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

BoC Hikes to 2.5% as Construction Costs Keep Climbing (ICBA EconoBot)

Jordan Bateman: Oct 29, 2026

TOP STORY BoC Hikes to 2.5% as Construction Costs Keep Climbing The Bank of Canada raised its overnight rate 25 basis points to 2.5% on Wednesday, its first hike since 2023, and warned it “may need” to go further. The reason is oil: with...
2 min read

B.C. Swaps Governments | ICBA EconoBot

Jordan Bateman: Oct 27, 2026

TOP STORY B.C. Swaps Governments, and the BoC Decides on a Hike Tomorrow British Columbia ended nine years of NDP government on Saturday. Interim leader Lorne Doerkson’s Conservatives won or led in 62 of 93 ridings, David Eby resigned as...
1 min read

Banks Flip to Hike Calls as Alberta Votes to Stay (ICBA EconoBot)

Jordan Bateman: Oct 22, 2026

TOP STORY Banks Flip to Rate-Hike Calls as Oil Near US$110 Squeezes the BoC Six days before the Bank of Canada’s October 28 decision, the Street has turned. BMO, RBC and Desjardins switched to a hike call to 2.50% on Monday, and swaps now...
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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