John Gamble

Transportation - long-term strategic transportation policy and trade corridors. Talent and Immigration- The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada is advocating for a review of immigration policies and processes to facilitate the global recruitment of specialized roles by consulting engineering firms that support innovation and infrastructure project delivery, as experienced engineers and technical specialists are critical for the delivery of complex projects. Additionally, delays in work permit processing for foreign students graduating from Canadian engineering programs and restrictions on Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility is limiting graduates. Additionally, caps on international students is impacting programs of engineering faculties and the capacity of the future talent pipeline. Major Projects: Coordinated and timely approval of major infrastructure and resource projects. Infrastructure: The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada is advocating that a long-term sustainable infrastructure programs be created to provide better value to taxpayers. In particular, funding for Communities and Infrastructure, Defence Construction Canada and Public Works and Government Services Canada are of interest. ACEC is also interested in the investment, delivery and renewal of Crown-owned infrastructure and real property assets. Unintended impact of bilingualism requirements on public procurement. International Trade - ensure that international trade agreements respect engineering services as a professional service, rather than a commodity. Government Procurement - The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada is advocating that Treasury Board, government departments and agencies, change the policy by which it procures consulting engineering services. Use of Qualifications-Based Selection procurement policy is recommended. Economic Development - ACEC is looking to encourage government departments to develop infrastructure investment programs that will sustain and grow the expertise and capacity of the Canadian consulting engineering sector in order to make it more competitive and to provide long-term value to tax-payers. Budget - monitoring government infrastructure investment on behalf of our members. This includes ongoing and new programs. Lobbying for a long-term and sustainable level on infrastructure funding that focuses on value term value rather than short term expenditures.