U.S. government shutdown could hit WSP Global if it drags on: CEO

The WSP Global Inc. logo is seen in Toronto on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Vokey

MONTREAL — The head of WSP Global Inc. says the government shutdown in the United States could hurt the engineering giant’s bottom line if it continues for another month.

Alexandre L’Heureux says that so far the halting of government services and permitting has had a “minimal impact” on the Montreal-based company, which has a big presence south of the border.

But he says the entire engineering and construction industry will suffer if legislators fail to reach a deal and resume federal operations soon.

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This week, the ongoing shutdown reached a critical milestone — the longest in history — as the impasse between Republicans and Democrats pushed into its 36th day on Wednesday.

It is unclear how long the shutdown will last as federal offices remain shuttered and workers miss another paycheque heading into the holiday season.

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On Wednesday evening, WSP reported that profits rose 40 per cent to $284.5 million and revenues increased 14 per cent to $4.53 billion year-over-year in the quarter ended Sept. 27 due to a major acquisition as well as organic growth.

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Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian Press

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2025.