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 employees and tradespeople on site, with what each one means for you.
Coming up in the next 12 months
All upcoming-
WorkSafeBC: new periodic equipment certification rules British Columbia · in 10 months
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RBQ certificate mandatory for pre-purchase building inspectors Quebec · in 11 months
Changes for workers
8 changesWorkSafeBC: new periodic equipment certification rules
Comes into force Sep 1, 2027 · in 10 months
What it means for you: Equipment you use should carry current certification under the amended rules.
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker Supplier
RBQ certificate mandatory for pre-purchase building inspectors
Comes into force Oct 1, 2027 · in 11 months
What it means for you: Practising inspectors must obtain the RBQ certificate before October 1, 2027.
Quebec Electrical chapter updated (CEC 2021 modified Quebec)
In force since Mar 26, 2026
What it means for you: Electricians must work to the updated code requirements.
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker Supplier Designer
Federal recognition of provincial trade and occupational licences
In force since Jan 1, 2026
What it means for you: Certified tradespeople can apply for federal recognition of their provincial authorization without re-qualifying.
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker Supplier
Working for Workers Seven: defibrillator reimbursement, safety-system procurement, ESA changes
In force since Nov 27, 2025
What it means for you: Workers given termination notice get up to 3 unpaid days of job-seeking leave, and more sites will have defibrillators.
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: Journeypersons can do related short tasks outside their trade, and those with 15,000 hours gain province-wide mobility.
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker
Quebec Construction Code Chapter I updated to NBC 2020 (modified Quebec)
In force since Apr 17, 2025
What it means for you: New hot-work fire protection rules apply on site.
Affects Owner Contractor Worker Designer
Alberta OHS Code updates fully in effect (harassment and violence, explosives)
In force since Mar 31, 2025
What it means for you: The harassment and violence protections are updated under the revised Code.
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker
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.