Written by Miranda Lightstone
Ottawa, ON – Across Canada, the skylines are punctuated by cranes, and roads are lined with construction projects. These ventures represent billions of dollars in public and private investment, forming the backbone of the nation’s economic growth. But behind the scenes of every successful project—from a new hospital to a major transit line—is a battle against rising costs, delays, and inefficiencies. It’s in this high-stakes environment that the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) is stepping forward, not just as a professional body, but as a crucial advocate in the halls of government.
More Than Bricks and Mortar
Founded in 1959, the CIQS is a self-regulatory body that upholds the ethics and standards for construction and infrastructure economics in Canada. Its 2,300+ members, designated as Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS) and Construction Estimator Certified (CEC) professionals, are the financial guardians of the construction industry. They work alongside architects, engineers, developers, and government partners to establish accurate cost baselines and enhance project processes from the initial sketch to the final ribbon-cutting.
While their technical expertise is undisputed, the Institute’s leadership recognizes that their most significant impact may come from their advocacy work, particularly in Ottawa. For CIQS Chair Tammy Stockley, a primary goal is ensuring the government truly understands the value a quantity surveyor brings to the table.
“One of our biggest challenges is the need for constant communication,” Stockley notes, reflecting on the nature of government. “Politicians, staffers, and public servants change. We can’t just introduce ourselves once; we have to continuously educate decision-makers on how our members protect taxpayer dollars and ensure public infrastructure is built efficiently and sustainably.” This mission of ongoing education is the driving force behind initiatives like the CIQS Federal Hill Days, where delegations meet directly with officials to make the case for their profession’s essential role.
Building a Foundation of Talent
That educational mission extends beyond the halls of Parliament Hill. CIQS Vice-Chair Seán Hollywood is championing a parallel cause: addressing the critical shortage of qualified Professional Quantity Surveyors within Canada. He argues that this skills gap has tangible consequences for the country’s competitiveness.
“When you look at major construction projects overseas, they are often more efficient and cost-effective because qualified quantity surveyors are embedded in the process from day one,”
Hollywood explains. “In Canada, we have a shortage of domestically trained professionals, which means we often rely on expatriates to fill these vital roles.”
Hollywood’s strategic vision is clear: advocate for the expansion of quantity surveying certification programs in Canadian post-secondary institutions. By cultivating homegrown talent, the CIQS aims to ensure that Canada’s most significant infrastructure projects are managed by top-tier professionals who can safeguard contracts, control costs, and deliver maximum value. “Strengthening our educational pipeline is fundamental to building a more resilient and efficient construction sector for Canada,” he adds.
A Multi-Front Advocacy Effort
The CIQS’s advocacy strategy is both focused and multifaceted. The annual Federal Hill Days in Ottawa remain the cornerstone of their national outreach. However, the Institute is also expanding its influence at the provincial level, hosting its first-ever advocacy day at Queen’s Park in Toronto in 2024 to engage with Ontario’s policymakers.
This work is complemented by strong international alliances with organizations like the International Cost Measurement Standards (ICMS) Coalition. These partnerships ensure CIQS certified members are equipped with global best practices and that the Institute’s advocacy is informed by the latest industry trends. Through its publications, like the Construction Economist Journal, and its podcast, Knowledge Counts, the CIQS amplifies the stories and expertise of its members, turning individual experiences into a powerful collective voice for the profession.
Ultimately, the CIQS’s message to government is simple but profound: investing in the expertise of Professional Quantity Surveyors is an investment in Canada’s future. By ensuring projects are managed with financial rigour and foresight, PQS and CEC professionals don’t just save money—they build lasting community assets and strengthen the Canadian economy, one project at a time.
About the author
Miranda Lightstone
Miranda is an active freelance reporter and content editor. She has an extensive track record writing for outlets such as the Globe and Mail, Montreal Gazette, AskMen.com, MSN Autos, The Suburban and Venture Cover. Miranda is passionate about storytelling and the written word.