On May 23, 2024, the Assemblée nationale adopted the Act to Modernize the Construction Industry.

This new legislation is intended to:

• Increase the industry’s productivity by allowing for greater flexibility and more versatility on construction sites
• Foster better work organization by allowing for greater workforce mobility throughout Québec
• Facilitate access by women and culturally diverse people within Québec society to the construction industry 
• Optimize the collective bargaining regime to encourage a harmonious conclusion to negotiations
• Strengthen the Commission de la construction du Québec’s governance, role, and operations

Gradual deployment

The various changes resulting from the Act to Modernize the Construction Industry will come into effect at different times between now and fall 2025. 

Among these changes, some that particularly affect the clientele in the construction industry will come into effect soon, including: Versatility in the construction trades.

Versatility in the construction trades: some preliminary information 

Section 72 of the statute sets out new versatility provisions that allow journeyperson competency certificate holders to execute tasks not included in the definition of their trade, if these tasks:

• Are related to tasks set out in the definition of the trade
• Are part of a single work sequence and allow work to progress, including preparatory or finishing work
• Are of short duration during the workday

However, the concept of versatility does not apply: 

• To holders of an apprentice competency certificate
• To tasks in the following trades: electrician, pipe fitter, fire-protection mechanic, refrigeration mechanic, elevator mechanic
• To operation of cranes of all types and to work related to a structure’s stability or load-bearing capacity 

The CCQ is currently working on an online guide that will provide detailed information on the subject. The guide will be available on our website soon.

Other general information on the Act to Modernize the Construction Industry

Other measures will come into effect later in 2024 and in 2025. Information about all of the measures and a schedule of their coming into effect will also be put online soon. All of this information will be updated on an ongoing basis.

Keep an eye out on the “News” section, at ccq.org, for all further information. If you have any questions, you can write to [email protected].