ICBA

Standing Up for Construction. Standing Up for You.

ICBA advocates at the provincial, federal, and local levels to protect open-shop construction, push for fair policies, accelerate responsible resource development, and ensure your business can grow.

Open Shop Fairness

We defend the right of workers and employers to choose how they work — and push back against labour policies that limit access, competition, or mobility.

Responsible Resource Development

We advocate for major project approvals, predictable permitting, and risk-based regulation that unlocks job-creating energy and infrastructure projects.

Economic Insight

Our Chief Economist Jock Finlayson provides analysis on wages, inflation, labour markets, competitiveness, and fiscal policy — helping shape informed public debate.

Better Policy. Better Business.

We actively challenge harmful legislation, propose improvements, and meet with government across ministries and regions to build conditions where construction can thrive.

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.

3 min read

ICBA.ca Exclusive: Private Property Rights on Trial

Chris Gardner: Jan 30, 2026

The following op-ed, by ICBA President and CEO Chris Gardner, was written for ICBA.ca. Other outlets wishing to use it...

1 min read

TRAINING THURSDAY: Start Strategizing Your Construction Career

Jordan Bateman: Jan 29, 2026

Tired of jumping from crisis to crisis? Ready to build a career that lasts decades, not just survives the next project...

2 min read

Op/Ed: Weak national job numbers last year may mean the same this year

Jock Finlayson: Jan 29, 2026

This piece, by ICBA Chief Economist Jock Finlayson, was first published in the Toronto Sun on January 28, 2026. It’s no...