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
All changes
5 changesFederal 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 authorizat…
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker Supplier
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 an…
Affects Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
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 agr…
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor
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, includi…
Affects Owner Contractor
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…
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
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.