Aecon achieves Gold Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations Certification

TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aecon Group Inc. (TSX: ARE) ("Aecon") announced today that it has achieved Gold Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (“PAIR”) Certification – becoming the first construction company with nation-wide operations to achieve the highest level of certification from the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (“CCIB”) in the PAIR program.

PAIR has been Canada’s leading Indigenous relations certification program for 25 years. The program is for companies committed to advancing meaningful relationships, economic participation, and measurable outcomes with Indigenous Peoples, businesses, and communities. Certification is confirmed through rigorous independent third-party verification and an independent jury of Indigenous business leaders, measuring performance across four drivers: Leadership Actions, Employment, Business Development, and Community Relationships.

“This achievement reflects the dedication of teams across Aecon and the strength of the relationships we’ve built with Indigenous communities, businesses, and partners over many years,” said Jennifer Campeau, Vice President, Indigenous Relations, Aecon Group Inc. “We are proud of what we’ve accomplished and invite our partners to join us in advancing sustained action with lasting benefits for generations to come.” 

Aecon’s Gold Certification follows its Silver Certification achieved in 2023 and reflects a shift from implementation to integration of Indigenous relations into everyday business practices. Over 300 companies participate in the PAIR certification program.

The certification builds on Aecon’s Reconciliation Action Plan (“RAP”), released in response to Call to Action #92 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Framed by five pillars – Leadership, Respect, Recognition, Commitment and Empowerment – the RAP has guided measurable progress, including over $1 billion procured from Indigenous businesses, longstanding Indigenous-led partnerships, and the adoption of an Indigenous Procurement Policy. Aecon was also recognized by CCIB as a Supply Change™ Indigenous Procurement Champion, reflecting its commitment to increasing opportunities for Indigenous businesses to participate in its supply chain.

“At Aecon, Reconciliation is reflected in how we govern, how we partner, and how we measure progress,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aecon Group Inc. “Achieving PAIR Gold is an important milestone, but not an endpoint. It reinforces our responsibility to keep raising the standard through consistent action, accountability, and sustained leadership attention.”

“We are proud to recognize the work that Aecon has done to strengthen its relationships with Indigenous communities and businesses,” said Tabatha Bull, CCIB President and Chief Executive Officer. “Achieving PAIR certification reflects a commitment to action and accountability in advancing Indigenous relations. This work matters because strong, respectful relationships creating opportunities for Indigenous participation is shared prosperity. Congratulations to Aecon on this achievement and their continued commitment to this journey.”

Further information is available at aecon.com/IndigenousRelations and on the CCIB PAIR program website.

About Aecon

Aecon Group Inc. (TSX: ARE) is a North American construction and infrastructure development company with global experience. Aecon delivers integrated solutions to private and public-sector clients through its Construction segment in the Civil, Urban Transportation, Nuclear, Utility and Industrial sectors, and provides project development, financing, investment, management, and operations and maintenance services through its Concessions segment. Join our online community on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram @AeconGroupInc.

For further information:

Adam Borgatti
SVP, Corporate Development and Investor Relations
416-297-2600
ir@aecon.com

Nicole Court
Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications
416-297-2600
corpaffairs@aecon.com

Jennifer Campeau
Vice President, Indigenous Relations
416-297-2600
reconciliation@aecon.com

Statement on Forward-Looking Information

The information in this news release includes certain forward-looking statements which may constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans but are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, ongoing objectives, strategies and outlook for Aecon, including statements regarding: Aecon's anticipated continued advancement of its Indigenous relations, reconciliation objectives and PAIR certification commitments; the anticipated continued growth of Indigenous procurement, relationships, economic participation, employment and business development opportunities; and the expected long-term benefits of these initiatives for Indigenous communities and future generations. Forward-looking statements may in some cases be identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “target,” “future,” “plans,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “should” or the negative of these terms, or similar expressions.  

In addition to events beyond Aecon's control, there are factors which could cause actual or future results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or inferred herein including, but not limited to, the risk that anticipated reconciliation objectives, initiatives or Indigenous relations commitments are not realized or advanced as anticipated; the risk that Aecon is unable to maintain its PAIR certification or achieve future certification objectives as expected; the risks associated with a third party's, including Indigenous partners, communities, businesses, clients and suppliers, failure to perform; the risk of not being able to sustain or grow Indigenous procurement, employment or business development opportunities as anticipated; the risk of not being able to maintain or strengthen relationships and partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, businesses and communities; the risks associated with a dynamic geopolitical, economic and regulatory environment; the risk of changes in demand for Aecon's services and related impacts on its ability to advance these initiatives; the risk that anticipated benefits to Indigenous communities and stakeholders are not fully realized; and the risk of not being able to execute its ongoing reconciliation strategy, commitments and objectives as anticipated. These forward-looking statements are based on a variety of factors and assumptions including but not limited to that: Aecon's reconciliation and Indigenous relations initiatives continue to be implemented as planned; Indigenous partners, communities and other third parties continue to engage and perform their roles; none of the risks identified above materialize; there are no unforeseen changes to economic and market conditions; and no significant events occur outside the ordinary course of business. These assumptions are based on information currently available to Aecon, including information obtained from third-party sources. While Aecon believes that such third-party sources are reliable sources of information, Aecon has not independently verified the information. Aecon has not ascertained the validity or accuracy of the underlying economic assumptions contained in such information from third-party sources and hereby disclaims any responsibility or liability whatsoever in respect of any information obtained from third-party sources.  

Risk factors are discussed in greater detail in Section 13 - "Risk Factors" in Aecon's 2025 Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and Aecon's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2026, each filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Aecon undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.