Ontario is introducing a range of new laws and changes in September 2026, affecting key areas such as education, housing, healthcare, highways, and public transportation.
The main changes include:
1. New Rules for Student Assessment
New rules governing the assessment of school students are taking effect, with the goal of establishing more consistent evaluation standards and improving academic performance tracking.
2. Changes to Tuition Fees and OSAP
Changes to OSAP, Ontario’s student financial aid program, as well as tuition-related policies, may affect student funding and education assistance.
3. Changes to Rental Rules
New changes will affect certain rental rules, including the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords.
4. Expanded Family Doctor Services
Ontario is expanding access to primary care and family doctors in an effort to improve residents’ access to healthcare services.
5. Additional Highways with a 110 km/h Speed Limit
The maximum speed limit will be increased to 110 km/h on additional highways where road conditions and safety standards allow.
6. 95% of Medical School Seats Reserved for Ontario Residents
As part of the province’s efforts to increase the number of doctors working in Ontario, 95% of provincially funded medical school seats will be reserved for Ontario residents.
7. New Flashing Warning Signs Near Schools
New illuminated warning signs will be introduced near schools to improve the safety of students and pedestrians and alert drivers to school zones.
8. Changes to GO Train and Bus Schedules
GO Transit schedules will be adjusted, including changes to some train and bus services, with the aim of improving transit operations and passenger service.
9. New Monthly TTC Fare Cap
Toronto’s TTC will introduce a change related to monthly transit costs, potentially limiting how much some passengers pay over the course of a month.
10. Higher Fines for Fare Evasion on GO and UP Express
Penalties and fines for passengers who use GO Transit and UP Express without paying the required fare will increase as part of stronger measures to combat fare evasion.
These changes are part of a broader package of measures that could have a direct impact on the daily lives of Ontarians, particularly students, tenants, patients, drivers, and public transit users.
