Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 21 JANUARY 2025

A Primer On Liens Under The BC Builders Lien Act

McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
Contributor
McCarthy Tétrault

McCarthy Tétrault

Built on a unique model of collaboration, innovation and efficiency, McCarthy Tétrault delivers...

View firm profile
Explore more from McCarthy Tétrault

A claim of lien under British Columbia's Builders Lien Act ("BLA") provides protection to contractors, subcontractors and workers who provide work or materials to a construction project.

CanadaReal Estate and Construction
Canadian Construction Law Blog
Canadian Construction Law Blog
Andrew Butler
Andrew Butler
Nico Rullmann (Summer Student)
Nico Rullmann (Summer Student)
Author LinkedIn connections

Introduction

A claim of lien under British Columbia's Builders Lien Act ("BLA")1 provides protection to contractors, subcontractors and workers who provide work or materials to a construction project. The BLA allows these people to file a claim of builders lien against the property to which they contributed. This statutory lien is a powerful tool which can have serious consequences for the property owner and create significant barriers for further project development. This article reviews the central principles of BLA liens, including how they can be registered against title and some of the ways they can be removed.

The lien against land is only one aspect of the BLA. The builders lien holdback and trust (and the holdback lien) are important parts of the scheme created by the BLA. Keep an eye out for future posts on these topics in our Lay of the Land Blog and the Canadian Construction Law Blog.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Could The Old Ontario Construction Lien Act Still Apply To Your Project? The Court Of Appeal Weighs In

A 2026 Ontario Court of Appeal decision reveals that construction contracts signed years after legislative reforms may still be governed by the old Construction Lien Act if the procurement process began before July 1, 2018. The ruling demonstrates how early project proposals and negotiations can determine which statutory regime applies, regardless of when the final contract was executed or where the project was ultimately built.
CanadaReal Estate and Construction
Miller Thomson
Miller Thomson
Article

Here’s The Drill: Introducing The New CCDC 32 – 2026 Progressive Design-Build Contract

CCDC 32 introduces a progressive design-build framework that allows owners and design-builders to collaboratively develop project scope, budget, and schedule before committing to a final price. Through a two-phase structure with project gates and off-ramp provisions, this standardized contract addresses complex construction projects where requirements cannot be fully defined at the outset. How does this collaborative approach balance flexibility with cost certainty while reshaping traditional roles in const
CanadaReal Estate and Construction
WeirFoulds LLP
WeirFoulds LLP
Article

Gloves Off: Canada Answers U.S. Section 338 Tariffs Dollar-for-Dollar As Washington Escalates With Import Bans

Canada and the United States have entered a new phase of trade conflict, with Canada implementing retaliatory surtaxes on C$27.6 billion of U.S. goods while the United States escalates beyond tariffs to outright import prohibitions on Canadian alcohol, dairy products, and motorcycles. The dispute now extends into government procurement policy, raising questions about compliance strategies and supply chain restructuring as both nations tighten customs enforcement.
CanadaInternational Law
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
Article

Federal Government Removes Certain Energy Projects From The Impact Assessment Act Project List

The Canadian government has removed seven types of energy projects from federal impact assessment requirements, shifting review responsibilities to the Canada Energy Regulator and provincial processes. This regulatory change affects pipelines, electrical transmission lines, oil sands facilities, and power plants, fundamentally altering how major energy infrastructure projects will be evaluated and approved across Canada.
CanadaEnvironment
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
Article

Canada Commits To Airport Privatization Through Long-Term Concessions For Its Four Largest Airports

The Canadian federal government has announced a firm commitment to privatize operations at the country's four largest airports through long-term concessions, marking a decisive shift from earlier exploratory discussions. Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed that while the government will retain ownership of airport lands and assets following the Australian leased-airport model, private investment will be sought to operate Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal-Trudeau, and Calgary international airports.
CanadaTransport
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
Article

FITAA Is Now In Force: What Organizations Need To Know About Canada's New Foreign Influence Registry

Canada's Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act (FITAA) establishes a comprehensive registration regime for arrangements with foreign principals involving influence activities related to Canadian political or governmental processes. Organizations across sectors—including businesses, NGOs, universities, and industry associations—must assess whether their existing or proposed arrangements trigger registration obligations, with significant administrative and criminal penalties for no
CanadaInternational Law
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
Article

Changing Lanes: Canada Proposes To Replace Its ZEV Sales Mandate With Technology-neutral Emission Standards

Canada is proposing to eliminate its federal zero-emission vehicle sales mandate and replace it with technology-neutral greenhouse gas emission standards. The shift comes amid declining EV sales, affordability concerns, and trade uncertainty with the United States, raising questions about how the automotive industry will balance climate goals with market realities. What will this regulatory transformation mean for manufacturers, consumers, and Canada's electrification timeline?
CanadaEnvironment
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault