Prompt-Payment Status by Jurisdiction
Prompt-Payment Status by Jurisdiction
Prompt-payment and adjudication laws set strict pay clocks on construction -- but only some provinces have them in force. Where the law actually applies right now.
In force
| Ontario (ON) | in force |
| Federal | in force 9 Dec 2023 |
| Saskatchewan (SK) | in force 1 Mar 2022 |
| Alberta (AB) | in force 29 Aug 2022 |
| Manitoba (MB) | in force 1 Apr 2025 (prime contracts on/after that date) |
| Northwest Territories (NT) | in force 1 Sep 2025 (prompt-pay only, no adjudication) |
Enacted but not yet in force
| British Columbia (BC) | Bill 20-2025 (Royal Assent 27 Nov 2025) |
| New Brunswick (NB) | Royal Assent 16 Jun 2023 |
| Nova Scotia (NS) | Royal Assent 2019 |
Partial / none
| Quebec (QC) | PARTIAL -- public projects phased (Phase 1 from 8 Sep 2025) |
| PEI / NL / YT / NU | NONE |
As of 2026 -- not legal advice. 'In force' provinces run strict payment and adjudication clocks (e.g. owner-to-contractor 28 days from a proper invoice in Ontario). This is a fast-moving area -- confirm the current status with your province's construction authority.
Sources: provincial prompt-payment / construction Acts · Federal Prompt Payment for Construction Work Act (in force 9 Dec 2023)
SiteKiln provides general guidance only. This is not legal, tax, financial or professional advice. Always verify information and seek professional advice if unsure. © SiteKiln 2026