Born and raised in Riverdale district of East Toronto, Brian Foote graduated from York University in 1964. Following his education Brian commenced working in entry-level personnel positions with Orenda Engines and Ontario Hydro Construction Division. In 1977, he began working at the Toronto Construction Association as the Director of Labour Relations and held that position until his retirement in 2010. Throughout his career, Mr. Foote was active on a number of industry boards and committees, including the Construction Labour Relations Association of Ontario and the Construction Employers Coordinating Council of Ontario. He also sat on the Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) board from 1993-2000.

During his years of work in the industry, Mr. Foote was heavily involved on employer negotiating committees, including the 1971 EPSCA-ACC, 1977 GTA local bargaining, and the first 1978 and subsequent PWST negotiations. Those years witnessed remarkable growth of jointly sponsored trust funds including health and welfare, pensions, and training.