Three reasons to join OSPE in 2016

Sandro PerruzzaThis is a message from OSPE’s CEO, Sandro Perruzza.

As we head into the holiday season, followed by a new start in 2016, I’d like to encourage you to consider three reasons why all engineering professionals should become OSPE members.

  1. To support your advocacy organization

OSPE consults with government regularly on big issues like climate change and energy policy to ensure the critical work and expertise of engineers is incorporated into public policy decisions. Engineers have a moral obligation to provide these solutions.

  1. To speak to the media and educate the public

The media contacts OSPE frequently to comment on engineering news, and to speak to subject matter experts on a wide range of topics. OSPE needs more input and participation from engineers in Ontario to adequately represent the profession.

  1. To enhance your career

OSPE looks after the economic interests of engineers by making sure you have opportunities for gainful employment. We host Engineering Employment Events (E3s) and provide an online job board giving you access to top companies and opportunities across the province.

Is there a specific policy issue you’d like us to focus on in 2016? Leave your comment below, or contact advocacy@ospe.on.ca.

Do you wish to speak to the media about an issue in the news that you can provide an expert opinion on? Comment below, or contact our Manager of Corporate Communications and Digital Media directly at csmith@ospe.on.ca.

Do you have an idea for a service OSPE could provide that would help enhance your career? Tell us what you think below, or contact our Manager of Professional Development and Career Services at jmoudakis@ospe.on.ca.

This Post Has 3 Comments

  1. Peter Rapin, P Eng

    How can you say this after ducking the Industrial Exception Rule in a recent statement?
    1) “OSPE consults with government regularly on big issues like climate change and energy policy to ensure the critical work and expertise of engineers is incorporated into public policy decisions”
    2) The media contacts OSPE frequently to comment on engineering news, and to speak to subject matter experts on a wide range of topics”
    3) “OSPE looks after the economic interests of engineers by making sure you have opportunities for gainful employment.”
    What part of these three claims are evident in the recent statement referenced above?

    1. STAFF

      Peter,

      Thanks for your questions. Allow us to respond accordingly.

      1) OSPE has been and continues to meet with Political Leaders to ensure that the engineering perspective is considered in areas of public policy. For example, OSPE was one of a limited group of organizations invited to participate in the Climate Summit of the Americas this summer. We have met with members of all three political parties this year to share our perspective on a wide range of issues, not just our labour market and cap-and-trade reports. We gave an oral submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs as they prepared the 2015 Ontario Budget, and shared our energy policies with both the Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, as well as provided materials to the Auditor General of Ontario as their office prepared their recent report… just to name a few. All materials were developed by the invaluable contributions of our various task forces and advocacy committees, made up of the top subject matter experts in Ontario and beyond.

      2) OSPE ensured issues in engineering were featured in the media this year. Some media coverage from 2015 includes:

      • CBC Radio – Ontario Today: Why can’t engineers find a job in their field?
      • Globe & Mail: Specialization and diversification are changing the work of engineers
      • Metro News: Both Gardiner options pose problems for pedestrians: Engineers
      • Global News Toronto: Online campaign aims to break gender stereotypes in the field of engineering
      • Daily Commercial News: Engineer expertise needed in cap-and-trade system

      3) Regarding the industrial exemption, the ruling does not preclude engineering graduates from working in the industrial sector. In fact, we have had conversations with Canadian Manufacturer and Exporters to demonstrate the value engineers have within their sector. Engineers are needed to drive innovation, productivity and profitability, especially in Advanced Manufacturing. If Canada is to compete on the global stage, governments and businesses need to invest in new technologies in a variety of industries, including mining, forestry, agri-goods, biotechnology, ICT sector, and environment, building and green tech, and the transportation sector, especially with the electrification of the Go Transit lines. Engineers are needed in all of these industries.

      The financial sector also recognizes the need for engineering graduates within their institutions, and are now hosting hiring fairs for engineering graduates at universities across Canada. We have been lobbying for governments and businesses to work together to create more opportunities for engineering co-ops and internships, and have been involved in discussions on how to grow Ontario’s (and Canada’s) economy to create jobs not only for engineering graduates, but for all those that are needed to support our engineers in the field.

      The issue of “licencing” is solely within PEO’s mandate and area of responsibility, and thus, OSPE has remained neutral. Similarly, this is why PEO hasn’t advocated in areas such as climate change, transportation, or energy, since this is the mandate of OSPE.

      For more information on where OSPE is heading, please take a look at our strategic plan, titled “Engage, Amplify and Excel” which was launched earlier this year. The plan was developed by the Board of Directors, after consulting our members through a number of town halls we held in January through April 2015.

  2. Jonathan Hack P.Eng

    Sandro – Three excellent suggestions. Many times engineers become consumed with the technical aspects of an issue, and don’t give thought of the larger impacts in terms of jobs and prosperity that can be associated with effective advocacy on critical issues. I think that OSPE fills an important role here.

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