OSPE - The Voice - June 2018 - 6

MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT AND CHAIR

I am thrilled to return as President
and Chair of OSPE's Board of
Directors for a second term.
As an engineer I know that it is important that we have our opinions, knowledge
and expertise respected - and rightfully so. That's why our dedicated staff, Board
of Directors and members have worked to continue to elevate the profile of the
profession and voice of Ontario's engineers.
OSPE was busy this spring supporting Ontario's 85,000 Professional Engineers
to GET LOUD, become engaged, and ask more of their government. We seized
the election period as a time to engage with government in our #EngineeringAlly
campaign - ensuring that we are heard and that engineering is supported, valued,
and respected.
The campaign called on all candidates to take a pledge and commit to five
actionable items, such as growing and maintaining investments in high-growth
sectors; addressing the underemployment of engineering talent; and championing
the appointment of Professional Engineers to government advisory boards and the
Ontario Public Service. OSPE intends to hold elected MPPs accountable to their
commitments and will work to ensure they are actioned through policy support with
the new administration.
Through OSPE, you have access to a broad range of opportunities to shape
meaningful public policy and take on leadership roles outside of your careers. A few
weeks ago, OSPE launched a new volunteer initiative - The Ambassador Program.
As ambassadors, OSPE volunteers inform our advocacy objectives and carry our
message to their communities and networks. They ensure that OSPE can continue
to make a positive impact for Ontario's engineers and generate an appreciation of
the engineering profession. Through this new program we are empowering our
members to step up for speaking engagements, mentorship opportunities and PAN
activities. You can register to become an OSPE ambassador at www.ospe.on.ca/
ambassador-program.
Ontario's engineers continue to impact and improve our quality of life and
economic prosperity. There are countless examples from this past year that confirm
that OSPE reports and policy submissions are not just being read - they are being
referenced, and our strategic recommendations are being adopted. At OSPE, we
are in the business of advocacy. We bring together our taskforces to share ideas
and strategies for engaging government and influencing policy. One of the primary
reasons that our advocacy has impact is because of a constant dialogue with you -
our members. Your opinions, insights and expertise drive and inspire what we do.
This spring we launched our "Remarkable Campaign," which showcases the
inspiring work of four professional engineers and OSPE members. The objective
of this campaign is to build brand identity, social engagement, and awareness
surrounding the engineering profession and the value of OSPE membership.
Throughout the coming months, the Society Notes Blog will feature Remarkable
engineering stories that highlight the accomplishments of our members. Already this
campaign has increased traffic to the OSPE website and is engaging our members in a
meaningful way.
With the Ontario provincial election this month, OSPE will evaluate the policy
imperatives of the elected party, and we will continue to ensure that whichever
party forms government -they will listen to the input of engineers. To do this, it
is important that we first understand the priorities of new government, and how
we can best work with them. Our new board is also set to re-evaluate our strategic

6

THE VOICE

June 2018

Jonathan Hack, P.Eng., MBA, PMP

PRESIDENT AND CHAIR,
Ontario Society of Professional Engineers

One of the primary reasons
that our advocacy has impact
is because of a constant
dialogue with you - our
members. Your opinions,
insights and expertise drive
and inspire what we do.

plan in June - we intend to emerge
with a strong engagement plan later
this summer.
Thank you for your ongoing
involvement and support. We need
your help to ensure that the expertise
of the engineer is front and centre, so
that each of you are in a position to
continue innovating and delivering
solutions to society's complex
challenges. At the end of the day,
OSPE exists to support YOU.
http://www.ospe.on.ca/ambassador-program http://www.ospe.on.ca/ambassador-program http://http://
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of OSPE - The Voice - June 2018
