Construction liens’ applicability to prefabricated modular buildings
Construction liens are charges against interests in land and premises, and are governed by the Construction Act, RSO 1990, c. C30.[1] Construction liens provide contractors and other parties to the contract protection for payment for materials and/or services provided on...
Compliance with notice requirements critical in construction contracts with government owners
As previously discussed in our 2019 Article “Notice requirements in construction”,[1] the Canadian courts tend to favour strict compliance and interpretation of notice provisions in construction contracts, especially when they are clear and unambiguous. These requirements remain consistent and have...
( Available in French only )
Refus de paiement injustifié : une entreprise reçoit des dommages moraux
Journal Constructo – 25 novembre 2021 Sommaire Dans cette affaire, en plus du paiement pour travaux supplémentaires découlant de conditions de sol imprévues, la Ville de Québec est condamnée à des dommages pour troubles, ennuis, inconvénients, atteinte à la réputation...
A new act is set to revamp Alberta’s apprenticeship system
The Alberta Legislature has passed a new law that will revamp Alberta’s apprenticeship system: the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act (the “Skilled Trades Act”).[1] The Skilled Trades Act is not currently in force, but once it receives Proclamation, this...
The interpretation of releases and the Supreme Court of Canada decision in Corner Brook (City) v Bailey
In its recent decision in Corner Brook (City) v Bailey,[i] the Supreme Court of Canada discussed the interpretation of releases and, more importantly, the proper approach for determining the scope of each specific release. Although decided in the context of...
( Available in French only )
Soumission irrégulière au BSDQ : la responsabilité de l’entrepreneur destinataire envers le soumissionnaire fautif
Journal Constructo – 28 octobre 2021 Les tribunaux ont depuis longtemps reconnu qu’en acceptant une soumission non conforme, l’entrepreneur destinataire engage sa responsabilité envers le plus bas soumissionnaire conforme. Par contre, l’entrepreneur destinataire peut-il également engager sa responsabilité envers un...
Please pay ASAP – Saskatchewan’s prompt payment legislation will be in force in March 2022
Introduction The Government of Saskatchewan has announced that the Builders’ Lien (Prompt Payment) Amendment Act, 2019 (the “Act”) will be proclaimed into force on March 1, 2022. The Act received Royal Assent in 2019 but was not immediately proclaimed in force...
Rising construction costs as a result of COVID-19
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to the construction industry as a whole. Backlogs in supply, commodity pricing, local market disruption, and an increase in demand and labour costs, have all resulted in a significant rise in construction...
Construction Act transition rules: What act applies?
A lien is a powerful and convenient tool used to protect trade and material suppliers in the construction industry. However, despite the convenience of the lien remedy, it is very time sensitive and requires comparatively quick action. As such, it...
Lien sheltering under the Construction Act
Lien Sheltering When an entity higher in the construction pyramid fails or refuses to pay those below it, this can cause a growing cascade of lien claimants. This is especially concerning, and costly, for those subcontractors providing services on a...
