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ICBA is proud to be part of the Save Our Streets initiative, dedicated to pushing back crime and violence in our communities.![]()
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Join us on January 23, 2025, for the Save Our Streets (SOS) Forum, a pivotal event addressing the pressing issues of crime and public safety in British Columbia. This forum brings together leaders and experts to explore comprehensive solutions to challenges impacting businesses and communities across the province.![]()
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The agenda features insightful panel discussions on critical topics:![]()
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- Justice for All: Challenges and Choices![]()
- Policing and Public Safety: Options and Opportunities in Changing Times![]()
- Prescription for a Continuum of Care: Addictions and Mental Illnesses![]()
- A Place to Call Home: The Role of Housing in Combatting Crime, Violence, and Public Disorder![]()
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This forum offers business leaders a unique opportunity to engage with policymakers, law enforcement, and community advocates to collaboratively develop actionable strategies for safer, more vibrant communities. For more information and to register, visit saveourstreets.ca/forum/ .
72% of B.C. Construction Companies Face Severe Labour Shortages: ![]()
ICBA 2025 Wage and Benefits Survey![]()
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SURREY – Amid a housing affordability crisis and growing economic uncertainty, a staggering 72% of B.C. contractors report a shortage of skilled tradespeople, according to the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association’s (ICBA) 2025 Wage and Benefit Survey of its construction members. This persistent issue is forcing businesses to delay or turn down projects and absorb rising costs, undermining B.C.’s ability to address its housing and infrastructure needs.![]()
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Further, 63% of respondents said government is on the “wrong track” in dealing with a business like theirs – only 5% answered that government is on the “right track.”![]()
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“When nearly two-thirds of businesses in a major job-creating sector say the government is on the wrong track, it’s time to listen,” said Chris Gardner, ICBA President and CEO. “Labour shortages remain a significant challenge facing construction, and government must get serious about fast-tracking training programs and aligning immigration policies with industry needs.”![]()
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Despite these challenges, demand in the construction sector remains strong. Nearly 50% of contractors expect increased work volumes in 2025, with average anticipated growth reaching 19%. Wages in construction also remain highly competitive, with the average hourly rate climbing to $37, equating to an annual base salary of $77,000 – without bonuses, benefits or overtime factored in.![]()
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“Our industry continues to deliver, despite worker shortages, regulatory burdens, and project delays. But B.C.’s construction sector could contribute so much more if government policies enabled us to thrive,” Gardner added. “Instead, contractors and businesses get more red tape, higher taxes, and a seemingly never-ending stream of anti-business rhetoric that have many saying it’s never been harder to start and build a business in B.C. than it is today.”![]()
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The ICBA survey underscores the urgent need for the provincial and federal governments to tackle skills shortages, streamline approvals, and prioritize policies that support housing and infrastructure development.![]()
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To access the ICBA Wage and Benefits Survey report, visit www.icbaindependent.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ICBA-Winter-202425-Web.pdf
🚧 72% of B.C. construction companies face severe shortages of skilled workers, threatening critical projects amid a housing crisis. ICBA's 2025 Wage and Benefits Survey reveals the urgent need for action to fast-track training and improve immigration alignment.![]()
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🛠 Construction remains strong despite these challenges, with nearly 50% of contractors expecting work volume to grow in 2025. Let's unleash the full potential of B.C.’s construction sector.![]()
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🔗 Read the full report: www.icbaindependent.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ICBA-Winter-202425-Web.pdf
Did you know?![]()
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ICBA and open shop construction companies sponsor 82% of all trades apprentices in British Columbia? It's the open shop -- not Building Trades Unions -- that are attracting young people in to the trades, and equipping them with the skills they need to succeed.
The U.S. presidential election changed everything – again. President Trump is already musing about tariffs on Canadian goods, new energy policy, lower taxes and several other issues that will directly affect Canadian businesses.![]()
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To help us understand the American political landscape and what it all means going forward, John King – CNN’s Chief National Correspondent – will join us for a very special sit down interview with rennie founder Bob Rennie at our 2025 ICBA CEO Breakfast Feb. 26.![]()
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Check out the details and get tickets at www.icba.ca/ceo2025
The ICBA Gala Dinner is our single biggest event, drawing 1,000 people to hear a unique selection of NFL superstars, including Peyton Manning (2017), Brett Favre (2018), Troy Aikman (2019), Russell Wilson (2022), Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana (2023), and Howie Long (2024).![]()
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To celebrate the 50th anniversary of ICBA's founding, we welcome Super Bowl champions and New England Patriots legends Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman. These two are uproariously funny -- be prepared to laugh!![]()
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The ICBA Gala celebrates open shop construction and the contribution ICBA’s 4,500+ member and client companies make to their communities and economy. Besides our keynote speakers, ICBA President Chris Gardner presents his ‘State of the Industry’, updating attendees on the success of the construction industry – and challenges ahead.![]()
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Details and tickets at events.icba.ca/ICBAGala-AnEveningWithLegends1
