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3 New Ontario Laws and Rules Coming in October 2025

ICC Immigration Inc > Blogs > Announcement > 3 New Ontario Laws and Rules Coming in October 2025

Ontario is entering a pivotal moment in October 2025. Three major changes to Ontario’s minimum wage, Employment Insurance (EI) temporary measures, and a provincial tax deferral deadline will directly impact workers, businesses, and families across the province. If you’re living, working, or planning to immigrate to Ontario, these changes could shape your financial and professional future.

In this article, we’ll break down these new Ontario laws and rules, explain how they may affect you, and show how ICC Immigration can help you secure long-term stability in Canada.

1. Ontario’s Minimum Wage Increases to $17.60

Beginning October 1, 2025, Ontario’s general minimum wage rises from $17.20 to $17.60 per hour—a 2.4% increase. While this move aligns with the province’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), experts argue it still falls short of a true living wage in urban centres such as Toronto and Ottawa, where housing and food costs remain high.

This wage hike also affects:

  • Student minimum wage, which increases to $16.60/hour for under-18s working part-time during school or full-time during breaks.

  • Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides, whose daily minimum rises to $88.05 (under 5 hours) or $176.15 (5+ hours).

For full-time workers clocking 40 hours weekly, this means roughly $1,664 more per year before taxes. Employers must also adjust payroll systems to account for hours worked before and after October 1 to comply with the Employment Standards Act.

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2. EI Temporary Measures End October 11, 2025

At the same time, federal support programs introduced to soften the impact of U.S. tariffs on Ontario industries will expire. These Employment Insurance (EI) measures were rolled out in March 2025 to help workers in manufacturing, steel, and automotive sectors.

Key changes include:

  • Return of the one-week EI waiting period for claims filed after October 11.

  • Severance and vacation payouts will once again reduce EI benefits after the deadline.

  • Regional unemployment rate adjustments end, increasing the number of hours needed to qualify for EI in lower-unemployment regions.

Workers and employers should file EI claims before the deadline where possible to maximize benefits. With over 500,000 Ontario jobs linked to tariff-affected industries, this rollback will hit many households hard.

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3. $9 Billion Tax Deferral Deadline – October 1, 2025

Ontario businesses that benefited from Premier Doug Ford’s $11 billion relief package earlier this year must repay deferred provincial taxes by October 1, 2025. This includes $9 billion in deferred taxes plus $2 billion in WSIB rebates for 80,000 businesses across sectors such as manufacturing and retail.

Failure to meet the repayment deadline could result in penalties and interest. Business owners are encouraged to conduct a cash flow audit immediately, use accounting software to track deferred amounts, and explore government grants or rebates where available.

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Why These Changes Matter for Workers and Immigrants

Ontario’s economy is Canada’s largest, and its policies often set the tone for the rest of the country. Higher wages can create new opportunities for job seekers and immigrants, but the end of EI temporary measures and looming tax deadlines may also signal tighter budgets and increased competition for jobs.

For international students and workers, these developments highlight the importance of planning your immigration and employment pathways carefully. Rising wages may make Ontario attractive, but immigration rules, job security, and long-term residency plans must be strategically managed.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

While Ontario’s new rules bring both opportunities and risks, ICC Immigration can help you navigate Canada’s immigration system with confidence. Instead of relying on the uncertainty of asylum claims, ICC Immigration provides tailored strategies to secure Permanent Residency (PR) and other legal pathways to stay in Canada.

Here’s how ICC Immigration can support you:

Permanent Residency Applications

Our team assists with Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other pathways to ensure your PR application is accurate, timely, and complete. We help you understand which program best matches your qualifications and long-term goals.

Work Permits and Study Permits

Whether you’re planning to work or study in Canada, we guide you through temporary permits that can lead to PR. This is especially important for international students in Ontario, where changing policies may affect post-graduation options.

Family Sponsorships

If you have family members living in Canada, ICC Immigration helps you reunite with loved ones while securing your legal status.

Expert Legal Advice

Immigration rules can be complex. Our legal experts ensure your application complies with current regulations, maximizing your chances of success and avoiding costly delays or rejections.

By choosing ICC Immigration, you gain a partner who prioritizes stability, security, and a clear path to Permanent Residency—even amid changing laws and economic conditions.

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Key Takeaways

  • Minimum Wage Increase: $17.60/hour general rate effective October 1, 2025.

  • EI Temporary Measures End: October 11, 2025; higher qualification hurdles for workers.

  • Tax Deferral Deadline: $9 billion due October 1, 2025 for 80,000 businesses.

  • Immigration Opportunities: ICC Immigration offers expert guidance on PR, work permits, and study permits to help you thrive in Canada despite changing economic conditions.

Ontario’s October 2025 changes are not just policy updates—they’re financial and professional turning points. Whether you’re a worker, student, or business owner, now is the time to prepare.