October 25, 2026 to October 31, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news related to residential and commercial construction as well as infrastructure and government initiatives and programs concerning housing and housing affordability. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Government Operations and Estimates Committee to Review Buy Canadian Policy: Scheduled for November 3, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., this televised session will feature testimony from BlackBerry, the Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board, United Steelworkers Local 7135, Aluminium Association of Canada, Carpenters' Regional Council, and Ontario Iron Workers District Council.
• Natural Resources Committee Examines Canada's Nuclear Future: On November 2, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Natural Resources Committee will hear from representatives of the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers, Canadians for Nuclear Energy, Women in Nuclear Canada, Bruce Power, Fusion Fuel Cycles Inc., and General Fusion.
• Senate Special Committee to Scrutinize Bill C-39, Building Canada Strong Act: On November 2, 2026, the Senate Special Committee will convene hearings on Bill C-39, covering economic measures and the building trades, with Employment and Social Development Canada, Canada Industrial Relations Board, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, industry associations, and transportation sector executives providing input.
• Senate Transport Committee to Review Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System Bill: Clause-by-clause study of Bill S-216 is set for November 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Ottawa, focusing on infrastructure and public works.
• Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce, and the Economy to Discuss Macroeconomic Outlook: On November 5, 2026, Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem and Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Rogers are scheduled for testimony at 10:30 a.m. during an in-camera session on economic matters.

Federal Government News

Research Initiative to Advance Accessible-Ready Housing in Canada

Accessibility Standards Canada and UN-Habitat have initiated a research project aimed at accelerating the application of the CAN-ASC-2.8:2025 Accessible-Ready Housing standard across Canadian municipalities. The project will analyze the practical enablers and barriers to accessible-ready housing through test sites in select cities, examining current policies, construction practices, and regulatory frameworks. International approaches will be reviewed to identify relevant lessons for Canada. Stakeholders including municipalities, building professionals, persons with disabilities, and sector experts will participate. Practical guidance and design examples are expected to support adoption in various communities, potentially informing future revisions of accessibility standards. Interested municipalities may apply online to participate as knowledge partners or case municipalities. The project’s outcomes will also contribute to global data on inclusive housing.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan: Building Construction Price Indexes—Q3 2026

Statistics Canada reported that residential building construction costs increased by 0.8% in Q3 2026, compared to a 0.6% rise in Q2. Non-residential building construction costs saw a 1.2% increase in Q3, down from 1.4% in Q2. These figures signal ongoing upward pressure in material and labor costs, affecting both residential and commercial development.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Zero Emission Transit Fund Opens Call for Planning Partners

Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson announced a new intake under the Zero Emission Transit Fund. Up to $15 million is available for not-for-profit organizations and academic institutions to provide planning and advisory services supporting municipalities and transit agencies in deploying zero emission buses and associated infrastructure nationwide. The call for applications runs from October 29, 2026, to January 14, 2027. Successful proponents will deliver technical assessments, deployment strategies, and knowledge-sharing activities to aid fleet electrification planning. A new capital intake for project implementation is planned in the following months.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Regional Tariff Response Initiative Supports Forest Sector in British Columbia

PacifiCan, through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, is providing $11 million to Conifex Timber Inc. in Mackenzie, BC to modernize its wood products and bioenergy operations. The package includes a $10 million repayable and $1 million non-repayable investment aimed at upgrading kilns, automating production, and enhancing competitiveness amid ongoing tariff and supply chain pressures. The RTRI is designed to assist businesses adapting to shifting trade conditions and maintain regional employment in affected sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada's Core Public Infrastructure Survey Released

Statistics Canada’s 2024 Core Public Infrastructure Survey confirms that, as of the end of 2024, local, municipal, and regional government organizations managed over $2 trillion in public infrastructure assets. These holdings form the backbone of Canada’s municipal infrastructure landscape, covering transportation, water systems, and public facilities.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canada Summer Jobs 2027 Program Prioritizes Construction, Climate, and Digital Skill Roles

Employment and Social Development Canada will prioritize applications for summer jobs related to construction, environmental activities, digital skills, and AI for the 2027 intake. Eligible employers include not-for-profits, public sector, and SMEs with no more than 50 full-time employees. Not-for-profits may receive funding for 100% of the local minimum wage and associated costs, while public and private sector applicants are eligible for up to 50%. The program targets inclusive work opportunities, including additional support for youth with disabilities. The application window for CSJ 2027 will run on the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) platform.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Payroll Employment and Job Vacancies Update—August 2026

Statistics Canada data for August 2026 shows payroll employment decreased by 49,600 positions, or 0.3%, following a drop of 15,700 in July. Despite the short-term decline, payroll employment was higher year-over-year by 57,200 (0.3%). These figures may be relevant for construction and mechanical trades monitoring sectoral labor market shifts.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Regional Infrastructure Announcements Across Canada

A series of media advisories and events signal upcoming federal-municipal infrastructure announcements on October 30, 2026, in Winnipeg (North End Wastewater Treatment Plant), Rothesay (Legacy Village seniors’ development), Edmundston (Cooperative Républik Nature), Stouffville (19 on the Park Theatre), Debert, Nova Scotia (Mi’kmawey Debert region), and Kuujjuaq, Quebec (housing support for Inuit communities). These announcements are expected to pertain to housing, senior living, sewer and water infrastructure, and cultural site expansion.

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

Federal Government Boosts Investment in Canadian Art Facility Expansion

The Government of Canada is doubling its investment to $50 million in the renewal and expansion of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario. The project will modernize the museum, upgrade exhibition spaces—including accessibility improvements—and enhance energy efficiency to net-zero standards. With matching funds from Ontario, the gallery’s closure for renovations will extend through 2029.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New Mining Training Program Announced in Northern Manitoba

A $250,000 investment from PrairiesCan is supporting a Surveyor Assistant program in Flin Flon, Manitoba. Coordinated by the Northern Manitoba Sector Council and delivered through the University College of the North's Mining Academy, the program links technical classroom instruction with hands-on experience at mining sites. Partners include Alamos Gold, Vale, Hudbay Minerals, and Manitoba’s highways department.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Monthly Business Openings and Closures Data Available for July 2026

Statistics Canada has released monthly estimates of business openings and closures for July 2026. The dataset provides updated metrics relevant for tracking business dynamism across construction, development, and contracting sectors.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Nova Scotia Revises Planning Rules to Facilitate Housing Development in Halifax Region

Nova Scotia announced amendments to planning regulations on October 28. New rules direct Halifax Regional Municipality to align zoning for residential and hotel/long-term care facilities, remove certain mass timber design barriers, and update planning documents by June 2027.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario Proposes Building Ontario Faster Act to Expedite Permit Processing

Ontario introduced the Building Ontario Faster Act, aiming to cut nearly 220,000 days from permit processing times and review all 375 business-facing permits across government, supporting faster infrastructure and housing delivery.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Starts Construction on Affordable Housing for Indigenous Families in Calgary

The Alberta government is investing more than $6 million to support the Ke Mama Nnanik affordable housing development, breaking ground on 24 homes for Indigenous families and Elders in southeast Calgary.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Commences New Interchange Construction in Waterdown

Ontario began construction of a new interchange at Highways 5 and 6 in Waterdown, Hamilton, including bridge works, road widening, and pedestrian infrastructure, awarded to GIP Paving Inc.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Workplace Incident Results in $70,000 Fine for Ontario Paving Firm

Permeable Plus was fined $70,000 in Ottawa after a worker was critically injured by a skid steer, with the court citing lack of safety training for equipment operation.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Builders are finding new ways to get shovels in the ground: Coverage on builders' responses to shifting market conditions.
• Mortgage Brokers discuss housing affordability on Parliament Hill: Parliament Hill event examines ongoing affordability concerns.
• Housing and infrastructure top priorities for Ottawa and the federal government to work on, MP says: Discussion on federal housing and infrastructure priorities.
• Design trends: A home worth waiting for: An article exploring new trends in home design.
• Rising costs, trade risks cloud Canada’s construction outlook despite activity uptick: Report on the impact of construction cost increases and trade pressures.
• Aging water infrastructure is stalling housing construction throughout Quebec: News analysis on infrastructure bottlenecks affecting Quebec’s housing sector.
• New affordable housing development to focus on serving larger families: Report on new Edmonton project targeting larger family units.
• The GTA housing crisis isn't solved — here's what new councils must do to prevent the next one: Commentary on potential municipal strategies for future housing supply.
• Construction begins on new affordable housing project in southeast Calgary: Local report on housing construction kickoff in Calgary.
• Rising costs, trade risks cloud Canada's construction outlook despite activity uptick: National examination of trade and supply chain pressures on the industry.

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