https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7MuaNyz6GE In a recent episode of Carole Taylor's Journal on CHEK TV, Carole sat down with ICBA's Chris Gardner to discuss the pressing economic challenges facing Canada, particularly in the construction and housing sectors. Chris...
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ICBA NEWS RELEASE: 72% of B.C. Construction Companies Face Severe Labour Shortages
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 Benefits Survey of...
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For more than three-and-a-half years, I’ve been writing Wellness Wednesdays for ICBA’s social channels – sharing tips, takes, and tales from our work in mental health. But this will be our final regular edition. While Wellness Wednesday is wrapping up, our work in...
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In today's episode of Carole Taylor's Journal on CHEK TV, Carole sat down with our Chris Gardner to discuss the pressing economic challenges facing Canada, particularly in the construction and housing sectors. Chris shared his frustrations with current government policies and offered insights into how these policies are impacting business growth, labor availability, and infrastructure development.![]()
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Among the highlights:![]()
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📉 Declining Growth Metrics. Chris expresses concern over Canada’s economic trajectory, noting that the country is experiencing a decline in growth metrics, which affects job creation and infrastructure development. He emphasizes the need for a change in leadership in Ottawa, as the current government policies are not conducive to fostering investment and opportunity.![]()
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💪 Labour Challenges. Gardner raises the critical question of where the labor force will come from to meet the ambitious housing targets set by the government. He points out that the current rate of home construction is insufficient to meet demand, and without a skilled labor force, the goal of building 400,000 homes annually seems unrealistic.![]()
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📣 Regulations: Gardner critiques several public policies that he believes are detrimental to the construction industry. He highlights the "greenwashing" bill (Bill C-59), which imposes unfair standards on businesses. Gardner argues that this legislation stifles free speech and limits the ability of businesses to engage in open discussions about energy and environmental policies. He believes that the government’s approach creates a chilling effect on the debate surrounding Canada’s energy future.![]()
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🛠️ Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs). The conversation then turns to community benefit agreements (CBAs), which Gardner describes as a flawed initiative that restricts access to construction projects. He explains that these agreements require contractors to employ unionized workers, effectively excluding 85% of the construction workforce in British Columbia. Gardner argues that this exclusion leads to inefficiencies and increased costs in public projects, as the government is not utilizing the full pool of available talent.![]()
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🏠 Infrastructure and Housing Crisis. Gardner emphasizes the urgent need for more housing and infrastructure, pointing out that the current policies are not addressing the housing crisis effectively. He criticizes the lack of coordination between federal, provincial, and municipal governments, which results in disjointed policies that hinder housing supply.![]()
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💸 Development Cost Charges. Gardner notes that development cost charges for new housing are set to triple, further exacerbating affordability issues. He argues that these charges make it more difficult for developers to build affordable housing, contributing to the housing crisis.![]()
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Is BC Sliding Backwards? (w/ Chris Gardner, Independent Contractors and Business Association)
www.youtube.com
Well, 2024 was quite a year. Painful conflicts around the world, natural disasters of various kinds, and here in Canada, an economy that lags in so many ways...
📢 ICBA Alberta’s Budget 2025 Recommendations![]()
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Alberta is leading Canada with 2.5% GDP growth, booming housing starts, and growing opportunities for businesses and workers. To sustain this success, ICBA Alberta has urged the Danielle Smith government to prioritize:![]()
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✅ Balanced Budgets & Competitive Taxes: Keeping Alberta attractive to investors and skilled workers.![]()
✅ Open Competition for Infrastructure Projects: Avoid costly policies like CBAs, which exclude 85% of contractors and drive up costs.![]()
✅ Skilled Trades Workforce: Expand apprenticeship seats and streamline immigration for skilled workers.![]()
✅ Housing Affordability: Accelerate residential development approvals to address the housing crisis.![]()
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Together, these measures will ensure Alberta continues to lead the nation in economic growth. Let’s build Alberta’s future! 💪![]()
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Read more: icbaalberta.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-AB-Budget-Submission_ICBA-Alberta-FINAL.pdf![]()
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#ABBudget2025 #BuildingAlberta #ICBAAlberta
Kerry and Jordan kick off 2025 with a look at the month ahead, ICBA's Red Seal Dinner, and this week's featured course.![]()
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Lean Construction Education Program (CM Lean)![]()
January 14-22, 2025 (Live online)![]()
10 Gold Seal Credits and 28 BC Housing CPD Points![]()
icbatraining.arlo.co/w/courses/304-lean-construction-education-program-cm-lean/2430![]()
Missed this one? Check out www.icba.ca/courses![]()
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Lean Construction is driven to minimize costs and maximize value on each project completed, challenging all stakeholders to develop and apply better ways to manage the overall construction process.![]()
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The updated AGC Edge Lean Construction Education Program engages students with numerous activities and group discussions designed to apply Lean Construction principles and practices. Key course activities include the Parade of Trades exercise where participants will learn the effects of varying and unreliable workflow versus smooth and reliable workflow. Students will also learn and practice the Last Planner® System in a simulation that teaches students to engage in a way that produces predictable workflow and rapid learning.![]()
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After participants complete all five units in the program, they become eligible to sit for an exam to earn the Certificate of Management – Lean Construction (CM-Lean).
Things we found in our 2025 ICBA Wage and Benefits Survey:![]()
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💰 Construction pays. The average hourly wage for trades in 2025 is expected to hit $37/hr – that’s an annual base salary of $77,000+ before benefits, bonuses, or overtime.![]()
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🚀 With wages growing faster than inflation and strong work prospects ahead, construction remains a top-tier career choice in B.C.![]()
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🔎 Discover the latest industry insights in ICBA’s Wage and Benefits Survey: www.icbaindependent.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ICBA-Winter-202425-Web.pdf
📉 ICBA Wage and Benefit Survey finds 63% of B.C. contractors say government policies are on the “wrong track” for businesses like theirs. With labour shortages, project delays, and increasing red tape, contractors face major headwinds in 2025.![]()
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🏗 Despite these challenges, the sector remains resilient, with a 19% average expected work volume increase for 2025.![]()
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✅ It's time for policymakers to streamline training programs and approvals to let the construction industry thrive.![]()
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🔗 Full details here: www.icbaindependent.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ICBA-Winter-202425-Web.pdf
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/ .
Tweet ICBA!
Alberta’s economy is leading the way! ICBA Alberta urges @natehorner to focus on competitive taxes, open tendering, workforce training, & housing affordability in Budget 2025. Let’s keep building a strong future for Alberta! #ABBudget2025 #ableg
🔗 https://icbaalberta.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-AB-Budget-Submission_ICBA-Alberta-FINAL.pdf
NEW: 72% of B.C. construction companies face severe shortages of skilled workers, threatening critical projects amid a housing crisis.