As of March 28, 2022, code users can access the latest, updated editions of the National Model Codes, including the National Building Code of Canada 2020, the National Fire Code of Canada 2020, the National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020, and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020. The Codes are developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC), and are published by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC).
The CCBFC has included nearly 400 updates in the latest editions of the National Model Codes. These replace the 2015 and 2017 editions of the codes.
How to access the codes
The 2020 National Model Codes are available for free, in electronic format, through the NRC’s Publications Archive and for purchase, in printed format, from the NRC's Virtual Store.
Previous editions of the codes also remain available through these websites.
Provincial and territorial code regulations
Provincial and territorial governments have legislative authority over building design and construction within their jurisdictions, and adopt or adapt the National Model Codes into regulation in order for them to come into effect.
Provinces and territories were provided with advance copies of the latest code changes in December 2021, so that they could prepare regulations based on the updates.
Current provincial and territorial building, fire, plumbing and energy regulations will remain in effect until these latest editions of the National Model Codes are adopted, with or without modifications, by the provincial or territorial authority having jurisdiction.
The CCBFC develops the National Model Codes on a 5-year cycle. It is the organization responsible for the independent code development process, and the regular review and updating of the codes.
The NRC provides the CCBFC with administrative support and evidence-based knowledge to inform the Commission’s technical committees.
Contact
For information about the code changes and provisions in the National Model Codes or details about the National Model Codes development system, please contact the CCBFC at CCBFCSecretary-SecretaireCCCBPI@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.
