Ontario Introduces Legislation to Protect Communities and Keep Streets Safe

May 25, 2026

Beamsville – The Ontario government has introduced legislation this week that would, if passed, strengthen public safety, support victims of crime and give law enforcement stronger tools to keep communities safe. The Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026, includes bold new measures to support victims of human trafficking, crack down on illegal drugs, strengthen oversight of the towing industry and make it easier to enforce restraining orders.

“The Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act is another step our government is taking to build safer communities, support victims of crime, hold offenders accountable and protect drivers on our highways,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“I have heard directly from residents and businesses in Niagara of the importance of addressing serious crime and keeping our communities safe. That is why the province is working with all levels of government to provide every support possible for the most vulnerable and in our communities.”

“Our government remains laser-focused on protecting Ontario’s streets and keeping communities safe,” said Hon. Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General.

“This legislation builds on the decisive action we have 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.”

The Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026, includes initiatives that would:

Increase public awareness and protect communities by amending the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, to authorize the Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner to publish information on a provincial public website about high-risk offenders, including high-risk sex offenders, when a Chief of Police issues a community notification. If passed, the new website is expected to be online by April 2027.

Help survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives by providing up to $50,000 in debt relief for victims who were forced or coerced into debt by their traffickers.

Protect transit users and frontline transit workers by giving special constables on designated transit systems the authority to stop individuals from using illegal drugs on transit and issue tickets or make arrests if individuals refuse to comply.

Crack down on illegal drug production by prohibiting the possession, use or sale of designated devices such as pill presses for the purpose of making illicit drugs, and prohibiting the possession, production or trafficking of precursor chemicals to make illegal drugs.

Set clearer rules of conduct for tow truck drivers at collision scenes and strengthen qualification standards for tow operators, tow truck drivers and vehicle storage operators.

Protect victims by allowing restraining orders issued in other provinces and territories to be enforced in Ontario without requiring an additional court declaration to make them enforceable.

Amend the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005, to strengthen public safety by modernizing training, oversight and licensing requirements.

Amend the Provincial Offences Act to resolve cases faster by allowing prosecutors and defendants to enter plea agreements without judicial oversight.

Reduce wait times for police record checks for people working or volunteering with vulnerable populations such as children, seniors and people with disabilities, while maintaining strong safeguards. If passed, implementation of these changes would involve coordination with federal partners, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Public Safety Canada, to give designated police services access to federal databases.

Add more canine teams to increase contraband searches in adult correctional institutions; and

Restrict the use and future purchases of Chinese-made drones for government use, helping protect sensitive provincial information.

“People across Ontario deserve to feel safe in their communities,” said Hon. Doug Downey, Attorney General.

“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.”