2005 National Model Construction Codes

Code development system brochure

Canada's National Model Construction Codes are developed and maintained by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC), an independent committee of volunteers established by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). The Canadian Codes Centre of the NRC Institute for Research in Construction plays a vital role in this process by providing technical, research and administrative support to the CCBFC and its related committees.

These Codes are adopted, with or without modifications, and enforced by most provinces and territories. Standards development organizations publish other Canadian construction codes and standards.

Individuals from all segments of the Canadian construction community have the opportunity to contribute to development of the Codes, either directly, through committee membership, or indirectly, by submitting or commenting on proposed changes.

The National Model Construction Codes can be purchased through NRC's Virtual Store (printed and CD-ROM formats). Online versions are also available through a Web-based subscription service. For more information, see the NRC  CODES - GUIDES Online Library.

Code Development

Canada's approach to developing the National Model Construction Codes is evolving to better respond to innovation and globalization.

Three of the Codes (National Building Code of Canada, National Fire Code of Canada and National Plumbing Code of Canada) were converted into objective-based formats for publication in 2005. These Codes have since been updated and new editions are expected to be released in November 2010.

The National Energy Code for Buildings is now undergoing the same conversion and a new edition will published in 2011.