The federal government tabled Budget 2026 on November 5, 2026. This summary covers the measures most relevant to insulating concrete form (ICF) manufacturers and their supply chain. Page numbers refer to the Budget 2026 document unless noted. Nearly every measure applies only to Canadian operations; the trade measures are the main exception for US companies.
Headlines
● Faster write-offs for plant equipment. A new Productivity Mega Deduction allows immediate expensing of about two thirds of capital assets acquired on or after September 15, 2026, up from about 15% (pp.111-115).
● Manufacturing buildings are a grey area. The deduction excludes “certain long-lived buildings” without listing them, and Budget 2025’s immediate expensing for manufacturing and processing buildings is not mentioned (pp.113, 115).
● More money for Build Canada Homes. An added $13 billion over ten years brings total capitalisation to $45 billion, with a target of 200,000 homes over the decade (p.201).
● $300 million for modern construction factories. A new Strategic Response Fund stream will build industrial capacity for modern methods of construction (p.203).
● Tariff relief widens, but not for rebar. Automatic surtax relief now covers non-steel US goods used in Canadian manufacturing. Steel for construction is not covered (p.176).
● Codes: process, not performance. The budget funds common standards for modern construction and faster National Model Code updates, and aims for one approval of new building materials across provinces. Nothing on energy codes or fire, wind or flood requirements for buildings (pp.181, 203).
● SR&ED now covers certification testing. Costs to obtain initial regulatory approval or certification for new products can qualify ($930 million over five years, pp.117-118).
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