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 sellers of materials, products and equipment, with what each one means for you.
Coming up in the next 12 months
All upcoming-
Nova Scotia energy Tier 2 and building Tier 3 scheduled Nova Scotia · in 5 months
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WorkSafeBC: new periodic equipment certification rules British Columbia · in 10 months
Changes for suppliers
17 changes · page 1 of 2Nova Scotia energy Tier 2 and building Tier 3 scheduled
Comes into force Apr 1, 2027 · in 5 months
What it means for you: Expect higher demand for energy-efficient products from 2027.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
WorkSafeBC: new periodic equipment certification rules
Comes into force Sep 1, 2027 · in 10 months
What it means for you: Equipment rental firms may need to update certification and documentation practices.
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker Supplier
Quebec Electrical chapter updated (CEC 2021 modified Quebec)
In force since Mar 26, 2026
What it means for you: Electrical products must suit CEC 2021 requirements.
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: Lien deadlines for materials can be triggered by a published notice of termination.
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: Suppliers on long projects benefit from annual holdback release down the payment chain.
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: Products meeting provincial or territorial requirements are deemed to meet comparable federal requirements, subject to exceptions.
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: Materials must be produced or processed in Canada. Reselling imported product through a Canadian company does not qualify.
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: AED vendors will see demand from construction employers.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Worker Supplier
CCMC-evaluated innovative products no longer need an Ontario Minister's Ruling
In force since Jul 1, 2025
What it means for you: Manufacturers need only a CCMC evaluation to bring an innovative product to Ontario.
Affects Contractor Supplier Designer
New Brunswick adopts 2020 national codes with Energy Tier 2 minimum
In force since May 1, 2025
What it means for you: Demand rises for higher-performance windows, insulation and mechanical equipment.
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
BC Building Code 2024 seismic and adaptable-dwelling rules take effect
In force since Mar 10, 2025
What it means for you: Demand changes for seismic hardware and accessible fixtures.
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: Demand opens for CLT and glulam on buildings up to 18 storeys.
Affects Owner 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.