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.

Dates: 2026-02-15 to 2026-02-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Standing Senate Committee on National Finance: Affordable Housing Programs and Bill Implementation: On February 24 at 9:00 a.m., the committee will examine Bill C-15, a budget implementation bill, and Bill C-4, as well as federal programs to support affordable housing, with Alto executives scheduled as witnesses. Location: Room W110, 1 Wellington St., Ottawa.
• Standing Senate Committee on National Finance: Housing Creation Initiatives: The committee convenes February 25 at 6:45 p.m. to study federal programs and initiatives supporting housing creation and the practice of including non-financial items in budget bills. Location: Room W110, 1 Wellington St., Ottawa.
• Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy: Bill S-3 and Submetering: On February 25, the committee considers Bill S-3, amending measurement and inspection acts, with witnesses including the Canadian Fuels Association and the Sub-metering Council of Ontario, starting at 4:15 p.m. in Room W110, 1 Wellington St.
• Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy: SME Access to Capital and Bill S-3: February 26 at 10:30 a.m., the committee will review Bill S-3 and conduct a study on small- and medium-sized enterprise access to credit, featuring witnesses such as Annie Sinigagliese (Canadian Independent Finance and Innovation Counsel Inc.) and Dan Daviau (Canaccord Genuity Group Inc.).
• Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications: Update on Canada's Critical Transportation Infrastructure: The committee meets February 24 at 9:00 a.m. to discuss Canada's critical transportation infrastructure, with witnesses from Transport Canada, Public Safety Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Location: Room B45, Senate of Canada Building, Ottawa.
• House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance: Budget Implementation Bill C-15 Clause-by-Clause: On February 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., the committee will carry out clause-by-clause review of Bill C-15 with multiple federal departments and key officials related to housing, infrastructure, and taxation, Room 415, Wellington Building.
• House of Commons Committee on Human Resources: Youth Employment in Canada Report: The committee meets February 26 from 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. to consider the draft report on Youth Employment in Canada (in camera), at Room 425, Wellington Building, Ottawa.

Federal Government News

Statistics Canada: Building Construction Investment Climbs in December

Statistics Canada reported that investment in building construction increased by $442.9 million (+1.9%), reaching $23.7 billion in December 2025. This data indicates continued capital flows into both residential and non-residential asset classes at year-end, informing assessment of underlying market activity. The figures provide categories by new housing, renovations, and non-residential segments, supporting construction sector planning and investor analysis. The report, accessible in the Daily and detailed tables, is widely tracked by developers, investors, and finance professionals monitoring trends in building activity.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Competition Bureau Expands Real Estate Sector Probe to Vancouver Board

The Competition Bureau has extended its investigation into the real estate sector to include the Vancouver board, according to CTV News. The ongoing probe is examining practices at real estate boards across the country. Market participants and industry groups in the Vancouver region face increased regulatory scrutiny as the Bureau gathers evidence and evaluates conduct that could affect property transactions and competition. Updates to the investigation's scope reflect broader interest in the structure of real estate boards and their rules governing market access and listing activities.

Sources: www.ctvnews.ca

Industrial Product and Raw Materials Price Index Rises in January

The Industrial Product Price Index posted a 2.7% monthly gain in January and stands 5.4% above year-ago levels. The Raw Materials Price Index rose 7.7% month over month and 8.0% year over year. The data marks notable price movement in manufactured goods and raw materials, which bear on contract pricing, procurement strategies, and cost forecasting for construction firms, contractors, and suppliers. Increased materials costs can impact bid pricing and supply chain management for both residential and infrastructure construction.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Population Projections Published for Census Divisions and Subdivisions

A new update of population projections by census division and census subdivision, commissioned by the Canadian Infrastructure Council, has been released by Statistics Canada. These projections are designed to inform infrastructure owners, operators, and investors contributing to the National Infrastructure Assessment Report. The updated data support evidence-based infrastructure planning across regions and highlight anticipated demographic shifts of interest to construction and development firms mapping future demand for housing, transportation, and utilities.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Lending Services Price Index Q3 2025 Data Released

Statistics Canada's Lending Services Price Index, using 2017 as the base year, is updated with figures for Q3 2025. This indicator tracks price changes in lending services, which can influence project financing costs in the construction and housing markets. The quarterly data provides reference points for financial institutions and borrowers engaged in mortgage origination, construction lending, and related activities.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

New Housing Price Index for January Now Available

The New Housing Price Index (December 2016=100) has been published for January 2026. This federal index tracks changes in seller prices for new residential homes across Canadian municipalities, supporting benchmarking for homebuilders, residential developers, and policymakers tracking market-driven pricing for newly built dwellings.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatCan Study Examines Internal Migration and Mobility Drivers

Statistics Canada released an analytical article exploring why Canadians move within the country, drawing on Canadian Housing Survey responses. The findings are distributed as both a text and infographic. The study identifies motivating factors such as affordability, proximity to work, and housing suitability. Developers and local governments use this information to anticipate shifts in housing demand and urban planning requirements.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

British Columbia, Canada Partner for 700+ Supportive and Transitional Homes

A new partnership between B.C. and the federal government secures $170 million federal and up to $200 million provincial capital funding to fast-track over 700 supportive and transitional homes using construction-ready projects and modern building methods.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

New Below-Market Rental Homes Announced in Burnaby, B.C.

Construction is underway on 116 below-market rental units at 6337 Cassie Ave., Burnaby, supported by BC Builds at BC Housing and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, targeting middle-income earners and delivered by Waterleaf Housing Society.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario and Canada Fund New Affordable Homes in Woodstock

The governments of Ontario and Canada have announced over $3 million in joint funding for 30 affordable units in Woodstock, with support from the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative and Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Employer Fined After Fatal Excavation Incident

Wintec Building Services Inc. of Manitoba was fined $50,000, with an additional $20,000 penalty imposed for workplace safety education, after a worker suffered a fatal injury due to a machine safety lapse during excavation work.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Quebec to Extend Municipal Temporary Powers for Housing Construction

The Quebec government intends to extend municipalities' temporary powers to advance housing construction until February 21, 2029, according to Minister Caroline Proulx.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

Horizontal Red Tape Reviews Consultation Open

The Treasury Board's Red Tape Reduction Office has launched a consultation on five horizontal red tape themes, including project review efficiency and reducing barriers to business productivity. Input is open until February 28, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Housing starts drop 15% in January, CMHC reports: CMHC data points to a notable decrease in housing starts for January.
• CMHC reports further slowing of housing starts with no turnaround in sight: The pace of new home construction continues to decline, with industry responses noted.
• Competition Bureau expands real estate sector probe to include Vancouver board: Regulatory review widens to additional real estate market players.
• 'Catastrophic' decision to scrap affordable rental program leaves projects in limbo: Industry stakeholders report uncertainty after the halting of a rental funding stream.
• Despite government push, modular housing faces resistance: Modular housing projects continue to face pushback at the municipal level.
• From capital to housing: how David Odishou is rebuilding trust in high-friction markets: Sector profile focuses on strategies for re-establishing investor and consumer confidence.
• Building prosperity and responding to emerging needs: Market actors discuss approaches to adapting to evolving challenges.
• In defence of hewers of wood and drawers of water: Editorial weighs the role of traditional resources in the changing economy.
• The National Home Show returns with practical solutions for today’s homeowners: Industry event highlights products and services addressing current homeowner needs.

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