Canada adopts new collaborative approach for National Model Codes

by arslan_ahmed | December 7, 2022 3:21 pm

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A new federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) governance model has replaced the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC), the committee responsible for code development in Canada since 1991, introducing a harmonized set of codes to reduce regulatory burden and remove internal trade barriers across Canada.

The new FPT governance model includes the newly formed Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC), overseen by a new Canadian Table for Harmonized Construction Codes Policy, created to set strategic policy direction from here on. It was developed to integrate provinces and territories into the national process, bringing Canada significantly closer to harmonized construction codes across the country. This follows the dissolution of the Provincial/Territorial Advisory Committee on Codes (PTPACC), which previously advised the CCBFC on policy matters.

With this new approach, the National Model Codes development system will be more responsive to provincial and territorial code priorities and will result in more efficient construction in Canada. The new model will also contribute to lower construction costs for the industry and reduce internal trade barriers related to manufacturing, operation, inspection, education, and training. Adoption of more harmonized codes will accelerate the construction of energy-efficient buildings, creating more affordable and efficient homes for Canadians—all while helping to meet Canada’s net-zero goals.

By further enabling the timely adoption of harmonized construction codes, it is estimated the new FPT governance model will bring the country an economic benefit of $750 million to $1 billion per year by 2028.

In Canada, provincial and territorial governments have the constitutional authority to enact legislation regulating building design and construction within their jurisdictions to meet their specific needs. For the National Model Codes to become law, they must be adopted by a province, territory, or other authority having jurisdiction (e.g., a designated municipality).

Current provincial and territorial building, fire, plumbing, and energy regulations will continue to remain in effect. Design and construction officials should consult the relevant provincial or territorial government to find out what regulation applies in their location.

Canada’s National Model Codes include the National Building Code of Canada (NBC), the National Fire Code of Canada (NFC), the National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC), and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB). The most recent versions are the 2020 editions.

“I am pleased to be able to co-chair the Canadian Table for Harmonized Construction Code Policy and be part of this initiative to harmonize construction codes throughout Canada. This will provide the framework for provinces, territories, and Canada to work collectively to meet the needs of all Canadians in a timely manner. I would also like to acknowledge members of the Provincial/Territorial Policy Advisory Committee on Codes (PTPACC) and the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) for all the efforts in previous code cycles as we transition to this new model, ” says Laurier Donais, Deputy Minister of Government Relations, Government of Saskatchewan, and provincial co-chair, Canadian Table for Harmonized Construction Codes Policy.

Source URL: https://www.constructioncanada.net/canada-adopts-new-collaborative-approach-for-national-model-codes/

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