Ontario Economic Update: OSPE CEO Sandro Perruzza Working with the Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition

In response to our newly challenged trade environment, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce recently created the Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition (OBTLC) to tackle the challenges posed by rising international protectionism and the threat of U.S. tariffs.  

Twenty-seven (27) industry leaders from across Ontario’s most trade-dependent sectors including mining, engineering, and agriculture, have joined the OBTLC so far, including OSPE, represented by CEO Sandro Perruzza.  

This group is committed to championing innovative, business-driven solutions, advocating for forward-thinking government policies, and reinforcing Ontario’s role as a global trade leader amid the threats of high tariffs on Canada from the United States. 

The goal of this coalition is to tackle the challenges posed by rising international protectionism and the threat of U.S. tariffs.  

Today, as the U.S. makes those threats a reality, this action-oriented community is focused on equipping Ontario businesses with the tools, resources, and strategies they need to adapt to an evolving trade landscape.  

Through Sandro’s active participation with the OBTLC, OSPE has been able to directly engage with key policymakers to address concerns related to these tariffs including meeting with Premier Doug Ford to address how the tariffs impact Ontario’s economy and engineering sector. 

Other Recent meetings include: 

• Meeting with Minister Anita Anand to discuss trade implications and potential mitigation strategies. 

• Attending an event with Ontario’s Ministers of Energy, Infrastructure, and Education to discuss policies that impact the profession, including the economic and workforce challenges posed by the tariffs. 

Upcoming meetings include: 

• Meeting with Minister Mélanie Joly to ensure that engineering professionals are included in trade policy discussions at the federal level. 

What This Means for Engineers 

The introduction of tariffs will affect supply chains, project costs, and industry competitiveness, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, construction, energy, and infrastructure. OSPE is working to ensure that engineers’ expertise is leveraged in developing strategic responses to these challenges. 

What’s Next? 

OSPE will provide updates as new information emerges. 

If you have insights on how these tariffs are affecting your work or sector, we want to hear from you. Please reach out to advocacy@ospe.on.ca with your thoughts and experiences. 

OSPE remains committed to ensuring that engineers have a strong voice in shaping Ontario’s economic and trade policies. We will keep you updated as we continue these important discussions.