WINNIPEG — A construction-sector coalition known as Manitoba Prompt Payment (MBPP) has issued a statement welcoming the introduction of a bill laying out prompt payment legislation in the province and its continued progress as it moves through government.
Reg Helwer, MLA from Brandon West, introduced Bill 218, the Prompt Payments in the Construction Industry Act, earlier this month, a release said, and just recently it received unanimous support, passing second reading.
MBPP, a coalition of 30 Manitoba construction unions and associations, said in a statement it expected the legislation would find strong support across party lines.
In his opening remarks, Helwer stated, “This is a fair and balanced legislative proposal that ensures a timely flow of payments across the construction industry to companies and workers. 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.”
According to the MBPP, Bill 218 is the culmination of a seven-year journey for the Manitoba construction industry.
“We have seen prompt payment legislation come to fruition in Ontario with the passing of Bill 142, which is Canada’s first piece of prompt payment legislation,” said Brad Mason, spokesperson for MBPP, in an earlier statement.
“Now is the time for Manitoba to act and ensure fairness in our construction industry. Delinquent payments hurt the entire province’s economy while jeopardizing employment and financial security for thousands of workers in our industry.”
Sandra Skivsky, chair of the National Trade Contractors Coalition of Canada (NTCCC), reached out to the coalition, the release reads, congratulating them on their hard work towards implementing prompt payment legislation in the province.
“It is encouraging to see Bill 218 pass second reading with a unanimous vote, it means that government understands the issue,” she said. “And while there is more work to be done, NTCCC supports its trade contractor members in achieving a fair, transparent and legislated prompt payment regime.”
“We look forward to seeing the added economic stability and growth this province can achieve with proper payment legislation supporting workers, businesses and families,” Mason added.
“MBPP is working closely with the Winnipeg Construction Association and other industry stakeholders to achieve consensus in order to satisfy the needs of Manitoba’s Construction Industry and protect those most affected by delinquent payment.”
The federal government is also in the process of establishing a prompt payment framework for federal construction contracts and other provinces in Canada are looking to follow Ontario.
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