Canada’s seen changes in government at both the federal and provincial levels, bringing new leadership and policy directions that will shape Canada’s future. For the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE), these changes represent a unique opportunity to continue advocating for policies that strengthen the engineering profession and contribute to economic growth, sustainability, and innovation.
Engaging with Canada’s 24th Prime Minister
OSPE extends its congratulations to Mark Carney on his appointment as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister and to all newly appointed cabinet ministers. This transition marks a significant moment for Canada, and we look forward to the leadership, vision, and expertise they will bring to the country.
One of the key areas of concern for engineers is trade-related challenges, including tariffs imposed by the United States, which have impacted infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology development. These tariffs create obstacles for professionals, including engineers, who rely on efficient project execution. OSPE supports ongoing efforts to protect Canadian industries and ensure that businesses—particularly in the engineering sector—remain competitive and well-positioned for long-term success.
As the advocacy body for 10,000 professional engineers in Ontario, OSPE recognizes the critical role of engineering in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future. We look forward to working with the new federal government on key priorities such as infrastructure investment, clean energy, and innovation, where engineering expertise is crucial for driving Canada’s growth and resilience.
We are optimistic that Prime Minister Carney and his cabinet will introduce policies that help build a stronger, more sustainable, and prosperous Canada, and we look forward to collaborating on solutions that benefit all Canadians.
Premier Doug Ford’s Newly Announced Cabinet
With the announcement of Ontario’s new cabinet, OSPE welcomes the opportunity to engage with ministers across key portfolios that directly impact the engineering profession and the province’s economic and environmental future.
This cabinet brings a mix of new and familiar leaders, providing OSPE with the chance to raise our advocacy objectives for the first time in some areas while continuing to build on the work we have been doing in recent years.
As part of our commitment to ensuring that engineering expertise informs public policy, OSPE has already reached out to ministers responsible for key task force and member priorities. These discussions will focus on:
- Infrastructure and Housing: Advocating for evidence-based, sustainable development and resilient infrastructure that supports population growth while addressing climate challenges.
- Energy: Supporting policies that advance clean energy solutions, grid modernization, and energy efficiency to meet Ontario’s long-term power needs.
- Environment: Ensuring that environmental regulations are grounded in scientific expertise and engineering best practices, particularly in areas like climate resilience, water management, and sustainability.
- Procurement Practices: Encouraging the adoption of Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) to ensure that engineering projects prioritize expertise and long-term value over lowest-cost bidding.
- Economic Growth & Innovation: Strengthening Ontario’s STEM workforce through policies that support engineering talent, innovation, and industry collaboration.
As OSPE continues its advocacy efforts at both the federal and provincial levels, we remain committed to ensuring that engineering solutions drive Ontario’s and Canada’s economic, environmental, and technological future.
We extend our best wishes to Prime Minister Carney, his cabinet, and Ontario’s newly appointed ministers, and we look forward to working together to advance the engineering profession and support Canada’s continued prosperity.
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