INSIGHTS INTO THE CONSTRUCTION ECONOMY.

Data-driven analysis, expert commentary, and clear economic signals to help construction leaders plan ahead and make confident decisions.

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Clear, Practical Economics for Builders and Business Leaders

The ICBA Economics team tracks the trends, forecasts, and policy decisions influencing construction and the broader provincial economy. From labour market changes to major project investment to government policy shifts, we break complex issues down into practical insights you can use.
3 min read

OP/ED: ‘Golden Triangle’ no longer? Mining, a new moratorium, and litigation in B.C.’s northwest

Jock Finlayson: Jun 19, 2026

The following piece, by Karen Graham and ICBA Chief Economist Jock Finlayson, was published by The Fraser Institute on June 18, 2026. Interpreting the British Columbia government’s “Look West” strategy, it appears the road to making Canada...
2 min read

ICBA ECONOBOT: Producer Prices Keep Climbing as Costs Squeeze Builders

Jordan Bateman: Jun 18, 2026

TOP STORY Producer Prices Keep Climbing — The Cost Squeeze Hitting Contractors Before It Hits the Headlines Industrial product and raw material prices in Canada rose another 1.2% in May and are now up 13.6% year over year — the 20th...
2 min read

ICBA ECONOBOT: BC and Alberta Starts Both Cool as National Build Rate Slips

Jordan Bateman: Jun 16, 2026

TOP STORY BC and Alberta Starts Both Cool as National Build Rate Slips Canada's homebuilding pace slipped again in May. CMHC reported Monday that the seasonally adjusted annual rate of housing starts fell 6% to 261,377 units, down from...
Policy And Regulation
Policy and Regulation

Breakdowns of new provincial rules, permitting changes, procurement shifts, and labour legislation.

Major Projects Update

Major Projects Updates

Tracking the progress, delays, and opportunities in B.C.’s largest construction and infrastructure projects.

Economic Trends-1

Economic & Labour Trends

Workforce demand, wage pressures, market forecasts, and what they mean for contractors.
Regional Impacts
Regional Impacts

Insights tailored to the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Interior, and Northern B.C.

About Jock Finlayson

Jock Finlayson is the Chief Economist for the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), the first to hold the role in the organization’s 50-year history. He provides analysis, forecasts, and policy insight for B.C.’s construction sector and advises ICBA on economic trends and strategic issues.

Jock previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the Business Council of British Columbia, and before that as Vice President of Research at the Business Council of Canada. He holds degrees from UBC and Yale, along with an honorary Doctor of Laws from Royal Roads University.

A widely published economist, Jock has authored two books and more than 50 articles and commentaries, and is a frequent contributor to Business in Vancouver, the Globe and Mail, Black Press, and other media.

He has served on the Board of Directors of the Bank of Canada, the National Statistics Council, and several national research and policy organizations. Jock is a Senior Fellow at the Fraser Institute and a Fellow of Royal Roads University.

Jock Finlayson

 

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