ICBA calls for immediate clarity: Will government be bound by BC’s new Prompt Payment law?

The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), Canada’s largest construction association, is urging the NDP Government to confirm that all public owners – including ministries, Crown corporations, government agencies, municipal halls, school boards, and regional districts – must comply with Bill 20, the Construction Prompt Payment Act. While Bill 20 generally applies to construction contracts, it also allows government to exclude “prescribed” improvements or owners by regulation and to differentiate based on “public or private ownership.” ICBA is seeking an unequivocal commitment that public owners will not be carved out or phased in later than the private sector. “Prompt payment has to mean prompt payment for everyone – including the Province and municipalities,” said Chris Gardner, ICBA President. “If government exempts itself or delays its own compliance, the law’s credibility will be undermined on day one. Public owners must lead by example, pay on time, and follow the same rules as every private owner.” The Act comes into force only by regulation and can be rolled out gradually by sector, creating uncertainty unless government states its intent now. “Our members want a fair system that starts with government confirming it is fully subject to the Act, without loopholes, carve-outs, or slow-walked implementation,” said Gardner. ICBA is calling on the Attorney General to immediately confirm: that all public owners (ministries, Crown corporations, BCIB, health authorities, educational and municipal bodies) are in scope; that no public-owner exemptions will be introduced by regulation; and that implementation timelines will apply equally to public and private sectors