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. Readers should consult qualified professionals or official government sources to confirm the applicability of any program or regulation to their specific circumstances. The policies described are subject to change, and the author assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.