Canada Creates Collaborative Approach To Model Codes

The government of Canada has developed a new governance model for the National Model Codes development system. The federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) governance model replaces the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, the committee that was responsible for code development in Canada since 1991. The FPT governance model includes the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes, overseen by a new Canadian Table for Harmonized Construction Codes Policy. It was developed to integrate provinces and territories into the national process, bringing Canada significantly closer to harmonized construction codes across the country. With this approach, the code development system will be more responsive to provincial and territorial code priorities and will result in more efficient construction in Canada. The model will contribute to lower construction costs for the industry and reduce internal trade barriers related to manufacturing, operation, inspection, education, and training.