Now that 2020 is in full swing, here’s a breakdown of the largest legal changes taking effect in Ontario effective now.

No more out-of-country OHIP coverage

Ontarians who fall ill while travelling are no longer able to claim the $400-a-day maximum coverage for inpatient emergency care or the $50-a-day maximum allowed for emergency outpatient services (such as an MRI or a CAT scan). Until now, both of these claims were covered by OHIP.

E-scooters on roads

Ontario municipalities can now decide whether to allow e-scooters on their roads as part of a five-year pilot project. E-scooter drivers will have to be at least 16 years old and must wear a helmet.

Dogs on restaurant patios

Restaurant and bar owners now have the option to allow dogs on their patios in areas where low-risk foods are served.

Vaping advertising restrictions

The promotion of vaping products in convenience stores and gas stations has been banned. Specialty stores and cannabis shops, which are only open to those aged 19 and older, will still allow vaping to be promoted.

Federal carbon tax rebates

The 2020 federal carbon tax rebates, which must be claimed on 2019 income tax returns, are as follows:

$224 for a single adult or first adult in a couple

$112 for a second adult in a couple or first child of a single parent

$56 for each child under 18

$448 as the baseline amount for a family of four

Federal tax changes

The amount most Canadians can earn tax-free has gone up to $13,229. The increase is being phased in over four years until it reaches $15,000 in 2023. The changes can result in tax savings of up to $140 for Canadians in lower income brackets.

Updating the Indigenous child welfare system

Legislation known as the Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families will be used to update Canada’s Indigenous child welfare system. The Assembly of First Nations says the new rules are consistent with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Changes to the Divorce Act

While the majority of the Canada-wide changes to divorce proceedings and family orders through the Divorce Act won’t be in effect until July 1, 2020, it has important ramifications for married couples who are in the process of divorcing.

The passage of Bill C-78 includes updated criteria to determine a child’s best interests in custody cases, as well as measures to address family violence when making parenting arrangements. The changes will also make the family justice system “more accessible and affordable” for everyone involved.