At the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE), advocacy is more than just a buzzword, it’s a daily effort to make sure the voices of Ontario’s engineers are heard where decisions are made. This spring, that effort brought us to the table for meetings with several key ministries to talk about the future of engineering in our province.
Here’s a snapshot of who we met with and why it matters:
Ministry of Northern Development – May 1
In our meeting with the Honourable George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, OSPE emphasized the role engineers play in driving sustainable development in Northern Ontario. We discussed streamlining permitting processes, supporting Indigenous partnerships, tackling labour shortages through credential recognition and upskilling, and balancing economic progress with environmental responsibility.
Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility – May 5
Joey Fox, one of OSPE’s subject matter experts, presented our recommendations on improving indoor air quality in long-term care homes; a critical issue for the health and dignity of our aging population. The Ministry’s response was encouraging and signaled openness to further collaboration.
Ministry of Red Tape Reduction – May 12
We shared OSPE’s recommendations for streamlining licensure and improving labour mobility. Outdated regulations have long slowed down engineering talent, especially internationally trained professionals. We’re advocating for changes that remove those bottlenecks and let engineers contribute faster and more fully.
Bill 2 – Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act – May 13
Our submission called for a national engineering licence, reinstating eligibility for previously qualified applicants, and waiving unnecessary fees for short-term interprovincial work. These measures would boost workforce flexibility while maintaining public protection.
Bill 5 – Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act – May 13 & 26
We raised concerns about potential regulatory ambiguity in Bill 5. OSPE urged for evidence-based policymaking and clear, stable frameworks that support long-term planning, environmental sustainability, and engineering safety, particularly around land use and infrastructure.
Ministry of the Attorney General – May 29
OSPE is championing the modernization of the Professional Engineers Act. In our meeting with the Attorney General’s Office, we proposed practical reforms; like recognizing international credentials, removing redundant assessments, and supporting a national engineering licence, to ensure fairness, mobility, and better regulation.
Ministry of Finance – May 29
We explored how engineers can support innovation, cost-effective solutions, and fiscal resilience in Ontario. We also pushed for Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) in public procurement to ensure smarter, safer project delivery and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
Why These Meetings Matter
Meeting with ministers and senior policy staff is a cornerstone of OSPE’s advocacy strategy. These conversations allow us to:
- Elevate engineers’ perspectives in government
- Influence legislation and budget priorities
- Remove systemic barriers to licensure and employment
- Strengthen engineering’s role in innovation, infrastructure, and sustainability
Behind every meeting is a long-term vision: a profession that is empowered, recognized, and positioned to lead Ontario’s most pressing challenges. We’re grateful to our government partners for their engagement and to our members whose expertise makes these conversations impactful.
Stay tuned.
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