Toronto·NewOntario government officials say they are “developing new measures” that would force impaired drivers to pay ongoing child support if they kill a child’s parent or guardian in a crash.Province says it is examining similar law from Texas enacted in 2023CBC News · Posted: Nov 18, 2025 12:07 PM EST | Last Updated: 22 minutes agoListen to this articleEstimated 2 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey says the province is ‘looking at practical solutions’ to ‘ease the burden’ for families in the wake of impaired driving fatalities. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press)Ontario government officials say they are “developing new measures” that would force impaired drivers to pay ongoing child support if they kill a child’s parent or guardian in a crash.The province announced its policy proposal in a news release Tuesday, noting a similar requirement from Texas introduced in 2023 where drivers convicted of “intoxication manslaughter” pay child support until the affected child turns 18 or graduates from high school.Ontario officials will be “exploring this requirement and other examples” while looking at ways to implement the idea, according to the release.”No child should have to bear the weight of losing a parent to impaired driving,” Attorney General Doug Downey said in a statement. “The devastating impact reaches far beyond the immediate loss — it can leave children struggling emotionally and financially.”“That’s why our government is looking at practical solutions that can ease their burden in the wake of such tragedies and provide financial stability for children who are left behind.”The province’s news release says impaired driving is the leading cause of death on Ontario roadways, noting that in 2021, there were 182 deaths caused by impaired driving — including 96 drinking-and-driving deaths compared to 86 linked to drugs.In a statement, MADD Canada CEO Steve Sullivan said the organization is applauding the province for looking into measures that would support victims and hold impaired drivers accountable.“MADD Canada works with those impacted by impaired driving every day, and we know the harsh reality families face because of someone else’s harmful choices,” he said.
Ontario government proposes forcing impaired drivers to pay child support for victim’s families
