The Ontario government has announced a list of new regulations that came into effect this month and affect millions of the province’s residents.
The province announced the regulations in a news release earlier this month, saying the new rules will take effect July 1.
CTV News Toronto compiled a list of some of the changes.
Gas and fuel
The Ontario government has amended the Gasoline Tax Act and the Fuel Tax Act amid unprecedented fuel prices. The province reduced the tax on gasoline by 5.7 cents per liter and the fuel tax applied to diesel by 5.3 cents per liter.
The tax breaks will last until December 31.
Severe disabilities
The province announced that it is changing the regulation for assistance to children with severe disabilities to increase the financial assistance provided to families.
Officials said the province will instead increase the rate from the current maximum of $500 a month to $550 a month.
The added funds are intended to help eligible families pay increased wages for personal and direct support workers, officials said.
Saving electricity in Ontario
The Ontario government continues to provide electricity price relief through the Ontario Electricity Rebate Program.
The province said eligibility would be extended to the common elements of high-rise developments that are at least 50 percent residential.
Training of firefighters
The Ontario government is introducing a firefighter certification regulation under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act to establish mandatory minimum standards for firefighter certification. Officials say it will help ensure firefighters across the province have a more “constant level of training.”
Tram cameras
The Ontario government has announced that it is amending the Highway Traffic Act to allow municipalities to use cameras on streetcars.
The goal, authorities say, is to enforce existing laws to prohibit motor vehicles from passing through open streetcar doors.
Tougher fines for dangerous workplaces
The Government is amending the Health and Safety at Work Act to increase the maximum fines allowed for executives and directors of companies who fail to provide a safe working environment resulting in serious injury or death to a worker at work.
“The new maximum fine will be $1.5 million if convicted, while fines for other individuals involved in such a case will rise to a maximum of $500,000,” the province said in its news release.
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