The clock starts before the conversation ends.

First, find the rule that applies

Start with the project, the contract and your place in the payment chain. Provincial and federal rules are different. Some projects are excluded, and transition rules can leave older contracts under an earlier framework.

This guide introduces the owner-to-contractor pattern used in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. It is not a universal Canadian payment schedule. B.C.’s enacted prompt-payment provisions are not yet treated as active here.

One invoice. Two windows.

For an eligible owner-to-contractor invoice in those four provinces, the ordinary payment window is 28 days and the owner’s notice-of-non-payment window is 14 days. Payment obligations remain subject to applicable holdbacks, a valid notice and other statutory qualifications.

These windows run from the legally relevant delivery event. Preserve the invoice, the transmission record and evidence of receipt or giving. A month-end accounting entry does not establish that event.

• Payment window: when the payable amount is due.
• Notice window: when the owner must give the required notice to dispute payment under that provision.
• Counting rule: calendar days and the applicable last-day holiday rule, rather than a generic business-day calculator.

The next clock needs its own event

The ordinary seven-day payment cascade is generally triggered by actual receipt of payment for the relevant subcontract work. It does not automatically begin on the owner’s forecast payment date.

When full payment does not arrive, other payment and notice duties may still arise. A contractor cannot safely assume that an unpaid owner invoice pauses every obligation to subcontractors.

What to do with a date

Use a calculated date as a prompt to check your evidence and the governing rule. Keep a separate record of payments, notices, service and changes. If a deadline may be missed or disputed, obtain advice while there is still time to act.

The free calculator shows two ordinary owner-level windows from your confirmed facts. It does not serve notices, monitor a project or determine whether an invoice is legally proper.