Ontario Construction Secretariat

The OCS is a labour/mgmt org that enhances Ontario's unionized ICI construction industry by developing relationships, facilitating dialogue & providing research

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

📈 Ontario’s ICI building permits rebounded strongly in March 2026, reaching $2.38 billion, led by a surge in industrial activity and major factory and plant construction in Toronto. While quarterly permit values came in slightly below the previous quarter, industrial and institutional activity remained steady across several regions.

Read the latest bulletin for key insights into Ontario’s construction outlook. 👇
https://t.co/RZj6onPxge

#Construction #OntarioConstruction #ICIBuilding #BuildingPermits #IndustrialConstruction #OntarioEconomy #ConstructionIndustry

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

📣 We’re Hiring!

The OCS is looking for a highly creative, detail-oriented, and self-motivated Creative/Graphic Designer to join our team!

In this role, you’ll help bring ideas to life through engaging visual content, digital media, branding, and creative campaigns that support communications and stakeholder engagement initiatives across Ontario’s unionized ICI construction sector.

If you’re passionate about design, storytelling, and making an impact through creative communications, we’d love to hear from you!

📍 Learn more about the position and apply today.
📄 View the full job posting:https://t.co/eVyhNtpGix

#NowHiring #Hiring #GraphicDesigner #CreativeJobs #OntarioJobs #ConstructionIndustry

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

A big thank you to the Electrical Power Systems Construction Association (EPSCA) for inviting us to take part in yesterday’s @CAWICOnline Golf Tournament! ⛳

We had an absolute blast on the course enjoying great conversations, lots of laughs, and connecting with industry colleagues throughout the day. Thank you for the hospitality and for a fantastic event.
#CAWICGolf2026 #WomenInConstruction #ConstructionIndustry #Networking #GolfTournament #ThankYou

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

📈 New Economic Update Bulletin

Inflation Climbs in April, Driven By Higher Gas Prices

Ontario’s inflation rate rose to 2.4% in April, largely driven by higher gas and energy prices amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. At the same time, underlying inflation pressures continued to ease, with core inflation falling to 0.8%, food inflation slowing, and shelter costs remaining stable. With broader price pressures moderating, expectations remain that the Bank of Canada will hold interest rates steady in June.

Read the full bulletin 🔗https://t.co/zwfgttooNy

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

🎙️ New Podcast Episode Just Dropped!

Building Better Policy: Why Advisory Councils Matter in Ontario Construction

How do advisory councils help shape better construction policy in Ontario? Host Brian Barron is joined by Marc Arsenault, Enzo Garritano, and Robert Love to discuss the importance of industry consultation and collaboration between labour, management, and government in building stronger, future-ready policy.

🎧 Listen now! https://t.co/5s8eA9nMMU

#OntarioConstruction #ConstructionIndustry #Podcast #Collaboration #Leadership

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

Happy Victoria Day from the OCS team!
We hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend, taking time to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday weekend! #VictoriaDay #LongWeekend #OntarioConstruction

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

🌟 Shine a Spotlight on Excellence: Nominate an Industry Leader for the OCS 2026 Award of Excellence 🌟

The OCS Award of Excellence recognizes outstanding leadership within Ontario’s unionized ICI construction industry in the areas of Health & Safety, Labour Relations, Training, and Workforce Development.

Do you know an individual or group making a lasting impact in the industry? Now is the time to recognize their contributions. 🔗https://t.co/bBQ8Sj2B6x

Submit a nomination by completing our brief nomination form today.

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

📣NEW Bulletin: Construction Sees Short-Term Improvement, Long-Term Pressures Remain

Ontario’s #construction labour market improved modestly in April, with #employment increasing and the #unemployment rate declining compared to March. However, both employment and labour force levels remain below last year’s levels, reflecting ongoing labour supply challenges. The decline has been most pronounced among younger workers.

Read the full Bulleting here: 🔗https://t.co/MWRRGvbs38

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

Join us for Connections & Cocktails at Woodbine Racetrack! 🥂🏇

Enjoy an evening of networking, cocktails, great food, prizes, and live horse racing in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. A great opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and make new industry connections. 🔗https://t.co/jvQ4qCe20m

📅Date: June 11, 2026
🕧Time: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
🏇Venue: Woodbine Racetrack, The Post Parade Dining Room, Gate 10
📭Address: 555 Rexdale Blvd, Etobicoke

*Open to labour, management, and government stakeholders affiliated with the Ontario Construction Secretariat and the unionized ICI construction industry.*

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

Canada’s Spring Economic Update 2026 highlights major momentum for #construction—focused on building faster, investing in #infrastructure, and growing the #SkilledTrades workforce.

Key takeaways in the graphic below 👇

[CDN Building Trades @CDNTrades]

Brian Barron, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Construction Secretariat, provides an overview of the Union Market Intelligence in Ontario’s ICI Construction Sector

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

📅 Don’t miss the 2026 Skills Ontario Competition:
May 4–5 at the Toronto Congress Centre
Closing Ceremony: May 6

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

🎙️ New Episode Alert: OCS Talks Podcast

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

Join our CEO, Brian Barron, as he sits down with Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario, to talk about the future of skilled trades and how we inspire the next generation to get involved.

With rapid advancements in technology, the job market is evolving faster than ever. While we can’t predict every job of the future, one thing is clear—we need skilled trades more than ever. This episode explores how we can attract young talent early and showcase the rewarding, innovative careers the trades have to offer.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify & Apple Music, or watch on YouTube: https://t.co/zjC0GlWu4q

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

#OCSTalks #SkillsOntario #SkilledTrades #FutureOfWork #WorkforceDevelopment #Podcast

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

Today, our CEO Brian Barron and Director of Research Katherine Jacobs attended CBTU’s Day of Mourning ceremony at Major’s Hill Park, at the Canadian Building Trades Monument in Ottawa.

Together, we paused to honour the workers who have lost their lives, been injured, or made ill due to workplace incidents. Their memory is a powerful reminder of why health and safety must always remain a top priority across our industry.

#DayOfMourning #HealthAndSafety #CBTU

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

Each year on April 28, we recognize the National Day of Mourning, a time to remember and honour workers who have lost their lives, been injured, or become ill due to workplace incidents.

At OCS, this day is a powerful reminder of the importance of health and safety across Ontario’s unionized ICI construction industry. It’s an opportunity for employers, labour partners, and industry stakeholders to reaffirm our shared commitment to ensuring every worker returns home safely.

We encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect, participate in local commemorations, and continue fostering a culture where safety is a core value, not just a priority.

We remember. We reflect. We renew our commitment to safety.

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

At the CBTU Conference @CDNTrades, our CEO, Brian Barron, and Director of Research, Katherine Jacobs, were proud to celebrate this year’s CBTU Awards of Distinction recipients.

Congratulations to Mike Gordon, Director of UA Canadian Training, on receiving the Special Award of Distinction. Congratulations to Ben McIntyre, GP of IUEC, on being honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. And congratulations to Tanya Palson, Executive Director of Manitoba Building Trades, on receiving the Workforce Development Award of Distinction.

Well-deserved recognition for outstanding contributions to the industry. 👏

[Ontario Construction Secretariat @OntConstSec]

📊 New Bulletin

Inflation in Ontario ticked up slightly in March, driven largely by higher gas prices. Core inflation also edged higher after several months of decline.

Outside of energy, price pressures appear to be easing, something that could influence the Bank of Canada to hold interest rates steady in the near term.

🔗 Read the full update: https://t.co/DdC2Z0DuxA

#inflation #Ontario #ICIConstruction #union #Construction #GasPrices