The BC Construction Association (BCCA)’s annual industry survey is raising red flags regarding new data on payment certainty.
BCCA’s newly released spring Stat Pack and Annual BC Construction Industry Survey report found the payment delay is a top concern, with 91 per cent of employer respondents reporting 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.
“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.”
Overwhelmingly, people working in construction reported that the lack of payment certainty keeps them up at night, followed by concerns with workforce shortages and economic turbulence. These anxieties have sharpened since the beginning of 2025, as Canada grapples with the Trump administration’s threats and tariffs. B.C. construction is not immune, given 35 per cent of the province’s international imports come from the U.S.
“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,” added 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 B.C. government has the tools to solve this challenge but chooses not to.”
Construction is critical to a strong B.C. The industry contributes 10 per cent of B.C.’s GDP annually and will deliver $331 billion in value via major projects to the province over the next few years. The industry is one of B.C.’s greatest assets in driving economic growth through a trade war scenario, and is a key member of Team BC.
