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.

 
4 min read

U.S. Tariffs Aren’t B.C. Forestry’s Biggest Problem

Jock Finlayson: Mar 10, 2026

The following piece was co-authored by ICBA Chief Economist Jock Finlayson and consulting economist Ken Peacock. Subscribe to Ken's Substack HERE. Whenever questions arise about mill closures and job losses in B.C.’s forest products...
2 min read

OP/ED: Carney should fix problems in Canada’s own backyard to spur trade and investment

Jock Finlayson: Mar 4, 2026

The following piece by ICBA Chief Economist Jock Finlayson first ran in the Calgary Sun on March 4, 2026. Faced with an erratic U.S. president who demonstrates a fondness for coercive and protectionist trade policies, Prime Minister Mark...
2 min read

OP/ED: U.S. Supreme Court ruling makes CUSMA review even more critical

Jock Finlayson: Feb 25, 2026

The following op-ed was co-written by Steven Globerman and ICBA Chief Economist Jock Finlayson, in their roles with the Fraser Institute. It was first published in the Financial Post on February 25, 2026. On Friday, the U. S. Supreme Court...
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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