Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news related to residential and commercial construction and infrastructure, and related government initiatives. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-05-11
End Date: 2025-05-19

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Competition Bureau Sets New Strategic Vision in 2025–2026 Annual Plan

The Competition Bureau published its 2025–2026 Annual Plan, outlining a strategy to address increased digitalization and rapid shifts in market dynamics. The plan indicates a concerted effort to prevent and address anti-competitive activity, with a focus on economic sectors directly impacting Canadians. Recent amendments to the Competition Act have provided the Bureau with enhanced enforcement capabilities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Opens Inquiry on Steel Strapping Imports

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has commenced a preliminary injury inquiry into allegations of dumped and subsidized steel strapping imports from China, Türkiye, South Korea, and Vietnam following a complaint from JEM Strapping Systems Inc. The Tribunal will assess whether these imports have caused, or threaten to cause, injury to Canadian producers under the Special Import Measures Act. A decision on reasonable indication of injury is due by July 10, 2025. Should the investigation proceed, the Canada Border Services Agency is tasked with making preliminary determinations by August 8. Interested parties can participate in the inquiry by filing a notice of participation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CBSA Launches Dumping and Subsidy Investigations into Steel Strapping

On May 12, the Canada Border Services Agency initiated investigations into alleged dumping of steel strapping from China, South Korea, Türkiye, and Vietnam, and subsidization by China, following a complaint from JEM Strapping Systems Inc. The investigations will run parallel to the CITT's injury inquiry, with a preliminary CITT finding due by July 11 and a CBSA determination expected by August 11. The complaint cited lost market share, price undercutting, and job losses. As of this announcement, 158 special import measures are active in Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CITT Inquiry Begins on Dumped Corrosion-resistant Steel Sheet from Türkiye

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has started an inquiry into the dumping of corrosion-resistant flat-rolled carbon steel sheet products exported from Türkiye by Borçelik Çelik Sanayi Ticaret A.Ş., following a preliminary determination by the CBSA. Exclusions apply to products used in automotive, aeronautic, and certain pre-painted or specialty applications. The public hearing is scheduled for July 14, 2025, with written submissions required beforehand. The inquiry will determine if the alleged dumping has injured Canadian industry and consider issues of massive importations.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Building Permit Values Down 4.1% in March

Statistics Canada reported that the total value of building permits issued across Canada in March amounted to $12.9 billion, a decrease of $549.4 million, or 4.1%, from the previous month. The dataset captures new intentions in the residential and non-residential construction sectors.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Preliminary Injury Inquiry Opened for Certain Carbon or Alloy Steel Wire

The CITT has begun a preliminary injury inquiry on possible dumping of carbon or alloy steel wire from several countries, including China, India, Italy, Malaysia, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Türkiye, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei. Written submissions opposing the complaint are due by May 21, 2025.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

CBSA Releases March Electric Power Selling Price Index

The Electric Power Selling Price Index for March 2025 is now available, providing updated data for industry stakeholders monitoring energy costs.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Announcements

Ontario Moves to Expedite Home and Infrastructure Construction

Ontario introduced the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 to simplify development charges, harmonize construction standards, and add $400 million to housing-enabling funds for a total of $2.3 billion over four years.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Saskatchewan Registers Highest Provincial Growth in Housing Starts

Saskatchewan saw a 93.8% increase in urban housing starts in the first four months of 2025, leading the nation in year-to-date growth. Saskatoon posted a 221.9% year-over-year jump.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Nova Scotia Designates New Special Planning Area and Approves Key Agreements

Nova Scotia has designated 255 hectares west of Highway 102 as a special planning area and advanced agreements for over 1,000 residential units in Dartmouth, facilitating plans for up to 19,500 new units in designated regions.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Government of Saskatchewan Invests $9.2 Million in Social Housing Repairs

Saskatchewan allocated $9.2 million to begin multi-year renovations for 285 units across Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, aiming to reduce vacancy and increase availability of rent-ready social housing.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Gregor Robertson posted that his team has delivered record levels of affordable and supportive housing, and built a strong urban economy.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Gregor Robertson shared that his plan involves addressing housing affordability, strengthening infrastructure, and building a robust economy.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Nathaniel Erskine-Smith thanked colleagues in housing and infrastructure, and acknowledged his transition to a new minister by referencing the ongoing housing plan.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Nathaniel Erskine-Smith stated that the housing plan aims to ‘unleash the market,’ expand community housing, and address chronic homelessness.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Gregor Robertson responded on social media emphasizing the need to build affordable homes at scale.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Tim Uppal highlighted a visit to ProtechGeo and Material Testing, noting their importance to the construction industry and public safety.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Robertson stated his focus is on what the federal government can do to increase housing supply and lower costs.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Scott Aitchison referenced home price and fee increases in Vancouver during Gregor Robertson’s time as mayor, noting Conservative plans to address building costs.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• RCCAO: Comprehensive Reforms Primed to Spur Critical Infrastructure Construction & Housing Development: Details on anticipated infrastructure and housing reforms.
• Building Industry Applauds Bold New Ontario Housing Legislation: It will help address "cost-to-build crisis", stimulate housing supply and protect Canadian jobs: Industry groups outline support for recent Ontario housing legislation.
• New legislation and funding looks to jumpstart housing construction: Coverage of legislative and funding efforts to accelerate new housing starts