Drunk drivers, drug addicts, bail deadbeats targeted in July 1 Ontario law shakeup
· Toronto Sun
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OTTAWA — New measures to crack down on transit-borne drug use are among a slate of reforms being introduced by Queen’s Park on Canada Day.
July 1st will see new regulations and legislation coming into effect, impacting thirteen separate ministries — ranging from mandatory ignition interlocks for drunk drivers, to tighter rules for commercial vehicle operators.
Here is a brief listing of just some of the changes — a complete list can be found on the Ontario Government website:
Ministry of Transportation
For those convicted of impaired driving, ignition interlock devices will now be mandatory, as well as new six-month “zero-tolerance” conditions, which would prohibit them from driving with any alcohol or drugs in their systems.
Annual hikes for driver’s licences and road tests will come to an end on July 1, which the province boasts will save Ontario drivers $66 million this decade.
The province is also cracking down on driver’s licence fraud by making it harder to get an Ontario licence, particularly for those seeking reciprocity from jurisdictions without exchange agreements with Ontario.
“Drivers from jurisdictions that do not have driver’s licence exchange agreements with Ontario can get credit for up to 12 months of verified foreign driving experience but will need to complete the vision test, knowledge test, G2 and G road tests and wait at least 12 months after completing the G2 test before attempting the G test,” read a press release from Queen’s Park.
“These changes will help ensure drivers gain Ontario road experience before earning a full G licence. ”
The province also promises to increase oversight on commercial vehicle operators in the province, with legislative amendments allowing the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to place terms and conditions on CVOR certificates at any time, rather than when it was first issued.
This measure, the government says, is meant to protect people and families from dangerous driving.
New regulations are also on the way for the towing industry, with new measures under the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act that will increase requirements and qualifications for tow truck drivers, towing companies and vehicle storage operators.
Towing operators will also face new rules mandating that operator names and certificate numbers are clearly visible on tow trucks.
Operators will also get a break on certificate fees, which will be frozen until 2027.
Ministry of Education
Tabled in April , the Putting Student Achievement First Act — which received royal assent in May — will address concerns of mismanagement at Ontario’s school boards, drastically changing the role of trustees and their expense accounts, as well as rebranding Directors of Education as “Chief Executive Officers” and requiring business qualifications as a condition for the role.
As well, new “Chief Education Officer” (CEdO) positions will be established, with candidates required to hold Ontario College of Teachers certification and a mandate to focus on improving student achievement.
New rules will be put into place under the Child Care and Early Years Act , which will — among other measures — expand the list of criminal offences that would disqualify one from working in child care, clarify unacceptable conduct, and ensure emergency medicines can be accessed promptly.
Ministry of the Solicitor General
New regulations coming into force on Canada Day will now hold landlords and property owners accountable for knowingly permitting the production of illegal drugs on their property.
As well, new regulations will expand the powers of police and transit special constables on Metrolinx-owned lines, as well as the TTC and Ottawa’s OC Transpo, to “remove, arrest and issue provincial offences to individuals using illegal substances on public transit and in public transit areas.”
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
New amendments to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and related regulations will tighten disclosure rules concerning personal information for youth who are about to age out of Ontario’s child protection framework, while other measures will allow those subjected to related court proceedings to publicly identify themselves.
As well, provincial children’s aid societies and associated youth facilities such as jails and out-of-home care providers will be required to conspicuously post information regarding rights and how data is handled.
That information will also include how to ask for help or raise concerns and must be displayed in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Ministry of Health
Pharmacists will be able to diagnose and prescribe medications for nine new minor ailments — including dandruff, corns and callouses, headaches, head lice, ringworm, warts and jock itch.
As well, six new vaccines will be available for pharmacists to administer, including tetanus, pertussis, shingles and diphtheria.
Eligibility ages for publicly-funded colorectal cancer screening will also drop to 45 from the previous standard of 50 years old.
Ministry of Finance
Those with unpaid bail debts will have new measures used against them to recover the money, including collection tools such as liens, wage garnishment and property seizures.
“These updates will help ensure outstanding debts are collected more effectively, improving compliance and supporting the administration of Ontario’s justice system,” the province said.
Changes to Ontario’s car insurance regime will see providers to pay eligible collision-related medical and rehabilitation expenses ahead of supplementary health insurance plans.
As well, Ontario’s minor accident threshold will increase from $2,000 to $5,000, a means to keep up with increasing costs of repairs.