AED Applauds Canadian Budget’s Infrastructure & Trade Focus

On November 5, 2025, on Parliament Hill, Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), representing U.S. and Canadian equipment dealers and manufacturers, shared its response to the federal government’s 2025 budget announcement. AED is one of the largest U.S./Canadian trade associations and a supporter of free trade between Canada and the U.S. The association’s president outlined how the budget measures will impact the competitiveness of the North America infrastructure, construction, agriculture, and mining sectors.

“AED is one of the largest Canadian/American trade associations fighting for a free trade environment on both sides of the border. This morning, we are in Ottawa, with a joint delegation of Canadian and American members to deliver a message aimed at economic prosperity and economic growth,” stated AED President and CEO Brian P. McGuire.Overall AED commended the Federal Budget for:

• The increased emphasis on overall business growth.
• The investment in overall infrastructure and trade infrastructure.
• The commitment to faster approval for major projects.
• The reinstatement of Accelerated Investment Incentive.

“Overall, our members are pleased to see an intensified focus on building a more competitive Canadian economy than in recent Federal Budgets. This approach will strengthen the overall North American economy,” stated McGuire.

“AED members are particularly supportive of the Budget’s investments in infrastructure and trade infrastructure. Canada was long overdue to invest in infrastructure that can fuel economic growth. An infrastructure investment of $115B over five years is a serious approach to powering economic and trade ambitions,” outlined Craig Drury, past AED chairman and prominent Canadian member.

AED also underscored its support of the announced Federal Major Projects Office, “The government has launched the Major Projects Office to fast-track nation-building projects, and Build Canada Homes, which should help double the pace of construction over the next decade. These are positive announcements and commitments of which our industry will hold the government accountable. It cannot be business as usual on major infrastructure projects. We support this change of direction,” said Canadian AED Board Member, Michael Rugeroni. “AED Also supports the Reinstatement of the Accelerated Investment Incentive, which provides an enhanced first-year write-off for most capital assets.”

Finally, AED made clear its pro-free-trade message, “AED has made clear to the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and the Administration, that free trade is essential for AED members and the industries we serve on both sides of the border. AED believes that the CUSMA/USMCA agreement is foundational to the success of both economies of Canada and the U.S. Members are here to help ensure that message is delivered to all governments. AED members serve the North American infrastructure, construction, agriculture, and mining sectors that all require free trade to succeed,” concluded Jerry Donlon, current AED Chairman.