6/6/2017

1

PEO & OSPEEngineers Working Together

for a Stronger Future

Who is OSPE?

• The voice of the engineering profession in Ontario

• Advocacy organization for entire engineering community

• Ensures the expertise of engineers in heard and respected

6/6/2017

2

What Does OSPE Do? • Acts as the bridge between the engineering community and other stakeholders

in Ontario

• OSPE links:

• engineers with government, the public and the media

• students and recent grads with employers

• prospective engineering students with mentors and universities

• Provides all engineers at different points in their careers the services they require

OSPE’s Goal

6/6/2017

3

Advocacy• Reminding government that engineers are critical

to the success of Ontario’s economy and infrastructure

• OSPE focuses on several key policy areas

• Meets with cabinet ministers, opposition leaders, deputy ministers and business leaders to ensure that our policy positions are understood and considered

Key to Continued SuccessEnergy

Environment and Climate

Change

Labour Market

InfrastructureRing of Fire

Research and Innovation

Women in Engineering

6/6/2017

4

Energy• Help government address problems that exacerbate the

rise in electricity prices and reduce emissions for the benefit of all Ontarians

• Advocate for policy changes that will allow for better utilization of off-peak grid capacity to help lower the cost of electricity for Ontarians

• Latest reports focus on reducing emissions at an affordable cost and how to best implement Ontario’s cap-and-trade program

Engineering Labour Market

6/6/2017

5

Environment & Climate Change

• Engineers play a critical role in alleviating the effects of climate change

• OSPE prepares submissions to send to government through the Environmental Registry on topics like soil management, waste reduction and climate change

• We advocate that moving towards a low-carbon economy will create opportunities and enhance, rather than diminish, Ontario’s prosperity

6/6/2017

6

Infrastructure• OSPE urges government to adopt innovative

techniques and systems for infrastructure planning and development

• We speak to the intersection between infrastructure and climate change

• Lobby for investment in smart infrastructureand a member of the Construction andDesign Alliance of Ontario where we regularlymeet with Infrastructure Ontario, Metrolinx, TTCand other government infrastructure entities

6/6/2017

7

Research & Innovation• To foster innovation and entrepreneurship in youth the

province must encourage and nurture a culture of risk-taking

• Government should work with innovation centres across the province to develop business courses that embed a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and risk-taking

• Engineering programs need to evaluate existing curriculum against industry needs and labour market trends

Ring of Fire• Immense economic opportunity for Ontario and Canada,

but also an issue of “Access” for Northern Ontario Communities

• OSPE promotes engineers' interests in the region and the advancement of First Nations in engineering, empowerment through innovation, and the removal of societal barriers to STEM education for FN youth

• Advocates for strong front end engineering (FEE)for the long-term value of related projects

6/6/2017

8

6/6/2017

9

Women in Engineering• Only 18% of graduates from

Canadian engineering programs are female

• OSPE works to create a more progressive and diverse engineering profession

• Encouraging more Ontario women to study engineering, consider engineering as a career and pursue licensure, as well as to take on leadership roles.

6/6/2017

10

6/6/2017

11

Thank You!