Parliament Hill Day 2024: Amplifying the Voice of Consulting Engineering

On Thursday, October 24, ACEC-Canada hosted its annual Parliament Hill Day—a cornerstone event in our year-long advocacy efforts. More than 45 representatives from member firms across the country gathered in Ottawa to meet with Members of Parliament, Senators, and key government staff. This day was dedicated to raising awareness about the consulting engineering industry's critical contributions to Canadian communities and discussing our key priorities with decision-makers.

Meeting with Parliamentarians and Staff

Over the course of 25 meetings throughout the day, ACEC members engaged with influential leaders, including eight Conservative MPs, four Liberal MPs, two Bloc Québécois MPs, and one NDP MP. Notable participants included the Conservative Shadow Minister for Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, the Shadow Critic for the Environment and Climate Change, and the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. Representatives also connected with civil servants, including the Deputy Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, as well as three Senators.

Our discussions highlighted the vital role consulting engineering firms play in enhancing Canadian infrastructure and communities. From creating safe, sustainable solutions to tackling complex engineering challenges, participants showcased how consulting engineering firms contribute significantly to Canada’s economy, environmental resilience, and quality of life.

ACEC's 2025 Pre-Budget Submission Recommendations

During the meetings, our members presented ACEC’s recommendations from the 2025 pre-Budget submission to the Standing Committee on Finance, which emphasizes the need for:

  1. Implementing the National Infrastructure Assessment – to ensure a strategic, long-term approach to infrastructure investments that address Canada's evolving needs and challenges.
  2. Renewing the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) or launching a successor initiative – to provide consistent funding that enables municipalities, provinces and the private sector to plan in terms of resources needed to execute essential projects.
  3. Further study the impacts of changes to the capital gains inclusion rate on employee-owned businesses to support the succession planning and long-term viability of employee-owned engineering firms, enhancing industry resilience and stability.

These recommendations address both immediate and future priorities, reflecting ACEC’s commitment to building a thriving, sustainable infrastructure sector across Canada.

Click here to view the full pre-budget submission.

Building Relationships and Strengthening Advocacy

Parliament Hill Day provides an invaluable platform for member firms to speak directly with federal leaders, sharing their expertise and insights on how infrastructure investments impact Canadian communities. By fostering these critical relationships, ACEC strengthens its advocacy efforts to shape policies that promote the consulting engineering industry’s success and, ultimately, the well-being of Canadians.

Thank you to all participants for making this year’s Parliament Hill Day a success. Your dedication to representing the industry’s interests ensures that consulting engineering remains a driving force in Canada’s growth and prosperity. Together, we are making a difference—one conversation at a time.