Ontario plan would require impaired drivers to support children of their Victims

The Ontario government is developing new measures that would require impaired drivers to pay ongoing child support if they kill a child’s parent or guardian. The initiative would build on recent measures passed in the Safer Roads and Communities Act, 2024, and is part of the government’s ongoing work to protect Ontario families and communities by holding impaired drivers accountable for their reckless and illegal behaviour. These financial support measures would build on existing liabilities for impaired drivers, including the ability of victims’ families to sue impaired drivers in civil court.

“No child should have to bear the weight of losing a parent to impaired driving,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “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.”

Impaired driving remains the leading cause of death on Ontario roads. In 2021, it claimed 182 lives—96 involving alcohol and 86 involving drugs.

“When a drunk driver takes an innocent life, it imposes a life sentence on the family left behind, especially the children who are suddenly without a parent,” said Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria. “Ontario already has some of the toughest penalties in North America for impaired and reckless driving. Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we are taking another step to strengthen support for victims and their families.”

The province will be exploring how other jurisdictions deal with impaired drivers and financial compensation for victims’ children. In 2023, Texas introduced a law requiring impaired drivers convicted of “intoxication manslaughter” to pay child support until the victim’s child turns 18 or graduates from high school. Ontario will study this and similar examples as it considers how to implement its proposal best 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,” said Steve Sullivan, CEO of MADD Canada. “We applaud the Ontario government for looking into additional measures that would hold offenders accountable and support victims—particularly minors—impacted by the loss of a guardian who was killed by a drunk driver.”