The OCS is a labour/mgmt org that enhances Ontario's unionized ICI construction industry by developing relationships, facilitating dialogue & providing research
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Connections & Cocktails last night at Woodbine Racetrack!
It was a fantastic evening of networking, laughs, great food and drinks, exciting horse racing, and a little friendly betting. We loved seeing so many industry partners come together to connect and strengthen relationships across Ontario's unionized ICI construction industry.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event!
#ConnectionsAndCocktails#OntarioConstruction#Networking#UnionizedConstruction
🍸🏇 Connections & Cocktails is happening NOW at Woodbine Racetrack!
We’re excited to welcome industry leaders, partners, and stakeholders from across Ontario’s unionized ICI construction industry for an afternoon of networking, great conversations, delicious food, cocktails, and the thrill of live horse racing.
🔨 Ontario's construction labour market strengthened in May:
✔️ 22,600 jobs compared to April
✔️ Lower unemployment rate
✔️ Employment remains above 2025 levels
✔️ Growing participation among women
✔️ Continued growth in workers aged 55
As summer construction activity increases, ensuring a strong pipeline of skilled workers remains essential. 🔗iciconstruction.com/2026/06/…#ConstructionIndustry#OntarioConstruction#SkilledTrades#LabourForce#EconomicGrowth
🚨 LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! 🚨
Connections & Cocktails is THIS THURSDAY, and registration is closing soon
🔗ocs.regfox.com/connections-a…
If you've been thinking about attending, now is the time to secure your spot. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders, colleagues, and stakeholders from across Ontario's unionized ICI construction industry.
🍸 Cocktails
🍽️ Great food
🏇 Live horse racing
🎟️ Raffle prizes
🤝 Meaningful networking
Whether you're looking to reconnect with familiar faces or make new industry connections, this is an event you won't want to miss.
📅 Thursday, June 11, 2026
⏰ 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍 Woodbine Racetrack – Post Parade Dining Room (Gate 10)
🏨 Accommodation available at The Great Canadian Casino Resort
#ConnectionsAndCocktails#OntarioConstruction#ICIConstruction#Networking#ConstructionIndustry#OCS
📣 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:rgd.ca/jobs/creative-graphic…#NowHiring#Hiring#GraphicDesigner#CreativeJobs#OntarioJobs#ConstructionIndustry
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
📈 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 🔗iciconstruction.com/2026/05/…
🎙️ 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! iciconstruction.com/2025/04/…#OntarioConstruction#ConstructionIndustry#Podcast#Collaboration#Leadership
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
🌟 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. 🔗surveymonkey.com/r/LSCFV39
Submit a nomination by completing our brief nomination form today.
📣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: 🔗iciconstruction.com/2026/05/…
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. 🔗ocs.regfox.com/connections-a…
📅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.*
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 👇
Brian Barron, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Construction Secretariat, provides an overview of the Union Market Intelligence in Ontario’s ICI Construction Sector
🎙️ 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: youtu.be/7zXxgJC7MT8
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