The BC Construction Association (BCCA) has released its spring Stat Pack and Annual BC Construction Industry Survey which found that payment delays are a top concern.
A total of 91 per cent of employer respondents reported being paid late at one time this past year for completed work and 69 per cent having not being paid at least once at all for work completed in the past year.
The BCCA noted that the B.C. government’s failure to pass Prompt Payment Legislation means critical construction projects carry additional risk and payments are not being made for completed work.
“From tariffs and lack of prompt payment to labour shortages and faltering public sector standards on permits, contracts, and procurement, hard-working British Columbians are struggling with excessive and unnecessary uncertainty,” said Chris Atchison, BCCA president. “The provincial government must deliver on strategies and initiatives that better support construction in BC.”
People working in construction reported that the lack of payment keeps them up at night, followed by concerns with workforce shortages and economic turbulence. These anxieties have increased since the beginning of the year, as Canada grapples with the Trump administration’s threats and tariffs.
“At a time when supporting domestic and local industries to strengthen our province and economy is more important than ever, payment certainty is absolutely critical,” said Atchison. “Fixing the prompt payment problem will improve cash flow for British Columbians and support contractors in managing their staff, evolving supply chains, and onerous regulatory regimes without taking on extra debt and financial expenses amidst an ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The BC Government has the tools to solve this challenge but chooses not to.”
Construction is critical to a strong BC, as the industry contributes 10 per cent of BC’s GDP annually and will deliver $331 billion in value via major projects to the province over the next few years.
The BCCA notes that the industry is one of BC’s greatest assets in driving economic growth through a trade war scenario, and is a key member of Team BC. “With the right support from the provincial government, our industry can build the critical infrastructure, essential and affordable housing, and contribute to the overall economic resilience of British Columbia,” said the BCCA in a release.
A total of 1,342 survey respondents across industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential (ICIR) sectors, provided information across all seven development regions of British Columbia. The survey was conducted from October to December of 2024.