OSPE - COVID-19 Economic Recovery Recommendations - Federal Government - 1

Covid-19 Economic Recovery Recommendations
About the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE)
The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) is the advocacy body and voice of the engineering profession. Ontario currently has
over 85,000 professional engineers, 250,000 engineering graduates, 6,600 engineering post-graduate students and 37,000 engineering
undergraduate students. The engineering profession's commitment to safeguarding the public interest has always been extremely
important, and in these uncertain times, there is no exception.

Introduction
Engineers generate wealth for the entire country, through the development and commercialization of new technologies and by designing
innovative and sustainable solutions for the benefit of all. Engineers also ensure safety and stability, by designing resilient infrastructure and
reliable energy and water systems that Canadians rely on daily. Engineers create opportunities and hope. During this pandemic, engineers have
led the redesign of manufacturing processes to create much needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ventilators. Engineers use 3D
printers to create tens of thousands of face shields and frames for our front-line workers. They are in the med-tech industry working diligently to
bio-engineer new medications and a new vaccine to combat COVID-19. In times of crisis, you will always find engineers working tirelessly, in the
background, without much accolade, diligently supporting the communities they serve.
Unfortunately, the engineering community has been severely impacted by this pandemic, as thousands of engineering jobs are directly linked to
the infrastructure, manufacturing, technology and research and innovation sectors. Key activities such as the development of technical designs,
studies, planning, operations management, and construction have ceased. This has not only affected engineers and engineering graduates but
the entire Canadian economy.
Engineering knowledge and talent is beyond capable of leading Canada's industries into the future and will play an important role in the
immediate, short- and long-term economic recovery of our provinces and country. As such, the federal government must now support the
engineering community in rebuilding the engine that drives Canada, and the rest of the country.
Canada's historic funding allocations to Ontario and strategic planning unfortunately fell short of serving the province's needs during this crisis,
and we would like to assist in re-introducing resiliency and value in Canada's workforce and systems. To ensure preparedness for future events
and build an economy that is strong and benefits all people, it is imperative that new funding allocations 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.
A resilient economy can be supported by:

* Leveraging Canada's existing assets

* Building the assets that both businesses and workers of the future need to succeed

* Strengthening Canada's competitive advantage
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OSPE - COVID-19 Economic Recovery Recommendations - Federal Government

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