The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC) says the Federal Budget 2025 places renewed emphasis on public and private investment in infrastructure as a driver of productivity and long-term growth.
For consulting engineering firms, this translates into a potential pipeline of projects across multiple sectors. The new Build Communities Strong Fund, Trade Diversification Corridors Fund and Arctic Infrastructure Fund are expected to support transportation networks, housing-enabling infrastructure, clean energy and community facilities. These measures align with several of ACEC’s pre-budget recommendations for sustained, predictable and productivity-enhancing investments.
The Building Communities Strong Fund, which commits $51 billion over 10 years, directly addresses ACEC’s recommendation for a renewed and ongoing commitment for community infrastructure. However, ACEC also notes with some surprise that there was no specific reference to the Canadian Infrastructure Council or the National Infrastructure Assessment.
Budget 2025 includes $213.8 million over five years, starting in 2025–26, for the Major Projects Office. This funding will also support the Indigenous Advisory Council. Of this amount, $19.8 million will be sourced from existing departmental resources. The decision to expand the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s capital envelope from $35 billion to $45 billion and broaden its mandate to include major “nation-building” projects is also consistent with ACEC’s call for more flexible financing tools. Investments in critical minerals, northern and defence infrastructure and trade corridors will similarly create opportunities for member firms engaged in resource, transportation and resilience projects.
Other measures with implications for the industry include commitments on foreign credential recognition, immigration levels and a new Buy Canadian policy, which will require close attention to ensure professional services are treated equitably.
Overall, Budget 2025 reflects many of the themes advanced by ACEC in its pre-budget submission: productivity through infrastructure, partnerships with industry and a long-term investment horizon. ACEC will continue to work with federal officials as program details are developed to ensure that consulting engineering firms can contribute fully to these nation-building initiatives. As program details and funding frameworks take shape in the months ahead, ACEC will continue to engage with officials and partner organizations to ensure that implementation reflects the principles of transparency, collaboration and value for money.
While Budget 2025 signals renewed federal commitment to long-term infrastructure investment, its success will ultimately depend on effective delivery and the meaningful involvement of Canada’s consulting engineering sector in shaping and executing these nation-building projects.