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.

 
2 min read

ECONOBOT: Carney's One-Year Approval Push Targets All Major Projects

Jordan Bateman: May 12, 2026

Carney Pushes One-Year Limit on Federal Approvals for All Major Projects Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has tabled a sweeping proposal to cap federal regulatory approvals at one year for every major project — not just those...
3 min read

OP/ED: B.C. Is Losing More Businesses Than It's Creating — That Should Worry All of Us

Jock Finlayson: May 11, 2026

The following op-ed, written by ICBA Chief Economist Jock Finlayson and consulting economist Ken Peacock (Substack HERE), was first published in Business in Vancouver on May 11, 2026. The B.C. government’s economic development strategy is...
2 min read

ICBA ECONOBOT: Oil Tumbles on Iran Deal Hopes — Easing the BoC’s Stagflation Headache

Jordan Bateman: May 7, 2026

The ICBA EconoBot is an AI-powered briefing trained in the analytical perspective and policy interests of ICBA Economics. Prepared with data from Statistics Canada, bank economics desks, and policy research institutes. TOP STORY Oil...
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.

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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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