CIQS DAY ON THE HILL
October 23-24, 2023

MEDIA STATEMENT

CIQS Praises Enactment of the Federal Prompt Payment for Construction Work Act

DECEMBER 14, 2023 (OTTAWA, ON) - The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) welcomes the recent enactment of the Federal Prompt Payment for Construction Work Act by the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement. This legislation is a crucial step towards fostering a fair and transparent construction industry. The new regulations will address long-standing challenges related to delayed payments, providing much-needed relief to contractors, sub-contractors, and suppliers across the country. We believe that this positive step will have a lasting impact on the construction sector, benefitting all stakeholders involved. This legislative milestone was a focal point during CIQS’s most recent engagements on Parliament Hill this past October where we met many supportive parliamentarians from various parties. We look forward to continued cooperation with those parliamentarians and others in shaping policies that contribute to the success and sustainability of our dynamic industry. LEARN MORE

MEDIA RELEASE

CANADA'S CONSTRUCTION ECONOMISTS CALL FOR URGENT REFORMS IN THE FACE OF THE AFFORDABILITY AND HOUSING CRISIS

A team of CIQS ambassador members led by chief executive officer Sheila Lennon, held a press conference on Parliament Hill on October 23, 2023 as part of the fall Day on the Hill, pointing to the federal government's gaps in ensuring Canada's future infrastructure adheres to contemporary, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly standards.

“Our role is crucial in optimizing developers' time, funds, and resources,” said CIQS vice-chair, Tammy Stockley, PQS(F). “Investments should assure costs and deliver maximum value to taxpayers. Now, as the focus shifts to major public infrastructure projects, Canadians deserve to see their tax money's worth. We stand ready to bolster climate resilience, emissions reduction, economic greening, and the creation of quality middle-class employment opportunities.”

On Tuesday, October 24, a team of CIQS ambassadors met with Members of Parliament on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to call attention to oversights by the federal government, highlighting the pressing need for reforms to address the mounting housing affordability crisis.

Sheila Lennon, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of CIQS, said that, “while the federal government has pledged over $20 billion towards Green infrastructure initiatives, they must also guarantee the cost-effectiveness of these projects and a net-zero focus for future Canadian infrastructure. The expertise of construction economists is pivotal in bridging this developmental gap.”

They also discussed the government’s delayed enactment of the Federal Prompt Payment for Construction Work Act which was green-lit in 2019. The act, designed to ensure timely payments to contractors and subcontractors, is crucial in upholding financial stability and fostering mutual trust in the construction ecosystem.

While in Ottawa, the CIQS delegation also hosted a stakeholder breakfast, and a Parliament Hill evening reception.