Manitoba Introduces Prompt Payment Legislation

Apr 22, 2018

MLA Reg Helwer, Brandon West, has introduced Bill 218, The Prompt Payments in the Construction Industry Act, with the support of Manitoba Prompt Payment (MBPP), a coalition of 29 construction unions and associations across the province. The coalition expects the legislation to find strong support across party lines.

“We have seen prompt payment legislation come to fruition in Ontario, with the passing of Bill 142, which is Canada’s first piece of prompt payment legislation,” says Brad Mason, spokesperson for MBPP. “Now is the time for Manitoba to act and ensure fairness in our construction industry. Delinquent payments hurt the entire province’s economy while jeopardizing employment and financial security for thousands of workers in our industry.”

Trade contractors perform more than 80% of all construction work in Canada. There is currently no system in place in Manitoba that enforces payment procedures, and as a result they routinely receive late payments. The adoption of prompt payment legislation will ensure that contractors and subcontractors are paid within reasonable timeframes, removing the uncertainty that can slow projects and reduce productivity. The federal government is also in the process of establishing prompt payment framework for federal construction contracts, and other provinces in Canada are looking to follow Ontario.

“We look forward to seeing the added economic stability and growth this province can achieve with proper payment legislation supporting workers, businesses, and families,” continues Mason. “We expect all-party support on this critical issue, and we hope to see it move through the legislature promptly.”

The coalition has been advocating for prompt payment legislation for the construction industry in Manitoba for over six years. Read the bill here: http://web2.gov.mb.ca/bills/41-3/b218e.php