Ontario Construction Secretariat

10/13/2026

🎙️ New episode of OCS Talks!

What does Buy Ontario mean for construction procurement?

Host Brian Barron joins construction procurement lawyer Glenn Ackerley to explore how trade agreements, complex supply chains and low-bid practices affect efforts to buy locally and what it takes to achieve the best value for public investment.

▶️ Listen or watch now: Buy Ontario: Navigating the Complexities of Construction Procurement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIGnHqd5o2k

What does Buy Ontario mean for construction procurement?In this e...

10/12/2026

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Ontario Construction Secretariat! 🍂

We’re grateful for our labour, management and industry partners, and for the skilled workers whose dedication helps build strong communities across Ontario.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with good food, good company and time to recharge.

10/08/2026

We are proud to recognize Richard Hayter as the recipient of the 2026 OCS Award of Excellence, honouring his lasting contributions to health and safety, workforce development, and labour relations in Ontario’s construction industry.

Richard’s leadership and commitment to collaboration made a meaningful difference to our industry and his community. Following his passing earlier this year, we were honoured to present the award to his son, Greg, and daughter-in-law, Joanie, at our 2026 Annual Conference & Labour Relations Forum in Muskoka.

Thank you, Greg and Joanie, for joining us to celebrate Richard’s achievements and enduring legacy.

09/30/2026

As we come together on the final day of our Annual Conference & Labour Relations Forum, we also recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Today is an opportunity to reflect, listen and honour the children who never returned home, Survivors, their families and communities. We recognize the ongoing impacts of the residential school system and the importance of continuing the work of truth, reconciliation and understanding.

🧡 Every Child Matters.

09/29/2026

Now underway at the OCS Annual Conference & Labour Relations Forum: a panel discussion on the Impact of Mega Projects on Ontario’s ICI Construction Sector.

OCS CEO Brian Barron is moderating the conversation, exploring how major projects are shaping the industry, workforce and labour relations landscape across Ontario.

09/29/2026

Katherine Jacobs, OCS Director of Research, walks us through the highlights of the 2025 Post-Bargaining Survey, exploring key findings, emerging themes and what the results may mean for labour relations across Ontario’s unionized ICI construction sector.

An insightful look at the trends shaping the industry and the road ahead. 📊🤝

09/29/2026

The formal part of the OCS Annual Conference & Labour Relations Forum is officially underway! 🎤

Brian Barron welcomes everyone and kicks things off before we dive into today’s Labour Relations session with Gary Furlong.

Looking forward to a great day of learning, conversation and connection!

09/28/2026

A warm fall evening at the JW Marriott to officially welcome everyone to the OCS Annual Conference & Labour Relations Forum 🍂✨

Beautiful sunset, crisp fall air and the leaves just starting to turn… the perfect way to kick off a great few days together. 🥂

09/28/2026

Kicking off our Annual Conference & Labour Relations Forum with a round of golf at The Rock! ⛳️

Great conversations, friendly competition and the perfect start to a few days of connecting, learning and collaborating. Let’s get the conference underway!

09/18/2026

Ontario’s ICI building permit value returned to more typical levels in July, falling to $2.17 billion following June’s record-setting activity.

Commercial construction accounted for just over half of July’s permit value. Toronto remained Ontario’s largest market, while Brantford recorded a sharp increase and the highest permit value outside Toronto.

Read the latest OCS Economic Update:
https://iciconstruction.com/2026/09/17/sep182026_ecoupdate/