2025 BSAO Government Lobbying Efforts

The Building Science Association of Ontario (BSAO) has made significant progress over the past year in strengthening its position as a trusted stakeholder within Ontario’s housing and infrastructure agenda. Through a focused, data-driven government relations strategy, BSAO has emphasized to key decision-makers at Queen’s Park that its members are critical contributors to the province’s goals for cost-effective, high-performance construction and retrofits—particularly as Ontario works toward building 1.5 million new homes by 2031.

Central to this message is the promotion of the Building Science Specialist (BSS) designation, which demonstrates rigorous, standardized training and evidence-based practice that aligns with the government’s priorities for quality, efficiency, and durability in the built environment.

During the December Building Show Expo, BSAO organized hands-on tours for Ministers and MPPs to showcase several leading members of the building science community. Participating organizations—including Rockwool, Stubbe’s, Elastochem, DuRock Alfacing International, Sol-R, Soprema, UL Solutions, Armstrong Fluid Technology, and Ennova Facades Inc.—provided live demonstrations highlighting how building science principles contribute to better construction practices, improved building performance, and long-term affordability.

Another major step forward is the progress made toward securing a seat on the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s Ministerial Advisory Board, with the ministry indicating that an opening is expected in 2026—a development that would give BSAO direct influence on key policy decisions, including future building code amendments.

Collectively, these accomplishments reflect meaningful momentum: elected officials now know who BSAO is, understand the value of its members’ work, and recognize the association as an essential partner capable of contributing solutions to Ontario’s most pressing built-environment challenges.

The Hon. Graydon Smith
Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing  

MPP Adil Shamji
Ontario Liberal Party Housing Critic

Continued Key Engagement with Senior Decision-Makers

• Ministry of Energy and Mines
  • Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister
• Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response
  • Scott Allison (Chief of Staff)
  • Justin Saunders (Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of  Policy)
• Associate Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
  • Minister Graydon Smith
  • Chief of Staff Dylan Moore
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
  • Scott Collyer (Director of Policy)
  • Robert Morales (Senior Manager, Stakeholder Relations)
  • Tanner Zelenko (Director of Stakeholder/Caucus Relations)
• Ministry of Infrastructure
  • Brian Hao (Senior Policy Advisor)
  • Steven Couto (Director of Policy)
  • Noah Hughes (Policy Advisor)
• Associate Minister of Energy Intensive Industries
  • Christopher Mills (Senior Policy Advisor)
• Opposition Strategy
  • MPP Adil Shamji (OLP Housing Critic)
  • MPP Ted Hsu (OLP Energy Critic)