Steel sector lobbies feds for prompt payment legislation

The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction has added its voice in support of the federal government enacting prompt payment legislation.

That was one of the messages delivered to Parliament Hill as a national delegation of CISC members met with federal politicians recently. The agenda also included support for local procurement policies, and a free and fair global trade environment.

“Prompt payment is one of the biggest issues impacting the construction industry,” said Ed Whalen, CISC President. The ability of trade contractors to be paid in a timely fashion for services rendered is critical to ensuring the long-term survival and growth of these small to mid-sized enterprises, their ability to support employment and job growth, and investments in machinery, innovation and our future workforce.

“We request the government to enact Federal Prompt Payment legislation to provide immediate relief to construction industry trades – the life blood of the Canadian construction industry”

CISC is also lobbying for the government to develop policies that require Canadian content in government-funded infrastructure projects, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, and projects in the natural resources sector. This was a key government priority outlined in the 2015 federal budget, which includes the new $5.35 billion per year Building Canada Plan, CISC noted in a release.

“Requiring some amount of Canadian content in large infrastructure projects and providing royalty rebates/credits for the natural resources sector will have a significant impact on creating jobs, investment, innovation and on keeping world class manufacturing in Canada,” added Tareq Ali, Director of Marketing and Communications.

On the free and fair trade portfolio, CISC considers it vital to ensure that Canadian manufacturers are able to access, compete, and thrive in an open, competitive, free and fair global marketplace.

“We urge the Canadian government and all political parties to take the lead to ensure a level playing field, encourage local procurement, and preserve a free and fair trade environment that will ensure a strong and vibrant steel construction industry, and secure the livelihood of thousands of families across Canada for generations to come,” added Mr. Whalen.

Federal law makers were encouraged to adopt a Federal Reciprocal Procurement Act based on the following principles:

• • The Federal government supports the concept of free and fair trade.
  • The Federal government supports the concept of reciprocal procurement.
  • The Federal government, while respecting current trade agreements, reserves the right to prohibit government procurement of products and services from a foreign country (and/or state within) that restricts or limits access of Canadian suppliers and manufacturers.

CISC is Canada’s voice for the steel construction industry, providing leadership in design and construction efficiency, quality and innovation. CISC promotes the use and benefits of steel in construction, adds value to the construction and design community and supports the needs of the membership and industry through education and training, research and development, industry codes and standards, certification, and advocacy.