How OSPE’s Advocacy Efforts Are Paying Off: Policy Wins in Ontario’s 2025 Budget

Each year, the release of Ontario’s provincial budget gives us a clear window into the government’s priorities: what they value, where they’re investing, and how they plan to shape the future of this province. At OSPE, we meticulously analyze the budget through an engineering lens to see where our advocacy efforts are making an impact, and this year, we’re proud to say they are. 

What’s a Policy Win, Anyway? 

When we talk about “policy wins,” we’re referring to the alignment between what we’ve been advocating for on behalf of engineers and what the government has chosen to include in its budget. It means our recommendations have influenced real decisions; decisions that shape Ontario’s energy systems, infrastructure, workforce, and economic resilience. 

Let’s talk specifics. In Ontario’s 2025 Budget, we saw a number of our core advocacy priorities reflected: 

• Energy and Climate: The government committed to expanding nuclear capacity, investing in hydrogen innovation, and launching a $10.9B energy efficiency program—all areas where OSPE has called for engineering-led strategies. 
• Workforce Development: With over $1B for skills training and $750M to expand STEM education, the budget supports the kind of inclusive, future-ready engineering workforce we’ve been pushing for. 
• Infrastructure and Housing: The $200B 10-year infrastructure plan, targeted municipal water system funding, and support for digital twin technology, align closely with OSPE’s recommendations for smart, resilient development. 
• Digital Innovation: Investments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing speak directly to our calls for engineering involvement in emerging technology sectors. 
• Procurement Reform: While not yet fully implemented, our continued advocacy for Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) in engineering procurement is gaining traction across ministries. 

Policy wins aren’t just about checking boxes, they’re about progress. Every alignment between OSPE’s recommendations and the government’s budget means better infrastructure, more inclusive economic growth, smarter energy systems, and a stronger engineering profession. 

These wins didn’t happen overnight. They are the result of months, -ften years,of strategic engagement with policymakers, technical submissions, stakeholder meetings, and the dedication of our task forces and volunteer leaders. Advocacy is a long game, but when the budget reflects our input, it’s clear that engineers are not just building the future; they’re helping to shape the policies that define it. 

We’ll continue to monitor how these budget commitments are implemented and ensure engineering voices stay at the table. Because when policy and engineering align, Ontario thrives.