The BC Government introduced Bill 20 – Construction Prompt Payment Act on October 7th, 2025, setting out the framework for how payment and payment dispute adjudication will work in BC’s construction industry. The BC Construction Association (BCCA) has prepared a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) to assist members and industry stakeholders in understanding the new legislation.

At a high level, it covers the following:

• Requirements for regular invoicing
• Requirements of a proper invoice
• Timelines for:

• • Submission of the proper invoice
  • Notice of an invoice not meeting proper invoice requirements
  • Notice of non-payment
  • Timeline for payment between the owner and contractor, contractor and subcontractors, subcontractors and their subcontractors (and so on down the supply chain)
  • Right to information
  • Adjudication

• Workings of interim adjudication including but not limited to:

• • What matters can be adjudicated
  • Selection of an adjudicator and conduct of adjudication
  • Enforcement of a determination
  • Judicial review

• Creation and obligations of the adjudication authority
• Limited amendments to BC’s Builders Lien Act:

• • Eliminates “Shimco liens”
  • Release of holdback may be made after 46 days (currently 55 days)

Click here to read the provincial government’s news release.

Many details will be set out in regulations, which is why we will continue our advocacy for clarity, coordination, and certainty for all construction sectors and stakeholders.

The following FAQ provides answers to common questions and explains in more detail what this legislation means for industry. They provide a broad and simplified overview to help industry understand the legislation. They reflect our understanding and are for general information only, not legal advice. BCCA thanks David Volk of Jenkins Marzban Logan LLP for reviewing legislation-specific questions.

For more information and ongoing updates, visit the BCCA website. We have compiled comprehensive resources on prompt payment and adjudication, including background materials, FAQs, and will be adding future updates: bccassn.com/industry-priorities/prompt-payment