What Federal Parties Are Promising on Issues That Matter to Engineers

This blog is being updated as new information becomes available. 

​As Canada approaches the 2025 federal election on April 28, the engineering community faces a pivotal moment. With a shortened campaign period of just 36 days (the minimum duration permitted under Canadian election law) it’s imperative for engineers and STEM professionals to quickly familiarize themselves with the political parties’ positions on issues that directly impact our field. 

This election unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tensions with the United States. President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and provocative statements regarding Canada’s sovereignty have intensified economic and political challenges. These developments underscore the need for leadership that can adeptly manage international relations while safeguarding Canada’s interests. 

Despite the diverse platforms of the major federal parties -Conservatives, Liberals, and the NDP- there is a shared recognition of the importance of investing in infrastructure and innovation. All parties acknowledge that robust infrastructure is vital for economic growth and have proposed various plans to enhance transportation, energy, and digital networks. Additionally, there is a consensus on the need to support research and development initiatives, which are crucial for maintaining Canada’s competitive edge in engineering and technology sectors.​ 

To assist the engineering community in making informed choices, we’ve prepared the following comparative chart based on publicly available platforms and reporting from news sources. This chart highlights commitments by the major federal parties on topics particularly relevant to engineering, including infrastructure, energy, employment in skilled trades, and research and innovation. This chart will be updated regularly as new platform details are released, debates unfold, and election day approaches. We encourage you to stay engaged, stay informed, and share your voice on the issues that matter.​ 

Let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to include in future updates! 

Infrastructure Development   

• Conservative Party
  • Shovel-Ready Zones: Fast-track permits for major energy/resource projects.
  • Ring of Fire Development: Approve all federal permits within 6 months; invest $1B in supporting infrastructure. 

• Liberal Party
  • “Alto” High-Speed Rail: Build a rail line from Toronto to Quebec City.  
  • Port & Marine Investment: Green shipping corridors and modernized port infrastructure.

• New Democratic Party (NDP) 
  • 1 Million Affordable Homes: Large-scale construction to address housing, indirectly stimulating the engineering and trades sectors.

Energy and Environment 

• Conservative Party
  • Carbon Tax Repeal: Eliminate all federal carbon pricing (consumers & industry).  
  • Pipeline Expansion: Increase domestic pipeline capacity.
  • National Energy Corridor: Streamline energy project approvals.  

• Liberal Party
  • Carbon Tax Redesign: End consumer carbon tax; retain industrial carbon pricing.  
  • Net-Zero by 2050: Continued investment in clean tech and green jobs.  
  • Renewable Projects: Prioritize green infrastructure in government contracts.

• New Democratic Party (NDP) 
  • Polluter Pays Model: Shift costs to major emitters, not households.  
  • Green Energy Investment: Focus on renewables and energy efficiency to cut emissions and support green jobs.

Skilled Trades and Employment 

• Conservative Party
  • Trades Training Expansion: Boost funding for training facilities; fast-track employment insurance access and provide direct grants for apprentices.

• Liberal Party
  • Workforce Investment: Expand training for sectors like engineering, clean tech, and advanced manufacturing.

• New Democratic Party (NDP) 
  • Worker Protections: Ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and stronger benefits across all skilled professions, including engineering and construction.

Research and Innovation 

• Conservative Party
  • Green Tech Incentives: Prioritize carbon capture, clean fuels, and nuclear research and development.   

• Liberal Party
  • Investment in Research and Development: Fund innovation hubs, post-secondary institutions, and incubators in emerging tech and clean energy sectors.

• New Democratic Party (NDP) 
  • Sustainable Innovation: Invest in public-interest research and development to support climate action and environmental technologies.

Tariffs & U.S. Relations 

• Conservative Party
  • Canada First Approach: Oppose U.S. tariffs; promote domestic industry and trade diversification. 
  • Repeal restrictive environmental laws seen as barriers to U.S.-Canada energy projects.  
  • Explore non-U.S. markets to reduce dependence.  

• Liberal Party
  • Cooperative U.S. Relations: Support resolving EV tax credit and softwood lumber disputes.  
  • Pro-climate trade deals: Advance agreements with environmental accountability (e.g., Canada-Ukraine FTA).

• New Democratic Party (NDP) 
  • Trade Retaliation Measures: Support targeted tariffs on U.S. goods harming Canadian sectors.  
  • Diversify Trade: Push for new deals to reduce reliance on U.S. and protect Canadian workers and industries, especially the steel, auto, and agriculture industries.