If a contractor suspends work for 20 working days, what action can they take according to the CCDC?

In the context of the CCDC (Canadian Construction Documents Committee) contract documents, if a contractor suspends work for a specified duration, such as 20 working days, they typically have certain rights and obligations. The correct action that can be taken by the contractor in such a situation is to terminate the contract.

This termination option is often associated with significant delays or suspensions of work that may stem from various causes, such as lack of necessary permits, unapproved changes, or failure of the owner to perform their obligations. By terminating the contract, the contractor protects themselves from further potential losses incurred from the ongoing inability to execute the project.

Renegotiating the terms is generally not a direct right associated with a work suspension, as there are stipulated processes and conditions that must be followed. Similarly, while the contractor must keep the owner informed and document the circumstances leading to the suspension, this does not grant them the option to simply continue without addressable terms being met. Completing the project may not be feasible or practical if the conditions are not conducive due to the suspension. Thus, termination becomes a necessary recourse given the context of prolonged disruption.