Canadian engineering firms are global leaders in exporting engineering services around the world.  Canada is the 4th largest exporter of engineering services (behind only the US, Britain, and the Netherlands).  ACEC seeks to increase international market penetration by Canadian firms, and facilitate information for engineering firms wishing to become more internationally focused.

Maximizing Canada’s Foreign Aid Effectiveness

Canada provides over $4.5 billion per year in Official Development Assistance (ODA) to other countries.  However, much of that funding is provided to third party organizations or in the form of debt relief.  ACEC feels that Canadian ODA can be better targeted through project-based funding, which ensures greater accountability, transparency, and results for recipient countries.  Furthermore, Canadian companies should be provided with greater opportunity to bid on work funded through ODA.  For more information on ACEC’s position on reorienting Canada’s foreign aid, click here.

ACEC also wrote Minister Oda in November 2007 regarding cuts to CIDA’s Industrial Cooperation Program.  A copy of the letter can be found here.

Affiliations

ACEC's membership in FIDIC (the International Federation of Consulting Engineers) provides a wide range of business publications to members and makes all members part of the global community of consulting engineers. It also allows Canadians to have an impact on international policy through participation in FIDIC's committees and working groups.

Memoranda of Understanding have been signed with counterpart organizations in Latin America to facilitate technical cooperation, joint ventures, partnerships and training with Canadian firms. Download a sample MOU.

A close working relationship is maintained with the American Council of Engineering Companies with whom reciprocal concessionary rates on the purchase of publications have been arranged.

RedR Canada, Register of Engineers for Disaster Relief

ACEC, with the support of RedR International, Engineers Canada and the Canadian Academy of Engineering, has incorporated RedR Canada as an independent non-profit corporation. RedR Canada is part of an international federation of organisations that relieves suffering in disasters by selecting, training and providing competent and effective personnel to humanitarian relief agencies world-wide.

Startup operating funds are coming largely from the Canadian engineering community. Click here for a list of firms and organisations that have pledged their support.

Contact Jean-Marc Carriére at jmcarriere@acec.ca if you wish to make a financial contribution to this exciting initiative.