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
20 changes · page 1 of 2Quebec extends building and electrical code transition periods by one year
In force since Sep 10, 2026
What it means for you: Work started before October 17, 2027 may follow the old building and electrical rules, so document start dates.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Designer
Small-scale multi-unit housing: Bill 25 widens zones that must allow 3–6 units
In force since Jun 30, 2026
What it means for you: Infill multiplex work expands on former single-family lots across BC municipalities.
Affects Owner Contractor Designer
Quebec Electrical chapter updated (CEC 2021 modified Quebec)
In force since Mar 26, 2026
What it means for you: Electrical contractors must apply CEC 2021 (modified Quebec) to new work, or document starts before the transition cut-off.
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker Supplier Designer
Construction Act: annual release timing and 7-day notice of termination
In force since Jan 1, 2026
What it means for you: A published termination notice starts lien-expiry clocks, so monitor for it and preserve liens quickly.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier
Construction Act: annual holdback release, proper-invoice deeming, broader adjudication
In force since Jan 1, 2026
What it means for you: Holdback flows yearly on multi-year jobs. Invoices count as proper unless challenged within 7 days, and more disputes can go to adjudication.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Federal recognition of provincial trade and occupational licences
In force since Jan 1, 2026
What it means for you: Provincially licensed crews can be deployed on federally regulated work without separate federal credentialing.
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker Supplier
Buy Canadian policy: Canadian steel, aluminum and wood on large federal construction
In force since Dec 16, 2025
What it means for you: Bidders on large federal jobs must source and document Canadian steel, aluminum and wood before and during the contract.
Affects Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Working for Workers Seven: defibrillator reimbursement, safety-system procurement, ESA changes
In force since Nov 27, 2025
What it means for you: Expect AED duties on larger sites set by regulation, with WSIB reimbursement of the device cost.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Worker Supplier
Quebec 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
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.