ICBA was founded in 1975 by 169 open shop contractors who were shut out of bidding on public projects – not because of the quality of their work, but because they weren’t part of a building trade union.

They met at the Terra Nova Motor Inn in Trail, B.C., and launched a movement rooted in one simple belief: every contractor and every worker deserves a fair shot. No special deals. No closed doors. Just open competition and equal opportunity.

Since then, we’ve grown into Canada’s largest construction association. We’ve helped thousands of companies grow their businesses. We’ve stood up against closed-shop policies like the B.C. NDP Government’s so-called “Community Benefits Agreements.” And we’ve invested in the next generation by becoming the province’s #1 sponsor of trades apprentices.

• Founded in Trail, B.C. – April 26, 1975
• Fought to end union-only bidding rules
• Built B.C.’s largest construction training and apprenticeship platform
• 50 years of defending open shop principles