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 short podcast episodes engaging, thought-provoking, and digestible.

This episode is also available to listen to on:
Spotify / Apple Music

EPISODE 12 – Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: A Conversation with Skills Ontario’s CEO

Today’s conversation is all about the future of skilled trades and how we inspire the next generation to be part of it. With rapid advancement in technology, we don’t know what jobs will exist and be created but there is no doubt that today’s job market is evolving. What we do know is what we will and do need people in the skilled trades, we need innovative ways to attract the right talent early on and show them what a rewarding career in the trades looks like.

Guest:
Ian Howcroft of Skills Ontario

This episode is also available to listen to on:
Spotify / Apple Music

EPISODE 11 – 2026 Contractor Outlook Survey: Confidence Meets Caution

This episode focuses on the 2026 Contractor Outlook Survey. Each year, the survey provides a real-time snapshot of what contractors are experiencing, what’s driving confidence, what risks are emerging, and how the industry is responding to ongoing economic and policy pressures.

Guest:
Katherine Jacobs of the Ontario Construction Secretariat

This episode is also available to listen to on:
Spotify / Apple Music

EPISODE 10 – Procurement Isn’t Just a Buzzword

In 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 equals savings. Price alone tells us nothing about quality, compliance, safety or a contractor’s ability to deliver on that price.

Guest:
Bob Ritzmann of Energize Ontario

This episode is also available to listen to on:
Spotify / Apple Music

EPISODE 9 – Women in the Trades, Progress and the Path Forward

On this episode of OCS Talks, Brian sits down with Nickie Lavoie and Karen Pullen to discuss how they got their start in the construction industry, how far women have come in the trades, and the work still ahead. They also highlight the important role of the Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen in supporting, mentoring, and advocating for women across the industry.

Guest:
Nickie Lavoie of Boilermakers Local 128
Karen Pullen of IBEW Local 353

This episode is also available to listen to on:
Spotify / Apple Music

EPISODE 8 – Breaking the Silence: Addiction and Mental Health in Construction

On this episode of OCS Talks, Brian is talking to Michael Varieur from the De Novo treatment centre. Michael brings frontline experience supporting individuals and families navigating addiction and recovery and works closely with employers and unions to build practical and compassionate pathways to help. This conversation is about awareness, prevention, and most importantly, hope..

Guest:
Michael Varieur of the De Novo Treatment Centre

This episode is also available to listen to on:
Spotify / Apple Music

EPISODE 7 – A Coordinated Voice: CECCO’s Role in Ontario Construction

In this episode of OCS talks, we are joined by Adam Melnick, Executive Director of The Construction Employers Coordinating Council of Ontario (CECCO) to talk about the Council and where they’re heading.

Guest:
Adam Melnick (Executive Director) of The Construction Employers Coordinating Council of Ontario

This episode is also available to listen to on:
Spotify / Apple Music

EPISODE 6 – Tariffs, Trade, and Steel: What It Means for Ontario’s Construction Industry

In this episode of OCS talks, we look into what tariffs mean and the impact they’ve had on steel in the construction industry. Steel is one of the most critical materials in any project, so to say any disruption in the supply chain would be an understatement. All of us are familiar with the current tariffs and the uncertainty they have caused, but how does this impact construction?

Guest:
Gord Rados (Executive Director) at the Ontario Structural Fabricators Association

This episode is also available to listen to on:
Spotify / Apple Music

EPISODE 5 – The Role of Associations in Ensuring Quality and Professionalism in Construction

In this episode of OCS Talks we welcome Don Marks, Executive Director of the Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association, to take a look what is being done by contractor associations to reinforce the quality and professionalism of their industry.

Guest:
Don Marks (Executive Director) at the Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association

This episode is also available to listen to on:
Spotify / Apple Music

EPISODE 4 – Becoming an Apprentice and Training Tomorrow’s Labour Force

In this episode of OCS Talks we have Scott Wood, Provincial Training Director of the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre and we’re examining trades training centres and how they foster an apprentices journey to becoming a highly skilled journeyperson.

Guest:
Scott Wood (Provincial Training Director) at the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre

This episode is also available to listen to on:
Spotify / Apple Music

EPISODE 3 – Mediation and Conciliation within Collective Bargaining

In this episode of OCS Talks we look at the role conciliation officers play in working with both parties to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, review how discussions have changed over the years, and talk about some successful strategies to employ when there are challenges at the table.

Guest:
Sandra Shime (Director of Dispute Resolution Services) at Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development

This episode is also available to listen to on:
Spotify / Apple Music

EPISODE 2 – The Fundamentals of Construction Labour Course

In this episode of OCS Talks we look at today’s construction labour relations landscape, and how we are helping to prepare our member’s labour relations experts for future bargaining rounds. Three years ago, the Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) undertook the task of developing the Fundamentals of Construction Labour Relations Course to provide a strong and consistent foundation for both employee and employer bargaining agents.

Guest:
Cole Carson (Labour Relations Manager) at Irving Oil

This episode is also available to listen to on:
Spotify / Apple Music

EPISODE 1 – The BuildForce Forecast

In this episode of OCS Talks we break down BuildForce Canada’s latest construction forecast for Ontario and what it means for the unionized ICI construction industry. From where growth is expected to continue, to what risks lie ahead, and how the workforce can adapt. We’re diving into key takeaways that can help guide your businesses. To see the full forecast click here.

Guests:
Bill Ferreira (Executive Director) at BuildForce Canada
Bob Collins (Senior Economist) at BuildForce Canada