Prompt payment and dispute resolution for the construction industry: engagement
About the engagement
The Government of Nova Scotia is reviewing regulations related to payment and dispute resolution for the construction industry.
Nova Scotians were invited to provide feedback about:
- prompt payment and invoicing requirements for goods and services
- dispute settlement and process
- adjudicator responsibilities and qualifications
Engagement also included people with specific knowledge about the construction industry, including people working in the construction sector, industry associations, industry organizations, government partners and those who enter contracts with the construction industry.
Get informed
Canada’s construction industry has been advocating for prompt payment legislation to better support the financial wellbeing of the construction sector. Prompt payment legislation is in place in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta (and under consideration in other provinces).
Prompt payment legislation and regulations support prompt payment of invoices and fast settlements for disputes. Legislation applies to all types of construction projects (including highways) and all parties involved in construction projects (like government, owners, developers, general contractors, project managers, engineers, architects, land surveyors and trades).
To prepare for prompt payment legislation in Nova Scotia, amendments were made to the Builders’ Lien and Prompt Payment Act (Bill 119, 2019) and Bill 211 (2022). Amendments were supported by the Construction Association of Nova Scotia (CANS) and the Prompt Payment Coalition of Nova Scotia.
Right now, government is developing regulations to support the legislation amendments.
How to participate
Survey closed on 10 April 2023.
Report
The Feedback is captured in the Prompt Payment and Adjudication Engagement Report (PDF).Next steps
Feedback will be reviewed by government and shared with partners (including the Prompt Payment Coalition) to help inform changes to the regulations.
More information about the engagement
You can send questions about the prompt payment and dispute resolution engagement to promptpay@novascotia.ca.
Contact
Department of Public Works
Prompt Payment Engagement
promptpay@novascotia.ca