Prompt payment update
Prompt payment legislation resembling that which exists in the U.S. has been spreading across Canada. Although Ontario is the only province so far to have prompt payment legislation in force, it has been enacted in Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, recommended...
The FIDIC international standard form contracts: the Red Book
Canadian Consulting Engineer, May / June 2021 edition, pages 24-25
The use of a standard form of contract by which the parties’ obligations and rights are predetermined can present several advantages. Standardized industry contracts generally provide for an equitable distribution of risk between the client and the contractor, offer familiarity...
( Available in French only )
Essais et vol de matériaux : qu’en est-il des obligations de la caution ?
Journal Constructo – 20 mai 2021 Introduction Il est bien connu que les conditions permettant un recours contre la caution pour gages, matériaux et services doivent être strictement respectées pour qu’un sous-traitant ou un fournisseur puisse obtenir le paiement de...
Clarity on the duty to exercise contractual discretion in good faith: Wastech Services Ltd. v Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District, 2021 SCC 7
Overview The Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in Wastech Services Ltd v Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District [1] (the “Wastech Decision”) on February 5, 2021. The Wastech Decision was heard together with the case of C.M. Callow...
( Available in French only )
Contrats avec les organismes publics : comment déterminer si une autorisation de l’AMP est nécessaire?
Journal Constructo – 22 avril 2021 L’article 21.17 de la Loi sur les contrats des organismes publics (la « Loi ») prévoit qu’une entreprise souhaitant conclure un contrat avec un organisme public doit obtenir une autorisation de l’Autorité des marchés publics (l’« AMP ») pour...
The search continues: Changes to the publication of construction documents
Ontario’s Construction Act (“CA”) allows for the early release of holdback funds following the publication of a Certificate of Substantial Performance (“CSP”). While the funds must still be held until the lien period has expired, the triggering event moves from...
Elite Construction Inc. v. Canada – Compliance with contractual notice provisions is a must
In large-scale construction projects, delays to the schedule of completion are almost inevitable. Often, the delays to the project will result from circumstances outside of a contractor’s control, and can impact the contractor’s already tight profit margins. As a result,...
Updates to Bill 37: Builders’ Lien (Prompt Payment) Amendment Act, 2020
On April 8, 2021, the Government of Alberta introduced Bill 62, Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act. The Bill passed its first reading the same day. If Bill 62 receives royal assent, it will bring further changes to the Builders’ Lien...
Chandos Construction v Deloitte Restructuring: How to draft construction contracts to avoid the anti-deprivation rule
In Chandos Construction Ltd v Deloitte Restructuring Inc[1] [Chandos], the majority of the Supreme Court of Canada (the “SCC”) reaffirmed the common law anti-deprivation rule in Canada. The anti-deprivation rule voids contractual terms which apply upon a party’s insolvency and...
New Occupational Health and Safety Act in Alberta: Upcoming changes for Joint Work Site Health and Safety Committees
In Alberta, a new Occupational Health and Safety Act will come into effect on Proclamation.[1] Once it is proclaimed into force, the new act will repeal the current Occupational Health and Safety Act, SA 2017 c O-2.1 (“Current Act”). The...
