Canadians are demanding safer, healthier and more accessible construction where they live, work and play. To address these demands, some 600 changes were introduced in the National Model Construction Codes, now known as Codes Canada. The 2015 editions of the Codes respond to the changing needs of Canadians and to new technologies, materials, and research.

• All buildings in Canada will now be designed for earthquake forces regardless of the level of hazard
• New design requirements will improve accessibility of stairs and washrooms
• Increased run dimension of steps inside houses from the current minimum of 210 mm to a new minimum of 254 mm could reduce fall incidences by up to 64%
• New requirements to flow rates in showers will reduce water usage in buildings
• Additional protection measures such as higher standards for automatic sprinkler systems will allow for the construction of six-storey wood buildings

"I am very pleased to announce the launch of the 2015 editions of Codes Canada," said Douglas Crawford, chair of the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes. "Their development is the result of a great deal of work from over 600 dedicated volunteers, broad consultations, and the excellent staff support provided by NRC's Codes Canada. This work has benefited from, and been informed by, our ongoing partnership with the provinces and territories and strong working relationships with key stakeholders."

In response to climate change, the Government of Canada has announced an additional $40 million over five years to integrate climate resilience into building design guides and codes. Funding will support revised national building codes, and guides integrating climate resiliency into the design and rehabilitation of public infrastructure will be ready for adoption in 2020.

"For over 75 years, the National Research Council has supported an open and collaborative development process," added Philip Rizcallah, director of building regulations at the National Research Council of Canada. "Our goal is to produce effective building and safety regulations that are harmonized across Canada by collaborating with Canada's Provinces and Territories and the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes"

Codes Canada are developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes and are published every five years by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). This includes the National Building Code, the National Fire Code, the National Plumbing Code, and the National Energy Code for Buildings.