Dear BCA Members
December is a time for reflection, and as I look back on 2017 it has to go down in the record books as the most successful year for the BCA. For over twenty years, the BCA has lobbied the Provincial Government for change to the antiquated Construction Lien Act. What does this mean? Year after year, the BCA staff and board met with MPP’s to educate them on the real struggles faced every day by our members. Delayed payments in the construction industry are the norm, not the exception. While MPP’s over the years have sympathized, it was not until the introduction of Bill 142, Construction Lien Amendment Act, 2017, that any real hope for revolution was seen.
During three days of hearings at Queen’s Park, the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly heard from many stakeholders – some in favour of the legislative changes and some opposed (those against tight payment timelines). A strong argument for the passing of this Bill was needed. I was proud to address the Standing Committee during these hearings and fight for BCA member’s rights. The right for a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.
Under the newly re-named Construction Act, the vital proposed changes fall into three broad categories. Prompt Payment of Invoices – owners will have to pay contractors within 28 days of receipt of an invoice. Contractors will then have 7 days to pay their subcontractors. If all or part of the invoice is in dispute, the payer must give a notice of non-payment along with an explanation. The undisputed amount must still be paid. The Act creates a short-term dispute adjudication process to resolve payment disputes. The Modernization of the Act includes numerous changes including extending the lien period from 45 to 60 days and making the release of holdback mandatory. The BCA is fully committed to educating our members and local municipal purchasers on these sweeping changes.
The BCA alongside the Council of Ontario Construction Associations was involved in the creating of legislation, giving the BCA Members a voice. This is what belonging to the BCA means. I am proud of what our active board, our dedicated staff and you, our loyal members have achieved together.
I invite you to read the attached Year-End Report which highlights the business of the BCA in 2017 and how your membership dollars were utilized and it will give you a glimpse of what the board and staff will be undertaking in the coming year. A complete list of the BCA Standing Committees and the mandates of those committees is included along with our 2018 Calendar of Events. I encourage you to contact the board or myself with any comments or concerns and to let us know how we can help you.
In closing, I along with my staff and the Board of Directors wish all members, your families and employees a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year.
Sincerely
Alison Smith, Executive Director
