Ontario Construction Secretariat

05/29/2026

📈 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://iciconstruction.com/2026/05/29/may292026_ecoupdate/

05/28/2026

📣 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://rgd.ca/jobs/creative-graphic-designer

05/27/2026

A big thank you to Electrical Power Systems Construction Association for inviting us to take part in yesterday’s CAWIC 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. We’re already looking forward to the next one!

05/22/2026

📈 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 🔗

May 22, 2026: Inflation Climbs in April, Driven By Higher Gas Prices May 22, 2026 SUMMARY Ontario’s inflation rate rose to 2.4% in April as gasoline and energy prices surged amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. However, inflation pressures beneath the surface continued to ease, with core infl...

05/21/2026

🎙️ 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://iciconstruction.com/2025/04/03/ocs-talks-podcast/

PODCAST OCS TALKS is 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...

05/18/2026

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!

05/15/2026

🌟 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://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LSCFV39

Submit a nomination by completing our brief nomination form today.

05/14/2026

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

Ontario’s labour market improved modestly in April, with increasing and the 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: 🔗

May 14, 2026: Construction Sees Short-Term Improvement, Long-Term Pressures Remain May 14, 2026 SUMMARY 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 level...

05/14/2026

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://ocs.regfox.com/connections-and-cocktails-2026

📅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.*

05/06/2026

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

Key takeaways in the graphic below 👇