New Laws And Rules Coming To Ontario Next Month

Ontario residents, brace yourselves for several new laws and regulations taking effect next month that will impact students and everyday life in the province.

Starting in September, Ontario students from kindergarten to Grade 6 will be required to keep their cell phones on silent and out of sight throughout the school day. For students in Grades 7 to 12, phone use during class will only be permitted if directed by a teacher. This is part of a broader provincial effort to reduce classroom distractions and improve student health. In addition, vaping and smoking rules are being tightened, with students required to surrender any vaping products, and parents will be notified immediately. The province has also allocated $30 million in the 2024 Budget for vape detectors and security upgrades in schools.

Convenience stores across Ontario will soon be able to sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages starting September 5. This expansion is part of the province’s broader plan to enhance the alcohol beverage marketplace, with all eligible grocery and big-box stores set to join the initiative by October 31, 2024.

Meanwhile, international students in Ontario will see a change in their work hours. Beginning this September, they will be allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week, down from the temporary 20-hour limit. This adjustment by the federal government aims to balance students’ academic focus while still providing them with work opportunities.