December 2025 brings a wave of new laws, policy updates, and government initiatives that Canadians from coast to coast should be aware of. From the return of nationwide travel benefits to expanded workplace leave rights, strengthened drug regulations, and important tax reminders for Toronto homeowners, these updates will affect families, workers, and travellers across the country.

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Below is a clear and comprehensive overview of the key changes taking effect this month.

Canada Strong Pass Renewed Nationwide Through 2026

One of the most significant national announcements is the renewal of the Canada Strong Pass, a federal program aimed at making domestic travel more affordable.

Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the program will run from December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026, and will return again for summer 2026.

Benefits include:

• Free admission to Parks Canada national parks and historic sites
• Discounts on campground fees and overnight stays
• Free or reduced entry at participating museums and galleries
• Free or discounted VIA Rail travel within Canada

No physical pass or registration is required. Canadians can simply visit participating attractions or travel partners to receive the benefits.

The government says the program supports domestic tourism, reduces holiday travel costs, and encourages families to explore Canada.

New Federally Regulated Workplace Leave Rights Begin December 12

Starting December 12, 2025, new protections under the Canada Labour Code will enhance leave rights for federally regulated workers, particularly those facing pregnancy loss.

New entitlements include:

• Up to eight weeks of leave after a stillbirth at or after 20 weeks
• Up to three days of leave for other pregnancy losses
• First three days paid for employees with at least three months of service
• Leave available once per pregnancy with no annual limit

Additional updates will ensure employees on long-term leave can:

• Return to their previous or a comparable position
• Maintain benefits while away
• Receive job opportunity notifications
• Adjust leave length with proper notice

Bereavement leave is also being expanded to up to eight weeks following the death of an employee’s child, spouse, or common-law partner.

These changes strengthen job security and provide more compassionate support for workers experiencing loss.

Permanent Federal Controls on Carisoprodol Start December 19

Effective December 19, 2025, Canada will introduce permanent federal controls on carisoprodol, a sedative not approved for medical use in Canada.

The drug has appeared in illegal markets globally and is often misused alongside opioids.

Earlier temporary controls implemented in February 2025 helped border officials intercept illegal imports. With permanent controls now in place, possession, importation, sale, or distribution of carisoprodol without authorization will carry penalties under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Federal authorities say this measure will disrupt criminal networks, reduce overdose risks, and strengthen Canada’s anti-organized crime strategy.

Toronto Vacant Home Tax: 2025 Declaration Portal Now Open

A key municipal update for Toronto residents: the city has opened its portal for the 2025 Vacant Home Tax (VHT) declaration.

Requirements:

• All residential property owners must declare the occupancy status of their home for January 1–December 31, 2025
• Deadline: April 30, 2026

Homes vacant for more than six months may be taxed unless an exemption applies. Failure to submit a declaration will result in the property being automatically classified as vacant.

Toronto continues to enforce the VHT to increase available housing and reduce speculative vacancies.

Staying Informed for 2026

The updates taking effect this December—including national travel benefits, new labour protections, tighter drug enforcement, and municipal tax obligations—will affect Canadians in meaningful ways. Staying informed ensures residents can take advantage of new programs, comply with requirements, and avoid penalties as the country moves into 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will the Canada Strong Pass be extended again?

The program is returning because its initial launch produced a significant increase in domestic travel, particularly among families who typically avoid holiday trips due to high costs. Federal briefing notes indicate the pass boosted regional tourism revenue, increased VIA Rail ridership, and raised attendance at national museums. Renewing the pass continues to stimulate local economies while offering seasonal financial relief.

Why did Canada make carisoprodol controls permanent?

Temporary controls did not fully deter attempts by organized crime to import the drug. Carisoprodol is frequently combined with opioids or counterfeit pills, heightening overdose risks. Permanent classification allows stronger penalties, improved intelligence-sharing with international partners, and more robust enforcement—aligning Canada with global drug control standards.

How does Toronto verify whether a property was vacant or occupied?

Toronto confirms occupancy using multiple tools, including utility consumption, mail delivery patterns, 311 complaints, building permit activity, and inter-agency data sharing. If a declaration seems questionable, the city may request supporting documents such as leases, tax records, or proof of residency. Increased random audits help ensure the VHT targets genuinely vacant homes.