On the first sitting day of 2026, the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) brought the voice of the engineering profession directly to policymakers shaping the future of Ontario.
OSPE’s annual Lobby Day and reception provided a timely and strategic opportunity to reinforce a central message: engineers are essential partners in delivering safe, resilient, and economically competitive communities across Ontario.
At a moment when the province faces complex challenges, from housing affordability to energy transition, engineering expertise is not optional; it is foundational.
Strategic Engagement with Decision Makers
Throughout the day, OSPE staff and volunteer leaders held a series of targeted meetings with key government and opposition representatives. These discussions were grounded in advancing practical, evidence-based policy solutions aligned with Ontario’s long-term public interest. OSPE connected with a range of ministers, parliamentary assistants, and critics across portfolios including energy, economic development, infrastructure, and social services, reflecting the broad relevance of engineering to nearly every aspect of public policy.
Across all meetings, OSPE advanced a focused set of policy priorities critical to both the engineering profession and the broader public interest.
1. Modernizing the Professional Engineers Act
To keep pace with workforce and economic needs, OSPE advocated for targeted reforms to Ontario’s engineering licensure system with the goal of improving fairness, removing unnecessary barriers for qualified professionals, and supporting a mobile and responsive engineering workforce across Canada.
Priorities for reform include: restoring eligibility for applicants with a degree in a relevant science area or a technology diploma, rebalancing academic credential requirements with demonstrated competencies, modernizing regulatory structures within the Professional Engineers Act, advancing the development of a national engineering licence, and reducing administrative burden and duplication, particularly for internationally educated engineers.
As federal and provincial governments commit to major infrastructure projects, modernizing the regulatory framework is essential.
2. Building Affordable, Sustainable Communities
OSPE advocated for integrated, engineering-informed approaches to the housing crisis that balance affordability with long-term resilience, climate adaptation, and public safety.
As municipalities face mounting pressures from climate change, rapid urbanization, and resource constraints, OSPE’s recommendations emphasized practical, implementable approaches to help communities plan, build, and maintain future-ready infrastructure. Current priorities include:
- Promoting Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) to improve infrastructure procurement outcomes
- Supporting the adoption of low-carbon infrastructure solutions
- Providing recommendations to government on water resilience, innovation, and equity
3. Strengthening Research, Innovation, and Industrial Growth
Engineering talent is a cornerstone of Ontario’s economic future. OSPE highlighted the importance of policies that support advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and homegrown innovation, ensuring the province remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
4. Advancing Qualifications-Based Selection
Procurement practices that prioritize the lowest cost over qualifications can undermine project outcomes. OSPE continues to champion Qualifications-Based Selection as a proven approach to delivering safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective infrastructure over the full project lifecycle.
5. Protecting Practice Rights and Public Safety
Clear and enforced practice boundaries are essential to protecting the public. OSPE reinforced the importance of ensuring that engineering work is performed or supervised by licensed professionals accountable to established standards.
6. Enabling the Energy Transition
Ontario’s path toward electrification and decarbonization requires coordinated planning, grid modernization, and infrastructure investment. Engineers are central to designing and implementing the systems that will power a low-carbon future while maintaining reliability and affordability.
7. Building a More Inclusive Profession
Addressing workforce shortages and improving equity in the profession are interconnected priorities. OSPE continues to advocate for policies that supportInternational Engineering Graduates (IEGs), reduce barriers to licensure, and create more inclusive pathways into the profession.
Notably, OSPE engaged with: Todd McCarthy (Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks and acting Minister of Infrastructure), Rob Flack (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing), and MPP Marit Stiles (Leader of the Official Opposition) alongside MPP Catherine Fife (Critic for Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade).
An Evening of Collaboration and Recognition
The day concluded with OSPE’s Queen’s Park reception, bringing together Members of Provincial Parliament, staff, industry leaders, and engineering professionals in a shared space for dialogue and collaboration.
Remarks delivered by representatives from all four major political parties reinforced a unifying theme: engineers are indispensable to Ontario’s safety, prosperity, and long-term success.
Looking Ahead: Sustained Advocacy for Ontario’s Future
As the 2026 parliamentary session progresses, OSPE will continue to work collaboratively with government, opposition parties, and stakeholders across sectors to advance policies that strengthen the engineering profession, protect the public, foster economic growth, and position Ontario as a leader in innovation and infrastructure excellence.
OSPE will continue to champion the role of engineers as trusted advisors and problem-solvers, ensuring that public policy is informed by the expertise needed to build a safe, prosperous province.
If you are interested in participating in next year’s Queen’s Park Lobby Day and reception or have a policy/advocacy concern that you would like to see addressed, join one of OSPE’s Task Forces or Working Groups.
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