OCS Talks

Ontario’s industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) construction sector has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, fueled by major transit expansions, energy investments, healthcare infrastructure, manufacturing reshoring, and large-scale institutional projects. At the same time, the industry continues to navigate significant challenges, including skilled labour shortages, inflati...

Construction is one of Ontario’s most important economic engines, but it’s also one of the province’s most complex and constantly evolving industries. Effective construction policy cannot be developed in isolation, which is why advisory councils play such an important role in bridging the gap between government intent and on-the-ground industry realities. By bringing together industry leaders, emp...

Today’s conversation is all about the future of skilled trades and how we inspire the next generation to be part of it. With rapid advancement in technology, we don’t know what jobs will exist and be created but there is no doubt that today’s job market is evolving. What we do know is what we will and do need people in the skilled trades, we need innovative ways to attract the right talent early o...

This episode focuses on the 2026 Contractor Outlook Survey. Each year, the survey provides a real-time snapshot of what contractors are experiencing, what’s driving confidence, what risks are emerging, and how the industry is responding to ongoing economic and policy pressures. This year’s results paint an interesting picture. On one hand, contractors remain busy; on the other, there’s a clear sen...

Procurement is more than a buzzword. It’s a process that defines how projects are built and ultimately how successful they have become. In this episode of OCS talks, we at today’s construction landscape and the default approach to accepting the lowest bid under the illusion that this equals savings. Price alone tell sus nothing about quality, compliance, safety or a contractor’s ability to deliver...

On this episode of OCS Talks, Brian sits down with Nickie Lavoie and Karen Pullen to discuss how they got their start in the construction industry, how far women have come in the trades, and the work still ahead. They also highlight the important role of the Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen in supporting, mentoring, and advocating for women across the industry. Together, they reflect...

Construction is an industry built on pride, resilience and getting the job done. Often under intense pressure, long hours, and physically demanding conditions. But behind all of this, many workers are quietly struggling with substance abuse and mental health challenges and the stigma that keeps them from asking for help. The impact isn’t just personal. It affects safety on job sites, productivity,...

Construction is no stranger to associations, and for good reason. Construction is complicated, it often requires different levels of advocacy and expertise to navigate Ontario’s marketplace. Most have one thing in common: their coordinated voice for the industry to make it better. One of these associations, or councils in this case, is The Constructions Employers Coordinating Council of Ontario. I...

Steel is one of the most critical materials in any project, so to say any disruption in supply chain would be an understatement. All of us are familiar with the current tariffs and the uncertainty they have caused, but how does this impact construction? In this episode of OCS talks, we look into what tariffs mean and the impact they’ve had on steel in the construction industry. Gord Rados is the E...

There are several things that make a project successful in the eye of the owner, but quality and professionalism are at the top of that list.  Unfortunately, many project owners dread the thought of building a new project because it often leads to headaches during construction or warranty issues. This is where hiring the right contractor becomes key to a project’s success. There are several consid...

Training is one of the most crucial elements to consider when selecting the right people to build a project. An unqualified worker installing material or equipment will lead to costly errors or long-term warranty issues. When you have a highly skilled tradesperson you can bet they have the skills and know how to complete the task on-time and on-budget, while providing you with something that will...

The collective bargaining process in unionized construction is an important institution.  Generally, the discussions are productive with the goal of both labour and management benefitting from a new agreement.  But what happens when the parties need help moving the discussions along? In this episode of OCS Talks we look at the role conciliation officers play in working with both parties to reach a...

Labour relations can be a delicate balance in the construction industry. Many factors influence how successful labour relations operates in construction; everything from economic conditions, to regional influences, to how a particular job is being run can impact workers and relationships between labour and management.  In this episode of OCS Talks we look at today’s construction labour relations l...

The unionized Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) construction sector in Ontario continues to see opportunity—but not without risks. In this episode of OCS Talks, Brian Barron is joined by BuildForce Canada’s Bill Ferreira and Bob Collins to explore their 2024–2034 forecast and its implications for contractors, unions, and the broader workforce. The discussion dives deep into what’s dr...