Yesterday, the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, delivered the Speech from the Throne, setting the legislative priorities for the Ford government as it opens the 44th Parliament. OSPE is encouraged to see that several of the government’s planned actions reflect long-standing priorities we’ve advanced on behalf of Ontario’s engineering community.
From credential recognition and workforce development to energy investment and infrastructure planning, the speech included clear indications that engineers are central to building Ontario’s future.
Here are some key takeaways aligned with OSPE’s advocacy priorities:
1. Removing Interprovincial Trade and Credential Barriers
The provincial government announced its intention to introduce legislation that will remove internal trade barriers and automatically recognize credentials from other provinces and territories. OSPE has consistently called for greater labour mobility for engineers under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. This change will help reduce bureaucratic hurdles and enable professionals to share their expertise across jurisdictions.
2. Supporting Internationally Educated Engineers
The province reiterated its commitment to aligning immigration with workforce needs and improving credential recognition, core pillars of OSPE’s advocacy for fair, transparent, and efficient licensing pathways for International Engineering Graduates (IEGs). We will continue to advocate for improved access to bridging programs and employment support, enabling skilled newcomers to thrive in Ontario’s engineering sector.
3. Investing in Skills and Workforce Development
The provincial government committed to expanding investments in training and post-secondary education, particularly in high-demand areas. The government’s focus on aligning training with workforce needs supports OSPE’s call to invest in work-integrated learning, micro-credentials, and upskilling opportunities to prepare engineers for careers in emerging technologies such as AI, clean energy, and digital manufacturing.
4. Unlocking Ontario’s Critical Minerals
With plans to streamline approvals in key regions like the Ring of Fire and build supporting infrastructure, the government signaled its intent to become a leader in critical mineral development. Engineers will be vital to ensuring that these developments meet the highest standards of environmental safety, design excellence, and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities.
5. Energy and Clean Technology Expansion
Ontario’s commitment to scaling nuclear capacity, including new small modular reactors and refurbishments, creates a historic opportunity for engineers working in the energy sector. OSPE applauds investments in new energy production, transmission, and storage, as these efforts are essential to building a more resilient and sustainable energy grid.
6. Infrastructure, Transit, and Housing
The announcement of $200 billion in infrastructure investments, including tunnels, subways, and GO train expansions, reinforces the province’s reliance on engineering expertise to deliver smart, sustainable, and accessible public infrastructure. OSPE will continue advocating for the early engagement of engineers in planning and decision-making processes to maximize project success and long-term value.
OSPE welcomes these signals of alignment with our policy agenda and will closely monitor the implementation of these initiatives. We remain committed to working with all levels of government to ensure engineers are at the table where decisions are made.
Stay tuned as we continue to unpack what these commitments mean for engineers and advocate for policies that elevate the profession.
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