Municipalities: 

The Issue – Occupancy Permits:
In some parts of Canada, municipalities issue an “Occupancy Permit”.  For example, in Ontario, the City of Ottawa issues an Occupancy Permit, which attests to the general conformance of the new construction or renovations to the Ontario Building Code based on the inspections undertaken at the completion of key stages of construction pursuant to the Building Code Act.  Here is information that appears on the City of Ottawa web-site about the Occupancy Permit.
http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/building_code/occupancy_en.html
In the case of the City of Ottawa, the Occupancy Permit does not certify or warrant the work or workmanship of a builder – it indicates general conformance with the Ontario Building Code.  It is important to note that it does not address other potential Code violations, e.g., the Gas Code, the Electrical Code, etc. 

Canadians for Properly Built Homes' Position:

• It should be mandatory for all municipalities to issue an Occupancy Permit as an indication that the home is fit for occupancy;
• The Occupancy Permit should cover all health and safety issues, including the Gas Code, the Electrical Code, etc.
• Municipalities should provide easily accessible information to consumers about Occupancy Permits, e.g., on the municipal web-site.

What can concerned citizens do?

• Write or telephone your Provincial Member of Parliament.
• Write or telephone the appropriate ministry within your provincial/territorial government responsible for housing.