and will continue to be done – research, meetings, and education sessions. Organizations were invited to join the working group provided they “buy in” financially so that the work of the group could be properly funded. Those organizations included: •  Mechanical Contractors Association of Saskatchewan • Saskatchewan Construction Association • General Contractors Association • Saskatchewan Association of Architects •  Electrical Contractors Association of Saskatchewan • Saskatchewan Masonry Institute Inc. •  Saskatchewan Roofing Contractors Association On December 3, 2015, the Saskatchewan Prompt Payment working group was formed and held its first meeting. The group developed a clear position statement and concise messages that outlined the construction industry’s need for prompt payment. So why prompt payment? It’s simple really – those men and women working in the construction field have a right to be paid on time for work that is certified complete. Prompt payment is not about the trade contractor vs. the general contractor. It is an attempt to better the construc- tion industry in Saskatchewan. We are very fortunate in this province; we have a construction industry that is tight-knit, where everyone knows everyone else. The Advisory Council provides a good example of this – groups and organizations that come together to work towards common goals. But there does exist the issue of delinquent payments. Trade con- tractors carry a substantial amount of “up-front” costs to perform a job. Trade contractors still must meet their obligations for purchas- ing equipment, materials, salaries, WCB premiums, CPP and EI regardless of whether they have been paid for the work. Delaying payment for completed work can make these costs detrimental to the trade contractor. An honest day’s work should bring an honest day’s pay, not an honest day’s pay…eventually. On November 20, 2018, after three years of numerous meet- ings, teleconferences and lobbying initiatives, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced the Builder’s Lien (Prompt Payment) Amendment Act, 2018. The Act will “create a payment process to establish reasonable timelines for providing payment for construction projects.” The introduction of the legislation moves the Province one step closer to ensuring that no construction contractor, whether large or small, should have to face the possibility of bankruptcy because of delayed payments. 17 A Century in Review MCAS LOBBYING INITIATIVES "Congratulations MCAS on 100 years!" "Congratulations MCAS on 100 years!" The first automated teller machine in Canada was developed by Saskatchewan credit unions in 1977, and first went into service at two Sherwood Credit Union branches (now Conexus Credit Union) in Regina.