New Construction Laws
New and upcoming construction laws, building codes and regulations across Canada, and what each change means for owners, buyers, contractors, trades, workers, suppliers and designers. Every entry links to the official source.
32 changes
Alberta residential builders must meet competency requirements for licences
Comes into force Jan 1, 2027 · in 2 months
From January 1, 2027, residential builders applying for a new licence or renewing one must confirm they meet builder competency requirements. Licences run one year, and each separate legal entity needs its own licence…
- Buyer / client
- Licensed new-home builders will have to meet defined competencies, which should improve build quality.
- Contractor
- Before renewals from 2027, confirm your firm meets the competency requirements or renewal may be refused.
Nova Scotia energy Tier 2 and building Tier 3 scheduled
Comes into force Apr 1, 2027 · in 5 months
Under Nova Scotia's announced phase-in, Tier 2 of the energy code and Tier 3 of the building code are scheduled for April 1, 2027. Tier 3 of the energy code is scheduled for April 1, 2029.
- Owner
- Projects permitted after April 1, 2027 face higher energy performance requirements.
- Contractor
- Price higher-performance envelopes and mechanicals into jobs permitted after April 1, 2027.
- Trade contractor
- Insulation and HVAC trades will need to meet tighter energy targets.
- Supplier
- Expect higher demand for energy-efficient products from 2027.
- Designer
- Energy designs must meet Tier 2 from April 1, 2027.
Yukon postpones automatic adoption of 2025 National Building Code to June 22, 2027
Comes into force Jun 22, 2027 · in 8 months
Yukon currently uses the NBC 2020, adopted April 1, 2023. The 2025 NBC would have come into effect automatically on June 22, 2026, but Yukon postponed it to June 22, 2027. The Yukon government and the City of Whitehorse…
- Contractor
- Permits stay on NBC 2020 until June 22, 2027. Builders can give input on exemptions during the engagement.
- Designer
- Designs for permits after June 22, 2027 must meet NBC 2025 unless exempted.
WorkSafeBC: new periodic equipment certification rules
Comes into force Sep 1, 2027 · in 10 months
WorkSafeBC's Board approved amendments on periodic certification of equipment as safe for use, across OHS Regulation Parts 4, 13, 14, 20, 28 and 31, at its July 2026 meeting. They take effect September 1, 2027. Part 13…
- Contractor
- Review certification schedules for lifting and access equipment before September 1, 2027.
- Trade contractor
- Crane, hoist and scaffold contractors should check the new certification requirements.
- Worker
- Equipment you use should carry current certification under the amended rules.
- Supplier
- Equipment rental firms may need to update certification and documentation practices.
RBQ certificate mandatory for pre-purchase building inspectors
Comes into force Oct 1, 2027 · in 11 months
From October 1, 2027, residential building inspectors doing pre-purchase inspections in Quebec real estate transactions must hold an RBQ certificate. Existing inspectors have a transition period to complete upgrade trai…
- Owner
- Sellers will face inspections by certified inspectors under standardized rules.
- Buyer / client
- Homebuyers will be able to rely on RBQ-certified inspectors for pre-purchase inspections.
- Worker
- Practising inspectors must obtain the RBQ certificate before October 1, 2027.
Quebec extends building and electrical code transition periods by one year
In force since Sep 10, 2026
Effective September 10, 2026, pre-April 17, 2025 building rules may still be used if work starts before October 17, 2027. Pre-March 26, 2026 electrical rules may also be used if work starts before October 17, 2027. The…
- Owner
- Projects starting before October 17, 2027 may still use the older code editions.
- Contractor
- Work started before October 17, 2027 may follow the old building and electrical rules, so document start dates.
- Trade contractor
- Electricians can use pre-March 26, 2026 rules on work begun before October 17, 2027.
- Designer
- Older code editions remain usable longer, but the RBQ recommends the current editions.
Small-scale multi-unit housing: Bill 25 widens zones that must allow 3–6 units
In force since Jun 30, 2026
Local governments must permit 3–4 units on single-family and duplex lots, and 6 units near frequent transit, within the SSMUH criteria. Bill 25 widens 'Restricted Zone' to any zone with a parcel restricted to a single d…
- Owner
- More lots can legally host 3–6 units without rezoning.
- Contractor
- Infill multiplex work expands on former single-family lots across BC municipalities.
- Designer
- Design multiplexes to provincial policy-manual site standards instead of negotiating rezonings.
Quebec Electrical chapter updated (CEC 2021 modified Quebec)
In force since Mar 26, 2026
Quebec's electrical chapter was updated with new provisions effective March 26, 2026, based on the Canadian Electrical Code 2021 (modified Quebec). Older rules may still be used for work started before October 17, 2027…
- Contractor
- Electrical contractors must apply CEC 2021 (modified Quebec) to new work, or document starts before the transition cut-off.
- Trade contractor
- Licensed electrical subcontractors need training on the CEC 2021 (modified Quebec) changes.
- Worker
- Electricians must work to the updated code requirements.
- Supplier
- Electrical products must suit CEC 2021 requirements.
- Designer
- Electrical engineers should design to CEC 2021 (modified Quebec).
Construction Act: annual release timing and 7-day notice of termination
In force since Jan 1, 2026
Annual holdback release must occur at least 60 days and no more than 74 days after the notice of annual release is published. Holdback rules on abandoned or terminated contracts now cover any abandonment or termination…
- Owner
- After terminating a contractor, publish the notice within 7 days. Release annual holdback 60–74 days after the notice.
- Contractor
- A published termination notice starts lien-expiry clocks, so monitor for it and preserve liens quickly.
- Trade contractor
- Watch for published termination notices because your lien window runs from that date.
- Supplier
- Lien deadlines for materials can be triggered by a published notice of termination.
Construction Act: annual holdback release, proper-invoice deeming, broader adjudication
In force since Jan 1, 2026
Owners must publish a notice within 14 days after each contract anniversary and release accrued holdback annually, and payers must pass it down the chain. An invoice is deemed proper unless the owner gives written notic…
- Owner
- You must track contract anniversaries, publish annual holdback release notices and respond to invoice deficiencies within 7 days.
- Contractor
- Holdback flows yearly on multi-year jobs. Invoices count as proper unless challenged within 7 days, and more disputes can go to adjudication.
- Trade contractor
- Annual holdback must be passed down promptly, which improves cash flow on long projects.
- Supplier
- Suppliers on long projects benefit from annual holdback release down the payment chain.
- Designer
- Consultants under construction contracts can use the expanded adjudication for fee and scope disputes.
Federal recognition of provincial trade and occupational licences
In force since Jan 1, 2026
Federal regulators must recognize a provincial or territorial authorization to practise an occupation as comparable to a federal one, and must issue a federal authorization to holders who apply. Goods and services that…
- Contractor
- Provincially licensed crews can be deployed on federally regulated work without separate federal credentialing.
- Trade contractor
- A provincial or territorial trade authorization must be recognized for comparable federally regulated work.
- Worker
- Certified tradespeople can apply for federal recognition of their provincial authorization without re-qualifying.
- Supplier
- Products meeting provincial or territorial requirements are deemed to meet comparable federal requirements, subject to exceptions.
Buy Canadian policy: Canadian steel, aluminum and wood on large federal construction
In force since Dec 16, 2025
The new federal procurement rules took effect December 16, 2025. Federal construction and defence contracts of $25M or more must use Canadian-produced steel, aluminum and wood when the materials requirement is at least…
- Buyer / client
- Federal departments must evaluate bids with Canadian content and materials criteria, with exceptions for major delays or no Canadian supply.
- Contractor
- Bidders on large federal jobs must source and document Canadian steel, aluminum and wood before and during the contract.
- Trade contractor
- Trades supplying structural steel, aluminum or wood packages must provide proof the materials were produced in Canada.
- Supplier
- Materials must be produced or processed in Canada. Reselling imported product through a Canadian company does not qualify.
- Designer
- Specifications for federal projects should allow for available Canadian-made steel, aluminum and wood products.
Working for Workers Seven: defibrillator reimbursement, safety-system procurement, ESA changes
In force since Nov 27, 2025
This act received Royal Assent November 27, 2025. It adds a WSIB reimbursement for defibrillators where OHSA rules require them, and lets regulations recognize accredited health and safety management systems, including…
- Owner
- Public owners may be required by regulation to recognize accredited safety management systems in tenders.
- Contractor
- Expect AED duties on larger sites set by regulation, with WSIB reimbursement of the device cost.
- Trade contractor
- Accredited safety management systems (e.g., COR) may be accepted as equivalents across owners' prequalification.
- Worker
- Workers given termination notice get up to 3 unpaid days of job-seeking leave, and more sites will have defibrillators.
- Supplier
- AED vendors will see demand from construction employers.
Quebec construction industry reform: versatility, mobility and access measures phased in
In force since Nov 12, 2025
The Act was assented May 28, 2024 and phased in through 2025. From May 1, 2025, clauses limiting preferred workers' mobility are void, and from September 1, 2025 the collective bargaining calendar and strike rules chang…
- Contractor
- More flexibility to assign related tasks across trades and to move experienced crews between regions.
- Trade contractor
- Specialty contractors can staff from a wider pool when local pools are short.
- Worker
- Journeypersons can do related short tasks outside their trade, and those with 15,000 hours gain province-wide mobility.
CCMC-evaluated innovative products no longer need an Ontario Minister's Ruling
In force since Jul 1, 2025
Innovative construction products already evaluated by the Canadian Construction Materials Centre no longer need a secondary Ontario approval (Minister's Ruling). The Building Materials Evaluation Commission cannot exerc…
- Contractor
- CCMC-evaluated products can be used without waiting for a separate Ontario ruling.
- Supplier
- Manufacturers need only a CCMC evaluation to bring an innovative product to Ontario.
- Designer
- A CCMC evaluation report is enough to specify an innovative product in Ontario.
Bill 17: development charge deferral, limits on municipal construction by-laws
In force since Jun 5, 2025
This omnibus housing and infrastructure act received Royal Assent June 5, 2025. Non-rental residential development charges can be paid at the earlier of occupancy permit or first occupancy, and long-term care homes are…
- Owner
- Development charges for for-sale housing can be deferred to occupancy, though municipalities may require security.
- Contractor
- Builders face more uniform construction rules province-wide and lower up-front financing costs for development charges.
- Designer
- Fewer municipal construction standards to reconcile against the Building Code.
New Brunswick adopts 2020 national codes with Energy Tier 2 minimum
In force since May 1, 2025
New Brunswick updated its adopted National Building Code from 2015 to 2020 and its National Energy Code for Buildings from 2011 to 2020. It made Energy Performance Tier 2 the minimum, under NBC 9.36 for houses and NECB…
- Owner
- New homes must meet Tier 2 energy performance, which can raise build cost but lower energy bills.
- Buyer / client
- New homes in NB are built to a higher energy minimum (Tier 2).
- Contractor
- Build to NBC 2020 and Tier 2 envelope and mechanical performance on permits from May 1, 2025.
- Trade contractor
- Insulation, air-sealing and HVAC trades must hit Tier 2 targets.
- Supplier
- Demand rises for higher-performance windows, insulation and mechanical equipment.
- Designer
- Energy modelling or prescriptive paths must achieve Tier 2 under NBC 2020 and NECB 2020.
Quebec Construction Code Chapter I updated to NBC 2020 (modified Quebec)
In force since Apr 17, 2025
Quebec's Building chapter of the Construction Code was updated to the NBC 2020 (modified Quebec) effective April 17, 2025, with an 18-month transition period. Changes improve accessibility, user and structural safety, o…
- Owner
- Existing building owners face new Safety Code duties such as hot-work protection and fire safety plan compliance.
- Contractor
- Build to NBC 2020 (modified Quebec), or use the old rules only within the extended transition period.
- Worker
- New hot-work fire protection rules apply on site.
- Designer
- Design to NBC 2020 (modified Quebec). The RBQ has published explanatory guides.
Nova Scotia adopts 2020 national codes with phased tiers
In force since Apr 1, 2025
Nova Scotia adopted the 2020 national building, plumbing and energy codes starting April 1, 2025, at Tier 1 for both the building and energy codes. The building code's Tier 2 was scheduled for April 1, 2026. Later steps…
- Contractor
- Track which tier applies on each permit date, as requirements step up yearly through 2029.
- Trade contractor
- Plumbing trades follow NPC 2020 from April 1, 2025.
- Designer
- Design to NBC 2020 and plan for the scheduled tier increases.
Alberta OHS Code updates fully in effect (harassment and violence, explosives)
In force since Mar 31, 2025
Updated OHS Code provisions, including those on harassment and violence and on explosives, became fully effective March 31, 2025. Most changes are administrative, removing duplication and clarifying requirements, and so…
- Contractor
- Update harassment and violence prevention plans and any explosives procedures to the amended Code.
- Trade contractor
- Blasting and explosives contractors must follow the updated technical standards.
- Worker
- The harassment and violence protections are updated under the revised Code.
GST/HST rebate of up to $50,000 for first-time buyers of new homes
In force since Mar 20, 2025
First-time buyers can get back all or part of the GST (or the federal part of the HST) on a new or substantially renovated home, up to $50,000. Per the CRA, purchase agreements with a builder, or owner-build constructio…
- Owner
- An owner-builder who is a first-time buyer may claim the rebate if construction started on or after March 20, 2025.
- Buyer / client
- An eligible first-time buyer saves up to $50,000 of GST on a new home under $1.5M. Apply within about two years.
- Contractor
- A builder can credit the rebate at closing, so price lists and agreements of purchase and sale need FTHB eligibility wording.
BC Building Code 2024 seismic and adaptable-dwelling rules take effect
In force since Mar 10, 2025
New earthquake-design and adaptable-dwelling requirements apply to permit applications from March 10, 2025. Adaptable units are phased in, starting at 20% of units in large residential buildings. Projects whose design b…
- Owner
- In-stream projects designed under the 2018 code must apply for permits before March 8, 2027 to avoid redesign.
- Buyer / client
- More new apartments will include adaptable units suitable for aging in place.
- Contractor
- Higher seismic detailing, especially in the Capital Regional District and Lower Mainland, raises structural scope and cost.
- Trade contractor
- Structural, framing and concrete trades must meet updated seismic detailing.
- Supplier
- Demand changes for seismic hardware and accessible fixtures.
- Designer
- Structural engineers apply the 2020 NBC-based seismic hazard values. Architects plan 20% adaptable units in large buildings.
Encapsulated mass timber buildings allowed up to 18 storeys
In force since Jan 1, 2025
The regulation permits Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction up to 18 storeys, expands permitted occupancies and relaxes encapsulation requirements. It also carries forward provisions for Temporary Health and Residentia…
- Owner
- Developers can choose mass timber for taller mid-rise and high-rise projects.
- Contractor
- Taller timber projects open up, and they need EMTC sequencing and fire-protection expertise.
- Trade contractor
- Timber erection and encapsulation trades have a larger market of tall buildings.
- Supplier
- Demand opens for CLT and glulam on buildings up to 18 storeys.
- Designer
- Architects and engineers can design EMTC to 18 storeys with relaxed encapsulation.
2024 Ontario Building Code in effect (harmonized with NBC 2020)
In force since Jan 1, 2025
The new Ontario Building Code adopts the National Building Code 2020 with an Ontario Amendment Document, removing at least 1,730 technical variations. It took effect January 1, 2025. The 2012 code could be used until Ma…
- Owner
- Permits applied for from April 1, 2025 must show compliance with the 2024 code.
- Contractor
- Build to the NBC-based compendium, as Parts 3, 7 and 9 changed. Building Code exams switched to 2024 content on March 30, 2026.
- Trade contractor
- Part 9 and plumbing (Part 7) trades must follow the revised requirements.
- Supplier
- Products and standards referenced by NBC 2020 now apply in Ontario.
- Designer
- BCIN designers must design to the 2024 code and requalify with 2024 exams.
Underused Housing Tax ended from the 2025 calendar year
In force since Jan 1, 2025
Bill C-15 received Royal Assent on March 26, 2026. Owners no longer file a UHT return or pay UHT for 2025 and later calendar years. Obligations for 2022 to 2024, including penalties and interest, remain in place. The Ac…
- Owner
- No UHT return or tax for 2025 onward, but any unfiled 2022–2024 returns and penalties are still owed.
- Contractor
- Builders holding unsold or vacant inventory homes no longer face UHT filing for 2025 onward.
Mandatory construction-stage inspections and certificate of conformity (law adopted, regulation pending)
Announced · date not set
The 2024 law requires contractors and owner-builders to have work inspected at key construction stages under a site supervision plan, and to obtain a certificate of conformity with the Construction Code. The RBQ must ad…
- Owner
- Owner-builders will need staged inspections and a certificate of conformity for covered buildings.
- Buyer / client
- Buyers of covered new buildings will get documented stage inspections and a conformity certificate.
- Contractor
- Plan for a site supervision plan and stage inspections on covered projects once the regulation is in force.
- Trade contractor
- Work may be held for stage inspections before it can be covered up.
- Designer
- Professionals may be engaged for site supervision and conformity attestations.
RBQ tightens contractor licence applications (ownership, bankruptcies, criminal records)
Announced · date not set
The RBQ published amendments requiring more information and documents with licence applications and changes. The aim is to better verify shareholding and legal structure, and to collect information on bankruptcies, busi…
- Buyer / client
- Stronger vetting of licensed contractors aims to reduce fraudulent operators.
- Contractor
- Licence applications and changes need extra ownership, bankruptcy and criminal-history disclosures.
- Trade contractor
- Specialty licence holders face the same expanded disclosure on applications and changes.
Saskatchewan reverts to Tier 1 energy efficiency for housing and small buildings
Announced · date not set
On February 19, 2025, Saskatchewan announced it will return to Tier 1 energy efficiency, effective once regulatory amendments are approved, citing affordability and harmonization. The government said builders may adopt…
- Buyer / client
- Lower energy-performance minimums may cut upfront cost but raise long-term energy use in new homes.
- Contractor
- Part 9 homes can be built to Tier 1 instead of higher tiers, reducing envelope and mechanical costs.
- Trade contractor
- Insulation and HVAC scopes may shrink compared with Tier 2 and Tier 3 designs.
- Supplier
- Demand eases for high-performance windows, insulation and HRVs needed for higher tiers.
- Designer
- Energy modelling targets drop to Tier 1 for housing and small buildings.
New Home Buyer Protection Act changes: caveats on warranty-exempt homes, appeal rights
Announced · date not set
Homes built and sold without warranty under an exemption would carry a caveat on title so buyers know before purchase. Appeal rights for homebuyer decisions would be reinstated, a homebuyer protection advisory group cre…
- Owner
- Owner-builders get faster approvals but a title caveat if they sell without warranty.
- Buyer / client
- Buyers will see a title caveat flagging homes sold without new-home warranty.
- Contractor
- Licensing and warranty dispute rules will change through future regulations.
BC Construction Prompt Payment Act passed (not yet in force)
Announced · date not set
This act received Royal Assent November 27, 2025. Owners must pay within 28 days of a proper invoice and have 7 days to flag issues, after which the invoice is considered proper. Contractors must pay subcontractors with…
- Owner
- Once in force, pay proper invoices within 28 days or issue a non-payment notice within 14 days.
- Contractor
- Get paid within 28 days of proper invoices, but you must pay subs within 7 days of receiving funds.
- Trade contractor
- You get statutory 7-day payment after the contractor is paid, plus quick adjudication for disputes.
- Supplier
- Material suppliers in the payment chain gain faster, enforceable payment timelines.
New Consumer Protection Act, 2023 (not yet proclaimed)
Announced · date not set
This replaces the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 with broader unfair-practice rules, including unconscionable terms that are excessively one-sided. Prohibited terms are void, consumers have a 10-day cooling-off right for…
- Owner
- When proclaimed, homeowners gain stronger cancellation rights for non-compliant or one-sided renovation contracts.
- Contractor
- Renovation contract templates will need review for prohibited terms and disclosure before proclamation.
- Supplier
- Door-to-door sellers of home equipment face direct-agreement cooling-off rules.
2025 National Model Codes published (not yet law until adopted)
Announced · date not set
The CBHCC released the 2025 model codes on December 22, 2025. Changes include a passive radon stack in dwelling units, accessibility objectives extended to all dwelling units, design based on 50-year projected climate d…
- Owner
- Future renovations may trigger energy efficiency upgrades once a province adopts the alteration provisions.
- Buyer / client
- New homes built under the 2025 code will include a radon stack and more accessibility provisions.
- Contractor
- Plan for adoption dates in each province, e.g., Saskatchewan proposes January 1, 2027 and Yukon June 22, 2027.
- Trade contractor
- Plumbing, HVAC and framing trades face new radon stack, condensate drainage and accessibility details once adopted.
- Supplier
- Demand will rise for radon stack components and products suited to accessibility and energy retrofits.
- Designer
- Revised wind and snow loads, projected climate data and accessible or adaptable unit requirements change design inputs.
Plain-language summaries by ArtBuild, checked against the official source on the date shown on each page. This is general information, not legal advice, and you are responsible for how you use it. Laws change: always read the official text, and we recommend asking a lawyer or the regulator about your situation.