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Chris Atchison, president of the BC Construction Association, announced the introduction of prompt payment legislation in British Columbia today joined by (left to right in background) Phil Venoit, provincial chair, B.C.’s International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Matt MacInnis, President, Electrical Contractors Association of BC, Minister of Infrastructure Bowinn Ma, and Attorney General Niki Sharma.
The British Columbia Construction Association has welcomed the B.C. provincial government’s introduction of prompt payment legislation, a long-awaited and critical reform for an industry that employs more than 260,000 British Columbians and delivers $29 billion in annual economic activity. This legislation follows decades of advocacy by the BCCA and industry leaders across the province.
For too long, payment uncertainty has been a central issue for B.C.’s construction sector. When contractors don’t get paid on time, it places unnecessary financial burdens and risks on businesses and blocks cash flow in the economy, with an additional annual cost to taxpayers estimated to be in the billions. With this legislation, British Columbia joins other provinces across Canada, ensuring a level playing field nationwide.
“This legislation is a long-overdue and critical first step toward securing payment certainty and is a positive development for all of B.C.’s construction industry. It will help owners by reducing payment disputes that can stall or disrupt projects, keep work moving as planned and ensure our collective focus remains on building, not battling over payment,” said Chris Atchison, president of the BCCA.
Chris Atchison, President of the BC Construction Association, was on hand to help announce the introduction of prompt payment legislation in British Columbia today joined by Minister of Infrastructure Bowinn Ma (left) and Attorney General Niki Sharma.
The BCCA remains committed to working with the provincial government to deliver on payment certainty including lien act reform, which is absent from this legislation. A modernized lien framework, that includes progressive and mandatory release of lien holdback, is essential to ensure contractors and subcontractors receive payment in a timely manner.
“This is not the finish line, it’s the starting line. To build a strong, reliable system of payments and adjudication, regulations must be responsible, appropriate, with legislation applicable to all of industry, sectors, and owners. We look forward to continuing to work with the provincial government to ensure the legislation is swiftly enacted and in regular consultation with industry,” added Atchison.
While the legislation marks an important start, the BCCA emphasizes that the work is not yet finished. Prompt payment legislation must be supported by clear regulations, and the establishment of an appropriate adjudication authority and strong education resources and opportunities. Timely action by the provincial government and continued collaboration with industry is key to ensuring the legislation is enacted, achieves its intended results, makes a positive impact, and realizes all associated benefits.