On March 30, Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney signed The Canada–Ontario Partnership to Build. This new agreement is a joint federal–provincial partnership designed to accelerate the delivery of major infrastructure, especially projects that enable housing development.
This is a major policy win for engineers and OSPE since the agreement addresses several advocacy priorities of Ontario’s engineers. The agreement provides more funding for engineering solutions to the housing and transportation challenges facing the province, streamlines regulatory requirements, and strengthens domestic supply chains.
Funding Engineering Solutions
The Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build promises $8.8 billion in federal and provincial funding over 10 years to support Ontario municipalities in maintaining low Development Charges (DCs) and housing-enabling infrastructure. Also included is a three-way cost share between the Ontario government, the federal government and the City of Toronto to construct the Waterfront East Light Rail Transit (LRT) line serving Toronto’s eastern waterfront, as well as federal contribution agreements to projects like the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, Scarborough Subway Extension, Yonge North Subway Extension and Hamilton LRT.
This is a policy win for OSPE and the engineering community. Across multiple submissions and policy papers, OSPE has called for sustained investment in infrastructure that is designed, delivered, and overseen by engineers. OSPE members, through participating in task forces and working groups, have also highlighted that modern transit systems, like LRTs are critical to reduce congestion, lower emissions, and enable inclusive economic growth.
Streamlining Regulatory Requirements
Central to the partnership agreement is a coordinated approach to project approvals, including a “one project, one review” model that streamlines environmental and impact assessments between the levels of government, reducing duplication while maintaining environmental protections and Indigenous consultation obligations.
OSPE has specifically called for a more coordinated, evidence-based, and efficient approvals framework that reduces duplication while maintaining strong environmental oversight and public confidence.
Strengthening Canadian Supply Chains
Projects covered by the Canada–Ontario Partnership to Build will be subject to the province’s Buy Ontario policy, prioritizing domestic suppliers, services and materials.
This is another policy win for Ontario’s engineers. OSPE has emphasized that public infrastructure investments should ensure that Ontario-based engineers, firms, and suppliers play a central role in delivering major projects. However, OSPE also emphasizes the importance of interprovincial trade for maintaining secure supply chains and increasing opportunities for Ontario’s engineers and firms.
Conclusion: Engineers at the Centre of Decision-Making
The Canada–Ontario Partnership to Build reflects core principles that OSPE has long advanced on behalf of the profession. From prioritizing investments in transit and housing-enabling infrastructure to streamlining regulatory processes and strengthening domestic supply chains.
As these projects move from announcement to delivery, continued engagement with the engineering community is critical to ensure infrastructure decisions are grounded in evidence, innovation, and the public interest.
OSPE will continue to advocate for engineers to have a seat at the table. When engineers are meaningfully included in decision-making, Ontario builds smarter, faster, and better.
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