Advocacy Achievements

OSPE hosts women in engineering panel in partnership with the University of Toronto, Spin Master, and the OSPE Exchange hubs

The discussion focused on the inspiring stories of three leaders in the engineering profession who have overcome barriers and are paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future.

OSPE engages in talks with opposition MPPs regarding the need for regulatory reform in the engineering profession. OSPE met with the following MPPs:

• MPP Stephen Blais (Liberal- Critic for Municipal Affairs)
• MPP Gurratan Singh (NDP- Critic for the Attorney General)
• MPP Sara Singh (NDP- Critic for Municipal Affairs and Housing)
• MPP Michael Mantha (NDP- Critic Northern Development and Mines)
• MPP Lucille Collard (Liberal- Critic for the Attorney General)
• MPP Mike Schreiner (Green Party)

OSPE is invited to participate in a pre-budget consultation with the Ontario Government

The submission includes the recommendations developed by engineers for the short-term and long-term economic recovery of the province. Recommendations presented are sorted into three strategic areas: engineering workforce, sustainability, and innovation.

OSPE presents to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Park’s Advisory Panel on Climate Change regarding the impact of flooding on homeowners

Engineers identify the need to prioritize the update of the province’s floodplain mapping, as well as focusing on obtaining all the pertinent data and information on the status of Ontario’s infrastructure. This starts by undertaking a full provincial impact assessment to identify where and how climate change and flooding in particular, is likely to impact Ontario’s communities.

OSPE presents to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs Regarding the study of the recommendations relating to the Economic and Fiscal Update Act, 2020 and the impacts of COVID-19

OSPE calls on the provincial government to support the engineering community if it wishes to capitalize on their economic recovery efforts. It also stresses the importance for new funding allocations to provide a sustainable benefit for diverse, future generations by ensuring a targeted focus on sustainable infrastructure, talent development and retention, and fostering innovation.

OSPE provides submission for Pre-Start Health and Safety Review in Factories Consultation

OSPE agrees with the current requirement that professional engineers conduct Pre-Start Health and Safety reviews, in relation to items one to seven. We believe that only qualified professional engineers possess the technical knowledge to provide this oversight and protect public safety.

OSPE assembles COVID-19 Economic Recovery Working Group

The COVID-19 Economic Recovery Group was created to propose concrete, and actionable recommendations on ways that OSPE can assist the Ontario and federal governments to achieve short, medium and long-term economic recovery.

OSPE attends roundtable discussion with Jill Dunlop, Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues

OSPE participates in a discussion on how the government can support the advancement of women in engineering.

OSPE hosts research and innovation roundtable on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)

At the event, OSPE releases its Growing the Drone Industry report, and discusses regulation, public perception, and industry outlook with panel of subject matter experts.

OSPE attends Ontario Business Advisory Council discussion with the Honourable John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry

OSPE discussed the necessary steps required and precautions needed to be put in place to successfully access and develop Ontario’s natural resources, while effectively protecting the environment.

OSPE participates in consultations with multiple Deputy Ministers to discuss infrastructure project funding priorities and the development of the future workforce

An invitation only event focused on a consultation for a shared vision for the next generation of infrastructure, and the necessary skills and talents needed from skilled trades and design professionals in order to achieve this vision.

OSPE celebrates the third annual P.Eng. Day

OSPE celebrates P.Eng. Day by engaging with Members of Provincial Parliament to highlight the important contributions and work engineers do in Ontario. MPP Deepak Anand and MPP Stan Cho both delivered a message during the daily question period to celebrate engineers.

OSPE meets with Ontario’s Attorney General, the Honourable Doug Downey, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Infrastructure Ontario to discuss the impact of rising insurance costs for engineers

Ontario is now considered a high-risk jurisdiction by international insurance underwriters. This has impacted engineers greatly, causing a dramatic increase in insurance costs and implications on coverage. This impacts the ability of small to medium sized engineering companies to operate in the province, debilitating economic growth. OSPE also spoke the Attorney General about the need for Regulatory Reform in the engineering profession.

OSPE attends consultative roundtable with MP Julie Dzerowicz on future workforce development

The federal government’s consultation examined the skills and talent gaps that exist to move Canada forward in economic development, as well as the options available and obstacles that exist to access global talent.

OSPE CEO presents Pre Budget-Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

OSPE's presentation and message was clear: Engineers create wealth.

OSPE meets with the Department of Women and Gender Equality Canada

Discussions focused on current work on advancing the position of women and other underrepresented groups in STEM.

OSPE establishes and celebrates first P.Eng. Day in Ontario

OSPE receives unanimous consent from all political parties to make March 1st Professional Engineers Day in Ontario.

Engineers' recommendations included in Bill 3, Pay Transparency Act 2018

OSPE's Women in Engineering Advocacy Champions Task Force (WE ACT) delivered testimony to the Standing Committee on Social Policy on Bill 3, Pay Transparency Act, 2018. Based on OSPE’s recommendations and those of other stakeholder groups, the legislation was expanded to include small and medium-sized enterprises which account for 95% of employers in the province.

Government implements recommendations from OSPE's excess soils report in Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan

The government has committed to making it easier and safer to reuse excess soil, quoting OSPE’s Excess Soil Management: Ontario is Wasting a Precious Resource report.

OSPE breaks down barriers for women in STEM

OSPE research reveals 50% of women in STEM feel disrespected, one-third experience pay inequities, and 25% experience discrimination, harassment, and/or bullying. OSPE begins development of DiversifySTEM, o help employers create more inclusive workplaces.

OSPE promotes work-integrated learning

OSPE advocates for expansion of Career Ready Fund and Kickstart employment, which Budget 2018 delivers.

Engineers demand to be involved in developing Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan

Issuing two open letters to Premier Wynne and Minister Murray, OSPE successfully secures an engineer on Ontario’s Climate Action Group.

OSPE meets with Ontario’s Attorney General, the Honourable Yasir Naqvi, to discuss the Construction Lien Act Review Report

Advocating for engineering services not to be subject to holdback of payment upon completion.

OSPE provides input on Bill 172, The Climate Change Mitigation and Low-Carbon Economy Act, 2016

Underlining the importance of systems integration and the role engineers must play in order to achieve program success.

OSPE forms a Ring of Fire Working Group to provide engineering input and advocacy

A main priority of the working group is raising awareness about the economic and environmental importance of Ring of Fire projects.

OSPE Drives Regional Transit Planning Decisions

OSPE’s Infrastructure Task Force members provide key input on the Metrolinx “Big Move” plan for the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area, Ontario’s northern Ontario multimodal transportation strategy, and Canada’s national transit strategy.

OSPE released a major report titled Wind and the Electrical Grid – Mitigating the Rise in Electricity Rates and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The report was produced at the request of the Ministry of Energy, who asked OSPE for an independent engineering assessment of energy policy issues.

A Capital Idea: OSPE Influences Senate Finance Decision

OSPE presents the implications of selling the nuclear power division of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. The Federal Government adopts many of OSPE’s recommendations in the final sale.

OSPE solidifies its mandate through Legislation

Bill 148 An Act respecting the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers receives First Reading in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

OSPE provides comments to the Ontario Government’s consultation on changes to the Waste Diversion Act, 2002

Engineers urge the government to place greater emphasis on reuse and reduction and to consider incineration as a viable option.

City of Toronto Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone gives opening remarks at OSPE’s Engineering in a Climate of Change Symposium

One-day symposium attracts engineers, academics, and members; focused on global implications of climate change and opportunities that exist.

OSPEs submits comments regarding amendments to regulations made under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002

OSPE believes it is essential that the transfer of responsibility from the relevant ministries results in the retention of professional engineers on staff to ensure proper equipment design, installation, and maintenance of drinking water systems.

OSPE responds to the proposed technical rules applied under the Clean Water Act, 2006

OSPE supports greater involvement of engineers in the design, operation and ongoing oversight of water and wastewater systems and emphasizes the need for engineers’ assistance in the implementation of the Clean Water Act.

OSPE's Political Action Networks (PAN) is Born

OSPE establishes PAN which connects member volunteers with elected officials to share insights and carry OSPE’s key messages.

OSPE presents recommendations on Bill 100, the Electricity Restructuring Act, 2004

Emphasizes the assignment of forecasting responsibilities, creation of the Ontario Power Authority, need for predictable electricity rates, establishment of a Conservation Bureau and expert advisory committees, and that professional engineers be officially named in regulations as mandatory participants on the proposed advisory committees.

OSPE is Born