OSPE Policy Update: New Federal Cabinet and Implications for Engineers

On the morning of May 13, Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled his new post-election cabinet at Rideau Hall. The reshaped cabinet emphasizes economic recovery, innovation, and a response to the ongoing U.S.-Canada tariff dispute; a top concern for Ontario’s engineers and the economy at large. 

The Carney government introduced several structural changes, including the return of Secretaries of State to oversee focused mandates and support broader cabinet operations. The cabinet now includes 28 full ministers (gender-balanced with 14 men and 14 women) and 10 Secretaries of State, with a focus on economic resilience, trade, clean energy, and innovation. 

Key Appointments of Interest to Ontario’s Engineering Community 

• Hon. Anita Anand, now Minister of Foreign Affairs, will lead Canada’s diplomatic and international trade efforts. 

• Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, as Minister for Canada-U.S. Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs, will play a crucial role in navigating the current tariff landscape and federal-provincial alignment. 

• Hon. Evan Solomon, appointed Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister Responsible for The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, will oversee Canada’s national artificial intelligence strategy and regional economic growth in Ontario. 

• Hon. Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, will be responsible for streamlining clean energy development and building critical supply chains. 

• Hon. Julie Dabrusin, now Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will drive Canada’s decarbonization and green innovation priorities. 

These portfolios align closely with OSPE’s priorities, including climate resilience, AI development, skills training, and strategic investment in clean technologies. 

OSPE continues to monitor developments on key federal priorities, including interprovincial labour mobility, trade diversification, infrastructure development, and investments in STEM upskilling. The new cabinet provides fresh opportunities to ensure engineers are central to Canada’s strategy for economic recovery and sustainability. 

We will be reviewing ministerial mandate letters when released and will continue engaging with relevant departments to highlight how engineering expertise can support public policy goals. 

The new parliament returns the week of May 26, with a Speech from the Throne scheduled for May 27, and a 2025 budget expected by July 1. OSPE will continue to advocate for measures that strengthen Ontario’s engineering profession and ensure it remains a key contributor to national progress.