The Voice - Winter 2020 - 12

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

The Research and Innovation (R&D) Task Force leads
discussions on key technological advancements, their impact,
and the contribution engineers can have to the development
of tools and solutions that serve the public interest. Ontario's
engineers are uniquely positioned across several industries
- from mobile internet, automation, cloud technology,
advanced manufacturing, energy storage, advanced oil and
gas exploration, and renewable energy, amongst others - to
contribute exponentially to Canada's R&D ecosystem.

January

Engineers are invited to join the Ontario Chamber of
Commerce Data Working Group to provide the engineering
perspective and expertise on topics such as artificial
intelligence, data privacy, data portability, cybersecurity,
government data, and skills.

March

Engineers provide submission to Ontario Privacy
Commissioner consultation on Artificial Intelligence.
Engineers play a key role in the development, implementation,
and use of artificial intelligence technology. They are well
positioned to ensure that this promising technology is put to
good use, establish Canada as a leader in this field, and protect
the public interest. Given the ambiguities surrounding the use
of a new technology, the engineering community supports the
Office of the Privacy Commissioner's study of the impact of AI
on Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents
Act (PIPEDA).
Engineers host research and innovation roundtable on
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) with key leaders
in industry and academia. At the event, OSPE releases its
Growing the Drone Industry report, and discusses regulation,
public perception, and industry outlook with a panel of subject
matter experts.

July

Engineers meet with the Office of the Minister of
Innovation, Science, and Economic Development. The

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THE VOICE Winter 2021

discussion focused on the importance of supporting research
and development activities, with a strong focus on local
commercialization, including development and protection of
intellectual property for Ontario and Canada's benefit (IP).

October

Engineers participate in consultation roundtable with the
Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of Government and
Consumer Services. The consultation seeks to strengthen privacy
protections in Ontario. Engineers discussed the importance
of protecting the public while taking a harmonized approach
to privacy legislation so as not to inhibit economic growth and
innovation.

ENVIRONMENT TASK FORCE

The environment committee works to provide the government
with the expertise required to develop long-term, comprehensive
climate change policies to protect the environment. Engineers
understand the requirements for innovative, sustainable and
efficient building designs, effective energy policy decisions that
help reduce green house gas (GHG) emissions, and the impact
climate change has on our natural environment and communities.

January

Engineers respond to the Ministry of the Environment,
Conservation and Park's consultation ERO 019 - 0987:
Amendment to the Record of Site Condition (Brownfields)
Regulation related to the Requirement to Sample Ground
Water. OSPE believes it is essential to ensure licensing bodies are
accountable for their respective licence holders and that Qualified
Persons (QPs) are fully qualified.

June

OSPE responds to the Ministry of the Environment,
Conservation and Park's consultation ERO 019-1340
Updating Ontario's Water Quantity Management Framework,
highlighting the importance of including priorities of water use
in regulation.

July

OSPE presents to the Ministry of the Environment,
Conservation and Park's Advisory Panel on Climate Change
regarding the impact of flooding on homeowners. Engineers
identify the need to prioritize the update of the province's floodplain
mapping, as well as focusing on obtaining all the pertinent data and
information on the status of Ontario's infrastructure. This starts
by undertaking a full provincial impact assessment to identify
The Voice - Winter 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Voice - Winter 2020
