How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines.
But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Specifically, a scan of the "legislative measures" annex — more than 60 largely non-fiscal measures the Liberals plan to stuff into the coming budget implementation bill, or BIA — indicates a host of grab-bag law changes are coming.
Here are a handful of the odds and ends in the budget that could impact your day-to-day life.
Making exemptions for infant formula
One of the most notable incoming law reforms is to the Food and Drugs Act, allowing the minister of health to issue an order exempting persons or products from certain requirements under the law.
The example of how this reform is intended to be used, according to the federal government, is in instances where health products such as infant formulas are exempted in order to increase supply in the event of a shortage.
Relatedly, the budget also proposes to expand the regulation-making authority related to drug and medical device shortages, to include foods for a special dietary purpose, such as human milk fortifiers and infant formulas.
Preventing nicotine youth marketing
Further tamping down on an issue the federal government has been outspoken on in recent months, the Liberals will be advancing amendments to the Food and Drugs Act to "prevent unintended and harmful uses of therapeutic products," by tamping down the youth marketing rules for the "addictive" therapies related to smoking cessation.
This comes after Ottawa signalled in March that new restrictions on how the products are marketed and sold would be coming "imminently."
It's expected these changes will complement steps already taken in some provinces, where nicotine pouches must be sold in pharmacies, as well as limiting the sale of flavoured pouches.
Easing ways to save for a child's education
Amendments are also coming to the Canada Education Savings Act, implementing an automatic enrolment in the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) for eligible children whose families do not open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).
Framed as making it easier for parents to save, currently the CLB is available for eligible children from low-income families born in 2004 or later and provides an initial payment of $500, plus $100 for each additional year of eligibility, up to age 15, for a maximum of $2,000.
In addition to the automatic enrolment, the government plans to extend the age to retroactively claim the CLB, from 20 to 30 years.
Cracking down on auto theft, devices
If you've gone to bed hoping that your vehicle will still be where you parked it when you wake up, it's worth noting that the federal government plans to use the incoming budget bill to introduce a raft of amendments to the Criminal Code to create new auto theft offences.
Specifically: auto theft involving the use of violence or links to organized crime; possession or distribution of an electronic or digital device for the purposes of committing auto theft; and laundering proceeds of crime for the benefit of a criminal organization.
The government also wants to create a new "aggravating factor" that would be applicable at sentencing where there's evidence the offender involved a young person in the commission of a crime.
Relatedly, Radiocommunication Act amendments are incoming to give the federal industry minister the power to "issue orders that may prohibit or restrict the sale, distribution and importation" of devices that can be used to intercept communications for criminal activity, such as auto theft.
Consumer cellphone, banking changes
The budget bill is expected to include alterations to Canada's Telecommunications Act to ban service providers from charging consumers switching fees, and to allow consumers self-serve options to cancel or modify plans with their existing cable, internet and cellphone providers. These providers will also have to notify customers of upcoming contract expiries.
Beyond the various financial promises in the budget meant to impact your wallet, reforms are afoot when it comes to your banking experience overall.
The federal government is proposing to "establish a framework for consumer-driven banking" with the potential to see new tools created to "help Canadians better keep track of bills, track a budget, collect and compare information," and more.
Specifically to get the ball rolling on this, the incoming massive package of budget-related law changes will include amendments to the Bank Act and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada Act.
Labelling gov't payments to Canadians
Also on the banking front, seemingly sparked by how certain banks are hesitating to alter what the Canada Carbon Rebate is called when it lands in your bank account, the federal government intends to advance amendments to the Financial Administration Act.
These reforms, if passed, would give Ottawa the power to dictate to financial institutions how to label government payments deposited in your accounts. Specifically they could spell out how certain rebates or refunds are to be worded on account statements and online banking records.
Relatedly, the Liberals are looking to change the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act to give federal officials the authority to share information in instances where there may be non-compliance with the fuel charge.
While specifics remain sparse, this seems to indicate that should a province not comply with the pollution pricing system – as Saskatchewan has indicated it intends to in respect to natural gas – the federal national revenue minister has the power to tell the public.
IN DEPTH
Budget 2024 prioritizes housing while taxing highest earners, deficit projected at $39.8B
In an effort to level the playing field for young people, in the 2024 federal budget, the government is targeting Canada's highest earners with new taxes in order to help offset billions in new spending to enhance the country's housing supply and social supports.
'One of the greatest': Former prime minister Brian Mulroney commemorated at state funeral
Prominent Canadians, political leaders, and family members remembered former prime minister and Progressive Conservative titan Brian Mulroney as an ambitious and compassionate nation-builder at his state funeral on Saturday.
'Democracy requires constant vigilance' Trudeau testifies at inquiry into foreign election interference in Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified Wednesday before the national public inquiry into foreign interference in Canada's electoral processes, following a day of testimony from top cabinet ministers about allegations of meddling in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. Recap all the prime minister had to say.
As Poilievre sides with Smith on trans restrictions, former Conservative candidate says he's 'playing with fire'
Siding with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on her proposed restrictions on transgender youth, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre confirmed Wednesday that he is against trans and non-binary minors using puberty blockers.
Supports for passengers, farmers, artists: 7 bills from MPs and Senators to watch in 2024
When parliamentarians return to Ottawa in a few weeks to kick off the 2024 sitting, there are a few bills from MPs and senators that will be worth keeping an eye on, from a 'gutted' proposal to offer a carbon tax break to farmers, to an initiative aimed at improving Canada's DNA data bank.
Opinion
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
opinion Don Martin: The doctor Trudeau dumped has a prescription for better health care
Political columnist Don Martin sat down with former federal health minister Jane Philpott, who's on a crusade to help fix Canada's broken health care system, and who declined to take any shots at the prime minister who dumped her from caucus.
opinion Don Martin: Trudeau's seeking shelter from the housing storm he helped create
While Justin Trudeau's recent housing announcements are generally drawing praise from experts, political columnist Don Martin argues there shouldn’t be any standing ovations for a prime minister who helped caused the problem in the first place.
opinion Don Martin: Poilievre has the field to himself as he races across the country to big crowds
It came to pass on Thursday evening that the confidentially predictable failure of the Official Opposition non-confidence motion went down with 204 Liberal, BQ and NDP nays to 116 Conservative yeas. But forcing Canada into a federal election campaign was never the point.
opinion Don Martin: How a beer break may have doomed the carbon tax hike
When the Liberal government chopped a planned beer excise tax hike to two per cent from 4.5 per cent and froze future increases until after the next election, says political columnist Don Martin, it almost guaranteed a similar carbon tax move in the offing.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
After more than 100 years, Newfoundland's unknown soldier returns home
An unknown Newfoundland soldier, who fought and died on the battlefields in northeastern France during the First World War, is back home this weekend for the first time in more than a hundred years.
Blaine Higgs 'furious' over sexual education presentation
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has shared his anger on social media over a presentation in at least four high schools.
This type of screen time has the worst effect on kids: experts
According to some experts, there is one type of screen time that is continuously excessive, and it's having a severe effect on our children.
Grayson Murray's parents say the two-time PGA Tour winner died of suicide
Grayson Murray's parents said Sunday their 30-year-old son took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event.
2 died in plane crash near Squamish, B.C., police confirm
Two people died after a plane went down in a remote area near Squamish, B.C. on Friday, authorities have confirmed.
Driver, 18, gets $3,000 ticket, 32 demerit points after speeding on Laval boulevard
A young driver received a hefty fine from Laval police after they say he was driving nearly 100 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Trump confronts repeated boos during raucous Libertarian convention speech
Donald Trump was booed repeatedly while addressing Saturday night’s Libertarian Party National Convention.
Indianapolis 500 delayed as strong storm forces fans to evacuate Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The start of the Indianapolis 500 was delayed as a strong storm pushed through the area Sunday, forcing Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials to evacuate about 125,000 fans who had already arrived for "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
Some birds may use 'mental time travel,' study finds
Real quick — what did you have for lunch yesterday? Were you with anyone? Where were you? Can you picture the scene? The ability to remember things that happened to you in the past, especially to go back and recall little incidental details, is a hallmark of what psychologists call episodic memory — and new research indicates that it’s an ability humans may share with birds called Eurasian jays.
Local Spotlight
Pomp, circumstance, and Crocs: Barrie, Ont. couple's unforgettable day at Buckingham Palace
When one is extended an invitation to the Royal Garden Party in London, England, there's undoubtedly no shortage of pomp and circumstance. Barrie, Ont. natives Megan Kirk Chang and her husband Brandon experienced just that as they entered the prestigious event hosted at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.
Tim Meadows pledges not to shave until the Oilers win the cup, who are the team's other famous fans?
An unlikely celebrity emerged from social media to cheer on the Edmonton Oilers as they face the Dallas Stars tonight in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
'Near and dear to all filmmakers': Return of Regina's discount theatre bodes well for fans, movie makers alike
The proprietors of Regina's sole discount theatre are aware they're carrying on a significant legacy.
'Best experience ever': B.C. baker on making it to the finals of Netflix's 'Is it Cake?'
When Jujhar Mann said he wanted to be a pastry chef on a grade school career project, he didn't imagine that pursuing his dream would land him on a popular Netflix baking competition.
Winnipeg flair on the menu at neighbourhood Houston restaurant
A city known for its history, ties to outer space and southern barbecue, is also home to a Winnipeg chef dishing out dozens of perogies.
Montreal photographer captures dramatic Canada goose vs. fox fight on video
A Montreal photographer captured the moment a Canada goose defended itself from a fox at the Botanical Garden.
Beyond books: Halifax libraries lends instruments, sports equipment, memory kits and more
Public libraries in Atlantic Canada are now lending a broader range of items.
'A special bird': The unbreakable bond between purple martins and humans
Flashes of purple darting across the sky mixed with the serenading sound of songs will be noticed more with spring in full force in Manitoba.
7-year-old Pokémon prodigy heading to Hawaii for world championship tournament
Catching 'em all with impressive speed, a 7-year-old boy from Windsor, Ont. who only started his competitive Pokémon journey seven months ago has already levelled up to compete at a world championship level.