OSPE’s 2025–2026 Federal Pre-Budget Submission

Each year, the federal government invites organizations across Canada to share their priorities and recommendations for the upcoming federal budget. At OSPE, we take this opportunity seriously, because engineers aren’t just implementers of policy; we’re essential contributors to its design. 

Our 2025–2026 federal pre-budget submission reflects the collective insight of our members and task forces. It presents evidence-based recommendations showing how engineering expertise can help Canada tackle its most urgent challenges: climate adaptation, industrial revitalization, infrastructure resilience, workforce development, and equitable economic growth. 

Why It Matters 

Engineers are solving the toughest problems facing Canada by: 

• Decarbonizing our energy systems
• Modernizing aging infrastructure
• Rebuilding domestic manufacturing
• Designing inclusive and sustainable communities 

But despite this impact, engineers are too often left out of policy conversations. OSPE’s pre-budget submission is how we push for change; by making clear, actionable recommendations that demonstrate how engineering leadership is essential to Canada’s success. 

Our recommendations span four key areas: 

Education & Workforce Development 

1. Invest in STEM and Engineering Education: Increase federal funding and implement the Blue Ribbon Panel’s recommendations to build a strong, future-ready workforce. 
2. Bridge Talent Gaps: Expand bridging programs for internationally trained and Indigenous engineers. 
3. Modernize Licensure: Support national licensure and engineer mobility across provinces, reducing regulatory barriers and harmonizing fees. 
4. Ensure Fair Employment Standards: Promote a national conversation on equitable workplace protections for engineers, including the elimination of outdated exemptions under the provincial Employment Standards Act.

Procurement & Professional Standards 

1. Adopt Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS): Ensure federally funded projects prioritize expertise and long-term value over low-cost bidding. 
2. Use OSPE’s Engineering Fee Guidelines: Establish fair and transparent compensation standards for engineering services. 
3. Engage Professional Expertise: Formalize collaboration between government and engineering organizations to guide infrastructure, housing, and energy policies. 

Industrial & Economic Development 

1. Launch a National Industrial Strategy: Establish an engineering-led framework to boost domestic manufacturing and innovation. 
2. Map and Fund Strategic Sectors: Target investments in clean energy, advanced rail, water technologies, and biomanufacturing. 
3. Modernize Procurement & Trade Rules: Favour Canadian-engineered solutions through regulatory updates and interprovincial trade reform. 
4. Close Gaps in Infrastructure & Skills: Support mapping of Canada’s engineering capacity to guide workforce and capital investment. 

Clean Energy & Infrastructure Resilience 

1. Modernize the Grid: Invest in smart grids, decentralized systems, and thermal energy infrastructure to support clean energy integration. 
2. Accelerate Research & Development: Fund research in energy storage, clean technologies, and climate adaptation. 
3. Streamline Regulations: Remove permitting and regulatory barriers to accelerate deployment of innovative infrastructure solutions. 

These targeted investments will unlock engineering potential across Canada and ensure our country remains competitive, sustainable, and inclusive for generations to come. 

What makes OSPE’s submission unique is that it’s shaped by engineers themselves. We consulted widely with our task forces, gathered feedback from members, and built consensus around the most urgent priorities for our profession and our country. Our submission is a direct reflection of what Ontario’s engineers believe the federal government needs to prioritize. 

We’ll continue advocating throughout the year, but this submission is a foundational step to ensure engineering has a voice in shaping Canada’s future.