February 18, 2015 – Ontario announced it is launching an “expert review” of the Construction Lien Act that will include the examination of payment issues within the construction sector.

Ontario has selected Bruce Reynolds (a senior partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP) as Counsel to conduct the review, which was commissioned in response to stakeholder concerns related to prompt payment and “effective dispute resolution” in Ontario’s construction industry, such as encouraging timely payment for services and materials, and making sure payment risk is distributed fairly.

The review is expected to be completed by December 2015, says the province, and will involve consultation with the construction industry, followed by a report that will include the results of the consultation process, the advice of Reynolds and his recommendations for change, if necessary.

An introductory letter will be issued to stakeholders by the review, says the province, describing the next steps and preliminary plans for stakeholder outreach.