Post Federal Election: OSPE’s Priorities for Advancing Engineering and Innovation in Canada

With the federal election now behind us, OSPE remains committed to ensuring that engineers play a central role in building a stronger, smarter, and more sustainable Canada. 

In the lead-up to the election, OSPE proactively sent letters to the leaders of all major political parties, outlining the engineering community’s priorities. Our goal was clear: to ensure that engineering expertise is recognized and reflected in the platforms shaping Canada’s future. 

Now, as the newly elected government begins its mandate, we are re-emphasizing the core areas we advocated for, priorities that remain essential to Canada’s long-term success. 

1. Strengthening Canada’s Engineering Labour Market 

Canada must address engineering labour shortages to meet growing infrastructure, energy, and technology demands. OSPE continues to call for: 

• Expanded support for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and bridging programs for international engineering graduates. 
• Modernized immigration pathways to retain engineering talent and eliminate credential recognition barriers. 
• Upskilling initiatives for displaced engineers and targeted pipelines for Indigenous youth in STEM. 

2. Supporting Smart Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities 

To build resilient, future-ready communities, OSPE urges the government to: 

• Mandate Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) for federal engineering and design contracts. 
• Commit to long-term, stable funding for public transit, active transportation, and climate-resilient infrastructure. 
• Invest in smart city technologies that integrate equity and climate adaptation into urban planning. 

3. Promoting Clean Technology and a Low-Carbon Economy 

Achieving Canada’s climate goals demands engineering leadership. OSPE recommends: 

• Investment in clean energy solutions like nuclear, energy storage, and grid modernization. 
• Support for hydrogen, carbon capture, and electrification demonstration projects. 
• Strong standards to combat greenwashing and promote authentic environmental innovation. 

4. Advancing Engineering in Climate and Energy Policy 

Engineering expertise must be at the forefront of climate strategy. OSPE advocates for: 

• Including engineers in climate adaptation planning and infrastructure resilience efforts. 
• Establishing a national climate risk assessment framework with professional input. 
• Strengthening technical sovereignty by building domestic capacity for critical materials and clean energy technologies. 

5. Building National Engineering Capacity in Innovation and Research and Development 

Canada’s innovation economy depends on engineering excellence. OSPE supports: 

• Increased investment in engineering-driven research and commercialization. 
• Expanding industry–academia collaboration to accelerate applied research breakthroughs. 

6. Championing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Profession 

Building a future-ready workforce requires inclusiveness. OSPE calls for: 

• Funding programs to increase diversity across engineering fields. 
• Integrating Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) into all federal STEM initiatives. 
• Strengthening reporting and data collection on diversity outcomes. 

7. Protecting Engineers with Clear Professional Liability Standards 

OSPE continues to advocate for consistent and clear liability frameworks that protect public safety and infrastructure resilience while safeguarding engineers. 

8. Addressing Tariffs and Strengthening Engineering Trade Resilience 

Engineering supply chains must be protected. OSPE recommends: 

• Opposing unjustified tariffs that disrupt critical infrastructure and technology projects. 
• Supporting domestic production of key materials and advancing trade policies that secure Canada’s technical sovereignty. 

Through proactive engagement -including early outreach to political leaders – OSPE has worked to ensure that the voice of engineers was heard during the election. 

As we move forward, we will continue collaborating with policymakers to deliver evidence-based solutions that strengthen Canada’s infrastructure, economy, and environment. Together, we can ensure engineering leadership is central to building a resilient, innovative, and inclusive Canada.