Since OSPE was formed in the year 2000, there has been confusion about the function of the organization compared to Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO).
Today we’re going to set the record straight!
| PEO | OSPE |
|---|---|
| Established in 1922 | Formed in the 2000, following a PEO referendum. 80% of PEO members who voted said yes to the creation of a separate, member-interest advocacy organization |
| Regulating body for engineering in Ontario, responsible for issuing P.Eng., temporary, limited and provision licences to practice engineering, as well as certificates of authorization to enable individuals and companies to offer professional engineering services to the public. | Elevating the profile of engineers by influencing government policy, promoting issues and achievements with media and the public, and providing valued member services like employment events and professional development opportunities |
| You must be licensed by PEO to use the titles “engineer,” “professional engineer,” or any similar title that would lead others to assume you are qualified to practice professional engineering, including the P.Eng. designation. | Represents licensed and unlicensed engineering professionals, graduates and students. OSPE is the only association in Ontario with the mandate to represent the entire engineering community |
How OSPE & PEO Work Together
Although OSPE and PEO have separate and distinct mandates, there are a number of initiatives where our two organizations collaborate to ensure Ontario engineers are celebrated, and their economic interests are protected.
Ontario Professional Engineering Awards (OPEA)
- Every November, OSPE and PEO host the Ontario Professional Engineering Awards to celebrate the accomplishments of our profession’s best and brightest
National Engineering Month (NEM)
- Each year during the month of March, OSPE and PEO support NEM, the biggest national celebration of engineering excellence, where volunteers in each province and territory host over 500 events that show Canadians how rewarding a career in engineering can be
Policy Issues
- OSPE and PEO work closely together both at the Head Office and local Chapter level
- For example, in May 2015, OSPE, PEO and Consulting Engineers Ontario (CEO) met with officials from the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure to present a united front on our displeasure regarding the omissions of professional engineers from Bill 6 – the Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act
- PEO and OSPE issued a joint submission to the Standing Committee on General Government to ensure the new legislation recognizes and includes the unique role of a Professional Engineer in the Act
Chapter Events
- OSPE also works closely with various PEO chapters to co-host events and gather insight of members to prepare submissions for various levels of government
- On May 27, 2015, OSPE held a consultation with the PEO West Toronto Chapter and Toronto East Chapter to discuss the options surrounding the Gardiner Expressway East and to ensure that Toronto City Council hears the Professional Engineering perspective on what option is best, given the time and resource constraints of the City of Toronto
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