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Productivity challenges in the construction and infrastructure sectors will remain a persistent barrier to progress across Canada. In this dynamic panel discussion, industry leaders—including Aled Ab Iorwerth (CMHC), Dr. Anna Robak (WSP Canada), Debbie Baxter ( Parthenon), and moderator Brandon Searle (UNB Off-site Construction Research Centre)—will share bold ideas and transformative strategies for improving performance in the built environment. Panelists will respond to questions from both the moderator and audience members, offering practical insights on topics ranging from technology adoption and data integration to policy reform, workforce development, and new models of collaboration. Attendees can expect a candid and forward-looking conversation aimed at unlocking real, scalable impact.
Brandon Searle, P. Eng. is the Innovation Director for the Off-site Construction Research Centre (OCRC) at the University of New Brunswick. Born in Moncton, N.B., he completed a BScE in civil engineering and a diploma in Technology Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of New Brunswick Before joining UNB, Brandon worked on capital projects from both the owner and contractor side followed by a four-year position with WSP where he was an asset management consultant. While with WSP, he worked toward an M.Eng. focusing on level of service in infrastructure management and completed a broad collection of courses in economics, project management, business, finance and engineering. Brandon serves as the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) Western NB Section Past-Chair, CSCE Atlantic Region Treasurer and sits on the Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM) Board of Directors.
Productivity challenges in the construction and infrastructure sectors will remain a persistent barrier to progress across Canada. In this dynamic panel discussion, industry leaders—including Aled Ab Iorwerth (CMHC), Dr. Anna Robak (WSP Canada), Debbie Baxter ( Parthenon), and moderator Brandon Searle (UNB Off-site Construction Research Centre)—will share bold ideas and transformative strategies for improving performance in the built environment. Panelists will respond to questions from both the moderator and audience members, offering practical insights on topics ranging from technology adoption and data integration to policy reform, workforce development, and new models of collaboration. Attendees can expect a candid and forward-looking conversation aimed at unlocking real, scalable impact.
Aled Ab Iorwerth is a leading voice on some of Canada’s most pressing public policy challenges, including housing affordability, economic prosperity, and climate change. With over two decades of experience across multiple federal departments—including Finance Canada, Environment & Climate Change Canada, and CMHC—Aled brings a deep, evidence-based approach to solving complex, systemic issues.
He has led major research initiatives that have reshaped the national conversation on housing, including a landmark 2018 report on escalating home prices and a 2022 analysis quantifying Canada’s housing supply gap. As Deputy Chief Economist at CMHC, Aled plays a pivotal role in guiding strategy, influencing policy, and advocating for action to improve affordability and build a more prosperous future for all Canadians.
Anna Robak, PEng, PhD, is Executive Director of Research & Innovation at WSP Canada. She is responsible for fostering a culture and system of innovation at WSP Canada. She is an engineer and economist, passionate about the role of the built and natural environments to create thriving, inclusive, innovative communities.
Anna was previously Global Director of Whole of Life Asset Management at WSP, where she was responsible for embedding lifecycle thinking into all aspects of WSP's services.
Anna is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Brunswick, supporting the New Brunswick Infrastructure Institute and an infrastructure strategy for the province. She is also a mentor in the Indigenous Black Engineering Technology (IBET) program, and the Engineers of Tomorrow program, to inspire more interest, diversity and innovation, in engineering.
Debbie Baxter is a Senior Advisor in the EY Transaction Real Estate advisory practice. Her focus is on advancing innovation with the real estate and construction industry including systems, technology, industrialized construction and energy management. Most recently she was part of the team that launched the Canadian Industrialized Construction Coalition with an inaugural event in 2025.
Ms. Baxter has 30+ years of experience working with businesses to implement transformational change – from changes in real estate operations, to changes in culture and technology. She is a client advocate who can uniquely combine the ability to recommend the strategies that drive the desired business outcome as well as have the leadership insight to oversee adoption of the change.
She is most passionate about the strategies that drive significant change in the future - working with clients to adapt their business to the trends evident in our economy and society that will challenge our existing infrastructure and drive the need for a new way of thinking about work environments and technology.
Debbie’s efforts have been recognized nationally – she has been awarded the Top 100 Most Powerful Women award in the Trailblazer category, is a ULI Women’s Leadership Initiative champion, IFMA member of the year, has won many awards for sustainability projects and is a Fellow of the Certified Public Accountants of Canada.
