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.”
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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
