The construction and home-building industries in Canada will feel the effects of tariffs imposed by Trump under the U.S. government. These tariffs, targeting materials like steel, aluminum, and lumber, will drive up costs for Canadian builders, developers, and homeowners. As a result, many Canadians are now looking inward, prioritizing locally sourced materials and homegrown brands to reduce reliance on imported goods and support the domestic economy.
Fortunately, Canada is home to a variety of high-quality construction and home-building brands that provide everything from lumber and insulation to windows and hardware. By choosing Canadian-made products, builders can not only sidestep tariffs but also contribute to job creation and economic growth in Canada. Sovereign Developments is committed to using 100% Canadian sub-trades and will actively attempt to source building material from Canadian suppliers when possible.
Below is a list of notable Canadian brands involved in the construction and home-building industry, along with a brief history and an overview of their products.
List of Canadian Construction Brands
- Founded: 1964
- Headquarters: St. Jacobs, Ontario
- Products: Tools, building materials, and home improvement supplies
- About: Home Hardware is a Canadian cooperative retailer specializing in hardware and building supplies, with locations across the country.
2. Gray Tools
- Founded: 1912
- Headquarters: Brampton, Ontario
- Products: Professional-grade hand tools
- About: Gray Tools is Canada’s only remaining professional hand tool manufacturer, known for producing high-quality tools for industrial and construction use.
3. Group BMR
- Founded: 1967
- Headquarters: Boucherville, Quebec
- Products: Building materials, hardware, and agricultural supplies
- About: Group BMR operates a network of home improvement stores serving contractors and the general public across Canada.
4. Emco
- Founded: 1906
- Headquarters: London, Ontario
- Products: Plumbing, HVAC, and industrial materials
- About: Emco is a leading distributor of construction materials, including pipes, fittings, and waterworks solutions.
5. IHL Canada
- Headquarters: Ontario
- Products: Construction materials and tools
- About: IHL Canada is a major supplier of construction materials, catering to both professional contractors and DIY homeowners.
- Founded: 1973
- Headquarters: Burnaby, British Columbia
- Products: Lumber, flooring, and composite decking
- About: Taiga distributes high-quality wood and building materials, playing a key role in Canada’s construction industry.
7. Rona
- Founded: 1939
- Headquarters: Boucherville, Quebec
- Products: Lumber, tools, and home improvement supplies
- About: RONA is a major Canadian retailer for construction materials and tools, catering to contractors and homeowners alike.
8. Maibec
- Founded: 1946, by the Deschênes family
- Headquarters: Levis, Quebec
- Products: Siding, shingles, and lumber
- About: Maibec specializes in wood-based siding and shingles, providing high-quality, durable materials with a focus on sustainability and aesthetics.
- Founded: 1978, by George Pogosyan and Aubrey Bader
- Headquarters: Edmonton, Alberta
- Products: Windows and doors
- About: Specializing in energy-efficient windows and doors, All Weather Windows is a Canadian leader in sustainable building solutions.
- Founded: 1905
- Headquarters: LaSalle, Quebec
- Products: Roofing shingles, wood fiber panels, and insulation
- About: BP Canada provides a variety of durable roofing and insulation solutions designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion
By choosing Canadian-made construction materials, home builders and contractors can mitigate the effects of U.S. tariffs while boosting the national economy. Whether it’s sourcing Canadian lumber, energy-efficient windows, or durable metal roofing, investing in local products ensures resilience in the industry while maintaining high-quality building standards.
If you’re a contractor, builder, or homeowner looking for more Canadian brands, be sure to explore local suppliers and distributors who prioritize homegrown materials. Together, we can build a stronger, more self-sufficient construction industry in Canada.