Moving to a new country is exciting, but let’s be real, it can also be confusing. In Canada, there are many laws that protect your rights, whether you’re renting your first apartment, starting a new job or figuring out your immigration status. But legal language can be hard to understand, especially if English isn’t your first language. That’s why we’re breaking it down.
This guide will walk you through some of the most important legal topics every newcomer should know in plain language. No legal jargon, no stress, just the basics to help you feel informed and empowered.
1. Tenants’ Rights: What to Know Before You Sign a Lease
Renting a place to live? In Ontario, you have rights as a tenant:
- You have the right to a safe and clean home. Your landlord must address issues like broken heaters, leaky taps or pest problems.
- Rent increases can’t happen without notice. Your landlord can only raise your rent once a year and must give you 90 days’ notice in writing.
- Your landlord can’t evict you without a reason. They must go through the Landlord and Tenant Board (a legal body) and follow proper steps.
- Always keep records of your lease and any communication with your landlord.
2. Labour Rights: Know Your Rights at Work
Whether you work in a restaurant, warehouse, office or construction site, you have rights as a worker in Ontario:
- You must be paid at least minimum wage. As of 2025 in Ontario, it’s $17.20 per hour.
- You’re entitled to a break, at least 30 minutes after five hours of work.
- Overtime rules apply. If you work more than 44 hours a week, you must be paid 1.5 times your regular pay.
- You can’t be fired for asking about your rights.
Even if you’re not a permanent resident or citizen, you still have worker protections. If you’re being treated unfairly, you can contact the Ministry of Labour for help.
3. Family Law: Support, Divorce and Custody
Family law covers things like marriage, separation, child support and custody. Here are the basics:
- Child support is the law. If parents separate, the parent who does not live with the child must usually pay monthly support.
- Custody and access are about what’s best for the child, not what’s easiest for the parents.
- You don’t need to go to court right away. Many issues can be solved through mediation. A mediation is a meeting with a neutral third party who helps both sides reach an agreement.
- Domestic violence is never okay. If you’re in an unsafe relationship, there are free shelters and legal services available to help you leave safely.
4. Immigration Updates: Staying Informed
Canada’s immigration laws change often. If you’re a permanent resident, refugee, student or worker, it’s important to stay updated:
- Check your status and expiry dates. Don’t let permits or visas expire without applying to renew them.
- Be careful of scams. Always check that immigration consultants or lawyers are licensed before you pay them.
- You have the right to appeal if your application is denied, in many cases.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) posts updates regularly on their website. Legal clinics also help newcomers understand paperwork, often for free or at low cost.
- You don’t have to be a lawyer to understand legal documents. You deserve to be treated fairly. Knowing the basics helps you speak up, ask questions and protect yourself and your family.
Remember: asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. There are people and organizations ready to support you through every step of your newcomer journey.