Ontario Introduces New Red Tape Reduction Bill to Safeguard Jobs and Lower Costs

Province says proposed reforms could save $5.8 million and 256,000 hours annually for businesses and families

Toronto, ON —  The Ontario government has introduced new legislation aimed at cutting red tape to protect workers, families, and jobs amid rising economic pressure, including ongoing U.S. tariff threats. The proposed Protect Ontario by Cutting Red Tape Act, 2025 is part of the Spring Red Tape Reduction Package and includes over 50 new regulatory changes designed to reduce bureaucracy, enhance services, and attract investment.

According to the province, the package is expected to save businesses and residents $5.8 million and over 256,000 hours each year by simplifying administrative processes and removing outdated rules.

“In the face of the ongoing threat of U.S. tariffs, our government is taking action to protect Ontario so we can keep workers on the job, attract new investment and make life easier and more affordable for Ontario families,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Red Tape Reduction.

Today, Minister @Andrea_Khanjin introduced the Protect Ontario by Cutting Red Tape Act.

In the face of global uncertainty, our government is taking action to protect Ontario’s economy, jobs, and services.

✅ Better Services
✅ Streamlined Processes
✅ A Stronger Economy pic.twitter.com/TugTxgyIIF

— Nina Tangri (@ninatangri) June 4, 2025

Key measures in the proposed bill include:

• Protecting social assistance recipients: Exempting the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) from being counted as income, allowing recipients of ODSP, Ontario Works, and ACSD to receive full benefit entitlements without clawbacks.

• Reducing red tape in Northern Ontario: Streamlining funding processes for Small Business Enterprise Centres to minimize reporting burdens and maximize time spent supporting local entrepreneurs.

• Improving public safety: Updating Christopher’s Law (Sex Offender Registry), 2000 to allow cross-border information sharing with select organizations and law enforcement in the U.S., aiding in monitoring and investigations of sex offenders.

• Enhancing consumer protection: Strengthening the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 to allow customers to reclaim expired or wrongly withheld rewards points.

• Boosting tourism and recreation: Expanding the areas within Ontario Parks where alcohol consumption will be permitted, starting in 2026, to improve visitor experiences while maintaining responsible use.

Minister Khanjin emphasized the broader economic implications: “This is not just about scrapping red tape. It’s about protecting Ontario’s economy at a critical time and unlocking new opportunities. Every dollar and every minute saved helps make life better for Ontarians.”

By the numbers:

• Since 2018, the province says it has completed over 650 red tape reduction actions, resulting in more than $1.08 billion in savings and 1.5 million hours saved for individuals and businesses.

The bill will now proceed through legislative review at Queen’s Park.

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