With the dawning of 2022, there are some new provincial policies now in effect.

First, the minimum wage in Ontario rises to $15/hr. That’s up from $14.25. The Ford government had scrapped a planned increase when they took office but announced the return earlier this year.

For many workers, the increase is nice but it’s still not a livable wage, particularly in Toronto where housing prices continue to skyrocket.

The provincial rent increase freeze put in place earlier in the pandemic has also come to an end. Landlords are free to raise rends on their tenants.

The Ontario staycation tax credit is also now in effect. It’s part of the Ford government’s efforts to help the tourism industry in the province.

Anyone choosing to stay in the province will get a 20% tax credit up to $1,000 for an individual and $2,000 for a family on accommodations in the province.

The province’s new work-life balance law is also now in effect. While potentially difficult to enforce, the law mean employers cannot expect workers to respond to them when they’re not working at home.