The Government of Ontario has introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening public safety, supporting victims of crime and expanding enforcement powers for police and other authorities.
The proposed Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 was announced Monday by Solicitor General Michael Kerzner.
“Our government remains laser-focused on protecting Ontario’s streets and keeping communities safe,” Kerzner said in a statement. “This legislation builds on the decisive action we’ve already taken to strengthen public safety by giving law enforcement stronger tools to crack down on illegal activity, protect victims and vulnerable people, and hold offenders accountable.”
The legislation would allow the commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police to publish information about high-risk offenders, including high-risk sex offenders, when police issue community notifications. The province said the public website could be operational by April 2027 if the legislation passes.
The bill also proposes up to $50,000 in debt relief for survivors of human trafficking who were forced into debt by traffickers.
Other measures include granting special constables on designated transit systems the authority to stop illegal drug use on transit vehicles, issue tickets and make arrests if individuals refuse to comply.
The province is also proposing new restrictions targeting illegal drug production, including banning possession, use or sale of devices such as pill presses intended for producing illicit drugs and restricting precursor chemicals used in drug manufacturing.
Additional proposed changes would establish stricter conduct and qualification rules for tow truck operators, strengthen enforcement of restraining orders issued outside Ontario and modernize oversight and licensing requirements for private security and investigative services.
The legislation would also amend the Provincial Offences Act to allow prosecutors and defendants to enter plea agreements without judicial oversight in an effort to speed up case resolutions.
The government said proposed reforms would also reduce wait times for police record checks for people working or volunteering with vulnerable populations, including children, seniors and people with disabilities.
Additional measures include expanding canine teams in adult correctional facilities to assist with contraband searches and restricting the use and future purchase of Chinese-made drones for government purposes.
The province also announced plans to strengthen enforcement under the Blind Persons’ Rights Act by allowing police officers to issue tickets when services are denied to a person accompanied by a guide dog.
A proposed regulation under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 would prohibit medically unnecessary procedures such as cat declawing, ear cropping and devocalization for dogs unless required by a veterinarian to treat an injury or disease.
Attorney General Doug Downey said the legislation would help improve efficiency within the justice system.
“People across Ontario deserve to feel safe in their communities,” Downey said. “These proposed reforms will help cases move more efficiently through the justice system, better protect vulnerable people, and strengthen communities across Ontario.”
Michael Parsa, minister of children, community and social services, said the province is renewing its Pathways to Safety Strategy for another five years from 2026 to 2031 to continue addressing violence against Indigenous women, children and gender-diverse people.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the legislation would also improve safety on public transit and strengthen consumer protections related to towing services.
