Testimony on Bill 69, the Prompt Payment Act, concluded today with warnings that in its current form, the Bill poses significant risks across the sector and for the taxpayer

F-PRO coalition members testified today at the last of only two opportunities given to raise concerns

TORONTO, March 26, 2014 /CNW/ - Too rigid, too wide-ranging, too burdensome and far too risky.  These were just some of the concerns raised by Ontario construction companies today in the final day to give testimony before the Standing Committee responsible for reviewing Bill 69, the Prompt Payment Act. "With so many questions raised and with clear dangers set out by a number of stakeholders, there are better mechanisms to deal with prompt payment issues than a speedily managed process with barely any input", said Chris Gower, Executive Vice President, PCL Construction.

The Fair Payment Reform Ontario (F-PRO) coalition of construction companies includes Eastern Construction, ACS Infrastructure Canada, Carillion, Dragados Canada, EllisDon, PCL Construction, Aecon and Bird Construction.  As EllisDon's Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Jody Becker, pointed out today, "F-PRO fully supports the principles behind Bill 69 - contractors and subcontractors should be paid promptly for good work - but Bill 69's proposed reforms are so wide-reaching, the only appropriate mechanism to deal with the issue is a government and legal review with industry."

Many concerns have been raised in the short timeframe allowed for testimony and too many questions left unaddressed.  Significant amendments would be required to avoid jeopardizing even the most simple of activities such as holding back a portion of pay until work is satisfactorily completed.  F-PRO hopes committee members will move the bill into a more formal, consultative and deliberative process that is better for everyone: industry, consumers, homeowners, local governments and taxpayers.

SOURCE: Fair Payment Reform Ontario

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