In January of 2016, the Prompt Payment Saskatchewan Working Group was formed by industry associations with the goal to work together to resolve the issue of delayed payments in the construction industry here in Saskatchewan. On March 1, 2022, Prompt Payment will officially come into force in Saskatchewan.
For years we have known that delayed payment in the construction industry across this country has been an issue. In what other industry are you expected to wait 60, 90 or 120 days to be paid once an invoice has been issued? That will end in March and once you issue a proper invoice, you will have the right to expect payment within 28 days. If the invoice is disputed the newly formed Saskatchewan Construction Dispute Resolution Office (SCDRO) will take over. This group will ensure that the adjudication process is handled swiftly, inexpensively, and most important – fairly. If, as a contractor, you still are not paid after receiving a favourable decision from the SCDRO you will have the right to walk off the job site.
I know that you have many questions about how this is going to work, and I can assure you that education sessions will be available soon.
I want to thank all the associations who came together with MCAS to make Prompt Payment a reality:
- The Canadian Institute of Steel Constructors
- The Electrical Contractors Association of Saskatchewan
- The General Contractors Association of Saskatchewan
- The Saskatchewan Roofing Contractors Association
- The Saskatchewan Masonry Institute
- The Saskatchewan Association of Architects
- The Saskatchewan Construction Association
Special thank you to Ryan Tynning from Swift Plumbing & Heating Ltd. who co-chaired the working group along with Dominic Iula of City Masonry Contractors Ltd. And thank you to Mark Cooper and his team for going above and beyond on this file.