Federal Financial Institutions Legislative And Regulatory Reporter – April 2026

Ontario's 2026 auto insurance reforms converted most accident benefits from mandatory to optional coverage, creating significant gaps in protection for pedestrians, cyclists, and unlisted drivers. Understanding these changes and taking proactive steps before your policy renewal could mean the difference between comprehensive coverage and devastating financial exposure after an accident.

Ontario is implementing major changes to auto insurance accident benefits starting July 1, 2026, shifting most coverage from mandatory to optional. Income replacement, caregiver benefits...

The Government of British Columbia has published the Restricted Insurance Agent Licence Regulation, introducing a new restricted licensing framework...

On December 18, 2025, the Government of British Columbia introduced the long-awaited restricted licensing framework ("Framework") for businesses that sell insurance products incidental to their primary business activities, such as add-on insurance offered in connection with the sale of vehicles or electronics.

Ontario's Financial Services Regulatory Authority has issued a warning about unlicensed businesses selling Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance through vehicle dealerships, leaving consumers potentially unprotected despite paying hundreds of dollars for coverage. The regulatory body has identified cases where GAP products reference insurers that never actually underwrote the policies, and is now taking enforcement action against violators while monitoring the market for compliance with licensing requ

If you put winter tires on your car this winter, your insurance company owes you a discount. The announcement was made by the Ontario government on October 14, 2015. As of January 1, 2016, all insurance companies operating in Ontario are required to provide a discount to their policyholders using winter tires. The announcement was made by the Ontario government on October 14, 2015. As of January 1, 2016, all insurance companies operating in Ontario are required to provide a discount to their

The Ontario Ministry of Finance (MOF) is proposing to amend the Insurance Act to introduce a new licensing framework to regulate life and health (L&H) managing general agents (MGAs) in the province.

On December 18, 2025, the Government of British Columbia announced a new restricted licencing framework for businesses that sell incidental or add-on insurance products, with the framework taking effect on January 1, 2027.

Canada's Department of Finance has released draft regulations that could transform how federally regulated insurers invest in and partner with insurtechs. The proposed framework would allow insurers to acquire control of businesses deriving at least 60% of revenue from financial services activities, potentially opening new capital and partnership opportunities for technology-focused insurance companies.

Insurance regulation in Canada has seen significant activity in 2026, with both federal and provincial regulators advancing new frameworks and priorities. The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions continues to build on its annual risk outlook while provincial regulators focus on licensing frameworks and consumer protection in insurance distribution.

On March 5, 2025, Canada published a Final State of PFAS Report finding that the entire class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)...

The United States has escalated its trade dispute with Canada by imposing import bans on alcoholic beverages, dairy products, and motorcycles under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, while Canada responds with matched counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of U.S. goods. Following the collapse of bilateral negotiations in August 2026, both nations have entered an unprecedented phase of trade restrictions that extends beyond traditional tariffs to include procurement exclusions and threatens further auto

A major U.S. vendor agreement has established a rigorous new AI safety standard for educational technology, prohibiting the use of student data for AI training and enforcing strict data minimization. While the standard does not directly bind vendors in Canada, Canadian school boards can leverage this precedent to demand equivalent contractual protections and strengthen their own AI governance frameworks.

The Supreme Court of Canada held its second annual ceremony marking the opening of the judicial year at its temporary home in the West Memorial Building, with Chief Justice highlighting the Court's increased caseload and architectural features. What significant constitutional and legal challenges will the Court address in its fall 2026 session, including cases on firearm regulations, Crown immunity, and vicarious liability?

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization’s (CIRO) proposed Incorporated Approved Person model could materially change how client-facing advisors structure their businesses and receive compensation with significant impacts to sponsoring firms. The proposed rule amendments, published on July 9, 2026, would introduce a harmonized incorporated compensation option for client-facing Approved Persons across CIRO regulated dealers. Comments are due November 6, 2026.

On July 2, 2026, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) published its updated Guidance on the Common Reporting Standard (Updated CRS Guidance).

The Government of British Columbia has published the Restricted Insurance Agent Licence Regulation, introducing a new restricted licensing framework...

In June 2022, Health Canada introduced new nutrition labelling regulations for prepackaged foods. A key feature of these regulations is the mandatory use of a front-of-package (FOP) nutrition symbol...

​The amendments to the Contaminated Sites Regulation, which take effect November 1st, 2017, will incorporate new soil, water, and vapour standards.

Since April 1, 2021, residential projects of at least 450 m² (about 5 units or more) in Montréal have been subject to the By-law for a Diverse Metropolis (the BDM).