What the government just changed

Ontario and Canada Offer Up to $105.8 Million in Infrastructure Funding to Essex County Municipalities in Exchange for Development Charge Relief

Ontario and Canada announced that Essex County and several of its municipalities will receive up to $105.8 million through the Development Charge Reduction Program, in exchange for reducing or eliminating development charges for all housing types between March 30, 2026 and December 31, 2030, depending on the municipality. The province estimates the relief could cut the cost of building a new home by up to $40,862 per home.

Canada and Ontario Provide Up to $84.4 Million for Infrastructure in Windsor and Tecumseh in Exchange for Three-Year Development Charge Reductions

The Governments of Canada and Ontario announced that the City of Windsor and the Town of Tecumseh will collectively receive up to $84.4 million through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP), in exchange for reducing residential development charges by 70 per cent in Windsor and 50 per cent in Tecumseh from March 30, 2026 to March 31, 2029.

Federal government opens $5,000 Red Seal Completion Bonus applications on November 16 for tradespeople certified on or after April 1, 2025

Employment and Social Development Canada announced that the $5,000 Red Seal Completion Bonus under Team Canada Strong opens for applications on November 16, 2026, for journeypersons who completed an apprenticeship and obtained certification in a designated Red Seal trade on or after April 1, 2025. The page states applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons and not currently attending high school.

2026.10.19

Boil Water Advisory Still in Effect for Eagle Ridge and Heritage Park Area as Water Main Repairs Close Lanes on 14th Street S.W.

The City of Calgary said on 19 October 2026 that a Boil Water Advisory ordered by Alberta Health Services remains in effect for the Eagle Ridge and Heritage Park area after an unanticipated depressurization during water main repairs, and that two lanes in each direction on 14th Street S.W. between 75 Avenue S.W. and Heritage Drive S.W. are closed until further notice.

2026.10.17

Boil Water Advisory issued for about 100 Calgary homes in Eagle Ridge and Heritage Park, effective immediately

Alberta Health Services has ordered the City of Calgary to issue a Boil Water Advisory for approximately 100 homes in Eagle Ridge and Heritage Park, effective immediately, after an unanticipated depressurization of a water main during repairs. The advisory remains in effect until further notice.

2026.10.16

Federal Express Entry scoring shifts toward high-wage occupations: Canada work experience and qualifying job offer points change

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced changes to the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System, awarding additional points for eligible Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation starting November 3, 2026, and removing the labour market impact assessment requirement for job offers.

Alberta winter utility rules take effect, limiting power and water cut-offs during coldest months

The Alberta government news page shows winter utility rules took effect Oct. 15 to help keep lights and heat on during the coldest months. The item was posted Oct. 14 and remains on the page after an Oct. 16 update.

2026.10.15

Calgary Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions take effect Nov. 4 for about four weeks

The City of Calgary says city-wide Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions and indoor water conservation will be required beginning Nov. 4 for approximately four weeks while the new Bearspaw South Feeder Main is connected, with no outdoor water use permitted.

2026.10.14

Alberta winter utility rules take effect Oct. 15 to keep lights and heat on during coldest months

The Alberta government's news page published on Oct. 14 that Alberta's Winter Rules for utilities kick in Oct. 15, helping keep the lights and heat on for Albertans during the coldest months of the year.

Alberta Opens Applications for Satellite Internet Rebate of Up to $1,000 for Hardest-to-Reach Communities

The Alberta government's news page added an item stating that Albertans in the hardest-to-reach communities can now apply for a one-time rebate of up to $1,000 to help cover the cost of satellite internet. The item is dated October 13, 2026; no application deadline is stated on the page.

2026.10.06

Alberta restores disability spousal benefits and simplifies applications

The Alberta government announced on October 6, 2026 that it is restoring benefits for eligible couples with disabilities, simplifying applications, and advocating for more accessible Employment Insurance.

2026.10.07

Ontario Funds 6,269 More Seats at University of Guelph, Mostly in STEM and Trades

Ontario is investing $176 million to fund 6,269 additional seats at the University of Guelph, including 5,616 in STEM and 653 in trades, with enrollment available as early as fall 2026. It is part of a broader $1.7 billion plan for more than 70,000 new seats.

2026.10.08

Alberta issues public alert for potential hepatitis A exposure at a specific location and time

The Alberta government's news page added a public health alert stating that individuals who consumed food or drink from a specified location during specified dates and times may have been exposed to hepatitis A. The page does not list the location, dates or times, and does not state an effective date.

Federal government announces $2 billion home retrofit investment and a new National Heat Pump Rebate of up to $10,000

The federal government announced on October 8, 2026 a $2 billion investment to retrofit one million homes across Canada and launched a National Heat Pump Rebate: up to $10,000 for eligible below-median-income households and $2,000 for other eligible households, with approvals within 24 hours.

2026.10.09

Federal: CBSA adjusts hours at 13 Manitoba land ports of entry starting November 1

The Canada Border Services Agency is adjusting opening and closing times at 13 land ports of entry in Manitoba to stay aligned with neighbouring U.S. ports of entry. The new hours take effect at 2:00 a.m. Central Time on November 1, 2026 and remain in place until 2:00 a.m. Central Time on March 14, 2027.

Federal: CBSA adjusts hours at four Alberta land ports of entry starting November 1, 2026

The Canada Border Services Agency is adjusting opening and closing times at four land ports of entry in Alberta to stay aligned with neighbouring U.S. ports of entry. The new hours take effect at 2:00 a.m. Mountain Time on November 1, 2026, and remain in place until 2:00 a.m. Mountain Time on March 14, 2027.

Federal: CBSA Adjusts Service Hours at Nine BC Land Ports of Entry Starting November 1

The Canada Border Services Agency is adjusting opening and closing times at nine land ports of entry in British Columbia due to the province's move to permanent daylight saving time. The new hours take effect at 2:00 a.m. Pacific Time on November 1, 2026, and remain in place until 2:00 a.m. Pacific Time on March 14, 2027.

2026.10.04

Alberta issues public alert for potential hepatitis A exposure at a specified location

The Alberta government's news page published a public alert on October 2, 2026, stating that individuals who consumed food or drink from a specified location during specified dates and times may have been exposed to hepatitis A. The page does not name the location, the dates and times, or an effective date.

2026.10.02

Alberta pharmacy changes take effect Oct. 1: fewer trips for regular medications, new protections for workers 65 and older

According to the Alberta government news page, pharmacy changes took effect Oct. 1, 2026. Albertans can expect fewer pharmacy trips for regular medications, continued drug coverage and new protections for workers 65 and older. The page does not specify the detailed rules.

2026.10.01

Calgary blue carts accept more packaging starting October 1

Starting October 1, 2026, Calgary blue carts and community recycling depots accept additional packaging materials under Alberta's Extended Producer Responsibility framework, including foam packaging, food and body aerosols, flexible plastic bags and wrappers, and tubes. Collection schedules and ENMAX bills are unchanged.

Ontario Minimum Wage Rises to $17.95 an Hour Effective October 1

Ontario raised its general minimum wage from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour effective October 1, 2026, an annual adjustment tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index, affecting more than 700,000 workers.

2026.09.29

Canada and Ontario Extend Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement by Four Years

The federal government and Ontario announced a four-year extension of the Canada–Ontario Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, with Ontario receiving nearly $12 billion in federal funding from March 31, 2027, to March 31, 2031, and committing to maintain average child care fees at $19 per day until June 30, 2027.

Federal OAS and GIS Payment Amounts Rise 1.4% for October to December 2026

Employment and Social Development Canada has updated the Old Age Security payment amounts page with maximum monthly payment amounts and income thresholds for the October to December 2026 quarter. OAS benefits increased by 1.4% based on the Consumer Price Index, for an increase of 3.0% over the past year.

2026.09.24

Ontario Updates Driver's Licence Exchange Page: New Eligibility Rules for Pre-Agreement Applicants and Driving Experience Credit Starting July 2026

Ontario's driver's licence exchange page now includes eligibility rules for applicants who applied before an exchange agreement took effect, and states that from July 1, 2026, applicants from non-exchange jurisdictions can receive up to one year of driving experience credit with a valid original foreign licence and authentication document.

2026.09.22

Calgary strengthens fireworks enforcement: fines rise to $1,000 for discharging without a permit and for carrying or setting up fireworks in public places

Calgary City Council approved amendments to the Fire Operations and Fees Bylaw effective September 22, 2026: fines for selling fireworks rise from $750 to $3,000, fines for discharging fireworks without a permit rise from $500 to $1,000, and a new $1,000 offence applies to carrying or setting up fireworks in a public place.

B.C. seniors at highest risk to get free RSV vaccine starting next week

British Columbia says that starting Sept. 29, 2026, RSV vaccine will be free for adults 75 and older, residents 75 and older in long-term care homes and assisted living facilities, and First Nations, Inuit and Metis individuals 60 and older, as part of a time-limited program. Notifications begin Sept. 22.

2026.09.16

Alberta Driver's Licence Exchange Page Updated: Temporary Residents Cannot Get an Alberta Licence

Alberta's official driver's licence exchange page has been updated to clearly state that temporary residents, including students, visitors, Canadians working temporarily from another province, and SAWP workers, cannot get an Alberta driver's licence because they do not live in Alberta permanently.

2026.09.14

Federal: 2027 EI premium rate set at $1.64 per $100 of insurable earnings, unchanged from 2025

The Canada Employment Insurance Commission has released the 2027 Employment Insurance (EI) premium rate: $1.64 per $100 of insurable earnings for employees and $2.30 for employers, effective January 1, 2027, equal to the 2025 rate. Maximum insurable earnings for 2027 rise to $70,800 from $68,900 in 2026.

Ontario updates driver's licence exchange page: from July 1, 2026, foreign licences can earn up to one year of driving experience credit; page updated September 14

Ontario's "Exchange an out-of-province driver's licence" page was updated on September 14, 2026. The page states that effective July 1, 2026, holders of a valid original foreign driver's licence plus an authentication document can obtain credit for up to one year of driving experience. This update also corrected spelling and punctuation and changed the page's updated date from September 11 to September 14.

2026.09.11

Calgary issues health advisory as smoke from southeast landfill fire spreads

The Calgary Fire Department issued a health advisory for smoke from the ongoing fire at the ECCO Recycling landfill in southeast Calgary, asking residents in downwind communities including Douglasdale, Quarry Park and East Shepard to take precautions.

2026.09.10

Federal Supplemental Canada Disability Benefit Payment of $150 Begins September 17

The federal government announced a one-time $150 supplemental payment for Canada Disability Benefit recipients beginning September 17, 2026, to help offset the cost of obtaining the Disability Tax Credit. No application is required.

2026.09.09

Federal Government Extends Fuel Excise Tax Relief to January 31, 2027, with Reduced Rates from February

The Government of Canada has extended the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels until January 31, 2027, and will apply 50% of the regular excise tax rate from February 1 through March 31, 2027, to help Canadians cope with rising fuel costs.

2026.09.08

Federal government extends fuel excise tax relief until end of March 2027

The Government of Canada announced an extension of the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels. The suspension will remain until January 31, 2027, followed by a 50% rate from February 1 to March 31, 2027, and full rates from April 1, 2027.

Federal Government Extends Fuel Excise Tax Relief to January 31, 2027

The Government of Canada announced the extension of the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax until January 31, 2027, with a 50% rate from February 1 to March 31, 2027, to reduce fuel costs for Canadians.

Federal Government Extends Fuel Excise Tax Relief to End of March 2027, with Gradual Rate Restoration

The Government of Canada announced an extension of the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel until January 31, 2027, with a 50% rate from February 1 to March 31, 2027, and full rates resuming on April 1, 2027, to reduce everyday costs for Canadians.

Federal Government Extends Fuel Excise Tax Relief to End of March 2027

The Government of Canada has extended the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels. The suspension will now last until January 31, 2027, followed by a 50% rate from February 1 to March 31, 2027, with full rates resuming on April 1, 2027. This measure aims to reduce everyday costs for Canadians.

2026.08.31