ICBA Cast

Jordan and Chris revive the late, great ICBA podcast to discuss our new Trump Tariff/CleanBC report -- and our concerns over the BC NDP's efforts to drive the BC economy into the ditch.

In this episode of the ICBA Daily News, Jordan Bateman and Chris Gardner from the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) discuss the Supreme Court of Canada's decision to overturn Bill C-69. They view this as a victory for construction and resource development in Canada, highlighting the importance of faster project approvals for economic growth. They also discuss the ICBA's support for the government of Alberta's opposition to the federal legislation.  

In this podcast episode, Jordan Bateman introduces Jock Finlayson as the new Chief Economist for the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association. They discuss the Q1 fiscal report for British Columbia, which reveals a projected $6.7 billion deficit for this year. They express concerns about the government's increasing debt and lack of coordinated response to the housing crisis. Jock also discusses the negative impact of legislation C-69 on resource and infrastructure projects, hoping for a change in government or reconsideration of the legislation.   

ICBA board member Shane Stirling of Epscan Industries Ltd. sat down with George Affleck of Merit Canada's Constructive Conversations show, and told his Fort St. John success story.   Epscan does construction, maintenance, electrical, and instrumentation work -- each of these services coincides with one another and allows Shane's company to stand out.

CONSTRUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS: Just ahead of the 47th anniversary of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of BC's founding, ICBA president Chris Gardner sits down with George Affleck to talk about the organization and how it's responding to the modern challenges facing construction.  

To kick off both Season 2 of Merit Canada's Constructive Conversations AND Women in Construction Week, host George Affleck chats with AWG Northern Industries president Laura Stanton. Laura is the third woman to chair the board of directors of ICBA.

ICBA's Chris Gardner was on CKNW Radio's Jas Johal Show yesterday to talk about mental health in construction -- and how ICBA's Workplace Wellness program is working to break the stigma around asking for help.

Gavin Dew, candidate for the leadership of the BC Liberal Party, dropped by the ICBA studio to chat with Jordan Bateman about the state of the race, where the party is at, how he's preparing for next week's first debate, and much more. Check out his website at www.gavindew.ca

ICBA's VP-Regional Mike Davis stops by the new studio to talk with Jordan Bateman about the latest developments in oil and gas, the Taylor Bridge, what's happening across BC, wildfires, and much more.

Steve Zahm of Procore Technologies -- a member of ICBA's 2021 Builders' Circle -- sits down with George Affleck to talk about Procore, tech, and the future of construction.

For construction to succeed, our industry needs top-notch suppliers and support. Fuelex Energy (www.fuelexenergy.ca) is one of those companies that is vital to the success of many of our ICBA members.   Jeff Adams is a Senior Sales Executive for Fuelex Energy, a local family-based company that is rapidly expanding across Alberta and British Columbia. He joined George Affleck for this Constructive Conversation.

Sean Hodgins grew up in the construction business and is now the president of Century Group, a family-owned business that was started in 1957. The company is based in New Westminster, BC but has recently been doing a lot of work in Vancouver working alongside local communities and neighbourhoods to add flavour and housing as needed. The mid-sized real estate development and management company handles its own construction while also managing enough income-producing properties to balance the tables. Over the past few years, Sean has seen a lot, but nothing compares to the past 12 months as he has watched the construction process and housing market flip-flop in terms of local government and red tape. He commented that for a bit at the beginning it was almost refreshing to work with inspectors and the government as they waived some protocols and practices due to COVID. However, now the protocols and practices are back in place, and units are roadblocked waiting on permits. Sean commented that he would "like to think there would be a better way to deal with this process" and that "expediency isn't caught with due process" which makes it harder to survive. Interestingly enough, Sean works constantly with local governments despite acknowledging the difficulties with regulations, with the final goal of creating purpose-driven housing communities. He strongly believes that "local government needs to lead an intelligent discussion" to get local communities more involved in the planning processes. For example, if a neighbourhood feels they want better transit options then they need to be open to denser communities, which can be a difficult but necessary evil to address. His dream would be for local governments to really sit down with their people to discuss what they want upfront instead of waiting until people disagree with building permits and turn council meetings into a "shooting match at public areas." In fact, one of Sean's favourite projects while at Century Group was the construction of 3 Civic Plaza which is the largest project they created in Surrey. They worked closely with the Surrey City Development Corporation and identified a need to add sophistication to the downtown and the need for a hotel because there wasn't much to offer in the industry-focused area. Outside of improving government engagement, Sean reiterated the need to get more women into the construction industry stating that "we are much better, but we have to be better-er." He explained that they need the viewpoint of women to create better projects, and the construction industry in general needs to "really embrace and make a welcoming and inclusive environment" because this should not be "an alpha-male industry."

ICBA board member Scott Jacob sits down with Constructive Conversation's George Affleck to talk about Jacob Bros and the BC construction market.

ICBA President and CEO Chris Gardner is host George Affleck's first guest on Constructive Conversations. For the past four years, Chris has led ICBA and actively takes on policy development work, ensures employees have access to health and retirement plans, and encourages new graduates to actively consider a career within the construction industry. He believes that Canada offers "tremendous opportunities for young people pursuing a career in the trades" and that "the opportunities in construction are significant." www.icba.ca

New evidence that Covid is starting to impact Canada's job market once more, Telus is sharing the wealth again, and more big profits in the forest industry.  Bob Price has it all in the November 6 Orca Business Beat, brought to you by Simply Computing. 

ICBA's Chris Gardner and Jordan Bateman discuss why John Horgan decided to break his word and go to the polls a year early (and during a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic). Spoiler alert: it's selfishness.  

Chris and Jordan talk about how the economy (and job creators) survive the COVID-19 pandemic, and the return of NDP politics.

Chris Gardner and Jordan Bateman talk about how the BC construction industry adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. This episode was recorded for Merit Canada's Canadian Conversations Facebook series.

Vanessa and Jordan talk about how COVID-19 is affecting everyday life, both in construction and at home. And we highlight four recent meetings we had, with Corporate Electric, Centre Electric, Concord Painting and City Projects. Plus kids sports talk...

Chris and Jordan discuss the continuing protests against Canadian oil and gas projects - and the coronavirus' effect on the Canadian economy.

Vanessa and Jordan chat about four recent visits to four amazing ICBA member companies - Robertson Walls & Ceilings, Corrcoat Services Inc., Kerkhoff Projects and Mardina Construction. Plus we tout our record as B.C.'s #1 sponsor of trades apprentices.

Chris and Jordan break down the latest BC NDP budget (more taxes! less surplus! more spending! more red tape!) and the results of ICBA's Wage and Benefit Survey.

Vanessa and Jordan talk BuildEx, Wage and Benefit Survey, hotel discounts, kids sports and solo parenting.

Vanessa and Jordan talks about the Big Game, a discount for ICBA members, BUILDEX and more.

Vanessa and Jordan talk about her family's rained-out ski trip, solo parenting, meeting with 4 ICBA member companies last week, some upcoming events, and an ICBA discount at Esso.

Vanessa and Jordan run through ICBA membership renewal and benefits, talk a little Super Bowl (Jordan misses the Packers already), and the stress of helping kids do homework.

The Horgan Government got their butt kicked in the Supreme Court of Canada, and Chris and Jordan couldn't be happier. Plus: more on that UN "racism" committee, ICBA intervenes on 105 Keefer, and Andrew Weaver leaves the Green Party.

Vanessa and Jordan talk about ICBA member services, meeting with four companies last week, apprentices, hedgehogs, Rex Murphy, BUILDEX and a little NFL. Go Pack Go!  

Chris and Jordan return to give updates on TransMountain, LNG, Site C, the Massey Bridge, housing red tape, Highway 1 expansion and the fight against John Horgan's union monopoly. 

Vanessa and Jordan share some of their favourite 2019 ICBA member visits, talk about BUILDEX and the ICBA CEO Breakfast, how we ♥️ our ICBA members 3000, and more.

It's the song that's sweeping social media - to celebrate the return of September traffic, ICBA commissioned a parody song calling on John Horgan to build a new Massey crossing. In less than a week, the music video for this song has been watched 25,000+ times on Facebook! Music video at https://youtu.be/g9TClYOTq3o

Chris and Jordan chat about the performance of Horgan cabinet members Dave Eby, Claire Trevena, Lana Popham, Harry Bains, Doiug Donaldson and Jinny Sims. Plus an update from NE BC, federal election thoughts and Troy Aikman talk.

Richmond-Queensborough MLA Jas Johal dropped by the ICBA office to chat with Jordan Bateman about the NDP's lack of progress on a new Massey Tunnel or bridge; LNG and electrification and other ways we can fight climate change; EV subsidies; and much more.

Todd Doherty, MP for Cariboo-Prince George (Conservative Party of Canada - Parti conservateur du Canada) stopped by the ICBA office to talk with Jordan Bateman about heading into a fall election, the Trudeau government's shameful economic record, foreign interference in Canadian policy-making and much more.

NEW ICBA CAST: The Trudeau Government has #Got2Yes on the #TransMountain pipeline (again) - our Chris Gardner and Jordan Bateman discuss whether he will #Stick2Yes and what it means for Canada, the politicians and our construction members.

Chris and Jordan break down the crushing court defeat to John Horgan's Trans Mountain reference case; Horgan's delays on Massey; the NDP's pandering to their special interest groups; and the crumbling confidence of the BC business community.

Jordan and Chris break down all the latest NDP moves.

Chris and Jordan talk out a number of important topics, including Jason Kenney's big win in Alberta, his hiring of Katy Merrifield, BC's ludicrous support of Trudeau's energy-killing Bill C-69, steel tariffs, Terry Lake jumping on to Team Trudeau, PLA projects coming in WAY over budget, and the Mueller Report.

Chris and Jordan Monday Morning Quarterback BC's rising gas prices, John Horgan's Canada-damaging stance against our energy industry, city hall taxes; Andrew Scheer's recent Vancouver visit, and the Mayor Pete phenomenon.

Chris and Jordan talk about ICBA taking the BC Government to court, the SNC-Lavalin/Jody Wilson Raybould story, the Burnaby byelection, Massey Tunnel, the BC Budget and if Winter is Here for the Canadian economy.

Taped in the Victoria budget lockup, Jordan Bateman gives his views on the NDP's 2019 BC Budget.

Chris & Jordan chat about the Nanaimo byelection, PLA "snake oil", the stupid Speculation Tax, the bombshell Plecas Report and the ongoing Prop Rep court challenge.  

Provided courtesy of TheOrca.ca.   Proportional representation was soundly defeated last month, but a court challenge of the entire process – a process the Globe and Mail called “Canada’s least honest attempt at electoral reform” – is still on the schedule to be heard in BC Supreme Court.   And a second court challenge against the BC Government, this one opposing an order that all workers of the Pattullo Bridge must join a government-approved union, is also underway.   The common denominator is the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association, who is leading both challenges.   Chris Gardner is the president of ICBA and joined Rick Cluff in studio.

Chris (#13) Gardner and Jordan Bateman talk about the #VMPower50, #StopPropRep, #BCPoli, #PRDebate, & other important hashtaggable stuff.

Former BC Finance Minister Kevin Falcon dropped by the ICBA office today and chatted with Jordan Bateman about the LNG Canada announcement, red tape, NDP decision-making, prop rep and municipal elections.  

The weekend started with the news that all signs point to an announcement about LNG Canada going ahead, and ended with a last-minute trade deal between the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Both stories are vitally important to the B.C. economy. The construction industry will be busy, thanks to all this good news. Chris Gardner, president and CEO of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association joined The Orca's Rick Cluff to tell him more.

Langley's own Rich Coleman and Jordan Bateman talk BC politics, speculation tax, and September 11th.  

We can't have more seasons like this one, or BC will be on its knees economically.

Kris Sims of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation joins ICBA's Jordan Bateman to talk about ICBC costs, employers payroll tax, gas taxes, speculation tax, and more Horganomics.  

New ICBA CONVERSATION: Conservative Party house leader Candice Bergen and trade critic Dean Allison were in our Burnaby studio to talk about tariffs, competitiveness, Trudeau's love of debt, and the authentic Andrew Scheer.