New proposed law would expand police powers, strengthen victim protections and tighten oversight across multiple sectors
The Government of Ontario has introduced a wide-ranging public safety bill aimed at strengthening law enforcement powers, supporting victims of crime and addressing illegal activity across the province.
The proposed legislation, titled the Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026, was tabled on May 25 by the Ministry of the Solicitor General. The bill includes measures targeting illegal drug production, human trafficking, transit safety, tow truck operations and restraining order enforcement, while also introducing new rules affecting correctional institutions, police record checks and government drone procurement.
Ontario officials said the legislation is designed to build on previous public safety reforms introduced in recent years as the province responds to growing concerns over community safety and organized crime.
“Our government remains laser-focused on protecting Ontario’s streets and keeping communities safe,” said Michael Kerzner, Ontario’s Solicitor General.
“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.”
Measures Target Human Trafficking and Illegal Drug Production
Among the most significant provisions in the proposed legislation is a debt relief program for survivors of human trafficking. Under the bill, victims who were forced or coerced into debt by traffickers could receive up to $50,000 in debt relief to help rebuild their lives.
The legislation would also introduce new restrictions aimed at curbing illegal drug manufacturing. Proposed rules would prohibit the possession, use or sale of designated devices such as pill presses when intended for illicit drug production. The measures would additionally ban the possession, production or trafficking of precursor chemicals used to manufacture illegal substances.
Ontario is also proposing enhanced authority for special constables operating on designated transit systems. If passed, the law would allow transit constables to stop individuals using illegal drugs on public transit and issue tickets or make arrests when individuals refuse to comply.
Provincial Website for High-Risk Offenders Planned
The legislation would amend the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 to authorize the Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police to publish information about high-risk offenders — including high-risk sex offenders — on a provincial public website whenever a police chief issues a community notification.
According to the government, the online database could become operational by April 2027 if the legislation is approved.
Tighter Rules for Tow Truck Operators and Private Security Industry
The proposed law also includes stricter standards for Ontario’s towing sector, an industry that has faced increased scrutiny in recent years over criminal activity and unsafe practices.
The legislation would establish clearer conduct requirements for tow truck drivers attending collision scenes and strengthen qualification standards for tow operators, tow truck drivers and vehicle storage operators.
Ontario is also seeking to modernize oversight within the private security industry through amendments to the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005. Proposed changes would update licensing, training and oversight requirements.
Faster Court Processes and Expanded Enforcement Powers
The government said additional amendments to the Provincial Offences Act are intended to speed up case resolution by allowing prosecutors and defendants to enter plea agreements without requiring judicial oversight.
Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey said the reforms are intended to improve efficiency across the justice system while strengthening protections for vulnerable populations.
“People across Ontario deserve to feel safe in their communities. Building on the historic measures we have already taken to strengthen public safety, expand court capacity, and crack down on dangerous offenders, our government is taking further decisive action to streamline court processes, improve enforcement, and ensure offenders are held accountable. These proposed reforms will help cases move more efficiently through the justice system, better protect vulnerable people, and strengthen communities across Ontario.”
The legislation would also make restraining orders issued in other provinces and territories enforceable in Ontario without requiring an additional court declaration.
Additional Measures Include Animal Welfare, Drone Restrictions and Adoption Oversight
Beyond criminal justice reforms, the legislation introduces several broader public safety and consumer protection initiatives.
Ontario plans to strengthen enforcement under the Blind Persons’ Rights Act by giving police authority to issue tickets when services are denied to individuals accompanied by guide dogs.
The government also announced a forthcoming regulation under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 that would prohibit medically unnecessary procedures including cat declawing, ear cropping and devocalization for dogs unless deemed necessary by a veterinarian to treat injury or disease.
Other provisions would:
- Add more canine teams to conduct contraband searches in adult correctional facilities
- Restrict the use and future procurement of Chinese-made drones for government operations
- Reduce wait times for police record checks involving individuals working with vulnerable populations
- Allow municipalities to impose administrative monetary penalties for illegal land uses such as unauthorized truck yards
Ontario is also renewing its Pathways to Safety Strategy for another five years, covering the period from 2026 to 2031. The program focuses on addressing violence against Indigenous women, children and gender-diverse people in partnership with Indigenous communities.
Michael Parsa said the province remains focused on supporting families and vulnerable groups across Ontario.
“Our government is taking proactive steps to support women, children, and families across Ontario, including renewing the Pathways to Safety Strategy, enhancing safety in secure youth justice facilities, and strengthening private and international adoptions. We remain committed to ensuring Ontarians have the services they need to succeed and thrive in their communities.”
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the legislation also addresses public transit and consumer protection concerns.
“Our government is protecting Ontario by enhancing safety on public transit while improving consumer protections for drivers who need a tow. The Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act demonstrates our commitment to keeping Ontarians safe no matter how they travel.”