b'FROM OUR PRESIDENTSo Close Lets Push It Over the Finish LineGreetings to the construction community. You have likely seen me rant and rave about topics on this page in the past, and this month is no different. Todays issue: we need some action on prompt payment. This important legislation has been relegated to the back burner of the new provincial government, and we need to turn up the heat.A decade ago, the construction industry identified a systemic problem and has worked with governments across Canada on a legislative solution. The issue is prompt payment for construction services rendered, and the solution in our case is a piece of provincial legislation that was developed by industry consensus, garnered unanimous consent in the Manitoba Legislature and received royal assent in May 2023. One would think that would be cause for celebration; however, Bill 38, The Builders Liens Amendment Act (Prompt Payment) was never proclaimed and therefore is not in effect. Bill 38 requires that a set of regulations be created prior to proclamation, of which there has been no progress to date.The construction industry urges the Manitoba government to complete the regulations, conduct the necessary public consultation and proclaim the Act. We are committed to working with government on the development of the adjudication authority that is contemplated in this legislation, and we have communicated these concerns to the Hon. Lisa Naylor, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, in a meeting just this past February.Delayed payments have become a pervasive issue within the construction industry, causing financial strain, disruptions tocash flow and, in some cases, business closures. This affects the livelihoods of workers, undermines the efficiency andproductivity of construction projects and ultimately leads to delays and increased costs. We have a solution that needs one last push to get it over the finish line. WCA is advocating for immediate action on this issue, and we need your help. Were asking you to help us in this effort by sending the same message to your MLA. To do so, download the pdf form from our website at winnipegconstruction.ca/letter.You can find your MLAs email address in a directory on the Government of Manitobas website:gov.mb.ca/legislature/members/mla_list_alphabetical.html.This issue matters to all of us in the construction community.Ron HambleyIssue 1 | Spring Edition | 2024 BUILD MANITOBA 5'