Blog

Our CEO, Clifford Kshyk, Walter Dool, and Terry Brown had an opportunity to meet with 3 local liberal MLAs - Ben Stewart, Norm Letnick, and Renee Merrifield. SICA believes that we operate at our peak as an organization by regularly reflecting upon and talking about action that matters and makes a difference. They discussed several current challenges that the construction industry is experiencing such as the need for prompt payment legislation, material cost escalations, supply chain disruptions, plus the need for accelerating immigration programs for skilled labour.

As a result of this discussion, our CEO was asked to provide our MLAs with solutions to the main issues the construction industry is facing. Here are five actions we requested and are encouraged by their receptiveness to meet with us and listen to our conversation to advance these priorities:

1. Prioritize prompt payment legislation for fall 2022. SICA continues to push for quicker action toward prompt payment legislation in BC, as recognized in the recent report from the Select Standing Committee of Finance and Government Services. Report on the Budget 2023 Consultation.

2. Implement targeted price escalation clauses that allow reasonable flexibility in existing and new fixed-price contracts. [Need background on this]

3. Ensure B.C. can continue to attract and retain the talent needed to sustain and grow the Construction sector in the province. Offer a fast track for skilled tradespeople coming to B.C., like the one created to bring in labour for the tech industry through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Market conditions are vague, demands are high, and the outcomes are unpredictable. SICA is working with Key stakeholders to advance these priorities and will continue to do so for the betterment of our industry.

Please contact us with details if you have an industry priority that we would like to review or assist with.