Can I ask for more child support just because the divorce laws recently changed?

Under the Divorce Act, you cannot use the recent legislative updates as a reason to modify your existing child support arrangement. The law is very clear on this point. Specifically, it states that "the coming into force of that Act does not constitute a change in the circumstances of the child" [cite:ca-divorce-act-sec35p7]. This means that the mere fact that new legal rules were implemented does not qualify as a 'change in circumstances'—which is a legal term for a significant shift in a person's life situation that justifies changing a court order or agreement. In your specific situation, even though you feel the $850 monthly payment for your daughter's food and school fees should be higher to reflect current costs, the recent changes to the Divorce Act itself cannot be the basis for your application to the court [cite:ca-divorce-act-sec35p7]. While you might be able to seek an increase if other things change—such as your ex-partner's income or your daughter's specific needs—the law prevents you from using the new legislation as the trigger for a modification. Additionally, while there are rules regarding notice for changes in residence or parenting arrangements, these do not apply to your request for a change in support amounts based on the new laws [cite:ca-divorce-act-sec35p6]. Because the law explicitly excludes the new Act from being a valid reason for change, you are effectively stuck with the current $850 amount unless a different, non-legislative event occurs. State, provincial, or local laws may add further rules regarding family law and support, so you should check your specific provincial regulations.