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
Showing changes that affect general contractors, builders and construction business owners, with what each one means for you.
Changes for contractors
31 changes · page 2 of 3Quebec construction industry reform: versatility, mobility and access measures phased in
In force since Nov 12, 2025
What it means for you: More flexibility to assign related tasks across trades and to move experienced crews between regions.
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker
CCMC-evaluated innovative products no longer need an Ontario Minister's Ruling
In force since Jul 1, 2025
What it means for you: CCMC-evaluated products can be used without waiting for a separate Ontario ruling.
Affects Contractor Supplier Designer
Bill 17: development charge deferral, limits on municipal construction by-laws
In force since Jun 5, 2025
What it means for you: Builders face more uniform construction rules province-wide and lower up-front financing costs for development charges.
Affects Owner Contractor Designer
New Brunswick adopts 2020 national codes with Energy Tier 2 minimum
In force since May 1, 2025
What it means for you: Build to NBC 2020 and Tier 2 envelope and mechanical performance on permits from May 1, 2025.
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Quebec Construction Code Chapter I updated to NBC 2020 (modified Quebec)
In force since Apr 17, 2025
What it means for you: Build to NBC 2020 (modified Quebec), or use the old rules only within the extended transition period.
Affects Owner Contractor Worker Designer
Nova Scotia adopts 2020 national codes with phased tiers
In force since Apr 1, 2025
What it means for you: Track which tier applies on each permit date, as requirements step up yearly through 2029.
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Designer
Alberta OHS Code updates fully in effect (harassment and violence, explosives)
In force since Mar 31, 2025
What it means for you: Update harassment and violence prevention plans and any explosives procedures to the amended Code.
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker
GST/HST rebate of up to $50,000 for first-time buyers of new homes
In force since Mar 20, 2025
What it means for you: A builder can credit the rebate at closing, so price lists and agreements of purchase and sale need FTHB eligibility wording.
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor
BC Building Code 2024 seismic and adaptable-dwelling rules take effect
In force since Mar 10, 2025
What it means for you: Higher seismic detailing, especially in the Capital Regional District and Lower Mainland, raises structural scope and cost.
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Encapsulated mass timber buildings allowed up to 18 storeys
In force since Jan 1, 2025
What it means for you: Taller timber projects open up, and they need EMTC sequencing and fire-protection expertise.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
2024 Ontario Building Code in effect (harmonized with NBC 2020)
In force since Jan 1, 2025
What it means for you: Build to the NBC-based compendium, as Parts 3, 7 and 9 changed. Building Code exams switched to 2024 content on March 30, 2026.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Underused Housing Tax ended from the 2025 calendar year
In force since Jan 1, 2025
What it means for you: Builders holding unsold or vacant inventory homes no longer face UHT filing for 2025 onward.
Affects Owner Contractor
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.