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.
Changes for suppliers
11 changesQuebec 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
2024 Ontario Building Code in effect (harmonized with NBC 2020)
In force since Jan 1, 2025
What it means for you: Products and standards referenced by NBC 2020 now apply in Ontario.
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.