GHD hosts Infrastructure New Zealand delegation exploring Canada’s infrastructure delivery models

GHD hosted a full day of Infrastructure New Zealand’s five-day international delegation to Canada in Toronto on May 13. The delegation was in Canada for a series of exploration meetings about Canada’s infrastructure delivery, including public-private partnerships (P3), Indigenous partnerships, sustainable development, and institutional frameworks to inform New Zealand's infrastructure strategies.

The meetings involved two panel discussions designed and led by GHD that included representatives from GHD, ACCIONA, EllisDon, and SickKids Hospital. The discussion provided insight into how the organisations are leading the design and construction of some of Ontario and Canada’s most recognisable and innovative infrastructure projects.

Panel 1 explored the evolution of P3s in Ontario’s infrastructure and healthcare sectors. Highlights included Canada’s adoption of P3 models in the 1990s, cost control and risk allocation, stakeholder management and collaboration, due diligence perspectives, and evolving procurement practices.

Panel 2 focused on private partner perspectives on P3s, including how markets have evolved, technological advancements, risk and capacity, and how rigid P3 processes can hinder innovation. Suggestions were also made for future projects, including early market sounding, fostering strong relationships, and ensuring the proper sharing of information.

Panel participants included Martin Landry, Vice President of Business Development, North America, ACCIONA; Joey Comeau, COO and Executive Vice President, Capital Services, EllisDon; Gloria Kain, Vice President Planning, Development and Transformation, SickKids Hospital; Michael Jolliffe, Strategic and Major Projects Development Leader, GHD North America; and Richard Moore, Clients & Markets Leader, Ontario, GHD.

The Infrastructure New Zealand delegation consisted of a diverse group of New Zealand professionals from government, finance, engineering, and construction sectors, including representatives from Beca, Westpac, John Holland, Aurecon, and New Zealand’s Ministry of Transport. The group also took part in meetings with other private and public sector organisations in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal throughout the week.

With offices in more than 160 offices across five continents, GHD's infrastructure experience encompasses a wide range of project types, including transportation and urban transit systems, water infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy projects, and architecture, design, and construction, and digital infrastructure development. The company has been involved in 21 of the Top 100 Canada infrastructure projects taking place in 2025, and has participated in a total of 61 P3 projects, many in collaboration with the companies represented by panelists.

About GHD

GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 160 offices located on five continents.