Building Code Amendments Improve Safety

Nova Scotians will be better protected thanks to amendments to the provincial Building Code Act introduced today, Oct. 20.

"Minimum qualifications for building inspection officials, stiffer penalties and a more inclusive Building Advisory Committee are some of the issues we're addressing in today's bill," said Kerry Morash, Minister of Environment and Labour. "The safety of Nova Scotians is a top priority -- a priority that is reflected by these important updates."

The most significant amendment requires minimum qualifications for building inspection officials, formerly known as building inspectors. Under the current act, any person may be appointed a building inspector and there are no required minimum qualifications, except those imposed voluntarily by municipalities.

"We have worked closely with the municipalities to produce new regulations to increase the qualifications of building inspection officials. They are generally well-trained, but this allows us to make their training a legal requirement, and assures that competent persons are appointed to enforce the law.

"I'm pleased to say, this proposed change received strong endorsement from the membership of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities during a consultation session at their spring 2005 conference," said Mr. Morash. "In fact, most municipalities now have in place building inspection officials who meet these proposed minimum qualifications."

Further protection for Nova Scotians includes implementing stiffer penalties for individuals or companies where an offence is committed knowingly and results in loss of life, serious injury or damage to the health of a person, or has a catastrophic impact on a community.

Individuals can be fined up to $150,000 and/or imprisoned for up to two years for each offence. Companies and/or directors of a company can be fined up to $250,000. This brings the Nova Scotia Building Code Act into line with other provincial public safety legislation.

The proposed amendments also ensure the Building Advisory Committee is inclusive. The amendments will allow nominations from interested provincial groups, persons involved in the day-to-day design of buildings, persons involved in the design and construction, and the public who use buildings.

Other housekeeping changes are also proposed in today's bill. Interior designers will be recognized as a self-governing profession, similar to architects and engineers. References to courts and names of statutes, and references to the Minister responsible for the Act will also be fixed.