New laws and rules coming into effect in 2020

By: Sonja Puzic
TORONTO — As we usher in another decade, a number of new laws and rules will come into effect in 2020 that may have an impact on your way of life. That includes changes to federal divorce laws, as well as cannabis and vaping regulations in some provinces.
Here are the highlights you need to know:
CANADA-WIDE
Federal tax changes
The basic amount most Canadians can earn tax-free is going up on Jan. 1, to $13,229. The increase is being phased in over four years until it reaches $15,000 in 2023.
For Canadians in the lower income brackets, the changes could result in tax savings of up to $140 in 2020. For those earning more than $150,473 annually, those savings will be clawed back or not offered at all.
Also starting on Jan. 1, the employment insurance premiums for individual workers and employees will slightly decrease. The maximum annual EI contribution for a worker will fall by $3.86 to $856.36 and employers’ maximum contribution will fall $5.41 to $1,198.90 per employee.
Changes to the Divorce Act
Federal laws related to divorce proceedings and family orders were amended with the passage of Bill C-78, with the majority of changes to the Divorce Act coming into effect on July 1, 2020.
The changes include updated criteria to determine a child’s best interests in custody cases, as well as measures to address family violence when making parenting arrangements.
The changes also aim to make the family justice system “more accessible and affordable” for everyone involved.
The Divorce Act applies to married couples who are divorcing, while provincial and territorial legislation applies to all other spousal separations, including those involving unmarried and common-law couples.
Overhauling the Indigenous child welfare system
Legislation known as the Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families will come into full force on Jan. 1, 2020. It is meant to overhaul Canada’s Indigenous child welfare system, which critics have for years described as inadequate and discriminatory.
The changes to the legislation were developed with input from the Assembly of First Nations and experts across the country, and AFN says the new rules are “consistent” with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Minimum wage increase
As of June 1, 2020, the minimum wage in the province will increase to $14.60 per hour, from the current hourly rate of $13.85. In June 2021, the minimum wage is expected to increase to $15.20 per hour.
New vaping regulations
The province is planning to roll out much tougher rules when it comes to sale and promotion of vaping products in the wake of increasing concerns about the health effects of vaping.
Among the new rules: the provincial sales tax on vaping products will increase significantly on Jan. 1, from seven to 20 percent.
No more health-care premiums
B.C. is eliminating the provincial health-care premiums for its residents as of Jan. 1. The government says the elimination of the Medical Service Plan premiums will save individuals up to $900 and families up to $1,800 per year.
ALBERTA
New carbon tax
The federal government will start imposing its carbon tax on Alberta on Jan. 1. Albertans will pay $20 per tonne of CO2 until April 2020, when the price will rise to $30 per tonne.
This means that Albertans will now be eligible for the carbon tax rebate when they file their income taxes. The rebate amounts will be as follows:
Single adult or first adult in a couple: $444
Second adult in a couple or first child of a single parent: $222
Each child under 18: $111
Baseline amount for a family of four: $888
Property division changes under family law
On Jan. 1, certain changes to the provincial family law will make it easier for unmarried partners to divide their property if they break up.
The Matrimonial Property Act will be amended to apply to both “adult interdependent partners” and legally married spouses. Other changes to the Act include clarifying property division rules and when couples can enter into property ownership and division agreements.
Source: ctvnews.ca/