July brought several significant legislative, regulatory and funding developments affecting public transit across Canada. From stronger protections for transit workers to new enforcement powers and major federal investments, these updates will help shape the operating and policy environment for transit systems in the months ahead.

First Ministers Meet to Advance National Economic Priorities

Canada’s Premiers and Prime Minister met in Charlottetown on July 23 to discuss Canada–U.S. relations, energy independence, internal trade and labour mobility.

The meeting reinforced federal, provincial and territorial cooperation on building critical infrastructure and strengthening Canada’s economic resilience. These priorities are relevant to public transit as governments consider major infrastructure delivery, workforce mobility and the efficient movement of Canadian goods and people to support productivity.

Federal Protections Expanded to All Transit Workers

Changes to federal bail and sentencing laws came into effect on July 15, expanding the Criminal Code’s aggravating factor for violence against a transit operator to include all transit employees.

The change extends legal recognition to maintenance workers, fare inspectors, station staff, customer service employees and others who may face safety risks while serving the public. It represents an important step toward stronger protections for Canada’s entire transit workforce.

Ontario Expands Enforcement Powers for Transit Special Constables

Ontario approved new regulatory powers allowing transit special constables to ticket and arrest individuals for illicit drug use on transit property.

The changes also allow officers to order compliance and seize substances for analysis. Ontario is believed to be the first province to extend this type of drug-enforcement authority to transit special constables, with other jurisdictions now considering similar measures.

Quebec Tribunal Rules on Essential Service Requirements for the REM

Quebec’s Administrative Labour Tribunal ruled that companies operating the Réseau express métropolitain are considered a public service under the Labour Code, but are not required to maintain essential service during a strike.

The decision comes as the parties negotiate their first collective agreement and establishes an important precedent for how future labour disruptions on the REM may be handled.

Federal Government Invests $1.95 Billion in VIA Rail Fleet Renewal

The federal government announced a $1.95-billion investment to renew VIA Rail’s long-distance, regional and remote locomotive fleet.

The investment includes 45 hybrid battery-diesel locomotives and a new assembly and maintenance facility in Montréal. Up to 36 of the locomotives will receive final assembly in Canada, supporting domestic jobs and the long-term reliability of passenger rail service.