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 subcontractors and trade contractors, with what each one means for you.
Changes for trades
21 changes · page 2 of 2Alberta OHS Code updates fully in effect (harassment and violence, explosives)
In force since Mar 31, 2025
What it means for you: Blasting and explosives contractors must follow the updated technical standards.
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker
BC Building Code 2024 seismic and adaptable-dwelling rules take effect
In force since Mar 10, 2025
What it means for you: Structural, framing and concrete trades must meet updated seismic detailing.
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: Timber erection and encapsulation trades have a larger market of tall buildings.
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: Part 9 and plumbing (Part 7) trades must follow the revised requirements.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Mandatory construction-stage inspections and certificate of conformity (law adopted, regulation pending)
Announced · date not set
What it means for you: Work may be held for stage inspections before it can be covered up.
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Designer
RBQ tightens contractor licence applications (ownership, bankruptcies, criminal records)
Announced · date not set
What it means for you: Specialty licence holders face the same expanded disclosure on applications and changes.
Affects Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor
Saskatchewan reverts to Tier 1 energy efficiency for housing and small buildings
Announced · date not set
What it means for you: Insulation and HVAC scopes may shrink compared with Tier 2 and Tier 3 designs.
Affects Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
BC Construction Prompt Payment Act passed (not yet in force)
Announced · date not set
What it means for you: You get statutory 7-day payment after the contractor is paid, plus quick adjudication for disputes.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier
2025 National Model Codes published (not yet law until adopted)
Announced · date not set
What it means for you: Plumbing, HVAC and framing trades face new radon stack, condensate drainage and accessibility details once adopted.
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.