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

Checking Up on Small Business in Alberta

Jock Finlayson: Feb 12, 2026

Key Takeaways for Alberta Construction Businesses: Construction firms represent 15% of Alberta small businesses and lead all industries in small business employment. Alberta’s business entry rate has declined recently, with more closures...
2 min read

ICBA ECONOMICS: Where B.C. and Alberta Stand on Corporate Head Offices

Jock Finlayson: Feb 5, 2026

Statistics Canada’s latest survey of corporate headquarters provides updated counts of head offices and direct head office jobs for each province as well as the country’s main metropolitan areas. The survey allows analysts to understand to...
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 secret that Canada’s economy has languished over the past couple of years, with feeble increases in gross domestic...
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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