Building Better Policy: Why Advisory Councils Matter in Ontario Construction

Construction is one of Ontario’s most important economic engines, but it’s also one of the province’s most complex and constantly evolving industries. Effective construction policy cannot be developed in isolation, which is why advisory councils play such an important role in bridging the gap between government intent and on-the-ground industry realities. By bringing together industry leaders, employers, labour representatives, and subject matter experts, these councils help ensure policy decisions translate into practical solutions, successful projects, and better outcomes for workers and employers alike. Early and consistent industry engagement leads to stronger, more responsive, and future-ready policy. Host Brian Barron is joined by Marc Arsenault from the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, Enzo Garritano, President and CEO of the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA), and Robert Love, Vice President of Project Support Services at Alberici, for a discussion on why advisory councils matter, the importance of formal industry consultation, and how collaboration between labour, management, and government helps move Ontario construction forward. Chapters 0:00 – Introduction 2:50 – Why are advisory councils and structured industry-government tables so important? 11:35 – Why is it critical to have a formal voice in advisory councils during reviews? 18:20 – Does early engagement through these councils help government move faster? 30:00 – What does the process of achieving labour and management buy-in look like? 36:00 – Building confidence behind recommendations with labour-management support 42:30 – Success stories and lessons learned 51:00 – Closing remarks Subscribe to OCS Talks for more industry insights and expert conversations shaping Ontario’s construction sector. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your colleagues and leave a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform. Have a question, topic suggestion, or guest recommendation? Reach out at info@iciconstruction.com or visit iciconstruction.com for more industry updates, research, and resources. Keywords: Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, economy, contractors, unions, Ontario, ICI Construction, Ontario Construction, OCS Talks, construction projects, Skills Ontario, technology, careers, jobs, skilled trades, engineering, infrastructure, public policy, advisory councils, labour relations, workforce development, construction industry, health and safety, collaboration, government relations

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