Ontario’s 2025 Election Promises: Aligning with Engineering Priorities

As Ontario approaches the 2025 provincial election, we have compiled a chart of campaign promises based on public statements made by party leaders. This reference tool is designed to help our members make informed decisions by providing a clear overview of each party’s commitments. By assessing these promises through the lens of engineering priorities, members can evaluate how proposed policies align with the future needs of Ontario while selecting the next provincial government. 

As a non-partisan organization, OSPE remains committed to providing engineers and industry professionals with the tools to critically evaluate policy proposals and assess how they align with the engineering priorities that shape Ontario’s future. We will continue to update this chart as parties release their official platforms or announce new commitments through political engagements. 

Additionally, OSPE has released a comprehensive set of policy recommendations aimed at fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic resilience in the province. This blog examines the parties’ promises in relation to OSPE’s priorities, highlighting opportunities where engineering expertise can help shape Ontario’s future. 

Powering Ontario’s Future: Energy Policies 

Energy policy plays a critical role in shaping Ontario’s economic and environmental future. From investments in renewable energy to regulatory changes, political parties have outlined various approaches to ensure energy security, affordability, and sustainability. 

• Green Party: Proposes increasing investments in low-cost renewable energy sources and enhancing climate-friendly transit options. 

• Liberal Party: Plans to waive the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) from heating and hydro bills and offer rebates for electric vehicle purchases. 

• Progressive Conservative (PC) Party: Focuses on energy security, proposing restrictions on foreign ownership in critical infrastructure and energy procurement. 

• New Democratic Party (NDP): No specific commitments announced at this time. 

OSPE’s Perspective: OSPE supports a diversified energy mix that includes renewables, nuclear, and emerging low-carbon technologies. Policies that encourage energy efficiency, grid modernization, and electrification align with OSPE’s goals for a resilient and sustainable energy future. 

Building a Sustainable Ontario: Environmental Policies 

Protecting Ontario’s natural environment while supporting economic growth is a delicate balance. Political parties have proposed different strategies to address conservation, emissions reductions, and infrastructure development. 

• Green Party: Proposes conservation initiatives, collaboration with Indigenous communities, and the expansion of protected natural areas. 

• Liberal Party: Supports incentives for electric vehicles while opposing a provincial carbon tax. 

• PC Party: Proposes streamlining environmental assessments to expedite infrastructure projects. 

• NDP: No specific commitments announced at this time. 

OSPE’s Perspective: OSPE emphasizes the importance of balancing environmental protection with sustainable infrastructure development. Policies that incorporate climate resiliency and nature-based solutions into planning are key to minimizing environmental impacts while supporting economic growth. 

Addressing the Housing Crisis: Affordability and Supply 

Housing affordability and availability continue to be pressing issues in Ontario. Parties have proposed a variety of measures, from incentives for first-time buyers to increasing housing density and expanding rental protections. 

• Green Party: Advocates for increased housing density and the creation of an Affordable Communities Fund to assist municipalities with infrastructure costs. 

• Liberal Party: Proposes eliminating the provincial Land Transfer Tax for first-time buyers, rent control measures, and incentives for middle-class housing. 

• NDP: Plans to build 60,000 new supportive housing units and increase protections for renters. 

• PC Party: Proposes a $2 billion investment in water and wastewater infrastructure to support housing development. 

OSPE’s Perspective: OSPE supports sustainable and affordable housing solutions that integrate smart design, resilient infrastructure, and efficient land use planning. A strong municipal infrastructure backbone is necessary to enable new housing developments while maintaining long-term sustainability. 

Building for the Future: Infrastructure Investments 

Investments in infrastructure not only drive economic growth but also ensure the safety and efficiency of Ontario’s transportation, energy, and municipal systems. 

• Green Party: No specific commitments announced at this time. 

• Liberal Party: Supports investments in transit safety and regional LRT expansion. 

• PC Party: Proposes large-scale transportation and infrastructure projects, including highway expansions and a proposed tunnel beneath Highway 401. 

• NDP: No specific commitments announced at this time. 

OSPE’s Perspective: Engineers play a critical role in ensuring infrastructure investments are sustainable, efficient, and future-ready. Whether through transit expansion, highway development, or smart city integration, OSPE supports a data-driven approach to infrastructure planning. 

Expanding Transportation and Mobility 

The efficiency of Ontario’s transportation networks directly impacts economic productivity and quality of life. Political parties have proposed measures to expand transit, reduce congestion, and improve mobility. 

• Green Party: Advocates for expanding cycling infrastructure and promoting sustainable transit. 

• Liberal Party: Proposes enhancements to public transit, including LRT expansions and hiring additional security personnel. 

• PC Party: Plans for significant investments in road and highway expansion projects, including a tunnel beneath Highway 401 and the removal of certain tolls. 

• NDP: Pledges to build the Grimsby GO Station. 

OSPE’s Perspective: OSPE supports a multi-modal transportation strategy that includes investments in transit, roadways, and emerging technologies. Reducing congestion while promoting sustainable and efficient transit options will be key for Ontario’s economic and environmental future. 

Taxation and Economic Growth 

Tax policy affects both individuals and businesses, influencing economic growth and investment in critical sectors. Political parties have proposed different strategies to ease financial burdens and stimulate the economy. 

• Liberal Party: Proposes reducing the middle-class tax rate, eliminating HST on home heating, and cutting the small business tax rate. 

• PC Party: Plans to maintain a permanent cut to the provincial gas tax and oppose the federal carbon tax. 

• NDP: No specific tax-related commitments announced at this time. 

• Green Party: No specific tax-related commitments announced at this time. 

OSPE’s Perspective: OSPE encourages fiscal policies that support innovation, economic competitiveness, and investment in critical infrastructure. Ensuring tax policies align with sustainability goals and workforce development is essential for Ontario’s long-term economic strength. 

Conclusion 

Ontario’s 2025 election will shape the province’s future across key policy areas. While each party presents different approaches, OSPE emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making and engineering expertise in shaping effective solutions. Since official party platforms have not yet been released, OSPE will continue to monitor developments and work with policymakers to ensure engineering-driven solutions are integrated into Ontario’s growth strategies.