SURREY – The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), the country’s largest construction association, announced today the appointment of Jock Finlayson as its inaugural Chief Economist. This landmark hiring underscores ICBA’s commitment to provide its members and the broader construction industry with deep economic insights and expert analysis.
“For many years, Jock Finlayson has been one of the most respected and insightful voices shaping economic and public policy analysis and discussion in British Columbia, and we are thrilled to have him as ICBA’s first Chief Economist,” said ICBA President Chris Gardner. “Jock’s experience and expertise will be brought to bear on some of the key issues facing construction and the broader economy, including fiscal policy, the shortage of people, regulatory creep, declining productivity, and loss of economic competitiveness.”
“Construction is a sector full of savvy entrepreneurs and visionary builders, creating companies and projects that deliver tremendous value to British Columbia,” said Finlayson. “It’s an honour to be named ICBA’s first Chief Economist, and to provide analysis and insight for an industry that makes up nearly 10% of the economy. A thriving construction sector is vital to the economic health of our province.”
As ICBA Chief Economist, Finlayson will monitor and analyze industry trends, market conditions, and economic factors to provide insights and forecasts relevant to the construction sector. In addition, he will advise ICBA and its members on developments in the business and policy environment affecting construction and the broader economy, and assist ICBA in strategic planning and public policy advocacy.
Previously, Finlayson served as Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the Business Council of British Columbia, directing the Council’s work on economic, fiscal, tax, environmental, regulatory, and human capital issues of interest to the largest employers in the province and the wider business community. A former director of the Bank of Canada, he holds a master’s degree in business from Yale University, undergraduate and M.A. degrees from UBC, and an honorary Doctor of Laws from Royal Roads University. See Finlayson’s full biography HERE.
Finlayson’s ICBA work will be housed at www.icba.ca/economics. Read his first piece HERE.
