By Jock Finlayson, ICBA Chief Economist Any lingering doubts as to whether government is now the principal “growth industry” in British Columbia can be safely set aside after last week’s provincial budget. Among the highlights – and lowlights – that caught my eye: the...
Last Friday, 8 members of ICBA’s leadership team – including me! – took a Mental Health First Aid, designed to help us identify the signs of mental health strain and give us tools to intercede and help. But more than the tools, it gave us confidence to ask supportive,...
Historic deficits brought on by unchecked government spending will cause long-term damage to the provincial economy and imperil B.C.’s competitiveness, says the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), Canada’s largest construction association. The...
By Jock Finlayson, ICBA Chief Economist At a time when affordability and the cost of living have emerged as top-of-mind issues for many Canadians, it makes sense to take a quick look at the “other side” of the affordability equation: incomes. Income comes from a few...
Tomorrow, I’m in B.C. Budget Lockup, where media and stakeholders are given an advance look at what the NDP Government plans to spend money on (or raise taxes on) in the coming fiscal year. One thing I wish they’d invest more in is mental health. It was 18 months ago...
As we await another David Eby budget this week, ICBA’s Jock Finlayson and Business Council of British Columbia’s Ken Peacock are sounding the alarm 🚨 on B.C.’s debt levels 💸. “While B.C.’s fiscal situation and debt loads are still manageable,...
🔍 Exploring Canada’s Productivity EmergencyDid you know that Canada's productivity over the past 4 years has diminished slightly, while growing by a hefty 6% in the United States over the same period?Our Chief Economist, Jock Finlayson, presents an in-depth analysis of Canada’s productivity challenges and the urgent need for strategic interventions. This comprehensive report sheds light on the factors hampering growth and offers actionable insights for policymakers and industry leaders.#ICBA #Productivity #Economics #Canada #EconomicGrowth #PolicySolutions ... See MoreSee Less
By Jock Finlayson, ICBA Chief Economist Earlier this year, the Senior Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada took the unusual step of publicly referring to Canada’s stagnant productivity as an “eme...
TRAINING THURSDAY: WorkSafeBC New First Aid Regulations PresentationKerry and Jordan discuss ICBA Training’s latest free webinar.WorkSafeBC New First Aid Regulations PresentationTuesday, July 30, 2024 | 1-145PM | FREEicbatraining.arlo.co/w/courses/559-worksafebc-new-first-aid-regulations-presentationMissed this one? Check out icba.ca/coursesAre you prepared for the upcoming changes to the First Aid regulations? Join us for an information-packed presentation from Glenn Russell with WorkSafeBC where you will be provided with an up-to-date overview of the changes.This session is tailored for the construction industry and will cover the major changes to First Aid regulations effective November 1st, 2024, with a focus on the updated training requirements for First Aid attendants. The goal of this presentation is to help employers assess and determine the correct first aid systems for their workplaces. Due to the diverse nature of first-aid assessments, this presentation will not provide a case study or an assessment template. However, all necessary information can be found in the new First Aid guidelines. We strongly recommend that all employers thoroughly review these guidelines to address any questions about the new regulations well ahead of the effective date. ... See MoreSee Less
WELLNESS WEDNESDAY #158: Beating the Heat Summer is here and (after months and months of B.C. rain) it’s glorious. But it can also make sleeping and being comfortable difficult. So let’s throw out a few tips to making it through a heat wave.Air conditioning is a start – if you don’t have one, find public places where you can go and cool down. If you have a downstairs/basement, hang out there. But if not, here are four other ways MedicineNet suggests to beat the heat:🚿 Water is your best friend: Fill buckets or basins and soak your feet. Wet towels and bandannas can have a cooling effect when worn on the shoulders or head. Take cool showers or baths, and consider using a spray bottle filled with cold water for refreshing spritzes throughout the day. 💧 Drink it too: Consume more water – and replace electrolytes if you’re sweating.❄️ MacGyver yourself homemade "air conditioning" system: Sit in the path of a box fan that is aimed at an open cooler, or pan filled with ice.🍳 Eliminate extra sources of heat. Incandescent light bulbs can generate unnecessary heat, as can computers or appliances left running. Eat fresh foods that do not require you to use the oven or stove to prepare.Hang in there! ---------Each week, ICBA’s Jordan Bateman reflects on what we’ve learned as we participate in ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program. ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program is helping more than 100 companies and more than 10,000 construction professionals better understand mental health. This program is free for all ICBA members – check out icba.ca/wellness for details. ... See MoreSee Less
📊 Did you know that Canada's productivity over the past 4 years has diminished slightly, while growing by a hefty 6% in the United States over the same period?