MP Rob Oliphant and the OSPE team at the MP Lobby Day in Ottawa, April 30, 2024
The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) recently celebrated a significant milestone by hosting its first Members of Parliament Reception and Lobby Day in Ottawa. This strategic two-day event aimed to position engineers at the forefront of federal policymaking, addressing key issues relevant to the engineering profession and the broader wellbeing of Ontario and Canada.
On April 29, the reception welcomed over 30 influential guests from Parliament Hill, including MPs Ted Falk, Omar Alghabra, Francesco Sorbara, Dave Epp, and Robert Oliphant, along with representatives from pivotal federal entities such as the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, and the Ministry of Transport. This event served as a vital platform for OSPE members to engage directly with key policymakers, fostering a direct line of communication that went beyond mere social interaction.
The momentum continued into April 30, with a series of focused meetings that allowed for deeper discussions on specific engineering issues. These interactions were crucial for voicing the engineering community’s concerns and suggestions, ensuring that MPs understood the precise needs and proposals from the field. The agenda was comprehensive, covering topics such as Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS), enhancing diversity within the engineering sector, cybersecurity measures, developing sustainable infrastructure solutions to tackle the housing crisis, and addressing the urgent issues of energy and climate change. These focused dialogues were crucial for shaping a more informed understanding among policymakers about the critical contributions engineers can make to society.
This series of engagements provided an opportunity not only to present concerns but also to gather feedback on what the federal government expects from engineers. It was an effective avenue to introduce OSPE’s mission, its task forces, and to spotlight initiatives falling under federal jurisdiction.
These two days were instrumental in laying the foundation for what OSPE hopes will be a lasting relationship with the federal government. By bringing a delegation of members to these events, OSPE ensured that engineers were not only heard but actively participated in shaping policy discussions at a national level.
As OSPE continues its advocacy for the engineering profession, this inaugural event marks a historic achievement in elevating the influence of engineers in Canadian policymaking. The organization remains dedicated to supporting its members and is optimistic that the relationships fostered during this event will lead to significant and positive developments in the future, further enhancing the role of engineers in shaping the future of Canada.
For the full list of OSPE’s Asks from the Federal Government, click here.
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