BCCA supports a moderate and reasonable approach to labour relations that protects the rights of all employers and employees in BC’s construction industry, without favour to the 15% minority who are union members.

Industry is appalled to see the tabling of Bill 10 this week, which seeks to interfere in workforce dynamics to fix a problem that does not exist.  This is a time of labour shortage, extreme cost increases, and demand for high productivity in BC’s construction sector.  The Province cannot afford to spend valuable legislative time on ideology. Lawmakers have an obligation to prioritize improvements that will directly benefit the industry as a whole.

Prompt payment legislation continues to stall, despite public promises from this government in December that it would become an immediate priority. Industry stakeholders are waiting for the Attorney General to convene the working group. We are told the legislative calendar is full. Yet here is Bill 10, even though there is no legislative imperative more important for BC’s construction industry nor more widely supported than prompt payment. Across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors, regardless of labour affiliation, industry supports prompt payment legislation.

Cash-positive businesses can invest in training, new hires, new equipment, technology and other improvements that will make the industry work better for British Columbians.   Without it, over 20,000 construction businesses and their 200,000 employees will continue to face significant barriers to productivity, competition, and resilience.

With Bill 10 Premier Horgan and Minister Bains are distracting BC’s law-makers away from the stated priorities of putting people first and building an economy that works for everyone.

It’s Construction and Skilled Trades Month in BC.  Surely there is a better way to support the hard-working people of this essential industry.