BSAO Lobbying Efforts: Elevating the Voice of Building Science
In 2025, BSAO launched a major initiative to amplify our advocacy by formally engaging a professional lobbying firm. This strategic move supports our mission to advance building science across Ontario and influence key policy areas that impact the built environment.
We are actively promoting a healthier, more sustainable, and energy-efficient built environment that enhances the quality of life for Ontarians. Our advocacy platform includes:
- Supporting Ontario- and Canadian-made materials and strengthening building standards for both new construction and retrofits.
- Promoting the Building Science Specialist (BSS) designation as a hallmark of excellence and technical rigour in the industry.
- Offering technical expertise to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on future updates to the Ontario Building Code (OBC).
- Advocating for mandatory Building Condition Assessments and envelope commissioning by certified BSS professionals.
- Supporting standardized, evidence-based training and construction practices to help Ontario meet its target of building 1.5 million homes by 2031—without compromising quality or safety.
BSAO has had productive meetings with:
- MPP Rudy Cuzzetto, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Mines
- Hon. Graydon Smith, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Adam Cotter, Ministry of Infrastructure
- Scott Collyer, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Hon. Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response
We emphasized that our proposals do not delay project timelines or increase costs, but instead improve outcomes and reduce risk. Our message—“build it right the first time”—resonated strongly across these discussions.
Looking ahead, BSAO will continue to collaborate with ministries on prefabrication, modular construction, and quality control strategies. We’ll also be extending invitations to officials for The Building Show Expo and future site tours and industry events. By building cross-ministerial support and coalitions, we aim to ensure the value of building science is recognized across government.
