Plan for prompt payment rules supports construction

The Chamber applauds a new agreement that will let builders build, and spend less time chasing wayward payments.

On Tuesday, the province announced legislation that will help contractors, subcontractors and workers get paid on time.

“We welcome this critical step toward payment certainty for B.C.’s construction industry,” BC Construction Association president Chris Atchison said. “It marks a new starting line that requires sustained collaboration between industry and government. Establishing fairness in how money flows means the industry can focus on building, not battling over payment. BCCA remains committed to continuing to work with the provincial government on this important issue.”

With housing supply a critical component for improving the cost of living in Greater Victoria and across BC, governments need to address all barriers facing contractors.

The prompt-payment legislation, once passed, will:

·     set clear timelines for payment on construction projects

·     establish a fast-track adjudication process to resolve payment-related disputes

·     improve cash flow and stability across the construction industry.

Ontario and Alberta already have prompt-payment laws, and industry groups in BC have supported bringing those rules here. The province said there will be a transition period to establish an adjudication authority and conduct outreach and education regarding rights and responsibilities under the new system.

Prompt-payment rules will apply broadly to both private- and public-sector projects in BC, including government contracts, unless specific exemptions are set out by regulation.