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.

Dates: 2025-11-09 to 2025-11-15

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Senate Standing Committee on National Finance to Study Federal Housing Programs: On November 18, 2025, the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance will examine federal estimates and report on federal initiatives supporting housing creation. Scheduled witnesses include Annie Boudreau (Comptroller General of Canada), Martin Krumins, Blair Kennedy (Treasury Board Secretariat), and officials from the Department of Finance Canada and Universities Canada.

Canadian Federal Government News

Build Canada Homes Launches Major RFQs for Affordable Housing in Ottawa, Edmonton, and Winnipeg

The federal government, through Build Canada Homes, has initiated Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for accelerated affordable housing development on federal lands in Ottawa, Edmonton, and Winnipeg. In Ottawa, the redevelopment at 1495 Heron Road covers an 18-acre site slated for approximately 1,100 homes, with at least 40% below market value, offered through a Direct Build approach using methods like modular construction and mass timber. In Edmonton, two parcels in the Village at Griesbach will see the construction of 355 multi-family homes, including 55- and 300-unit buildings. Winnipeg's Naawi-Oodena site, in partnership with Treaty One First Nations and Canada Lands Company, will provide 320 new homes within a broader 2,100-home community, focusing on design guidelines reflecting local connections. For all three sites, proponents are required to demonstrate experience with innovative construction techniques and prioritize Canadian-sourced materials. The RFQs close December 22, 2025, with the Request for Proposals stage to follow in early 2026. These moves form part of the federal objective to double homebuilding rates and supply up to 4,000 affordable units across six priority sites via the Build Canada Homes agency.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Concludes Civil Investigation into Algorithmic Pricing in Rental Housing

The Competition Bureau has closed its investigation into the use of algorithmic pricing software, such as those from RealPage and Yardi, in Canada’s rental housing sector. The Bureau found adoption of these tools did not reach thresholds of anticompetitive harm or amount to abuse of dominance, particularly following a decline in usage since late 2024 amid public scrutiny. Nevertheless, the Bureau remains watchful, issuing compliance guidance for landlords, property managers, and software providers, and will continue market monitoring with a stated intent to act on future evidence of anticompetitive conduct.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Advances $22.5 Million to Combat Veteran Homelessness Nationwide

Over $22.5 million in federal funds have been allocated through the Veteran Homelessness Program (VHP) to support ten organizations in initiatives addressing veteran homelessness across Canada. Recipient projects offer housing assistance, mental health supports, and employment services, targeting veterans at imminent risk of or experiencing homelessness. In Hastings County, Ontario, the federal partnership with local government provides $2.2 million to supply direct financial and housing supports to veterans and families. The investments form part of the government’s wider response to housing shortages, with a sector emphasis on wrap-around, locally-managed supports.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

Budget 2025 Puts Forward $51 Billion for Infrastructure, Moves to Buy Canadian in Construction and Procurement

Budget 2025 allocates $51 billion over ten years for the Build Communities Strong Fund, targeting revitalization projects in health, education, transport, and community spaces. The plan segments funding into three streams, including $17.2 billion for provincial/territorial housing, healthcare, and education projects; $6 billion for regionally significant infrastructure; and $27.8 billion for core community assets such as roads and bridges. Concurrently, $186 million is earmarked to implement a government-wide Buy Canadian Policy, which now extends procurement favoring domestic steel, aluminum, lumber, and other materials to major program spending. Public Services and Procurement Canada and the Treasury Board Secretariat will lead program roll-out, and small/medium business access to federal contracts is being increased by way of an $80 million initiative, with new requirements applying to housing construction and other major federal agencies.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Key Construction and Employment Data

Statistics Canada reports the value of building permits rose by $504.8 million (+4.5%) to $11.7 billion in September 2025, suggesting increased construction activity. The Architectural, Engineering and Related Services Price Index (Q3 2025) and the Residential Renovation Price Index (Q3 2025) are now available, offering updated benchmarks for service providers and renovators. In addition, a new dashboard provides October 2025 employment data by industry in rural Canada, enabling industry stakeholders to analyze sector labor dynamics.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca

Natural Resources Canada Announces Major Support for Forest Sector and Mass Timber Construction

Natural Resources Canada is providing up to $700 million in loan guarantees over two years and $500 million over three years from 2026–27 onward for forest sector adaptation, market diversification, and adoption of value-added products. Concurrently, new procurement policy will prioritize Canadian wood—including mass timber and softwood lumber—for federally contracted projects, including housing and infrastructure. These actions align with the government’s strategy to scale Canadian use of homegrown construction materials, and support the mass timber building product industry’s ongoing expansion.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

British Columbia Commits $241 Million to Expand Skilled Trades Training for Major Projects

British Columbia has established a $241-million fund to double trades training funding and increase capacity for more than 50,000 apprenticeships and over 11,000 high school participants, supporting future skilled labor needs on major construction, infrastructure, and energy projects.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Quebec Passes Bill 104 to Reduce Bureaucracy and Enhance Municipal Autonomy

The Quebec government has enacted Bill No. 104, introducing measures to simplify processes for municipalities, improve service access, reduce costs, and strengthen the ability of local governments to manage building and regulatory matters.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Awards Clarington $2.8 Million for Meeting Housing Construction Targets

Ontario has granted Clarington $2,877,680 through the Building Faster Fund after the municipality achieved 83% of its 2024 housing target, breaking ground on 899 new homes. The fund supports fast-growing areas in building housing and enabling infrastructure.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Invests $83 Million for Affordable Student Housing in Downtown Toronto

The Ontario government is providing $83 million from the Building Ontario Fund to Toronto Metropolitan University for a new 21-storey student residence at 100 Bond Street, with nearly 1,400 beds. The project aims to expand affordable student housing in downtown Toronto below average market rents.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Saskatchewan Application Deadline Approaching for Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund

Saskatchewan communities have until November 28, 2025, to apply for approximately $343 million in combined federal and provincial Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund support for projects including water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, and enabling infrastructure for new housing.

Sources: www.saskatchewan.ca

US Federal Government News

EPA Proposes Rule on HFC Substitutes in Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Fire Suppression

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a proposed rule for listing and use conditions of new and existing substitutes under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program for residential and light commercial air conditioning, chillers, water coolers, household refrigerators, and vehicle air conditioning. The proposal seeks comment on new refrigerant blends, updated safety standards, charge size restrictions, and the use of flammable refrigerants. Public comments are open until December 26, 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

HUD Delays Compliance Dates for Energy Efficiency Standards in Federally-Financed Construction

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has issued an additional extension of compliance dates for the adoption of 2021 International Energy Conservation Code and 2019 ASHRAE 90.1 energy standards for new federally financed housing (FHA-insured, Public Housing Capital Fund, Section 8 Project Based Vouchers) until May 28, 2026. The delay is intended to allow for further review of public comments and to finalize program guidance.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Reopens Comment Period on HFC Technology Transitions Rule

The EPA has extended the comment period for its proposal on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phasedown and reconsideration of regulatory requirements under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act to November 21, 2025. Stakeholders now have additional time to submit input on potential amendments affecting technology transitions in HVAC and refrigeration.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Issues Proposed Rule on Emissions Standards for Hazardous Waste Combustors

EPA has published proposed amendments to the hazardous waste combustors National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, introducing new emission limits and standards for hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide, work practices for startup, shutdown, and malfunction periods, removal of PM CEMS requirements, and updates to electronic reporting processes. Industry stakeholders may comment until December 26, 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Signs Continuing Appropriations Act for FY2026

On November 12, 2025, the President signed H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, covering Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. The Act provides funding extensions through fiscal 2026 and includes provisions affecting ongoing federal spending on public works.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Government Consultations

Consultation Opens on Lac-Mégantic Rail Bypass Project Authorization

The Canadian Transportation Agency has launched a public consultation regarding the application by Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway to construct a 12.5-kilometre rail bypass outside downtown Lac-Mégantic, with submissions accepted until December 23, 2025.

Sources: formulaires-forms.otc-cta.gc.ca

Input Sought for 2026 Annual SDG Report

Employment and Social Development Canada is seeking feedback from stakeholders to inform the 2026 Annual Report on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. The consultation is accepting comments through December 19, 2025.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• How homeowners could be hurt financially by waiting to sell, the Home of the Week and more top real estate stories: The Globe and Mail examines timing risk for homeowners, notable property listings, and leading housing stories.
• Budget’s housing promises not enough to solve affordability, supply issues: advocates: Stakeholders critique federal housing commitments’ adequacy regarding supply and affordability.
• Federal government accelerates affordable housing construction in Edmonton: CBC News provides coverage of the Build Canada Homes initiative and its implications for Edmonton’s housing supply.
• John Lorinc: There is a homebuilding incentive that works. So why did Carney leave it out of the budget?: Analysis of past policy tools for accelerating homebuilding and their omission from recent fiscal plans.
• Opinion | Mark Carney’s promise on housing was to build build build. What happened?: Commentary tracks campaign pledges against actual homebuilding outcomes and delivery.
• FINLAYSON: Sluggish homebuilding could stall Canada’s economic recovery: Toronto Sun reviews slow construction trends and associated risks for economic growth.
• B.C. invests $241 million in trades training to boost labour for major projects: Additional perspectives on the B.C. government’s skilled trades announcement.
• A sustainable home can be a very comfortable home: The Globe and Mail explores comfort and efficiency in green housing design.
• LNG project, mines, hydro dam, power lines among latest major project referrals: Summary of large-scale project referrals across Canadian energy and infrastructure.
• ‘Building Tomorrow, Today’: Manufacturers discuss tariffs, uncertainty at annual forum: CTV News covers industry views on tariffs, trade flows, and their effects on construction and manufacturing.

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