As new tariffs come into effect across Canada, the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) is taking swift action to ensure the engineering profession’s voice is heard in key policy discussions. These tariffs carry wide-reaching implications for Ontario’s economy and engineering sector, and we have been working diligently to understand, respond to, and influence how these changes unfold.
To date, the tariff announcements have been as follows: On March 12, 2025, the U.S. announced a 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum, followed by a 25% tariff on Canadian automobiles effective April 3 and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy products starting March 4. These measures were notably excluded from a broader 90-day tariff pause announced by the U.S. on April 9, leaving Canada and Mexico out of the exemption. In response, the Government of Canada announced strong retaliatory measures, including 25% tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods and matching duties on U.S. automobiles.
As soon as the implications of the tariffs became clear, OSPE moved quickly to coordinate with industry stakeholders and government partners, providing insight into how these changes may affect engineering work in manufacturing, construction, energy, and infrastructure.
OSPE CEO Sandro Perruzza, ICD.D., is a proud member of the Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition, hosted by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. This coalition plays a critical role in uniting business voices across sectors to advocate for smart, forward-looking trade policy. Through this forum, OSPE has been a strong voice in ensuring that the concerns of engineers are reflected in government discussions and trade strategies.
The OSPE advocacy team has also participated in several high-level engagements to communicate the engineering profession’s perspective on the tariffs and their potential economic and workforce impacts:
- Premier Doug Ford – We addressed the effect of the tariffs on Ontario’s economy and the engineering sector, emphasizing the need for long-term competitiveness and innovation.
- Minister Anita Anand – Discussions focused on trade implications and the importance of eliminating barriers, not only in commerce but also in the standardization of regulations related to professional licensing, building codes, energy, and other critical sectors.
- Minister Mélanie Joly – We advocated for the inclusion of engineering professionals in federal trade policy consultations and economic resilience planning.
- Ontario Cabinet Ministers – OSPE Public Affairs Director attended a post-election meeting with the Ministers of Energy, Infrastructure, and Education to underscore the importance of engineering in navigating trade disruptions and supporting Ontario’s innovation agenda.
- Minister of Energy (Ontario) – OSPE met with the minister of energy to highlight how U.S. tariffs are impacting energy projects in Ontario. We stressed the need for coordinated federal- provincial responses to safeguard infrastructure planning and energy security.
These meetings are just the beginning of a longer process to ensure that engineering professionals remain integral to conversations around policy, strategy, and economic adaptation.
Tariffs can create ripple effects across industries, potentially disrupting supply chains, increasing project costs, and shifting timelines. These disruptions not only affect businesses but also add pressure on engineers to adapt and innovate under changing conditions.
That’s why OSPE is committed to ensuring that engineers are part of the solution, bringing their expertise to the table as Canada navigates this evolving trade landscape.
We will continue engaging through the Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition and other platforms to monitor developments, share insights, and represent the engineering voice at every opportunity.
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