OCS Talks

Ontario Construction Secretariat

Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) CEO, Brian Barron, discusses all things related to Ontario's unionized ICI construction sector with professionals from across the industry. An educational industry podcast that addresses varying topics, challenges, and opportunities within Ontario's unionized ICI construction sector. Episodes will feature leaders from across the industry to explore different subject matter. It is our hope that listeners find these short podcast episodes engaging, thought-provoking, and digestible.

  1. 4d ago

    Ontario’s ICI Construction Outlook: Forecasting Labour Demand, Major Projects, and Market Uncertainty with BuildForce Canada

    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, inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States. In this episode of OCS Talks, host Brian Barron is joined by Bob Collins and Irwin Bess from BuildForce Canada to explore what lies ahead for Ontario’s construction industry. Together, they unpack how BuildForce develops its construction forecasts, the key economic and project data shaping Ontario’s ICI outlook, and where investment activity is expected to grow over the next decade. They also discuss labour market pressures, the impact of public infrastructure funding, the reliability of long-term forecasting, and the major projects poised to influence construction demand across the province. Whether you're a contractor, employer, union representative, policymaker, or industry professional, this conversation offers valuable insights into the trends shaping Ontario’s construction future. Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Introduction 01:50 – About BuildForce Canada 06:58 – Key data inputs driving Ontario’s ICI forecast 10:20 – How smaller projects are incorporated into forecasting models 12:20 – Major project lists, active projects, and watch lists 16:15 – How reliable are 10-year construction forecasts? 20:20 – What’s different about the market outlook compared to recent years? 23:28 – Which sectors are driving the strongest demand? 27:19 – The role of public funding in market stability 31:10 – Navigating uncertainty in the construction industry 36:00 – How BuildForce measures labour shortages 43:00 – Trade and occupation pressure rankings 46:12 – Key projects to watch in the years ahead Call to Action: Subscribe to OCS Talks for more expert conversations and industry insights shaping Ontario’s unionized ICI construction sector. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your colleagues and leave a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform. Have a question, topic suggestion, or guest recommendation? Contact us at info@iciconstruction.com or visit iciconstruction.com for the latest research, news, and industry resources. Tags & Keywords: Ontario construction, ICI construction, Ontario ICI sector, BuildForce Canada, construction forecast, labour shortages, skilled trades, workforce development, infrastructure investment, construction employment, transit projects, manufacturing reshoring, public infrastructure, commercial construction, industrial construction, institutional construction, Ontario economy, construction trends, major projects, construction workforce, unions, contractors, labour market, construction planning, OCS Talks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min

  2. May 20

    Building Better Policy: Why Advisory Councils Matter in Ontario Construction

    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, employers, labour representatives, and subject matter experts, these councils help ensure policy decisions translate into practical solutions, successful projects, and better outcomes for workers and employers alike. Early and consistent industry engagement leads to stronger, more responsive, and future-ready policy. Host Brian Barron is joined by Marc Arsenault from the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, Enzo Garritano, President and CEO of the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA), and Robert Love, Vice President of Project Support Services at Alberici, for a discussion on why advisory councils matter, the importance of formal industry consultation, and how collaboration between labour, management, and government helps move Ontario construction forward. Chapters 0:00 – Introduction 2:50 – Why are advisory councils and structured industry-government tables so important? 11:35 – Why is it critical to have a formal voice in advisory councils during reviews? 18:20 – Does early engagement through these councils help government move faster? 30:00 – What does the process of achieving labour and management buy-in look like? 36:00 – Building confidence behind recommendations with labour-management support 42:30 – Success stories and lessons learned 51:00 – Closing remarks Subscribe to OCS Talks for more industry insights and expert conversations shaping Ontario’s construction sector. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your colleagues and leave a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform. Have a question, topic suggestion, or guest recommendation? Reach out at info@iciconstruction.com or visit iciconstruction.com for more industry updates, research, and resources. Keywords: Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, economy, contractors, unions, Ontario, ICI Construction, Ontario Construction, OCS Talks, construction projects, Skills Ontario, technology, careers, jobs, skilled trades, engineering, infrastructure, public policy, advisory councils, labour relations, workforce development, construction industry, health and safety, collaboration, government relations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min

  3. Apr 27

    Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: A Conversation with Skills Ontario’s CEO

    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 on and show them what a rewarding career in the trades looks like. Chapter Markers: 0:00 – Introduction 0:39 – Welcome, Ian 1:08 – Overview of Skills Ontario 4:08 – Promoting Careers in the Skilled Trades 8:26 – Inside the Skills Ontario Event 13:50 – Guidance Counsellors Conference 16:22 – The Impact of Parent Influence as a Barrier 17:43 – Competition Qualification Process 20:35 – A Team Effort: Gratitude for Support 25:48 – How You Can Support Skills Ontario 29:30 – Where to Learn More About Skills Ontario 33:10 – Final Thoughts Subscribe for more industry insights and expert conversations. Have a question or topic suggestion? Reach out to us at info@iciconstruction.com or visit iciconstruction.com. To learn more about the incredible work being done by Skills Ontario, including the Skills Competition, visit: https://skillsontario.com/ Tags and keywords Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, economy, contractors, unions, Ontario, ICI Construction, Ontario Construction, OCS Talks, Construction Projects, Skills Ontario, technology, careers, jobs, skilled trades, engineering, technology, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min

  4. Apr 13

    2026 Contractor Outlook Survey: Confidence Meets Caution

    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 sense of caution about what lies ahead. In this episode of OCS Talks, Katherine Jacobs joins Brian to unpack the findings of the 2026 Contractor Outlook Survey and what they signal for the year ahead. Chapter Markers 0:00 – Introduction 1:28 – What Is the Contractor Outlook Survey? 3:50 – Why the 2026 Survey Matters in Today’s Economic Climate 5:00 – What’s Driving Contractor Caution 8:02 – What Operating at Capacity Reveals About Demand 13:02 – The Significance of Project Delays 15:51 – Top Drivers of Uncertainty 19:24 – Understanding the Governments $200 Billion Sentiment 21:36 – Where Industry Strength Is Coming From 23:40 – Labour Shortages 25:08 – Challenges in Hiring Skilled Labour 27:20 – Recruitment Trends 29:45 – The Union Advantage 35:17 – What Needs to Change for a More Optimistic Outlook 37:23 – Final Remarks Subscribe for more industry insights and expert conversations. Have a question or topic suggestion? Reach out to us at info@iciconstruction.com or visit iciconstruction.com. construction industry, contractor outlook, 2026 forecast, Ontario construction, economic outlook, labour market, infrastructure, construction survey, industry trends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min

  5. Mar 25

    Procurement Isn’t Just a Buzzword

    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 that price.   Chapter Markers: 0:00 – Intro 2:05 – About Bob Ritzmann 4:37 – Procurement 6:30 – Low Bid Mentality 12:47 – Prequalification 15:53 – Median Bid 37:20 – Final Remarks   Subscribe for more industry insights and expert conversations. Have a question or topic suggestion? Reach out to us at info@iciconstruction.com or visit iciconstruction.com.   Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, economy, contractors, unions, Ontario, ICI Construction, Ontario Construction, CECCO, Labour, Management, Bargaining, Bargaining Table, OCS Talks, Tariffs, Supply Chain, Construction Projects   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min

  6. Mar 8

    Women in the Trades, Progress and the Path Forward

    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 on progress, share personal experiences from the jobsite, and discuss how the industry can continue building a more inclusive future for the next generation of tradeswomen. Chapter Markers: 0:00 – Intro 3:45 – Karen’s Journey to Becoming an Electrician 5:02 – Nickie’s Journey to Becoming a Boilermaker 7:51 – Barries & Challenges of Women in Construction, are we Headed in the Right Direction? 13:50 – What Makes Women Feel Included on the Jobsite 18:43 – Positive Impacts of a Good Supervisor 20:20 – OBCT, Dedication to Training 28:41 - Benefits of a Career in Construction 33:45 – Final Comments   Subscribe for more industry insights and expert conversations. Have a question or topic suggestion? Reach out to us at info@iciconstruction.com or visit iciconstruction.com.  For more information on OBCT and the great work they do, www.obctradeswomen.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min

  7. Feb 23

    Breaking the Silence: Addiction and Mental Health in Construction

    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, and the wellbeing of entire communities. On this episode of OCS Talks, Brian is talking to Michael Varieur from the De Novo treatment centre. Michael brings frontline experience supporting individuals and families navigating addiction and recovery and works closely with employers and unions to build practical and compassionate pathways to help. This conversation is about awareness, prevention, and most importantly, hope. Chapter Markers: 0:00 – Intro 1:23 – About De Novo Treatment Centre 4:50 – How Addiction Starts 9:00 – Why the Construction Industry is Vulnerable to Alcohol and Substance Abuse 16:20 – The Prevalence of Addiction and Mental Health in Numbers 21:58 – Individual Referral 30:04 – A Look Inside the Program 41:02 - Most Successful Strategy to Avoid Relapse 45:28 - Initiating Discussions on Addiction 50:00 - Final Thoughts Call to Action: Subscribe for more industry insights and expert conversations. Have a question or topic suggestion? Reach out to us at info@iciconstruction.com or visit iciconstruction.com. For more information on De Novo Treatment Centre, visit denovo.ca. Tags and keywords Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, economy, contractors, unions, Ontario, ICI Construction, Ontario Construction, Labour, Management, Bargaining, Bargaining Table, OCS Talks, Tariffs, Supply Chain, Construction Projects, De Novo, Mental Health, Addiction, Treatment, Alcohol, Alcoholic, Drug Addiction, Awareness, Prevention Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min

  8. Feb 9

    A Coordinated Voice: CECCO’s Role in Ontario Construction

    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. In this episode of OCS talks, we are joined by Adam Melnick, Executive Director of The Constructions Employers Coordinating Council of Ontario (CECCO) to talk about the Council and where they’re heading. Chapter Markers: 0:00 – Intro 1:00 – Wayne Peterson 1:46 – CECCO’s mandate 3:16 – About Adam Melnick 6:45 - Challenges and opportunities at the bargaining table 9:10 - Biggest areas of opportunity 19:00 – Union advantage 32:00 - Relationship between Labour and Management 37:20 – Final Remarks Call to Action: Subscribe for more industry insights and expert conversations. Have a question or topic suggestion? Reach out to us at info@iciconstruction.com or visit iciconstruction.com. Tags and keywords Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, economy, contractors, unions, Ontario, ICI Construction, Ontario Construction, CECCO, Labour, Management, Bargaining, Bargaining Table, OCS Talks, Tariffs, Supply Chain, Construction Projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min
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About

Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) CEO, Brian Barron, discusses all things related to Ontario's unionized ICI construction sector with professionals from across the industry. An educational industry podcast that addresses varying topics, challenges, and opportunities within Ontario's unionized ICI construction sector. Episodes will feature leaders from across the industry to explore different subject matter. It is our hope that listeners find these short podcast episodes engaging, thought-provoking, and digestible.

Information

  • Creator
    Ontario Construction Secretariat
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025. Ontario Construction Secretariat
  • Show Website
    OCS Talks