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.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Construction? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Utilities & Power and Manufacturing.

Dates: 2025-07-20 to 2025-07-26

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Government Sells Rimouski Armoury to Private Developer for Student Housing

On July 22, Public Services and Procurement Canada reported the sale of the Rimouski Armoury in Quebec to Immeubles Must Urbain Inc. The purchaser plans to develop student housing while retaining the heritage features of the structure. Added to the Canada Public Land Bank in August 2024, this property disposal aligns with the Public Lands for Homes Plan, which directs federal assets to support housing supply. The government cited 'hundreds of initial inquiries' on land bank properties from stakeholders including developers, non-profits, and local governments across most provinces and territories. Inclusion in the public land bank aims to provide greater transparency and access for a wider range of organizations and is intended to expedite the federal property disposal process relevant to housing development.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Tribunal Terminates Inquiry and CBSA Ends Investigation Into Turkish Corrosion-Resistant Steel Sheet

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal announced on July 21 that it would cease its final injury inquiry on corrosion-resistant steel sheet from Türkiye, following the July 16 decision by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that there was no dumping by the named Turkish exporter (Borçelik Çelik Sanayi Ticaret). With the CBSA's termination of the investigation, provisional duties no longer apply to these imports. Any previously collected provisional duties or security will be refunded accordingly. The goods were classified under several tariff headings cited in the official decision. The statement of reasons for this outcome will become available on the CBSA website within fifteen days of the decision, providing the public with further detail about the determination.

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

Structural Tubing Order Extended for Korean and Turkish Imports

As published July 26 in the Canada Gazette, Part I, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal continued its order, without amendment, regarding structural tubing from the Republic of Korea and Türkiye. The order is maintained pursuant to paragraph 76.03(12)(b) of the Special Import Measures Act following expiry review RR-2024-005. Structural tubing is widely used in construction and infrastructure projects.

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

Residential and Non-Residential Construction Costs Rise in Q2 2025

Statistics Canada reported that residential building construction costs grew by 1.0% in Q2 2025, up from a 0.9% increase in Q1. Non-residential construction costs rose at a faster pace, increasing by 1.6% compared with 1.0% in the previous quarter.

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

Canada's National New Housing Price Index Down for Third Consecutive Month

The New Housing Price Index for June 2025 posted a national decrease of 0.2%, with prices dropping in 12 of 27 surveyed census metropolitan areas (CMAs). Prices remained stable in 10 CMAs and increased in the remaining five. This marks the third consecutive month of decline for the national index.

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

Federal Support Announced for Economic Integration of Newcomers, Addressing Skilled Trades Shortages

On July 23, Minister Lena Metlege Diab (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) announced a commitment of more than $3.2 billion over three years, supporting over 520 organizations outside Quebec. The investment aims to accelerate newcomers' entry into the job market and help remediate labour shortages in high-demand sectors such as health care and skilled trades. Funding will enable tailored services supporting regional labour needs, language training, and support for French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec. The scope includes assistance with licensing/certification in regulated professions, and efforts to integrate newcomers into local economies across the country.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Update to Spatial Access Measures Released by Statistics Canada

Statistics Canada, in partnership with Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Canada, has released updated Spatial Access Measures. The dataset, first published in 2023, provides information applied to housing and infrastructure planning decision-making.

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

Industrial Product and Raw Materials Price Indexes Show Month-Over-Month Increases

In June 2025, the Industrial Product Price Index rose 0.4% month over month with a 1.7% annual increase. The Raw Materials Price Index advanced 2.7% month over month and increased 1.1% compared to June 2024.

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

Minister Hajdu Addresses UN Forum on Adequate Housing and Inclusion

From July 21-23, Minister Patty Hajdu addressed the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York. On July 22, she participated in discussions on adequate housing alongside representatives such as Bob Rae, highlighting Canada's efforts to tie housing strategies to poverty reduction and social inclusion. These international events included a side event on inclusive and sustainable jobs and progress toward bilateral agreements.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

Executive Order Accelerates Federal Permitting for Data Center Infrastructure

On July 23, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order designed to accelerate federal permitting of data center and associated AI-related infrastructure. The order defines key terms for 'Data Center Project,' 'Covered Components,' and 'Qualifying Projects,' focusing on infrastructure with an electric load greater than 100 MW or key national security/economic relevance. The order mandates federal financial support for qualifying projects, streamlines environmental reviews under NEPA, and authorizes expedited use of federal lands and Brownfield/Superfund sites. The FAST-41 framework will be used to expedite federal permitting, and previous executive orders adding DEI and climate requirements for AI data centers on federal lands are revoked.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov, White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

White House Issues Executive Order Addressing Homelessness, Urban Camping, and Housing Policy

On July 24, President Trump issued an executive order on urban homelessness and public disorder. The order directs federal agencies to support state and local enforcement of bans on drug use, urban camping, and squatting; prioritizes federal grants for compliant jurisdictions; encourages institutional treatment settings for persons with addiction or severe mental illness; and contains provisions for collecting data on homelessness, mental health, and substance use. Funding strategies shift away from 'housing first' models, including restrictions on mixing sex offenders with children in federal homeless facilities. The administration draws attention to grant eligibility, treatment program participation, and reallocation of funding for evidence-based recovery and treatment infrastructure.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov, White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

International Trade Commission Finds Injury from Certain Foreign Rebar Imports; Commerce Delays CVD Preliminary

The U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that imports of steel concrete reinforcing bar from Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Vietnam cause material injury to domestic industry, triggering the final phase of antidumping and countervailing duty investigations. The Department of Commerce postponed its preliminary countervailing duty determination for rebar from Algeria, Egypt, and Vietnam until November 3, 2025, after receiving a request from domestic petitioners. The investigations focus on imports entered under specified tariff codes, with duties under review related to subsidy and unfair pricing allegations.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

General Services Administration Requests Input on Construction-Manager-as-Constructor Contracting

On July 25, the GSA announced a 30-day public comment period regarding the extension of its information collection for Construction-Manager-as-Constructor Contracting, under OMB Control No. 3090-0308. This requirement involves documentation for construction-related contract actions, impacting contractor administrative processes for federal construction projects. Entities seeking to comment or obtain proposal documents can refer to the official Federal Register notice.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Multiple HUD Notices on Housing Appraisals, Vendor Risk and Public Housing Program Management

During the week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released several requests for comment and renewal for information collection: HUD seeks input regarding extension of Appraiser Designation and Appraisal Reports (OMB 2502-0538), which support mortgage insurance underwriting; a proposed Supply Chain Risk Management Questionnaire for vendors (OMB 2535-New), as part of compliance with supply chain risk policy for federal contractors; renewal of Multifamily Insurance Benefits Claims Package reporting (OMB 2502-0418), affecting mortgage holders and insurers in multifamily housing; and continued data collection to manage public housing grants and operations. Public comment deadlines vary by notice. These policies may impact reporting and compliance requirements across housing finance, procurement, and construction.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Nova Scotia Funds New Affordable Housing Units in Halifax Region

The Province of Nova Scotia and Rooted: Community Development Partners are completing an 18-unit affordable complex in Cole Harbour and securing another 84 affordable units in Dartmouth, with tenant applications now open.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca, Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta Leads National Housing Starts, Reports 30% Growth Over Previous Year

According to Alberta's government, the province started 27,902 housing units in the first half of 2025, a 30% increase from 2024, and nearly half involve new rental construction.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Rewards Haldimand County for Advancing Housing Targets

Haldimand County received $991,984 from Ontario's Building Faster Fund after breaking ground on 310 new homes in 2024, achieving 89% of its annual target.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

New Brunswick Supports Housing and Infrastructure Expansion in Miramichi and Tantramar

New Brunswick awarded $1.8 million for infrastructure supporting two new housing projects in Miramichi, and reported a new Habitat for Humanity partnership home delivered in Tantramar.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca, Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

British Columbia Issues Directives for Oak Bay and West Vancouver Housing Processes

Ministerial directives require Oak Bay and West Vancouver to update bylaws and housing-related plans by December 31, 2025, with the goal of facilitating more home construction and greater density in targeted areas.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

2025 Consultations Open on National Immigration Levels Plan

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada began public consultations on July 21 for the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, seeking input on targets for permanent and temporary admissions and related policy commitments.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Canadian builders prep for a prefab future as Ottawa pushes for affordability: Builders are shifting toward modular construction as federal affordability policies drive market adjustments.
• Construction Materials Market to Exceed USD 1.57 Trillion by 2025, Fueled by Booming Residential and Commercial Construction: Global market analysis forecasts strong demand for construction materials.
• Build Show LIVE Unveils Comprehensive 2025 Agenda Elevating the Standard of Homebuilding: A major North American homebuilding trade show details its 2025 sessions.
• As U.S. Workers Seek Upskilling and New Jobs, ACE Offers Affordable Courses and Programs in Alignment with In-Demand Skills: U.S. training providers are expanding offerings for construction trades.
• N.S. housing construction starts must double for next decade to restore affordability: CMHC: A CMHC report finds that Nova Scotia needs to double housing starts for sustained affordability.
• Chimney swifts' housing crisis creates hurdle for affordable housing providers: Habitat protection for a threatened species intersects with affordable housing challenges.
• Ontario is falling behind in new housing construction, and that’s a problem: Analysis of Ontario's lagging new housing starts.
• Opinion | We’re making it too hard for GTA homebuilders. Take this long list, for example: GTA homebuilders identify regulatory and other construction barriers.
• Opinion: What’s our generation’s nation-building, major infrastructure project? It’s housing: Column views housing construction as Canada's primary national development challenge.
• Construction trades strike ends in Cape Breton with what employers call 'historic' deal: Cape Breton employers and trades reach a deal resolving recent labour action.

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