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
All changes
20 changes · page 1 of 2Quebec extends building and electrical code transition periods by one year
In force since Sep 10, 2026
Effective September 10, 2026, pre-April 17, 2025 building rules may still be used if work starts before October 17, 2027. Pre-March 26, 2026 electrical rules may also be…
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
Local governments must permit 3–4 units on single-family and duplex lots, and 6 units near frequent transit, within the SSMUH criteria. Bill 25 widens 'Restricted Zone'…
Affects Owner Contractor Designer
Quebec Electrical chapter updated (CEC 2021 modified Quebec)
In force since Mar 26, 2026
Quebec's electrical chapter was updated with new provisions effective March 26, 2026, based on the Canadian Electrical Code 2021 (modified Quebec). Older rules may still…
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker Supplier Designer
Construction Act: annual release timing and 7-day notice of termination
In force since Jan 1, 2026
Annual holdback release must occur at least 60 days and no more than 74 days after the notice of annual release is published. Holdback rules on abandoned or terminated c…
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier
Construction Act: annual holdback release, proper-invoice deeming, broader adjudication
In force since Jan 1, 2026
Owners must publish a notice within 14 days after each contract anniversary and release accrued holdback annually, and payers must pass it down the chain. An invoice is…
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Federal recognition of provincial trade and occupational licences
In force since Jan 1, 2026
Federal regulators must recognize a provincial or territorial authorization to practise an occupation as comparable to a federal one, and must issue a federal authorizat…
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker Supplier
Buy Canadian policy: Canadian steel, aluminum and wood on large federal construction
In force since Dec 16, 2025
The new federal procurement rules took effect December 16, 2025. Federal construction and defence contracts of $25M or more must use Canadian-produced steel, aluminum an…
Affects Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Working for Workers Seven: defibrillator reimbursement, safety-system procurement, ESA changes
In force since Nov 27, 2025
This act received Royal Assent November 27, 2025. It adds a WSIB reimbursement for defibrillators where OHSA rules require them, and lets regulations recognize accredite…
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Worker Supplier
Quebec construction industry reform: versatility, mobility and access measures phased in
In force since Nov 12, 2025
The Act was assented May 28, 2024 and phased in through 2025. From May 1, 2025, clauses limiting preferred workers' mobility are void, and from September 1, 2025 the col…
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker
CCMC-evaluated innovative products no longer need an Ontario Minister's Ruling
In force since Jul 1, 2025
Innovative construction products already evaluated by the Canadian Construction Materials Centre no longer need a secondary Ontario approval (Minister's Ruling). The Bui…
Affects Contractor Supplier Designer
Bill 17: development charge deferral, limits on municipal construction by-laws
In force since Jun 5, 2025
This omnibus housing and infrastructure act received Royal Assent June 5, 2025. Non-rental residential development charges can be paid at the earlier of occupancy permit…
Affects Owner Contractor Designer
New Brunswick adopts 2020 national codes with Energy Tier 2 minimum
In force since May 1, 2025
New Brunswick updated its adopted National Building Code from 2015 to 2020 and its National Energy Code for Buildings from 2011 to 2020. It made Energy Performance Tier…
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.