Provincial Advocacy

ICBA is a leading voice in B.C. on issues that directly affect construction employers. Our work includes:

• Opposing restrictive labour policies such as mandatory union-only procurement or card-check certification.
• Pushing for faster permitting and predictable project approvals for energy, housing, and infrastructure.
• Supporting workforce mobility and skills development, including reforms to apprenticeship pathways and SkilledTradesBC oversight.
• Protecting open-shop contractors from unfair bidding and procurement exclusions.
• Advocating on taxation, WorkSafeBC policy, and regulatory reform to reduce burdens on employers.

We engage directly with MLAs, senior officials, Crown corporations, regulators, and municipal leaders across B.C.

Federal Advocacy

ICBA participates in national coalitions and makes regular submissions to the federal government on issues such as:

• Energy and resource policy — ensuring major projects can move ahead through risk-based, science-driven regulation.
• Infrastructure planning and federal funding to support the skilled-trades workforce and essential projects.
• Labour mobility and immigration pathways that help fill critical skilled-worker shortages.
• Opposition to federal policies that disproportionately burden Western Canada’s economy.

We provide expert commentary, data, and testimony that highlights how federal decisions impact construction.

Local & Municipal Advocacy

Many of the most immediate obstacles to construction occur at the local level. ICBA works with mayors, councils, and regional districts to improve:

• Zoning and permitting delays
• Infrastructure planning and project delivery
• Affordable housing approvals
• Fair bidding and procurement at the municipal level
• Safe, predictable work environments through clear policy frameworks

We help local governments understand the economic reality of construction — and how their decisions shape development.

ICBA is the only 4-time winner of theprestigious North American Trade Association of the Year Reed Award.This Washington, DC- based honour, awarded by Campaigns & ElectionsMagazine, goes to the best advocacy trade voice annually. ICBA won theaward in 2019, 2021, 2024 and 2025. These are 4 of the 15 Reed Awards ICBA haswon since 2018 for our work, making us the most successful Canadian advocacygroup in that time, but one of the most successful in the world for ourcreativity and execution of advocacy ideas.