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Victoria, B.C. (October 7, 2025) — The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) welcomes the 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.

The BCCA remains committed to working with the provincial government to deliver on payment certainty – that includes 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 today 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.

For more information, visit https://bccassn.com/industry-priorities/prompt-payment/

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