Overview
The construction industry is a multi-billion dollar sector of Alberta’s economy that creates thousands of jobs for Albertans.
Payment timelines for Alberta’s construction industry, along with timelines for filing liens and rules for adjudication in the event of a payment dispute, are outlined in the Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act, the Prompt Payment and Adjudication Regulation, and the Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Forms Regulation.
All new construction contracts in Alberta must adhere to the rules of the Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act as of August 29, 2022.
Existing contracts that are scheduled to end before August 29, 2024 do not need to be changed to adhere to the new rules. Existing contracts that extend beyond August 29, 2024 have to become compliant by August 29, 2024.
In fall 2024, Bill 30, the Service Alberta Statutes Amendment Act, made further changes to prompt payment legislation to create greater certainty for parties involved in construction projects. Read Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act: 2024 amendments for a summary of changes.
Prompt payment rules
Resolving disputes
If a dispute arises regarding work performed under a construction contract, parties to the contract may initiate an adjudication process to resolve the dispute.
Adjudicators are certified and trained through Nominating Authorities. The Government of Alberta authorizes organizations to serve as Nominating Authorities through an open procurement process.
At the time the contract is signed, project owners and contractors can choose the Nominating Authority that they would prefer to work with in the event of a dispute.
Currently, there is one Nominating Authority in place, ARCANA AB, which was selected under the Prompt Payment and Construction Lean Act To learn more about Nominating Authorities, or to contact ARCANA AB, visit ‘Nominating Authorities’ information below.
ARCANA AB is authorized by the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction to appointment an adjudicator to settle late payment disputes between contractors when they are not able to settle it on their own.
Contact
Connect with the Land Titles Office:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed holidays)
Phone: 780-427-2742
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Land Titles and Surveys Branch
John E. Brownlee, 10365 97 St NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 3W7