PODCASTS WHAT'S NEW STAY CONNECTED

ONTARIO CONSTRUCTION SECRETARIAT

The Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) is a dynamic, not-for-profit organization focused on enhancing Ontario’s unionized ICI construction industry.

For the past two decades, OCS has helped facilitate positive labour relations by providing value-added research and creating opportunities for dialogue between our labour, management and government partners.

REPORTS

The Economic Costs and Benefits of Project Labour Agreements in Ontario

Annual Survey of Contractors

Certification Activity in the Ontario Construction Trades

Annual Survey of Contractors

LABOUR RELATIONS COURSE

Our 3-day, in-person labour relations course offers practical, hands-on learning to strengthen workplace relationships in Ontario’s construction industry.

In a small class setting, you’ll engage with industry experts and peers while exploring labour regulations, negotiations, JDs, and duty to accommodate.

Participants receive a McMaster University Continuing Education Certificate of Attendance and earn credits toward the Canadian Construction Association Gold Seal Program.

CONNECTIONS & COCKTAILS

Join us on June 11 at Woodbine Racetrack in the elegant for an unforgettable evening of Connections and Cocktails.

Set against the thrill of live horse racing, this exclusive industry event brings professionals together for a night of networking, entertainment, and elevated hospitality. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, reconnect with colleagues, or simply enjoy a unique night out, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

READ MORE & RSVP

LABOUR RELATIONS

OCS provides unbiased resources and insights to support stakeholders throughout the bargaining process.

STAY CONNECTED

Your link to Ontario’s unionized ICI construction news. Sign up to our mailing list to Stay Connected.

WHY UNION?

Signatory contractors and union partners deliver skilled, safety-focused tradespeople for world-class results every time.

PODCASTS

Episode 12Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: A Conversation with Skills Ontario’s CEOToday’s conversation is all about the future of skilled trades and how we inspire the next generation to be part of it.

Episode 112026 Contractor Outlook Survey: Confidence Meets CautionThis episode focuses on the 2026 Contractor Outlook Survey. Each year, the survey provides a real-time snapshot of what contractors are experiencing

Episode 10Procurement Isn’t Just a BuzzwordIn this episode of OCS talks, we at today’s construction landscape and the default approach to accepting the lowest bid under the illusion that this

Episode 9Women in the Trades, Progress and the Path ForwardOn this episode of OCS Talks, Brian sits down with Nickie Lavoie and Karen Pullen to discuss how they got their start in the construction

Episode 8Breaking the Silence: Addiction and Mental Health in ConstructionOn this episode of OCS Talks, Brian is talking to Michael Varieur from the De Novo Treatment Centre

Episode 7A Coordinated Voice: CECCO’s Role in Ontario ConstructionIn this episode of OCS talks, we are joined by Adam Melnick, Executive Director of The Construction Employers Coordinating Council

Episode 6Tariffs, Trade, and Steel: What It Means for Ontario’s Construction IndustryIn this episode of OCS talks, we look into what tariffs mean and the impact they’ve had on steel in the construction industry.

Episode 5The Role of Associations in Ensuring Quality and Professionalism in ConstructionIn this episode of OCS Talks we welcome Don Marks, Executive Director of the Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association.

EPISODE 4Becoming an Apprentice and Training Tomorrow’s Labour ForceIn this episode of OCS Talks we have Scott Wood, Provincial Training Director of the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre.

EPISODE 3Mediation and Conciliation within Collective BargainingIn this episode of OCS Talks we look at the role conciliation officers play in working with both parties.

Episode 2The Fundamentals of Construction Labour CourseIn this episode of OCS Talks we look at today’s construction labour relations landscape.

Episode 1The BuildForce ForecastIn this episode of OCS Talks we break down BuildForce Canada’s latest construction forecast for Ontario and what it means.