Several significant laws and regulatory changes will take effect across Ontario starting in June 2025, impacting a wide range of people—from employees seeking medical leave, to individuals using public transit, and those enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
Table of Contents
Whether you’re an employer, a commuter, or someone receiving federal dental benefits, here’s a full breakdown of what’s changing, when, and how it might affect you.
1. New Job-Protected Leave for Long-Term Illness
Beginning June 19, 2025, a new job-protected leave will be officially added to Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, 2000, as part of the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024. This leave is designed to protect workers dealing with serious medical conditions.
Key Details:
- Length of leave: Up to 27 weeks within a 52-week period.
- Eligibility: Employees must have worked continuously for at least 13 weeks.
- Requirements:
- The employee is unable to work due to a serious medical condition.
- A qualified health practitioner must issue a medical certificate confirming the condition and duration of absence.
This new policy gives workers enhanced security when dealing with long-term health issues, and ensures they won’t lose their job due to extended illness, as long as they meet the conditions.
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2. Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Coverage & Renewals Begin June 1, 2025
As part of the federal government’s ongoing rollout of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, millions of Canadians between ages 18 and 64 became eligible to apply for coverage in May, with benefits starting June 1, 2025.
Who Needs to Renew:
- Anyone already enrolled in the CDCP must file their 2024 tax return and receive their 2024 Notice of Assessment before applying for renewal.
- The renewal deadline is June 1, 2025. Failing to renew in time will result in coverage ending June 30, 2025.
- Gap warning: Dental care costs during a lapse in coverage will not be reimbursed.
This expansion makes access to dental services more affordable, but timely renewal is essential to maintain uninterrupted benefits.
3. TTC Tokens, Tickets, and Day Passes to Be Phased Out
If you’ve been saving TTC tokens or paper fare media, the deadline to use them is fast approaching. June 1, 2025, marks the final day they will be accepted.
Important Information:
- After June 1: Tokens, tickets, and day passes will no longer be valid or refundable.
- Modern options: Riders will need to use cash, Presto cards, or contactless debit/credit cards to pay for fares.
- Why the change? TTC reports that fewer than 1% of commuters still use these outdated fare types.
This change continues the TTC’s efforts to modernize and streamline payment methods across its system.
4. Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Increase in Toronto
Tourists visiting Toronto should take note: the Municipal Accommodation Tax is temporarily increasing as of June 1, 2025.
New MAT Rate Details:
- Old rate: 6%
- New temporary rate: 8.5%
- Duration: From June 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026
- Applies to:
- Hotels, motels, and hostels
- Condo hotels and private clubs offering short-term stays
- Any transient accommodations within a multi-use complex
The revenue from MAT supports Destination Toronto and city infrastructure used by tourists, such as parks and transit.
Summary: What’s Changing in Ontario in June 2025
| Change | Effective Date | Who It Affects |
|---|---|---|
| Job-Protected Medical Leave | June 19, 2025 | Ontario employees with serious health conditions |
| CDCP Coverage Start & Renewals | June 1, 2025 | Canadians aged 18–64 enrolled in CDCP |
| TTC Tokens and Tickets Expire | June 1, 2025 | Toronto transit riders |
| MAT Tax Rate Increase (Toronto) | June 1, 2025 | Tourists and short-term accommodation providers |
Final Thoughts
From expanded dental benefits and new worker protections to fare system overhauls and tourism taxes, June 2025 is shaping up to be a month of substantial legal and policy changes in Ontario.
Residents, employers, and travelers alike are encouraged to review the changes, update their records, and take action where necessary to avoid missed deadlines, expired benefits, or unexpected costs.
Stay informed by checking Ontario.ca and Canada.ca for the latest official updates.