The Voice - Winter 2020 - 9

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

OSPE hosts annual All Committees Meeting (ACM) to set
the strategic direction of all OSPE Task Forces and Committees
and discuss how to pivot activities to adapt to the new realities
created by COVID-19.
OSPE sends letters to both the Ontario and federal
governments outlining immediate actions needed for the
economic recovery of the province and nation because of
the COVID-19 crisis. The immediate action letters are phase
one of a three phased approach proposed by engineers to ensure
that Ontario and Canada make strategic investments that
provide a sustainable benefit for diverse, future generations by
ensuring a targeted focus on building sustainability, investing
in talent development and retention, and fostering innovation.

June
Resources and Forestry. OSPE discussed the necessary steps
required and precautions needed to be put in place to successfully
access and develop Ontario's natural resources, while effectively
protecting the environment.

April

OSPE assembles COVID-19 Economic Recovery Working
Group to propose concrete, and actionable recommendations on
ways that OSPE can assist the Ontario and federal governments
to achieve short and long-term economic recovery.

OSPE sends letters to both the Ontario and federal
governments outlining short-term actions needed for the
economic recovery of the province and nation because of
the COVID-19 crisis. The short-term action letters provide
recommendations for investments required to sustain the
initial economic growth in Phase 1. These measures should
support technologies that drive efficiencies and reflect the work
force reality post COVID-19.
OSPE speaks to the Policy Director at the Office of the
Minister of Natural Resources Canada about the importance
of investing in Ontario's mining Industry.

OSPE leads the development of a " COVID-19 Infrastructure
Working Group " with the Ministries of Infrastructure,
Labour & Skills Development, Municipal Affairs & Housing,
Transportation, and the Attorney General's Office. OSPE,
with representatives from the Construction & Design Alliance
of Ontario (CDAO), and other industry and labour partners are
working to establish new health and safety protocols to protect
workers on infrastructure projects, as well as work through
the contractual obligations resulting from project delays and
disruptions.

May

OSPE provides submission for Pre-Start Health and Safety
Review in Factories Consultation. OSPE agrees with the current
requirement that professional engineers conduct Pre-Start Health
and Safety reviews, in relation to items one to seven. We believe
that only qualified professional engineers possess the technical
knowledge to provide this oversight and protect public safety.

OSPE speaks to Policy Analysts at the Office of the Minister
of Innovation, Science, and Industry Canada. OSPE calls on
the federal government to create a dedicated fund to support
Ontario businesses in Research and Development (R&D).

Winter 2021 THE VOICE

9
The Voice - Winter 2020

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