Category

Advocacy

Dec 05
Love0

Prompt Payment Becomes Law: Key Takeaways and What’s Next

By Advocacy, Latest

On November 27, the Construction Prompt Payment Act received Royal Assent and was officially enacted as law.

This milestone brings B.C.’s construction industry one step closer to a standardized payment system – keeping cash flowing, crews working, and projects moving forward.

But what will it mean for contractors on the ground and what happens next?

Key Takeaways

Now that the Act has passed through the House and received Royal Assent, we know that the following key provisions will form part of its legal framework:

Regular and Proper Invoicing

1. Contractors will be required to submit a proper invoice to owners on a monthly basis unless otherwise specified in the contract, e.g. milestone-based invoicing (s.5).

2. Proper invoices must include the information specified in s.7(1)(a) and will be deemed proper unless the owner objects, in writing, within 7 days after the invoice date (s.7).

Prompt Payment

1. Owners must pay contractors within 28 days after the invoice date (s.9)(1)(a)).

2. Contractors must pay subcontractors within 7 days after they receive payment from the owner or before the subcontractor’s payment due date – whichever comes first (s.9).

3. Notices of non-payment from owners to contractors must be given within 14 days after the invoice date (s.11(2)(b)(i)).

4. Notices of non-payment from contractors to subcontractors must be given within 7 days after the contractor receives a notice of non-payment from the owner or before the subcontractor’s payment due date – whichever comes first (s.11(2)(b)(ii)).

5. If a contractor receives partial payment more than 7 days before the subcontractor’s payment due date, the contractor must pay the subcontractor rateably from the amount of the partial payment and within 7 days after they receive it (s.10).

6. Interest will begin to accrue on unpaid amounts after the payment due date at the rate specified in the contract or the prescribed rate – whichever is higher (s.15).

Adjudication

1. Notices of adjudication regarding owner-contractor contracts must be given within 90 days after a contract is completed, abandoned, or terminated (s.19(2)).

2. An adjudicator must be appointed by the adjudication authority within 7 days after a request is made by one or more of the parties (s.23)(2)).

What’s Next?

Currently the Act exists as a legislative framework – it needs to be fleshed out before it can begin being implemented and enforced.

In this next phase, the regulatory phase, the Ministry of Attorney General will work closely with industry stakeholders to develop the regulations needed to implement the law. This phase is expected to last between 12 and 18 months.

“MCABC was the first organization in B.C. to call for this reform over a decade ago,” says CEO Kim Barbero.

“Commitment and collaboration are what have gotten us to this point, and we look forward to partnering with government and other stakeholders on development of the regulations which, I expect, will further strengthen the mechanical contracting industry.”

As the regulatory process takes shape, we’ll be sharing updates and member-focused guidance so you know what to expect and how to prepare for the changes ahead.

Watch this space!

 

*  *  *

 

Read the Act in Full: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/lc/billscurrent/1st43rd:gov20-3

 

*  *  *

 

About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

 

Nov 15
Love0

MCABC Statement on the Province’s Trades Training Investment

By Advocacy, Latest, Statements

MCABC welcomes B.C.’s $241-million commitment to expand trades-training capacity and support the province’s growing mechanical workforce

 

Vancouver, B.C. – The Mechanical Contractors Association of British Columbia (MCABC) welcomes today’s announcement by the Province of British Columbia regarding a $241-million investment to expand trades training. Increasing access to training seats and strengthening certification pathways will help more British Columbians build stable, well-paid, family-supporting careers and support the workforce needed to meet B.C.’s housing targets and deliver major infrastructure projects across the province.

Mechanical contractors face some of the most significant workforce pressures in construction, including in plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration and fire protection, as well as the full range of specialized mechanical trades—work essential to every new home, hospital, school, industrial facility and clean-energy project in B.C. Together, mechanical trades represent roughly 24 per cent of B.C.’s total construction output, employing more than 28,000 British Columbians directly and supporting another 25,000 indirect jobs.

Long wait times for training programs and regional shortages in skilled trades have been consistent barriers for employers and for people seeking to start or advance their mechanical trades careers. With more than three-quarters of B.C.’s mechanical contractors employing fewer than 10 people, these workforce pressures are often more acute for small companies that rely on timely access to skilled workers and on training pathways that help existing employees upgrade their skills. Across the wider construction sector, employers will need to recruit more than 60,000 workers by 2035 to replace retiring workers and keep pace with growth—reinforcing the importance of expanding training capacity today.

Today’s investment is an important step toward addressing these challenges by improving access and strengthening the training system across the province. Mechanical trades account for more than one-quarter of all apprenticeship registrations and certifications in B.C., reinforcing the need for expanded training capacity as demand continues to grow.

As government expands the trades-training system, MCABC encourages continued collaboration to ensure programs reflect the realities of today’s mechanical job sites—including the shift toward heat pumps, advanced control systems, modern HVAC technologies and the decarbonization requirements shaping both new construction and retrofit work. Ensuring people entering the trades, those growing their skills in the sector and the employers who rely on them all have the supports needed to succeed will be critical.

MCABC looks forward to working with government and other partners across the skilled trades sector to support expanded training and help grow the diverse, highly skilled mechanical workforce needed for the decade ahead.

 

*  *  *

 

About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Oct 15
Love0

Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services is MCABC’s Advocacy Pillar Partner

By Advocacy, Latest, Statements

Vancouver, B.C. – MCABC is pleased to announce that Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services (WMB) has secured a Pillar Partnership with MCABC. This exciting, landmark partnership will enable MCABC members to access exclusive and customized insurance and surety bonding savings and opportunities. It will also elevate building best practices and advance prevention initiatives that directly influence industry standards.

WMB, in collaboration with its partners at Aviva, Liberty Mutual, and Intact Insurance, is working closely with MCABC’s Board of Directors to create and deliver exclusive benefits for MCABC members, including:

A preferred MCABC Insurance Program – tailored to the specialized needs of the mechanical contracting industry in B.C., WMB is in the final stages of formalizing this program which will be led by an MCABC-dedicated team negotiating best pricing for members.

An MCABC Surety Panel – whether members are establishing their first bonding facility or enhancing an existing bonding legacy, this panel of top-tier surety underwriters and brokers will offer a dedicated and priority service.

“Our client-centric approach, combined with our deep understanding of the challenges faced by mechanical contractors, is what sets us apart in the insurance landscape,” says Mathew Binkle, Managing Partner at WMB.

As MCABC’s Advocacy Pillar Partner, WMB will be a key funding party that further enhances and elevates MCABC’s general advocacy strategy and efforts, including a continued focus on prompt payment legislation. This collaboration will enable the MCABC team to continue with its focused provincial and municipal advocacy program while providing for additional opportunities to influence policy and regulatory change and advancements.

“We know how critical insurance and surety services are to our members,” says MCABC CEO Kim Barbero. “MCABC is laser focused on driving member value. Aligning our pillars with key business services that support our members’ business growth and profitability are key to continued industry growth.”

In addition to providing sector specific bonding and insurance programs, the partnership with WMB will ensure MCABC members have access to resources that enable informed decision-making. Informative programming will be shared and hosted by MCABC and WMB, and personalized guidance will also be delivered by WMB by request.

“Insurance can be daunting,” says Nikki Keith, Principal at WMB, “but it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to guide MCABC members through the what’s, the how’s, and the why’s to help them safeguard their businesses, protect profitability, and keep projects moving forward on time and on budget.”

WMB will be leading November’s #CoffeeTalk, a must-attend for MCABC members who want to dig deeper, learn beyond the broker experience and understand the mindset of the insurance underwriter.

About WMB

Since 1981, WMB has been a trusted partner to mechanical and plumbing contractors across Western Canada. WMB has built a reputation for understanding the unique risks and operational realities of the trades that keep buildings operating, from piping systems and plumbing infrastructure to HVAC to fire protection.

The WMB team brings decades of hands-on experience in construction insurance and surety bonding, with a strong focus on mechanical and plumbing sectors. The company has worked with contractors of all sizes, from startups securing their first bonding facility to legacy firms optimizing coverage for complex projects, helping them navigate the insurance landscape with confidence.

With over 300 employees across 15 offices, WMB offers tailored solutions that reflect the specific needs of mechanical and plumbing contractors, including:

  • Surety bonding programs designed for trade contractors.
  • Customized liability and wrap-up coverage for mechanical scopes
  • Risk management strategies for service and maintenance operations
  • Claims support from professionals who understand construction timelines and pressures

About MCABC Pillar Partnerships

MCABC is leading the change in the mechanical contracting industry. We’re guided by six pillars that provide the framework for the Association’s strategic direction, decision-making, and actions:

  • Advocacy
  • Education
  • Leadership
  • Collaboration
  • Skilled Trades
  • Innovation

The Pillar Partnership program is uniquely tailored to the individual partner, with each one being carefully selected as a non-industry ally that is committed to accessing and supporting the mechanical industry in a true partnership format.

Interested in becoming a MCABC Pillar Partner? Reach out to our Director, Member Experience, Leesa Butler, at lbutler@mcabc.org and start the conversation today!

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058 ext. 3244

Oct 07
Love0

MCABC Statement on the Introduction of Prompt Payment Legislation

By Advocacy, Latest, Statements

Prompt payment is a historic step forward for B.C.’s $28-billion construction economy

MCABC applauds government leadership and calls for strong implementation to ensure lasting impact across one of the province’s most vital sectors.

Vancouver, B.C. – The Mechanical Contractors Association of British Columbia (MCABC) welcomes the Government of British Columbia’s announcement today introducing prompt payment legislation — a long-awaited reform that, once passed, will strengthen the province’s construction economy by keeping housing and infrastructure projects moving, cutting unnecessary and hidden costs and making it faster and more affordable to build across B.C.

“Prompt payment is a historic step forward for B.C.’s $28-billion construction economy — one that MCABC has championed for over a decade,” said Kim Barbero, CEO, Mechanical Contractors Association of British Columbia. “Mechanical contractors are at the heart of how B.C. builds — delivering the air, water and energy systems that keep our province moving. This reform will strengthen that foundation by bringing greater efficiency and stability to one of B.C.’s largest economic engines — ensuring contractors can pay their workers, invest in training and technology and deliver the housing and infrastructure our communities urgently need.”

Prompt payment legislation sets predictable timelines and clear dispute-resolution processes to ensure funds move efficiently through every level of the construction supply chain — from owners to subcontractors.

With $158 billion in major projects underway and another $173 billion on the horizon — covering housing, infrastructure, industrial and energy developments — B.C. is in one of the largest building cycles in its history. Predictable payment will help sustain that momentum by keeping capital circulating, lowering financing costs and keeping projects on schedule — making the entire system more efficient and resilient.

“Prompt payment isn’t just an industry issue — it’s about people,” said Kyle Wisniewski, Chair of the MCABC Board of Directors and General Manager, Black & McDonald Limited. “Predictable cash flow gives contractors the confidence to keep crews working, bring on apprentices and invest in the next generation of tradespeople. When money moves on time, so do projects — and that’s what delivers more homes and builds stronger communities across B.C.”

“Confidence is what drives investment, innovation and growth,” said Trevor Hildebrand, Past Chair & Secretary-Treasurer of the MCABC Board and President of Phase Mechanical Systems. “Prompt payment creates that confidence, unlocking contractors’ ability to modernize how we work — adopting new technology, improving efficiency and keeping skilled workers in the industry. It’s about building capacity for the long term — strengthening B.C.’s competitiveness and making our industry more productive, resilient and better positioned for growth.”

As the legislation moves forward, MCABC will continue working with government and industry partners to ensure its implementation delivers meaningful, measurable results.

“Prompt payment is only as strong as its execution,” Barbero added. “Implementation must align with how construction actually works — with clear timelines, practical enforcement and accountability across the chain. That’s how we’ll ensure the benefits reach the people building B.C., and ultimately, the communities and industries that rely on them.”

&

About MCABC

The Mechanical Contractors Association of BC is the connection to industry excellence. We deliver education and professional development programs and services that enable high standards of professional practice and business success for mechanical contractors and their sub-trades. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, MCABC influences policy discussion and development in a sector that comprises the largest percentage of the construction industry’s skilled trades workforce. We also represent suppliers and affiliates associated with the mechanical trades and maintain strong alliances with industry manufacturers.

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058 ext. 3244