Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025, S.O. 2025, c. 11 - Bill 56, Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025, S.O. 2025, c. 11
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Explanatory Note was written as a reader’s aid to Bill 56 and does not form part of the law. Bill 56 has been enacted as Chapter 11 of the Statutes of Ontario, 2025.
SCHEDULE 1
CLEAN WATER ACT, 2006
The Schedule makes multiple amendments to the Clean Water Act, 2006. Some of the more significant amendments are described below.
Section 22 of the Act is amended by adding subsection (8.1), which provides that, subject to regulations made by the Minister, where an activity engaged in at a particular location is identified in an assessment report as a significant drinking water threat, a source protection plan shall not, for the purposes of satisfying paragraph 2 of subsection 22 (2), include any policy in respect of a decision described in subsection 42.1 (1) except one of the policies set out in a paragraph to this new subsection. Such a policy must be set out in the wording prescribed by the Minister. The Minister may by regulation require a source protection authority to review a source protection plan within the prescribed period to ensure compliance with these new requirements.
Section 30 of the Act is amended to provide that as soon as reasonably possible after an amendment to a source protection plan is deemed to be approved by the Minister in accordance with subsection 34 (6) or (7), the Minister shall publish notice of the approval on the environmental registry.
Section 34 of the Act is amended by adding subsections (6) and (7), which provide that if the Minister does not exercise an option set out in subsection 29 (1) or (2), as the case may be, within 120 days after the source protection authority submits proposed amendments under subsection 34 (4), or within the prescribed period, the proposed amendments are deemed to be approved. The new subsection 34 (8) provides that in prescribed circumstances, and according to any prescribed process, the source protection authority shall decide whether to approve proposed amendments.
The new section 42.1 provides that, subject to regulations made by the Minister, a person or body that makes a decision to issue, otherwise create or amend a prescribed instrument shall ensure that if the source protection plan includes a policy set out in the new subsection 22 (8.1), the decision conforms to or is designed to achieve the objective of the policy, as the case may be.
SCHEDULE 2
CROWN FOREST SUSTAINABILITY ACT, 1994
Currently, the Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994 requires a forest management plan to be prepared for every management unit. The Act is amended to provide that a forest management plan may apply to more than one forest management unit.
Section 44 of the Act, which requires a holder of a forest resource licence to obtain the Minister’s approval each year before beginning to harvest, is repealed.
The power of the Minister to order permittees to stop removal activities is amended to also apply to holders of forest resource licences, and the power to issue certain administrative penalties in respect of forest resource licences is amended to also apply in respect of permits.
The power of the Lieutenant Governor in Council to make regulations approving and amending manuals is repealed, and the same power is granted to the Minister.
SCHEDULE 3
DRUG AND PHARMACIES REGULATION ACT
The Schedule amends the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act. The definitions that refer to members of the Ontario College of Pharmacists are amended to include additional prescribed persons. The Act is also amended to allow certain actions in that Act to be made by or in respect of prescribed persons. A related regulation-making provision is added and other minor amendments are made.
SCHEDULE 4
HEALING ARTS RADIATION PROTECTION ACT
The Schedule amends the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act. Subsection 6 (1) is amended to remove references to persons prescribed by the regulations in clauses (a) and (g) and to add a more general power to prescribe persons in a new clause (h).
SCHEDULE 5
HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ACT
The Schedule amends the Highway Traffic Act.
A new section is added providing that the Minister may direct a municipality to install signs in school zones on highways under its jurisdiction, and that if the municipality does not install the signs, the Minister may carry out the installation.
Part XIV.1, which authorizes the use of automated speed enforcement systems, is repealed. Certain causes of action related to the repeal of Part XIV.1 are extinguished and various consequential and related amendments are made.
SCHEDULE 6
ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT
The Schedule amends clause 48 (8.2) (b) of the Ontario Heritage Act by replacing the reference to the Agreement on Internal Trade with a reference to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. The Schedule also amends the English version of clause 51.3 (1) (b) of the Act by replacing the term “investigation” with “inspection” to match the term used in the cross-referenced provision.
SCHEDULE 7
ONTARIO LABOUR MOBILITY ACT, 2009
Section 10.1 of the Ontario Labour Mobility Act, 2009 is amended to include certain rules that apply with respect to individuals who are deemed certified in a regulated occupation under that section. A corresponding regulation-making authority is added to section 25 of the Act. Some technical amendments are also made.
SCHEDULE 8
REGULATED HEALTH PROFESSIONS ACT, 1991
The Schedule amends the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. The major elements are set out below.
Sections 31 and 32 of the Act are amended to allow persons who are prescribed by the regulations to perform specified acts related to audiology, dental technology, dentistry and denturism. A related regulation-making power is added to subsection 43 (1).
The Health Professions Procedural Code in Schedule 2 to the Act is amended to enact a new section 22.19.1. This section establishes a new procedure for out-of-province applicants who apply for registration with a health profession College that is prescribed in the regulations. The new procedure is similar to the existing procedure in section 22.18, but only permits a more limited range of registration requirements to be imposed on the applicant. The Registrar of the College has to either register the applicant or refuse the registration and refer it to the Registration Committee within two business days.
New section 22.19.2 allows Registrars to impose an interim suspension on these out-of-province members if the Registrar becomes aware of information that would have resulted in a refusal to issue the certificate to the member or the imposition of terms, conditions or limitations on the certificate. The matter is then referred to the Registration Committee to assess whether to rescind the interim suspension, to revoke the member’s certificate or to impose terms, conditions or limitations on it. The procedure for this referral is set out. The appeal provision in section 70 of the Code does not apply to these hearings by the Registration Committee.
Related amendments are made throughout the Code.
New regulation-making powers are added to subsection 43 (1) of the Act to prescribe Colleges that will be subject to these new rules and to exempt these applicants or members from specified requirements.
The Act is also amended to replace existing references to the “Agreement on Internal Trade” with new references to the “Canadian Free Trade Agreement”.
SCHEDULE 9
SPECIES CONSERVATION ACT, 2025
The Schedule amends the Species Conservation Act, 2025. Clause (1) (b) is amended to provide that the purpose of the Act is to protect species at risk. The definition of “section 16 activity” is amended to add reference to a part of a living or dead member of a species that is listed on the Protected Species in Ontario List. Subsection 16 (4) is amended to address species that were listed as extirpated, endangered or threatened on the Species at Risk in Ontario List under the Endangered Species Act, 2007. Subsection 37 (1) is repealed and replaced to align with the circumstances set out in section 38. Various other technical amendments are made.
SCHEDULE 10
AMENDMENTS TO REGULATED HEALTH PROFESSION STATUTES
The Schedule amends a number of Acts that regulate health professions. The amendments add the power to make regulations that would exempt prescribed persons from the title protection provisions of those Acts.
SCHEDULE 11
CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS IN RESPECT OF THE SPECIES CONSERVATION ACT, 2025 AND OTHER RELATED AMENDMENTS
Various statutes are amended with respect to the Species Conservation Act, 2025.
The Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994 is amended to provide that the prohibition in section 16 of the Species Conservation Act, 2025 does not apply to certain forest operations and no orders under section 36, 37 or 38 of the Species Conservation Act, 2025 shall be issued in respect of such operations. The definition of “species at risk” is also updated.
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 is amended to change a reference to the Species at Risk in Ontario List under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 to a reference to the Protected Species in Ontario List under the Species Conservation Act, 2025.
The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is amended to update the references to prohibitions under sections 15 and 16 of the Species Conservation Act, 2025.
Section 8 of the Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park Act, 2003 is amended to replace the reference to the Species at Risk in Ontario List under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 with a reference to species classified as extirpated, endangered, threatened or of special concern by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario.
The definition of “prescribed instrument” in section 2 of the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008 is amended to include the Species Conservation Act, 2025.
Subsection 5 (1) of the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 is amended to add a definition of “species at risk” that refers to species classified as extirpated, endangered, threatened or of special concern by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario.
Chapter 11
An Act to amend various Acts
Assented to November 3, 2025
CONTENTS
|
| |
| Contents of this Act | |
| Commencement | |
| Short title | |
| Clean Water Act, 2006 | |
| Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994 | |
| Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act | |
| Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act | |
| Highway Traffic Act | |
| Ontario Heritage Act | |
| Ontario Labour Mobility Act, 2009 | |
| Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 | |
| Species Conservation Act, 2025 | |
| Amendments to Regulated Health Profession Statutes | |
| Consequential Amendments in Respect of the Species Conservation Act, 2025 and Other Related Amendments |
The Government of Ontario is committed to:
Protecting Ontario workers from economic challenges and uncertainty by making Ontario the most competitive place in the G7 to invest, create jobs and do business.
Supporting workers and businesses with improved labour mobility to support nation-building projects.
Building a more competitive Ontario economy by streamlining government processes for permits and approvals and lowering costs for taxpayers and businesses.
Therefore, His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:
Contents of this Act
1 This Act consists of this section, sections 2 and 3 and the Schedules to this Act.
Commencement
2 (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, this Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.
(2) The Schedules to this Act come into force as provided in each Schedule.
(3) If a Schedule to this Act provides that any of its provisions are to come into force on a day to be named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, an order may apply to one or more of those provisions, and orders may be issued at different times with respect to any of those provisions.
Short title
3 The short title of this Act is the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025.
SCHEDULE 1
CLEAN WATER ACT, 2006
1 (1) Paragraph 4 of subsection 22 (2) of the Clean Water Act, 2006 is amended by adding “Subject to the regulations made under subsection 108 (1)” at the beginning.
(2) Section 22 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsections:
Same
(8.1) Subject to the regulations made under subsection 108 (1), where an activity engaged in at a particular location is identified in an assessment report as a significant drinking water threat, a source protection plan shall not, for the purposes of satisfying paragraph 2 of subsection (2), include any policy in respect of a decision described in subsection 42.1 (1) except if the policy is one of the following:
1. A policy prohibiting a person from engaging in the activity at that location, but only if that person was not engaged in that activity at that location immediately before the source protection plan took effect.
2. A policy requiring the person or body authorized to make the decision in respect of that activity to ensure the decision is designed to achieve the objectives set out in paragraph 2 of subsection (2).
Prescribed wording
(8.2) A policy set out in subsection (8.1) shall be set out in the source protection plan using the prescribed wording, if any.
Regulations
(8.3) The Minister may, by regulation, require a source protection authority to,
(a) review a source protection plan within the prescribed period;
(b) if applicable, amend the plan to,
(i) remove any policy in the plan in respect of a decision to issue, otherwise create or amend a prescribed instrument that does not comply with subsections (8.1) and (8.2), and
(ii) replace any significant threat policy that is removed under subclause (i) with a significant threat policy that complies with subsections (8.1) and (8.2); and
(c) within the prescribed period, give the Director notice that the requirements of clauses (a) and (b) have been satisfied.
2 Subclause 29 (1) (b) (i) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
(i) in accordance with the directions of the Minister,
(A) undertake additional consultation on the plan with such persons or bodies the Minister believes should be consulted before determining whether to approve the plan,
(B) amend the source protection plan, or
(C) both, and
3 Section 30 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:
Publication of deemed approval
(2) As soon as reasonably possible after an amendment to a source protection plan is deemed to be approved by the Minister in accordance with subsection 34 (6) or (7), the Minister shall publish notice of the approval on the environmental registry.
4 Section 32 of the Act is amended by striking out “If the Minister has approved a source protection plan, the source protection authority shall” at the beginning and substituting “If the Minister has approved a source protection plan, or if a source protection plan has been deemed to be approved, the source protection authority shall”.
5 (1) Subsection 34 (4) of the Act is amended by adding “Except in circumstances prescribed for the purposes of subsection (8)” at the beginning.
(2) Section 34 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsections:
Written statement from Director
(4.1) The source protection authority shall not submit the proposed amendments to the Minister under subsection (4) unless the source protection authority first obtains a written statement from the Director confirming that the proposed amendments include all the prescribed documents and information and that the prescribed documents and information are accurate and complete.
. . . . .
Deemed approval, s. 29 (1) (a)
(6) If the Minister does not exercise an option set out in subsection 29 (1) within 120 days after the source protection authority submits the proposed amendments under subsection (4) or such other period that is prescribed, the proposed amendments are deemed to be approved under clause 29 (1) (a).
Deemed approval, s. 29 (2) (a)
(7) If the Minister does not exercise an option under subsection 29 (2) within 120 days after the resubmission of a plan under that subsection or such other period that is prescribed, the proposed amendments are deemed to be approved under clause 29 (2) (a).
Source protection authority to decide re approval
(8) In the prescribed circumstances and according to any prescribed process, the source protection authority shall decide whether to approve the proposed amendments.
Same
(9) As soon as reasonably possible after a source protection plan amendment is approved by a source protection authority under subsection (8), the source protection authority shall,
(a) publish notice of the approval of the amendments and the approved amendments on the source protection authority’s website, together with,
(i) a brief explanation of the effect, if any, of any comments and resolutions submitted as part of the consultation process for the amendment on the source protection authority’s decision, and
(ii) any other information that the source protection authority considers appropriate; and
(b) provide notice of the approval of the source protection plan amendment and any prescribed information to any prescribed persons or bodies.
Same
(10) A source protection plan amendment approved by a source protection authority under subsection (8) takes effect on the date notice is published under subsection (9) or on such later date as is specified in the source protection plan.
6 Subsections 39 (7) and (8) of the Act are repealed.
7 The Act is amended by adding the following section:
Prescribed instruments
42.1 (1) Subject to a regulation made under clause 108 (1) (g.5), (g.6) or (g.7), a person or body that makes a decision to issue, otherwise create or amend a prescribed instrument shall ensure that,
(a) if the source protection plan includes a prohibition described in paragraph 1 of subsection 22 (8.1), the decision conforms to the prohibition; or
(b) if the source protection plan contains the policy described in paragraph 2 of subsection 22 (8.1), the decision is designed to achieve the objectives set out in paragraph 2 of subsection 22 (2).
Review re policy
(2) Subject to a regulation made under clause 108 (1) (g.5), (g.6) or (g.7), if a source protection plan contains a policy described in paragraph 2 of subsection 22 (8.1) in respect of a prescribed instrument and a person or body has issued or otherwise created the prescribed instrument before the source protection plan took effect, the person or body shall,
(a) review the instrument within the prescribed period; and
(b) if the person or body determines that an amendment is necessary to ensure the instrument is designed to achieve the objectives set out paragraph 2 of subsection 22 (2), amend the instrument.
Failure to comply with section
(3) Subject to a regulation made under clause 108 (1) (g.5), (g.6) or (g.7), if, in the Minister’s opinion, a person or body has failed to comply with the requirements of this section, the Minister may,
(a) advise the person or body of the failure;
(b) request the person or body to take such steps as are authorized by law to correct the failure; and
(c) require the person or body to report to the Minister on any steps taken under clause (b).
Prescribed requirements
(4) Every person or body shall comply with any prescribed requirements regarding demonstrating that the person or body’s decision to issue, otherwise create or amend a prescribed instrument complies with this section, including requirements for recording and reporting the decision to the source protection authority for the purpose of a report prepared under section 46.
Regulations
(5) The Minister may, by regulation, require a source protection authority to,
(a) review a source protection plan within the prescribed period;
(b) if applicable, amend the plan to remove any policy specified in the regulation that in the Minister’s opinion is no longer necessary or advisable as a result of the requirements set out in subsection (4);
(c) within the prescribed period, give the Director notice that the requirements of clauses (a) and (b) have been satisfied.
No authority
(6) This section does not permit or require a person or body,
(a) to issue or otherwise create an instrument that it does not otherwise have authority to issue or otherwise create; or
(b) to make amendments that it does not otherwise have authority to make.
8 Section 43 of the Act is repealed.
9 Subsection 44 (1) of the Act is repealed.
10 Subsection 108 (1) of the Act is amended by adding the following clauses:
(g.1) governing source protection plans, including prohibiting policies from being included in source protection plans;
(g.2) prescribing exceptions to the requirements of subsection 22 (8.1);
(g.3) prescribing wording for the purpose of subsection 22 (8.2);
(g.4) prescribing requirements and periods for the purposes of subsection 22 (8.3);
(g.5) governing and clarifying the application of section 42.1, including determining when a prescribed instrument does not conform with a significant threat policy set out in a source protection plan for the purpose of that section and determining the nature of the non-conformity;
(g.6) dealing with any problems or issues arising as a result of the application of section 42.1;
(g.7) resolving any non-conformity between provisions of prescribed instruments and provisions of significant threat policies set out in source protection plans, including determining how prescribed instruments must be amended to resolve the non-conformity;
(g.8) prescribing a period for the purposes of clause 42.1 (2) (a);
(g.9) prescribing requirements for the purposes of subsection 42.1 (4);
(g.10) specifying policies and prescribing requirements and periods for the purposes of subsection 42.1 (5);
11 (1) Subsection 109 (1) of the Act is amended by adding the following clauses:
(d) prescribing documents and information for the purposes of subsection 34 (4.1);
(d.1) before approving an amendment to a source protection plan under subsection 34 (8), requiring the source protection authority to obtain the Director’s approval for any portion of an assessment report of a source protection plan that is affected by the proposed amendment;
(2) Clauses 109 (1) (k), (l) and (m) of the Act are repealed.
Commencement
12 This Schedule comes into force on a day to be named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
SCHEDULE 2
CROWN FOREST SUSTAINABILITY ACT, 1994
1 (1) Section 8 of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Same
(1.1) A forest management plan prepared under subsection (1) may apply to one or more management units.
(2) Clause 8 (2) (a) of the Act is amended by adding “or management units to which the plan applies” after “management unit”.
(3) Clause 8 (2) (b) of the Act is amended by adding “or management units to which the plan applies” after “management unit”.
2 Subsection 10 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “a management unit” at the end and substituting “one or more management units”.
3 Subsection 17 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “a management unit” at the end and substituting “one or more management units”.
4 Section 44 of the Act is repealed.
5 Clause 57 (1) (c) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
(c) order the person to stop harvest or removal activities authorized by the licence or permit.
6 (1) Clauses 58 (1) (a) and (b) of the Act are repealed and the following substituted:
(a) without the authority of a forest resource licence or a permit, harvests or removes forest resources in a Crown forest or uses forest resources in a Crown forest for a designated purpose is liable to a penalty of not more than the greater of,
(i) $15,000, and
(ii) five times the value of any forest resources harvested or removed without the authority of a forest resource licence or permit;
(b) fails to comply with a forest resource licence or permit is liable to a penalty of not more than the greater of,
(i) $15,000, and
(ii) five times the value of any forest resources harvested or removed in contravention of the forest resource licence or permit;
(2) Clause 58 (1) (e) of the Act is amended by striking out “or 44”.
7 (1) Paragraph 29 of subsection 69 (1) of the Act is repealed.
(2) Section 69 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:
Same, Minister
(1.1) The Minister may make regulations approving a manual prepared under section 68 or an amendment to a manual.
(3) Subsection 69 (2) of the Act is amended by striking out “under subsection (1)” and substituting “under this section”.
8 (1) This section applies only if Bill 46 (Protect Ontario by Cutting Red Tape Act, 2025, introduced on June 4, 2025) receives Royal Assent.
(2) References in this section to provisions of Bill 46 are references to those provisions as they were numbered in the first reading version of the Bill.
(3) On the later of the day the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025 receives Royal Assent and the day section 12 of Schedule 8 to Bill 46 comes into force, clause 57 (1) (c) of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994 is repealed and the following substituted:
(c) order the person to stop harvest or removal activities authorized by the licence, permit or regulation.
Commencement
9 (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, this Schedule comes into force on the day the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025 receives Royal Assent.
(2) Section 4 and subsection 6 (2) come into force on a day to be named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
SCHEDULE 3
DRUG AND PHARMACIES REGULATION ACT
1 (1) Subsection 1 (1) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act is amended by adding the following definitions:
“chiropodist” means a member of the College of Chiropodists of Ontario or another person prescribed by the regulations; (“podologue”)
“dental hygienist” means a member of the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario or another person prescribed by the regulations; (“hygiéniste dentaire”)
“midwife” means a member of the College of Midwives of Ontario or another person prescribed by the regulations; (“sage-femme”)
“optometrist” means a member of the College of Optometrists of Ontario or another person prescribed by the regulations; (“optométriste”)
(2) The definitions of “intern”, “intern technician”, “Minister”, “pharmacist” and “pharmacy technician” in subsection 1 (1) of the Act are repealed and the following substituted:
“intern” means a member of the College who holds a certificate of registration as an intern under the Pharmacy Act, 1991; (“interne”)
“intern technician” means a member of the College who holds a certificate of registration as an intern technician under the Pharmacy Act, 1991; (“technicien stagiaire”)
“Minister” means the Minister of Health or such other member of the Executive Council as may be assigned the administration of this Act under the Executive Council Act; (“ministre”)
“pharmacist” means a member of the College who holds a certificate of registration as a pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1991 or another person prescribed by the regulations; (“pharmacien”)
“pharmacy technician” means a member of the College who holds a certificate of registration as a pharmacy technician under the Pharmacy Act, 1991 or another person prescribed by the regulations; (“technicien en pharmacie”)
2 (1) Subsection 118 (2) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
Same
(2) Nothing in this Act prevents any person from selling or dispensing a drug to,
(a) a person authorized under a health profession Act as defined in the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 to dispense, prescribe, administer, compound or sell drugs; or
(b) another person prescribed by the regulations.
(2) Subsection 118 (3) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
Same
(3) Nothing in this Act prevents any person from selling, to a chiropodist, dental hygienist, midwife or optometrist, a drug that the health professional may use in the course of engaging in the practice of their profession.
3 Section 142 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:
Definition of pharmacist
(6) Despite the definition of “pharmacist” in subsection 1 (1), a reference to a “pharmacist” in this section does not include a person prescribed by the regulations.
4 Section 144 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:
Definition of pharmacist
(3) Despite the definition of “pharmacist” in subsection 1 (1), a reference to a “pharmacist” in this section does not include a person prescribed by the regulations.
5 Subsection 160 (4) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
Location where drugs accepted
(4) No member, no person who is exempted from subsections 10 (1) and (2) of the Pharmacy Act, 1991 by a regulation made under that Act and no pharmacy shall receive any drug from a wholesale distributor of drugs other than at the location of a pharmacy that ordered the drugs, except where appropriate in the best interest of a patient or patients.
6 Subsection 161 (1) of the Act is amended by adding the following clause:
(v) respecting anything that, under this Act, may or must be prescribed or done by regulation.
Commencement
7 This Schedule comes into force on the later of January 1, 2026 and the day the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025 receives Royal Assent.
SCHEDULE 4
HEALING ARTS RADIATION PROTECTION ACT
1 (1) Clause 6 (1) (a) of the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act is amended by striking out “or another person prescribed by the regulations” at the end.
(2) The English version of clause 6 (1) (d) of the Act is amended by striking out “or” at the end.
(3) Clause 6 (1) (g) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
(g) a member of the College of Nurses of Ontario who holds an extended certificate of registration under the Nursing Act, 1991; or
(h) a person who is prescribed by the regulations.
Commencement
2 This Schedule comes into force on the later of January 1, 2026 and the day the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025 receives Royal Assent.
SCHEDULE 5
HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ACT
1 Paragraph 3 of subsection 7 (11) of the Highway Traffic Act is repealed.
2 Subsection 12 (2.4) of the Act is amended by striking out “an electronic toll system, automated speed enforcement system or red light camera system” and substituting “an electronic toll system or red light camera system”.
3 (1) Subsection 13 (3) of the Act is repealed.
(2) Subsection 13 (4) of the Act is amended by striking out “subsection (2), (3), (3.0.1) or (3.1)” and substituting “subsection (2), (3.0.1) or (3.1)”.
4 The Act is amended by adding the following section:
Directive to install signs in school zones
128.0.1 (1) The Minister may issue directives requiring a municipality to install signs in school zones on highways under its jurisdiction and may, in the directive, specify a date by which the installation must be completed.
Requirement to comply
(2) A municipality that receives a directive issued under subsection (1) shall comply with it.
Same
(3) If a directive issued under subsection (1) specifies a date by which installation must be completed, the municipality shall comply with the directive by that date.
Minister to carry out sign installation
(4) If a municipality does not comply with a directive as required by subsection (2) or (3), the Minister or a person acting on behalf of the Minister may enter upon a highway under the jurisdiction of the municipality and do anything necessary to carry out the installation of the signs.
Obstruction
(5) A person shall not hinder, obstruct or interfere with the installation of signs under this section.
Municipality to provide information
(6) A municipality shall provide to the Minister, by the date specified by the Minister, any information that the Minister requests to facilitate the installation of signs under subsection (4).
Minister powers
(7) The Minister or a person acting on behalf of the Minister may carry out the installation of signs under subsection (4) despite any requirement that would otherwise apply in respect of the installation under an Act, regulation, by-law, order, permit, approval or licence.
5 Part XIV.1 of the Act is repealed.
6 (1) Subsection 206.3 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “Part XIV.1”.
(2) Subsection 206.3 (3) of the Act is amended by striking out “an automated speed enforcement system under Part XIV.1 or” wherever it appears.
7 Section 206.4 of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
Regulations
206.4 The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations requiring and governing the display of signs referred to in clause 206.3 (3) (b).
8 Section 206.5 of the Act is amended by striking out “Part XIV.1”.
9 Part XIV.5 of the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Extinguishment of certain causes of action re repeal of Part XIV.1
206.6 (1) No cause of action arises against a municipality, municipal council, or any current or former member of the council of the municipality or employee, officer or agent of a municipality, the Crown or any current or former member of the Executive Council, Deputy Minister or employee, officer or agent of the Crown as a direct or indirect result of the breach, termination or frustration of a contract between a municipality and a supplier or vendor of equipment used for an automated speed enforcement system before the end of the term of the contract that occurs following the repeal of Part XIV.1.
No remedy
(2) No costs, compensation or damages, including for loss of revenue, profit or any other alleged loss, whether direct or indirect, are owing or payable to any person by a person referred to in subsection (1), and no remedy, including a remedy in contract, restitution or tort, a remedy for misfeasance, bad faith or a breach of trust or fiduciary obligation, any equitable remedy or any remedy under any statute, is available to any person against a person referred to in subsection (1), in connection with anything referred to in that subsection.
Proceedings barred
(3) No proceeding that is directly or indirectly based on or related to anything referred to in subsection (1) may be brought or maintained against any person referred to in that subsection.
Same
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply with respect to an application for judicial review or a claim for constitutional remedy, but do apply with respect to any other court, administrative or arbitral proceeding claiming any remedy or relief, including specific performance, an injunction, declaratory relief or the enforcement of a judgment, order or award made outside Ontario.
No costs awarded
(5) No costs shall be awarded against any person in respect of a proceeding that cannot be brought or maintained under subsection (3).
No expropriation or injurious affection
(6) Nothing referred to in subsection (1) constitutes an expropriation or injurious affection for the purposes of the Expropriations Act or otherwise at law.
Proceedings by Crown not prevented
(7) This section does not apply with respect to proceedings brought by the Crown.
10 (1) Paragraph 3 of subsection 207 (2) of the Act is amended by striking out “129” and substituting “128”.
(2) Subsection 207 (7) of the Act is amended by striking out “under section 128 on the basis of evidence acquired through the use of an automated speed enforcement system or”.
11 Paragraphs 2, 2.1 and 3 of subsection 210.1 (1) of the Act are repealed and the following substituted:
2. A proceeding that is based on evidence obtained through the use of an automated system described in Part XIV.2, Part XIV.3 or Part XIV.4.
Commencement
12 (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, this Schedule comes into force on the later of November 14, 2025 and the day the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025 receives Royal Assent.
(2) Section 4 comes into force on the day the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025 receives Royal Assent.
SCHEDULE 6
ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT
1 Clause 48 (8.2) (b) of the Ontario Heritage Act is amended by striking out “Agreement on Internal Trade” and substituting “Canadian Free Trade Agreement”.
2 The English version of clause 51.3 (1) (b) of the Act is amended by striking out “investigation” in the portion before subclause (i) and substituting “inspection”.
Commencement
3 This Schedule comes into force on the day the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025 receives Royal Assent.
SCHEDULE 7
ONTARIO LABOUR MOBILITY ACT, 2009
1 The definition of “co-ordinating Minister” in subsection 2 (1) of the Ontario Labour Mobility Act, 2009 is amended by striking out “Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development” and substituting “Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development”.
2 Clause 9 (3) (a) of the Act is amended by striking out “the website of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development” and substituting “a website of the Government of Ontario”.
3 (1) Subsection 10.1 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “the regulated occupation” and substituting “the same regulated occupation” and by striking out “subsections (2) and (3)” at the end and substituting “subsections (2) to (4)”.
(2) Subsection 10.1 (4) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
Effect of deemed certification
(4) Except as otherwise provided in the regulations, if an individual is deemed to be certified in a regulated occupation in Ontario under this section, the following rules apply:
1. The individual shall be treated as certified in that regulated occupation under the applicable authorizing statute referred to in Column 2 of Table 1 for all purposes, subject to paragraph 3.
2. The individual is entitled to all the rights and benefits of certification and subject to all the obligations and laws applicable to individuals certified in that regulated occupation for the period of the deemed certification, subject to paragraph 3 and subsection (5).
3. The individual is not required to meet or continue to meet any requirements related to an application for certification under the applicable authorizing statute for the period of the deemed certification.
Continuing jurisdiction of regulatory authority
(5) For the purposes of paragraph 2 of subsection (4), if the applicable authorizing statute referred to in Column 2 of Table 1 provides for the continuing jurisdiction of an Ontario regulatory authority beyond an individual’s period of certification, the Ontario regulatory authority also has that continuing jurisdiction beyond an individual’s period of deemed certification.
No effect on grounds for suspension or revocation
(6) For greater certainty, nothing in paragraph 3 of subsection (4) prevents a regulatory authority from suspending or revoking an individual’s deemed certification on the grounds that the individual has failed to meet an obligation or to comply with a law that applies to individuals certified in that regulated occupation and that relates to conduct during the period of the deemed certification.
No greater right or benefit
(7) For greater certainty, if an individual who is deemed to be certified in a regulated occupation in Ontario under this section applies to the Ontario regulatory authority for certification in the regulated occupation under section 9, nothing in this section entitles that individual to any greater right or benefit in the application process than other applicants for certification.
No renewal or extension
(8) For greater certainty, an individual deemed to be certified in a regulated occupation in Ontario under this section is not entitled to a renewal or extension of the individual’s deemed certification.
4 Clause 25 (a.1) of the Act is amended by adding the following subclause:
(v) governing the rules that apply in respect of the deemed certification of individuals under subsection 10.1 (4), including modifying those rules, providing for exceptions to those rules or establishing new rules;
Plan for Care and Opportunity Act (Budget Measures), 2018
5 Section 1 of Schedule 20 to the Plan for Care and Opportunity Act (Budget Measures), 2018 is repealed.
Commencement
6 This Schedule comes into force on the day the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025 receives Royal Assent.
SCHEDULE 8
REGULATED HEALTH PROFESSIONS ACT, 1991
1 Section 31 of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 is repealed and the following substituted:
Dispensing hearing aids
31 No person shall dispense a hearing aid for a hearing impaired person except under a prescription by,
(a) a member authorized by a health profession Act to prescribe a hearing aid for a hearing impaired person; or
(b) a person who is prescribed by the regulations.
2 (1) Subsection 32 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
Dental devices, etc.
(1) No person shall design, construct, repair or alter a dental prosthetic, restorative or orthodontic device unless,
(a) the technical aspects of the design, construction, repair or alteration are supervised by,
(i) a member of the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario or the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, or
(ii) a person who is prescribed by the regulations;
(b) the person is a member of a College mentioned in clause (a); or
(c) the person is prescribed by the regulations.
(2) Subsection 32 (3) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
Supervisors
(3) No person shall supervise the technical aspects of the design, construction, repair or alteration of a dental prosthetic, restorative or orthodontic device unless they are,
(a) a member of the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario or the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario; or
(b) a person who is prescribed by the regulations.
(3) Subsection 32 (4) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
Removable dentures
(4) This section does not apply with respect to the design, construction, repair or alteration of removable dentures for the patients of a member of the College of Denturists of Ontario, or the patients of a person who is prescribed by the regulations, if the member or prescribed person does the designing, construction, repair or alteration or supervises their technical aspects.
3 Subsection 43 (1) of the Act is amended by adding the following clauses:
(g.0.1) prescribing persons for the purposes of sections 31 or 32;
. . . . .
(h.0.3) prescribing Colleges for the purposes of clause 22.19.1 (1) (a) of the Code;
(h.0.4) exempting applicants who apply for registration as described in subsection 22.19.1 (1) of the Code from College by-laws that require them to pay fees upon application for a certificate of registration and providing for alternative fees;
(h.0.5) exempting members who applied for registration as described in subsection 22.19.1 (1) of the Code from requirements in a regulation made under clause 95 (1) (r) of the Code respecting a College’s quality assurance program;
4 Subsection 1 (1) of Schedule 2 to the Act is amended by adding the following definition:
“business day” means a day from Monday to Friday, other than a holiday as defined in section 87 of the Legislation Act, 2006; (“jour ouvrable”)
5 Section 15 of Schedule 2 to the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:
Out-of-province applicants to prescribed Colleges
(6) Despite clause (2) (b), if the Registrar is of the opinion that terms, conditions or limitations should be imposed on a certificate of registration of the applicant and the applicant is an individual described in subsection 22.19.1 (1), the Registrar shall not refer the application to the Registration Committee and shall instead issue the certificate of registration to the applicant with the terms, conditions or limitations in accordance with subsection 22.19.1 (8).
6 (1) The definition of “Agreement on Internal Trade” in subsection 22.15 (1) of Schedule 2 to the Act is repealed.
(2) Subsection 22.15 (1) of Schedule 2 to the Act is amended by adding the following definition:
“Canadian Free Trade Agreement” means the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, effective July 1, 2017, between the governments of Canada, the provinces of Canada and the territories of Canada, as amended from time to time; (“Accord de libre-échange canadien”)
(3) Clause (b) of the definition of “out-of-province certificate” in subsection 22.15 (1) of Schedule 2 to the Act is amended by striking out “the Agreement on Internal Trade” and substituting “the Canadian Free Trade Agreement”.
7 Clause 22.16 (b) of Schedule 2 to the Act is amended by striking out “the Agreement on Internal Trade” at the end and substituting “the Canadian Free Trade Agreement”.
8 Section 22.17 of Schedule 2 to the Act is amended by striking out “the Agreement on Internal Trade” at the end and substituting “the Canadian Free Trade Agreement”.
9 (1) Subsection 22.18 (1) of Schedule 2 to the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
When applicant holds out-of-province certificate, non-prescribed professions
(1) This section applies when an individual,
(a) applies for registration with a College that is not prescribed in a regulation made pursuant to clause 43 (1) (h.0.3) of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991; and
(b) already holds an out-of-province certificate that is equivalent to the certificate of registration being applied for.
(2) Clause 22.18 (3) (b) of Schedule 2 to the Act is amended by striking out “Article 708 of the Agreement on Internal Trade” at the end and substituting “Article 707 of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement”.
10 Schedule 2 to the Act is amended by adding the following sections:
When applicant holds out-of-province certificate, prescribed professions
22.19.1 (1) This section applies when an individual,
(a) applies for registration with a College that is prescribed in a regulation made pursuant to clause 43 (1) (h.0.3) of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991; and
(b) already holds an out-of-province certificate that is equivalent to the certificate of registration being applied for.
Material additional training, etc. cannot be required
(2) The College shall not impose any registration requirement that would require the applicant to have, undertake, obtain or undergo any material additional training, experience, examinations or assessments.
Permitted registration requirements
(3) Subsection (2) does not prohibit the College from imposing registration requirements that would require the applicant to do one or more of the following:
1. If the conditions set out in subsection (4) are met:
i. Pay a fee upon application for registration and upon registration.
ii. Provide evidence of good character.
2. If the condition set out in paragraph 2 of subsection (4) is met, provide a certificate, letter or other evidence from every body or individual from whom the applicant currently holds an out-of-province certificate confirming that the out-of-province certificate is in good standing.
3. If the conditions set out in subsection (4) are met, meet any other requirement specified by the College that does not involve material additional training, experience, examinations or assessments.
Conditions for subs. (3)
(4) The conditions referred to in subsection (3) are:
1. Subject to subsection (7), the requirement imposed by the College on applicants who hold an out-of-province certificate must be the same as, or substantially similar to but no more onerous than, the requirement imposed by the College on applicants who do not hold an out-of-province certificate.
2. The requirement imposed by the College must not be a disguised restriction on labour mobility.
Permitted measures
(5) This section does not prohibit the College from carrying out the following measures in respect of the applicant if the conditions set out in subsection (6) are met:
1. Refusing to issue a certificate of registration to the applicant or imposing terms, conditions or limitations on the applicant’s certificate of registration if, in the opinion of the Registrar, such action is necessary to protect the public interest as a result of complaints, or criminal, disciplinary or other proceedings, against the applicant in any jurisdiction whether in or outside Canada, relating to the applicant’s competency, conduct or character.
2. If the out-of-province certificate held by the applicant is subject to a term, condition or limitation, having the Registrar impose an equivalent term, condition or limitation on the certificate of registration to be issued to the applicant.
Conditions for subs. (5)
(6) The conditions referred to in subsection (5) are:
1. Subject to subsection (7), the measure carried out by the College with respect to applicants who hold an out-of-province certificate must be the same as, or substantially similar to but no more onerous than, the measure carried out by the College with respect to applicants who do not hold an out-of-province certificate.
2. The measure carried out by the College must not be a disguised restriction on labour mobility.
Costs
(7) Subject to the regulations made under clause 43 (1) (h.0.4) of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the College shall ensure that any registration requirements it imposes on the applicant and any measures it carries out with respect to the applicant in connection with the registration of the applicant do not result in the imposition on the applicant of fees or other costs that are more onerous than those the College would impose if the applicant did not hold an out-of-province certificate, unless the difference in such fees or other costs reflects the actual cost differential to the College.
Result of application
(8) Within two business days after receiving an application referred to in subsection (1), the Registrar shall either,
(a) register the applicant, subject to any terms, conditions or limitations the Registrar determines are appropriate; or
(b) refuse the application and refer it to the Registration Committee in accordance with section 15.
Interim suspension of out-of-province registrants, prescribed Colleges
22.19.2 (1) The Registrar of a College that is prescribed in a regulation made pursuant to clause 43 (1) (h.0.3) of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 may immediately make an order suspending or imposing terms, conditions or limitations on a member’s certificate of registration and referring the matter to the Registration Committee if,
(a) the member was an individual described in subsection 22.19.1 (1) at the time of their application to the College and received their certificate of registration within the previous year; and
(b) the Registrar becomes aware of information that,
(i) existed at the time of the member’s application,
(ii) was not provided to the Registrar at the time of the member’s application, and
(iii) is of a nature that, in the Registrar’s opinion, would have resulted in a refusal to issue the certificate to the member or the imposition of terms, conditions or limitations on the certificate.
Duration of order
(2) An order made under subsection (1) continues in force until the order is withdrawn or until an order is made by the Registration Committee in respect of the matter under subsection (10).
Notice to member
(3) A Registrar who makes an order under subsection (1) shall,
(a) refer the matter to the Registration Committee; and
(b) give the member notice of the statutory grounds for the referral and of the member’s right to make written submissions.
Matter to be given precedence
(4) The Registration Committee shall give precedence to the matter.
Disclosure of file
(5) The Registrar shall give a member who has been referred to the Registration Committee under this section all the information and a copy of each document the College has that is relevant to the matter at the member’s request.
Exception
(6) The Registrar may refuse to give the member anything that may, in the Registrar’s opinion, jeopardize the safety of any person.
Process for dealing with request
(7) The Registrar shall establish a process for the purposes of dealing with a disclosure request under subsection (5).
Panel composition
(8) An order made under subsection (1) shall be considered by a panel of the Registration Committee selected by the chair from among the members of the Committee, and subsections 17 (2) and (3) apply with respect to the panel.
Consideration by panel
(9) A member may make written submissions to the panel within 30 days after receiving notice under subsection (3) or within any longer period the Registrar may specify in the notice.
Orders by panel
(10) After considering the application and the submissions, the panel may make an order doing any one or more of the following:
1. Direct the Registrar to rescind the order made under subsection (1).
2. Direct the Registrar to revoke the member’s certificate.
3. Direct the Registrar to impose terms, conditions or limitations on the member’s certificate.
Decision in writing
(11) The panel shall give its decision and reasons in writing to the member who is the subject of the referral.
Effectiveness of panel’s order
(12) In a matter in which an order under subsection (1) was made, an order of a panel of the Registration Committee directing the Registrar to revoke or impose terms, conditions or limitations on a member’s certificate takes effect immediately.
11 Clause 22.20 (1) (b) of Schedule 2 to the Act is amended by striking out “the Agreement on Internal Trade” and substituting “the Canadian Free Trade Agreement”.
12 Section 70 of Schedule 2 to the Act is amended by adding the following subsection:
Exception
(4) Subsection (1) does not apply with respect to a hearing by a panel of the Registration Committee under section 22.19.2.
Commencement
13 This Schedule comes into force on later of January 1, 2026 and the day the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025 receives Royal Assent.
SCHEDULE 9
SPECIES CONSERVATION ACT, 2025
1 Clause 1 (b) of the Species Conservation Act, 2025 is amended by adding “at risk” after “species”.
2 Clauses (b) and (c) of the definition of “section 16 activity” in subsection 2 (1) of the Act are repealed and the following substituted:
(b) possessing, transporting, collecting, buying, selling, leasing, trading or offering to buy, sell, lease or trade,
(i) a living or dead member of a species that is listed on the Protected Species in Ontario List,
(ii) any part of a living or dead member of a species referred to in subclause (i), or
(iii) anything derived from a living or dead member of a species referred to in subclause (i), or
(c) selling, leasing, trading or offering to sell, lease or trade anything that a person represents to be a thing described in subclause (b) (i), (ii) or (iii); (“activité visée par l’article 16”)
3 Section 15 of the Act is amended by adding “results in or” before “is likely to”.
4 Paragraph 4 of subsection 16 (4) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
4. Before being listed as described in paragraph 3, the species was not previously listed under its current name or any other common or scientific name on the Protected Species in Ontario List.
5. Before being listed as described in paragraph 3, the species was not previously listed under its current name or any other common or scientific name as extirpated, endangered or threatened on the Species at Risk in Ontario List under the Endangered Species Act, 2007.
5 Subsection 37 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
Habitat protection order
(1) The Minister may issue an order described in subsection (2) in any of the following circumstances:
1. A regulation made under clause 65 (1) (b) limits the definition of “habitat” in respect of a species and the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is engaging in or about to engage in an activity that results in or is likely to result in damage or destruction to an area that would otherwise be habitat for the species.
2. A species not listed on the Protected Species in Ontario List is classified in a report submitted under section 12 or 13 as extirpated, endangered or threatened and the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is engaging in or is about to engage in an activity that results in or is likely to result in damage to or destruction of the species’ habitat.
3. The Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is engaging in or is about to engage in an activity described in subsection 16 (3) that results in or is likely to result in damage or destruction to the habitat of a species listed on the Protected Species in Ontario List.
4. The Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is engaging in or is about to engage in an activity that results in or is likely to result in damage or destruction to an area that does not meet the definition of “habitat” in subsection 2 (1) but is an area on which any member of a species listed on the Protected Species in Ontario List directly depends in order to carry on its life processes.
6 The English version of subsection 38 (1) of the Act is amended by adding “is” before “about to engage in”.
7 Paragraph 2 of subsection 49 (1) of the Act is amended by adding “prescribed” before “provision”.
8 Section 56 of the Act is amended by striking out “was committed” at the end and substituting “first came to the attention of a provincial officer”.
Commencement
9 This Schedule comes into force on the later of the day section 1 of Schedule 10 (Species Conservation Act, 2025) to the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025 comes into force and the day the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025 receives Royal Assent.
SCHEDULE 10
AMENDMENTS TO REGULATED HEALTH PROFESSION STATUTES
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act, 1991
1 The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act, 1991 is amended by adding the following section:
Minister regulations
12 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations exempting a person from subsection 8 (1) or (2) and setting conditions on such an exemption.
Chiropody Act, 1991
2 The Chiropody Act, 1991 is amended by adding the following section:
Minister regulations
13.2 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations exempting a person from the following prohibitions and setting conditions on such an exemption:
1. The prohibition in subsection 10 (1) on the use of the title “chiropodist” or any variation, abbreviation or equivalent in another language.
2. The prohibition in subsection 10 (2) on holding oneself out as a person who is qualified to practise in Ontario as a chiropodist or in a specialty of chiropody.
Dental Hygiene Act, 1991
3 The Dental Hygiene Act, 1991 is amended by adding the following section:
Minister regulations
12.2 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations exempting a person from subsection 9 (1) or (2) and setting conditions on such an exemption.
Dental Technology Act, 1991
4 The Dental Technology Act, 1991 is amended by adding the following section:
Minister regulations
9.1 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations exempting a person from subsection 7 (1), (2) or (3) and setting conditions on such an exemption.
Dentistry Act, 1991
5 The Dentistry Act, 1991 is amended by adding the following section:
Minister regulations
12.2 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations exempting a person from subsection 9 (1) or (2) and setting conditions on such an exemption.
Denturism Act, 1991
6 The Denturism Act, 1991 is amended by adding the following section:
Minister regulations
10.1 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations exempting a person from subsection 8 (1), (2) or (3) and setting conditions on such an exemption.
Dietetics Act, 1991
7 The Dietetics Act, 1991 is amended by adding the following section:
Minister regulations
10 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations exempting a person from subsection 7 (1) or (2) and setting conditions on such an exemption.
Medical Radiation and Imaging Technology Act, 2017
8 Section 12 of the Medical Radiation and Imaging Technology Act, 2017 is repealed and the following substituted:
Minister regulations
12 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations,
(a) prescribing forms of energy, other than ionizing radiation, electromagnetism and soundwaves, for the purposes of section 3;
(b) exempting a person from subsection 9 (1) or (2) and setting conditions on such an exemption.
Medicine Act, 1991
9 Subsection 9 (2) of the Medicine Act, 1991 is repealed and the following substituted:
Dentists and exempted persons excepted
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the use of the title “surgeon”, a variation or abbreviation or an equivalent in another language by a member of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario or by a person who is exempted from subsections 9 (1) and (2) of the Dentistry Act, 1991 by a regulation made under that Act.
Midwifery Act, 1991
10 The Midwifery Act, 1991 is amended by adding the following section:
Minister regulations
12 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations exempting a person from subsection 8 (1) or (2) and setting conditions on such an exemption.
Occupational Therapy Act, 1991
11 The Occupational Therapy Act, 1991 is amended by adding the following section:
Minister regulations
11 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations exempting a person from subsection 7 (1) or (2) and setting conditions on such an exemption.
Opticianry Act, 1991
12 The Opticianry Act, 1991 is amended by adding the following section:
Minister regulations
11.1 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations exempting a person from subsection 9 (1), (2) or (3) and setting conditions on such an exemption.
Optometry Act, 1991
13 The Optometry Act, 1991 is amended by adding the following section:
Minister regulations
12.2 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations exempting a person from subsection 9 (1) or (2) and setting conditions on such an exemption.
Pharmacy Act, 1991
14 The Pharmacy Act, 1991 is amended by adding the following section:
Minister regulations
13.1 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations exempting a person from subsection 10 (1) or (2) and setting conditions on such an exemption.
Physiotherapy Act, 1991
15 The Physiotherapy Act, 1991 is amended by adding the following section:
Minister regulations
11.2 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations exempting a person from subsection 8 (1) or (2) and setting conditions on such an exemption.
Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act, 2021
16 The Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act, 2021 is amended by adding the following section:
Minister regulations
11.1 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations exempting a person from the following prohibitions and setting conditions on such an exemption:
1. The prohibition in subsection 8 (1) on the use of the title “psychologist” or “psychological associate” or any variation, abbreviation or equivalent in another language.
2. The prohibition in subsection 8 (2) on holding oneself out as a person who is qualified to practise in Ontario as a psychologist or psychological associate or in any specialty of psychology.
Commencement
17 This Schedule comes into force on the later of January 1, 2026 and the day the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025 receives Royal Assent.
SCHEDULE 11
CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS IN RESPECT OF THE SPECIES CONSERVATION ACT, 2025 AND OTHER RELATED AMENDMENTS
Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994
1 (1) The definition of “species at risk” in section 3 of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994 is repealed and the following substituted:
“species at risk” means a species that is listed on the Protected Species in Ontario List established under the Species Conservation Act, 2025. (“espèce en péril)”)
(2) Section 47.1 of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
Species Conservation Act, 2025
47.1 (1) Subsection 16 (1) or (2) of the Species Conservation Act, 2025, as applicable, does not apply to a person who kills, harms, captures, takes, transports or possesses a member of a species at risk, or damages or destroys the habitat of such a species, while the person is conducting forest operations,
(a) in a Crown forest;
(b) in accordance with an approved forest management plan; and
(c) on behalf of the Crown or under the authority of a forest resource licence.
(2) No order shall be issued under section 36, 37 or 38 of the Species Conservation Act, 2025 with respect to a person conducting forest operations in accordance with subsection (1).
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997
2 (1) Section 2 of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 is repealed and the following substituted:
Species Conservation Act, 2025
2 If a provision of this Act and a provision of the Species Conservation Act, 2025 conflict with respect to an animal, invertebrate or fish, the provision that gives the animal, invertebrate or fish the most protection prevails to the extent of the conflict.
(2) Subparagraph 2 i of subsection 40 (2) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
i. the Protected Species in Ontario List under the Species Conservation Act, 2025, or
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
3 Section 21.1 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is repealed and the following substituted:
Species at risk
21.1 A head may refuse to disclose a record where the disclosure could reasonably be expected to lead to a contravention of section 15 or 16 of the Species Conservation Act, 2025.
Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park Act, 2003
4 Section 8 of the Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park Act, 2003 is amended by striking out “including species listed on the Species at Risk in Ontario List under the Endangered Species Act, 2007” at the end and substituting “and having regard to the species that are classified as extirpated, endangered, threatened or of special concern by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario”.
Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008
5 The definition of “prescribed instrument” in section 2 of the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008 is amended by repealing clause (e), by striking out “or” at the end of clause (m) and by adding the following clause:
(m.1) the Species Conservation Act, 2025, or
Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006
6 Subsection 5 (1) of the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 is amended by adding the following definition:
“species at risk” means a species classified as extirpated, endangered, threatened or of special concern by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario; (“espèce en péril”)
Commencement
7 This Schedule comes into force on the later of the day section 1 of Schedule 10 (Species Conservation Act, 2025) to the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025 comes into force and the day the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025 receives Royal Assent.
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