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.
7 min read

NDP Platform Avoids B.C.'s Biggest Problems

Jock Finlayson: Oct 20, 2026

The following analysis of the B.C. NDP 2026 election platform was written by ICBA Chief Economist Jock Finlayson and consulting economist Ken Peacock. Election platforms give political parties an opportunity to explain what they intend to...
2 min read

Gas Pumps Push CPI to 3.1% (ICBA EconoBot)

Jordan Bateman: Oct 20, 2026

TOP STORY Gas Pumps Push CPI to 3.1%, but Core Stays Cool as the BoC Eyes Oct. 28 Canada’s inflation rate rose to 3.1% in September from 3.0% in August, and Statistics Canada is clear about the cause: gasoline, up 27.8% year over year,...
2 min read

Banks Split on Rate Hikes as Contractors Wait on the BoC (ICBA EconoBot)

Jordan Bateman: Oct 15, 2026

TOP STORY Banks Split on Rate Hikes as Contractors Wait on the BoC The Bank of Canada decides October 28, and the big banks no longer agree on where rates go next. The latest forecast round has TD holding at 2.25% through 2028, BMO holding...
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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