Ontario-wide Changes in Legislation and Regulations in 2025

As of January 1, 2025, the Government of Ontario has implemented several legislative and regulatory changes affecting immigration and child welfare sectors:

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

  •  Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Enhancements: The province has expanded the OINP to nominate more individuals for permanent residence, addressing labour shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare and skilled trades.

  •  Identifying Issues: Ontario has introduced measures to combat immigration fraud, including enforcing standards for immigration representatives, and introducing tougher penalties for offences under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015.

As well, the Government of Ontario has introduced new changes to CYFSA and regulatory changes to enhance child welfare:

Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

  • Information Sharing: Service providers, such as children's aid societies, are now authorized to share personal information with the College of Early Childhood Educators and the Ontario College of Teachers to support proceedings like complaints and investigations.

  • Record Checks: Ontario is enhancing the safety of children and youth in care by updating regulations under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, the Intercountry Adoption Act, 1998, and the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015, to standardize police record check requirements.

  • Mandatory Reporting: Early childhood educators are explicitly required to report any child who is or may be in need of protection, aligning their responsibilities with those of other professionals.

 • Ombudsman Awareness: Children in care have the right to be informed about the Ombudsman’s role and how to contact them. Service providers must provide this information under specified circumstances.

  • Information Sharing by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers: The College can now share information with other professional governing bodies and entities, including children's aid societies, in certain situations, such as confirming whether a social worker is under investigation or to mitigate serious risks of harm.

  • Youth Leaving Care Policy Update: The policy directive related to the Youth Leaving Care Policy and the Ready, Set, Go Program has been updated to include data collection and ministry reporting requirements.

These measures aim to strengthen safeguards, enhance information sharing, and ensure that children and youth in Ontario receive high-quality, safe, and supportive care.

For more detailed information, please refer to the official Ontario Newsroom release: Regulations and Statutes in Force as of January 1, 2025.