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Productivity challenges in the construction and infrastructure sectors 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), and other forward-thinking executives—will share bold ideas and transformative strategies for improving performance in the built environment. Panelists will respond to questions from both our 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. 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 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), and other forward-thinking executives—will share bold ideas and transformative strategies for improving performance in the built environment. Panelists will respond to questions from both our 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. 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.
