CAN BC GVT issued new lien act and rules to replace outdated laws and make it easier for businesses to collect debts for services provided to repair, store or transport goods.
Follows CAN BC GVT Mar. 2022 updated commercial liens legislation, see #131472.
Commercial Liens Act
Creates one clear set of lien rules for anyone who repairs, stores or transports goods.
Replaces outdated laws, which created different rules for different services.
Reduces risks and costs so service providers are less likely to lose liens and payment.
The updated act gives service providers flexibility by allowing them to keep possession of goods or to register the lien in British Columbia's Personal Property Registry.
The Personal Property Registry, an online system that tracks legal claims on personal property, will be updated on June 30 to so that commercial liens can be registered.
Allows owners to keep their vehicle/equipment to make money and pay off the debt.
Liens can be registered on big items that cannot be easily moved or stored.
Changes will make it easier to enforce liens without going to court, to cut legal costs.
Replaces the Repairers Lien Act, Warehouse Lien Act and Livestock Lien Act.
Any existing liens under the replaced acts will continue as commercial liens.
Alignment
Act aligns BC law with Saskatchewan’s Uniform Liens Act by using similar rules used by secured lenders across Canada to collect on loans against personal property.
Brings BC closer to the goal of having one set of lien rules across Canada so businesses that provide services in different provinces do not have different rules.
Effectiveness
The new Commercial Liens Act comes into force on Jun. 30, 2025.
