Aecon Becomes First Nation-Wide Construction Firm to Achieve PAIR Gold Certification

TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Aecon Group Inc., a North American construction and infrastructure development company, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first construction firm with nationwide operations to earn Gold Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) Certification from the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB). This certification, which has been Canada’s leading Indigenous relations certification program for 25 years, underscores Aecon’s commitment to fostering meaningful relationships, economic participation, and measurable outcomes with Indigenous communities, businesses, and partners.

Aecon’s Gold Certification follows its Silver Certification achieved in 2023, marking a shift from implementation to integration of Indigenous relations into everyday business practices. Over 300 companies participate in the PAIR certification program, which is confirmed through rigorous independent third-party verification and an independent jury of Indigenous business leaders. The program measures performance across four drivers: Leadership Actions, Employment, Business Development, and Community Relationships.

The PAIR certification builds on Aecon’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which was released in response to Call to Action #92 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The RAP, framed by five pillars, Leadership, Respect, Recognition, Commitment, and Empowerment, has guided measurable progress, including over $1 billion procured from Indigenous businesses, longstanding Indigenous-led partnerships, and the adoption of an Indigenous Procurement Policy. Aecon was also recognized by CCIB as a Supply Change Indigenous Procurement Champion, reflecting its commitment to increasing opportunities for Indigenous businesses to participate in its supply chain.

"Achieving PAIR Gold is an important milestone, but not an endpoint. It reinforces our responsibility to keep raising the standard through consistent action, accountability, and sustained leadership attention."

The certification is part of Aecon’s broader efforts to advance reconciliation and Indigenous relations. The company’s Reconciliation Action Plan continues to guide its initiatives, with a focus on leadership, respect, recognition, commitment, and empowerment. These efforts are detailed in Section 13 - "Risk Factors" in Aecon’s 2025 Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, and Aecon’s Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2026, both of which are filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

Aecon’s commitment to Indigenous relations is a cornerstone of its business strategy, reflecting its dedication to fostering sustainable and equitable growth. The company’s ongoing efforts to integrate Indigenous relations into its core operations are expected to yield long-term benefits for Indigenous communities and future generations.