Prompt payment legislation may soon become a reality in Manitoba. Bill 218, The Payments in the Construction Industry Act, passed second reading in the Manitoba Legislature on April 24.
“This is a fair and balanced legislative proposal that ensures a timely flow of payments across the construction industry to companies and workers,” said Reg Helwer, the Progressive Conservative MLA for Brandon-West who originally proposed the legislation.
“Industry groups in our province have asked for this legislation for a long time. Payment delays affect the viability of businesses, general costs of construction, and Manitoba’s competitiveness across North America in attracting investment,” he added.
All parties are supporting the bill. “The proposed legislation is an important issue that needs to be tackled,” remarked Tom Lindsey, NDP MLA for Flin Flon.
The National Trade Contractors Coalition of Canada (NTCCC), which includes the Contractors Division of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC), is supporting the Manitoba initiative.
“It is encouraging to see Bill 218 pass the second reading with a unanimous vote, it means that the government understands the issue,” remarked NTCCC chair Sandra Skivsky.
Ontario adopted prompt payment legislation Dec. 5. At the federal level, prompt payment legislation is currently before the House of Commons for federal projects.
For more information, please visit the MTCCC website at www.mtccc.ca.