Explore the OSPE Advocacy Timeline, simply click on each year to expand and contract the content and browse through all the years of activity.

2023

Ontario Network of Women in Engineering (ONWiE) Summit

The advocacy team and Sandro Perruzza, CEO, attended the ONwiE summit themed ‘Diversity through Inclusion.’ Sandro presented our WAGE (Women and Gender Equality Canada) sponsored project on increasing women in engineering through procurement policies to the conference attendees. Around 200 people were in attendance.

First Year Integration Conference (FYIC)

This conference, run by the Engineering Student Societies’ Council of Ontario (ESSCO) was held at Ontario Tech University. OSPE, as the official sponsor, attended the conference and held a session with approximately 80 first-year engineering students to discuss membership and the role of the advocacy department within OSPE.

Letter to the Health Canada, Water and Air Quality Bureau

This letter was sent to Health Canada to request a reconsideration of Health Canada's current stance on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure limits. We believe that the recent wildfires in Canada, which have led to devastating health consequences, necessitate a re-evaluation of the existing guidelines, with a stronger emphasis on enhanced filtration measures for buildings.

Letter to the Minister of Energy and CEO, Ontario Energy Board (OEB)

OSPE has worked closely with the Ministry of Energy and the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) on Ontario’s electricity grid and consulted with the Ministry while they developed the Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) Rate Plan. This letter requested that the OEB conduct a consumer survey to evaluate the effectiveness of the ULO rate plan and also requested a review of the design of the ULO price plan.

Submission and Presentation to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy

The Bill 139 – Less Red Tape, More Common-Sense Act, was referred to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy for debate. OSPE submitted a request to appear as a guest and was accepted. OSPE submitted a written submission to the members and Paola Cetares presented to the members on behalf of OSPE. We offered our support to this Bill as it affects the Professional Engineers Act, and advocated for further changes to the Professional Engineers Act that would increase the regulatory performance of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).

Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) Conference

OSPE participated in a discussion panel at the Internationally Educated Professionals Conference and spoke about what OSPE offers to internationally trained engineers. Paola Cetares also participated in a panel discussion on the challenges IEPs face in the engineering context in Ontario.

Letter to the Ministry of Energy and CEO, Ontario Energy Board (OEB)

A request was sent to OSPE by the Ministry of Energy for our comments on the Power Advisory Study prepared for the OEB, titled: Electric Delivery Rates for Electric Vehicle Charging. In response, OSPE sent a letter raising our concerns that the study is too narrow in focus for the challenges of accommodating fast Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers. OSPE maintains a strong relationship with the Ministry of Energy and is pleased to see the Ministry recognizes our expertise in this area.

Letter to the Minister of Finance – ISSB Standards

This letter, developed with the support of the Climate Crisis Task Force, advocated for the need for the Ministry of Finance to develop legislation that mandates Professional Engineers be responsible for the technical aspects of reporting required under the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) sustainability disclosure standards.

Meeting with the City of Cambridge Procurement Team

OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how procurement policies can support women engineers in the workforce.

Meeting with the City of Vaughan’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team

OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how procurement policies can support women engineers in the workforce.

Meeting with the Fairness Commissioner – International Engineering Graduates (IEG)

OSPE’s advocacy department along with Sandro Perruzza and Lee Weissling met with the Ontario Fairness Commissioner to advocate for increased funding to the Ontario Bridge Training Program (OBTP) so that OSPE can resume our training programs for International Engineering Graduates (IEGs) and support them in the process of applying for the P.Eng. certification. We raised the point that, since the removal of the Canadian experience requirement, IEGs need more support to be able to demonstrate the required competencies for P.Eng. to Professional Engineers Ontario.

Meeting with Health Canada regarding ASHRAE 241

OSPE and Joey Fox, P.Eng., chair of the IAQ Advisory Group, met with the Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada to discuss the applicability of ASHRAE 241 on the regulation of air cleaning devices. OSPE will continue to work with this team to support the development of regulations.

POLICY WIN – Release of Air Quality Private Members Bill

MPP Chandra Pasma announced the official release of her private members’ bill on air quality in schools. Joey Fox, P.Eng. and Chair of the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Advisory Group, delivered a speech in support of the Bill. The IAQ Advisory Group was instrumental in the development of the Bill. OSPE staff attended the press conference. The Improving Air Quality for Our Children Act, 2023 motions that every publicly funded school and every childcare provider licensed under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 shall install carbon dioxide monitors in every classroom and congregate space, including portables, gymnasiums, change rooms, auditoriums, cafeterias, music rooms, libraries, staff rooms and main offices. The Act also sets out a maximum carbon dioxide threshold of 600 parts per million above outdoor carbon dioxide levels.

Meeting with Health Canada – Safe Long-Term Care Act

Following our submission to Health Canada in August, OSPE was invited to meet with representatives of Health Canada to discuss our recommendations regarding the inclusion of provisions for indoor air quality in long-term care settings.

Letter to the Ontario Fairness Commissioner – International Engineering Graduates

This letter was sent to the Ontario Fairness Commissioner to advocate for increased funding to the Ontario Bridge Training Program (OBTP) so that OSPE can resume our training programs for International Engineering Graduates (IEGs) and support them in the process of applying for the P.Eng. certification. We raised the point that, since the removal of the Canadian experience requirement, IEGs need more support to be able to demonstrate the required competencies for P.Eng. to Professional Engineers Ontario.

Meeting with ISACA

OSPE staff and the Research and Innovation Task Force met with ISACA. ISACA is an international professional association focused on IT governance. We discussed how the Research and Innovation Task Force can collaborate with ISACA to offer mutual support in relation to initiatives on cybersecurity.

Meeting with the City of Brampton procurement team

OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how procurement policies can support women engineers in the workforce.

White Paper – Sustainable Cybersecurity

This white paper has been developed by Changiz Sadr of the Research and Innovation Task Force. The paper explores the assets required to implement cybersecurity. It covers the opportunity providers have to comply with sustainability standards set across many industries. It urges those who retain information to consider looking for security service providers who not only provide robust cybersecurity services but also those who do so in an energy-efficient and climate-conscious manner.

White Paper - Engineering a Sustainable Future: Privacy and Security in the Age of Smart Technology

This white paper was developed by Safayat Moahamad of the Research and Innovation Task Force and published online. The paper discusses smart technologies and their potential to deliver sustainable economic growth and move society forward, but also the threat they carry to compromise personal autonomy, privacy, and security. The paper outlines the personal and societal risks posed by the rise of smart technologies and identifies how engineers can foster a culture of responsible innovation.

Submission to consultation on Poor Outdoor Air Quality and Workplace Health and Safety

OSPE submitted a response to this consultation from the Ministry of Labor, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Our response highlights the need to consider the impact of outdoor air quality in indoor environments and to properly protect workers working outdoors with appropriate respiratory protection. The recommendations mirror our core recommendations about IAQ e.g., MERV-13 filters, avoiding alternative air cleaning equipment, adoption of ASHRAE 241 etc.

Submission to call for consultation on the development of a federal Safe Long-Term Care Act

OSPE submitted a response to Health Canada on this consultation concerning indoor air quality in long-term care settings. Our response outlines recommendations to prevent the spread of airborne diseases, such as COVID-19. As a result of this submission, OSPE has been invited to a follow-up meeting with the Director of the Long-Term Care Unit at Health Canada.

Media Coverage - Bloomberg Article – “Canada Turns to Nuclear Power After 30-Year Pause to Meet Demand Surge”

OSPE was contacted by Bloomberg, and we put them in touch with Paul Acchione, subject matter expert in the Energy Task Force. OSPE and Paul Acchione are mentioned throughout the article regarding our publications on electricity price projections.

Meeting with Ontario Digital Service – Digital Credentials team

Facilitated by Ryder LeBlanc of the Research and Innovation Task Force, the Chair of the Task Force, Beatrice Sze and OSPE staff met with the Ontario Digital Service (ODS) to discuss how OSPE can support the Digital Credentials project. While ODS has not yet formalized a stakeholder consultation plan, they have agreed to meet with OSPE again closer to the date of consultations.

Letter to Health Canada – Request for regulation of air cleaning equipment

The Indoor Air Quality Advisory Group developed and submitted a letter to the Health Canada Water and Air Quality Bureau advocating for the regulation of air cleaning equipment in ASHRAE Standard 241 Normative Appendix A, following its release in early July.

POLICY WIN - Air Quality – ASHRAE Standard 241

On July 7, 2023, ASHRAE published ASHRAE Standard 241, Control of Infectious Aerosols which established minimum requirements aimed at reducing the risk of disease transmission through exposure to infectious aerosols. The Indoor Air Quality group consulted on the development of the regulation and several of their recommendations were ultimately incorporated.

White Paper – Decentralized and Distributed Wastewater Management

This paper was developed by James Hotchkies of the Research and Innovation Task Force. The paper advocates for the need to consider decentralized wastewater treatment as opposed to the traditional centralized wastewater treatment facilities. In some cases, decentralized wastewater treatment is a more sustainable and efficient approach to wastewater treatment.

White Paper – Quantum Technology: A Brief Introduction

This paper was developed by Tina Dekker from the Research and Innovation Task Force as the first part of a two-part paper series on quantum technology. The paper introduces the importance and relevance of quantum tech to engineers and expands on the role engineers will have to play in the future.

Letter to the Minister of Energy (Hon. Todd Smith) – Pickering Nuclear Station

The Climate Crisis Task Force, in consultation with the Energy Task Force, developed a letter advocating the need to refurbish the Pickering nuclear station before several units are decommissioned in 2025. This letter was sent to the Minister and Minister’s Office contacts.

Submission – ERO 019-6767 - Proposed changes to the Aggregate Resources Act, Ontario Regulation 244/97

This was submitted in response to an open call for submissions to the Proposed changes to the Aggregate Resources Act. The submission outlines several concerns that should be addressed, including excess soil reuse criteria and importation of aggregate/soil or recycled materials.

Submission - ERO 019-7196 Proposal to Update the Statement of Environmental Values (SEV)

This submission was put forward in response to a call for open submissions to the Proposal to Update the Statement of Environmental Values (SEV). The submission recommends several matters that should be addressed in the updated SEV.

ADVOCACY WIN – Release of the Powering Ontario’s Growth plan

On July 10, 2023, the Province released the plan for power generation in Ontario over the next 10 years. It is great to see the plan includes several initiatives OSPE advocated for, including a plan to install three new Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) at Darlington. Paul Acchione from the Energy Task Force was present at the official release of the plan and photographed with the Minister of Energy, Hon. Todd Smith.

Meeting with Angela Clayton – Infrastructure Ontario

OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how the findings can support women engineers in the workforce.

Meeting with Engineering Deans of Ontario

OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how the findings can support women engineers in the workforce.

Submission - The Electrification and Energy Transition Panel (EETP)

This submission was put forward as a follow-up to a previous consultation with the Ministry of Energy Mines and Northern Development regarding the Long-Term Energy Planning Framework (LTEPF) for Ontario. Following consultation, the EETP was developed. The submission highlighted OSPE’s concerns around long-term energy planning and hopes for the EETP.

Meeting with Ministry of Education Team

Following the work of the Indoor Air Quality Advisory Group, OSPE staff met with Andrea Dutton, Director of Capital Policy from the Ministry of Education and members of her team to discuss the issue of indoor air quality in schools.

Meeting with Patrick Sackville – Chief of Staff to Doug Ford

OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how the findings can support women engineers in the workforce.

Submission – ASHRAE Standard 241P Advisory Public Review Draft Control of Infectious Aerosols

OSPE’s Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Advisory Group has published a series of guidance documents aimed at protecting indoor environments using adequate technology. These internationally acknowledged guiding principles were authored by a multidisciplinary group, including HVAC engineers, respiratory specialists and healthcare professionals. OSPE’s IAQ Group submitted comments in response to the ASHRAE Standard 241P, Control of Infectious Aerosols.

Submission – Modernize EA Assessment

Ontario is taking continued action to modernize its environmental assessment (EA) process to incorporate best practices that lead to environmental benefits and avoid unnecessary costs for critical infrastructure projects. As part of this modernization effort, the Government of Ontario is proposing changes that allow more projects to follow a streamlined EA process. OSPE’s Energy Task Force provided insight and considerations.

Submission – Pathways to Decarbonization Study

On December 15, 2022, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) released the “Pathways to Decarbonization” (P2D) study. The Ministry of Energy sought feedback on the findings of the P2D study in this consultation, and the IESO’s “no-regret” recommendations. OSPE’s Energy Task Force provided their expert input.

Meeting with the Infrastructure ON Procurement Team

OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how the findings can support women engineers in the workforce.

Submission - Draft Guidance on Improving Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings

OSPE responded to Health Canada's request for information on enhancing indoor air quality in office buildings. This response represents a collaborative effort from experts in our Indoor Air Quality Advisory Group who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in this field.

POLICY WIN – Ministry of Energy Ultra-Low Pricing Option

Ontario’s Ministry of Energy announced the launch of a new Ultra-Low Overnight Electricity Price Plan. Starting May 1, this optional electricity plan will be available to customers of seven energy distributors in Ontario, including Toronto Hydro and London Hydro. OSPE has advocated for this option for several years, and we are pleased to see this development. During the announcement, Energy Minister, the Hon. Todd Smith recognized OSPE’s Energy Task Force for their advocacy and expertise in the development of this new plan.

Meeting with Health Canada for National Building Code

OSPE continues to advocate for the quality of indoor air. In this meeting, OSPE subject matter expert, Joseph Fox, P.Eng. met with representatives from Health Canada to offer insights on how to improve air quality for office buildings.

Meeting with Kari Bertrand, Chief Procurement Officer

OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how the findings can support women engineers in the workforce.

Meeting with Real Property Services Branch from Public Services and Procurement Canada

OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how the findings can support women engineers in the workforce.

Meeting with Jennifer McCabe, Will McDonald and Don Heath from Ottawa’s Infrastructure Services Group

OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how the findings can support women engineers in the workforce.

Meeting with ADM Kiran Hanspal HR PSPC, Jeff Willbond, and Maya Belanger

Meeting with ADM Kiran Hanspal HR PSPC (ADM responsible for HR at Public Services and Procurement Canada), Jeff Willbond (Director General, Workplace Culture) and Maya Belanger (National Coordinator, OL Champions). OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how the findings can support women engineers in the workforce.

Meeting with ADM Rob Chambers (ADM Infrastructure and Engineering, National Defence)

OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how the findings can support women engineers in the workforce.

Meeting with Nancy Tremblay, Associate ADM(MAT). National Defence / Government of Canada

OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how the findings can support women engineers in the workforce.

Meeting with ADM Michael Mills (ADM Procurement, Public Services and Procurement Canada)

OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how the findings can support women engineers in the workforce.

Meeting with MPP Deepak Anand

OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting with MPP Deepak Anand, Parliamentary Assistant of Labour, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how the findings can support women engineers in the workforce.

Submission – Assessing Regulatory and Policy Impacts on Canada’s Electricity Grid Modernization

OSPE task forces responded to the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Request for Information (RFI) regarding regulatory, policy and market barriers and opportunities. Read our full response here.

Private Members’ Bill Press Conference

OSPE staff and subject matter experts, Joseph Fox, P.Eng. were invited to the press conference held by MPP Wong-Tam to announce their private members’ bill aimed at protecting our indoor air, and consequently the health of Ontario’s people and economy.

Private-Members Bill

OSPE’s Indoor Air Quality reports were instrumental in the creation of Bill 86, Advisory Committee to Protect Ontario's People and Economy from Airborne Pandemics Act, 2023, a Private Members’ Bill introduced by MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam and endorsed by MPP Jill Andrews, MPP Wayne Gates, and MPP Jamie West. This bill proposes the creation of an advisory committee to protect Ontario's people and economy from airborne diseases.

Meeting with MPP Wong-Tam

OSPE staff met with MPP Wong-Tam, Critic to the Attorney General, to push the need for regulatory reform within Ontario. In this meeting, MPP Wong-Tam was briefed on OSPE’s agenda, why reform is needed, and an upcoming Private Members’ Bill related to OSPE’s Indoor Air Quality reports.

Meeting with MPP Anthony Leardi

OSPE continues to advocate for all equity-seeking groups with public officials. In this meeting with MPP Anthony Leardi, Parliamentary Assistant of Mines, OSPE staff discussed our Women and Gender Equity project and how the findings can also support Indigenous engineers in the workforce.

Meeting with Attorney General Hon. Doug Downey

OSPE is the advocacy body of engineers in Ontario, while Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) is the regulatory body. Ontario engineers must be held to a high standard of accountability and regulation to protect the public and safeguard the reputation of the profession. In this meeting, OSPE highlighted the multiple reasons why engineering needs regulatory reform and how delaying it threatens our public safety and the integrity of the profession.

Meeting with Minister of Energy Hon. Todd Smith

Building on our relationship with the Ministry of Energy, Paul Acchione, P.Eng. and Steve Pepper, P.Eng. spoke to the Hon. Todd Smith. OSPE staff urged the Minister to consider supporting a pipeline for engineering talent to enter the workforce. There are exciting plans for the future of Ontario and to achieve this, engineering talent must be consistently funneled into the workforce.

Meeting with Minister of Infrastructure Hon. Kinga Surma

OSPE’s Sustainable Cities Task Force Chair, Carl Bodimeade, P.Eng. spoke about the compelling research behind the reuse of concrete aggregates in infrastructure projects and the positive effects it can have on a project's sustainability. In addition, Carl Bodimeade pushed the adoption of a Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) framework, a best practice for government and other purchasing bodies to select engineering firms based on credentials and availability over price.

Meeting with Green Party Leader MPP Mike Schreiner

OSPE thanked MPP Schreiner for sponsoring the MPP Reception held on the evening of Feb 28th. In addition, OSPE Climate Crisis Task Force Chair, Geoff Sheffrin, P.Eng. spoke to MPP Schreiner about our opposition to the Highway 413 project and our advocacy work to reverse the amendments to the Greenbelt Act. MPP Schreiner expressed his interest in working with OSPE in the future and supports the inclusion of engineering voices during pertinent decision-making consults.

OSPE Press Conference

OSPE President, Dr. Marilyn Powers, P.Eng. alongside our CEO, Sandro Perruzza and subject matter expert, Joseph Fox, P.Eng. held a press conference to publicly announce our Indoor Air Quality reports.

Submission – ON Pre-Budget Consultation

Each year, OSPE puts forth recommendations for the provincial budget. Read our 2023 pre-budget consultation here.

Meeting with MPP Andrew Dowie

OSPE staff had the privilege of meeting with MPP Andrew Dowie, the only registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Queen’s Park, to discuss ways in which he can support the organization's agenda. As a P.Eng. MPP Dowie's interests align with OSPE's mission, and the organization was thrilled to receive his outreach.

Meeting with MPP Chandra Pasma and MPP Bhutila Karpoche

OSPE staff met with MPP Chandra Pasma (Critic, Education) and MPP Bhutila Karpoche (Critic, Early Childhood Development and Children) to discuss our Indoor Air Quality Reports and to gather more technical information to support the possibility of a private members’ bill introduced by the NDP.

Meeting with MPP Peter Tabuns

OSPE staff and subject matter expert, Joseph Fox, P.Eng. met with MPP Peter Tabuns, Interim Leader of the NDP Ontario to discuss OSPE’s Indoor Air Quality Reports. These reports are resources for protecting our indoor environments from airborne diseases, like COVID and RSV. MPP Tabuns was very interested and connected with colleagues within the province on the findings.

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