National Position Statements

What are Engineers Canada’s national position statements?

The engineering profession has positions on key issues relating to the public interest. These are consensus positions of the provincial and territorial engineering regulatory bodies of Engineers Canada.

Why does Engineers Canada have national position statements?

These statements:

• represent the collective position of the engineering profession
• influence public policy
• facilitate discussion with government
• provide information for our members and those of the engineering profession

What are the topics?

• Artificial Intelligence Engineering Technology in Autonomous and Connected Vehicles The development of artificial intelligence (AI) engineering technology in autonomous and connected vehicles requires the unbiased, evidence-based advice and professional expertise of engineers in Canada.
• Building a Safer and more Resilient Future: Engineers' Role in Strengthening Canada's Building Code Engineers contribute their technical expertise to develop and implement codes that help buildings withstand climate challenges and endure the impacts of time, sustained use, and environmental pressures.
• Building Canada’s High-Speed Broadband Through a Sustainable Digital Infrastructure Incorporating engineers’ accountability into federal legislation related to broadband infrastructure weaves the engineering regulatory process into the fabric of government and thereby keeps Canadians and their data safe, secure, and protected.
• Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events Effective policy responses to climate change and extreme weather events require collaborative efforts between all levels of governments and the engineering profession. 
• Confirmation of Academic Requirements Self-regulation of the engineering profession protects and enhances public health, safety, welfare, the economy, and the environment for all Canadians.
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion The engineering profession believes that it should be reflective of the diversity in Canadian society. 
• Engineers' Contributions to Inclusive Design: Creating Universally Accessible Environments By recognizing accessibility as a core value, engineers contribute to a society that values diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all. 
• Federal Regulations of Small Fishing Vessel Design To ensure Canada's fishing industry's safety, efficiency, and sustainability, the regulatory framework for small fishing vessels should recognize provincial and territorial engineering regulators, incorporate impartial naval architectural expertise, and align with climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
• Immigration and Foreign Qualifications Recognition Engineers Canada supports international mobility for qualified engineers and a transparent and open process for admission into the engineering profession in Canada.
• Indigenous People’s Access to Post-Secondary Engineering Education Increasing the representation of Indigenous people in post-secondary engineering education provides significant benefits to Canadian society and the economy by increasing innovation, addressing skills shortages, and increasing diverse perspectives to solve complex problems.
• Infrastructure on Indigenous Reserves and in Remote Indigenous Communities The engineering profession is committed to engaging with Indigenous communities and incorporating their input throughout the project lifecycle respecting and incorporating traditional and cultural practices, and recognizing the value of Indigenous knowledge in the infrastructure life cycle.
• Infrastructure Sound and reliable public and private infrastructure play a fundamental role in upholding public safety, driving economic prosperity, and promoting overall societal well-being.
• Labour mobility in Canada To ensure public safety and welfare, as well as to protect the environment and prevent serious economic damage, international and Canadian engineering graduates must meet the same high standards to practise in and across Canada. It is through becoming licensed with a provincial or territorial engineering regulatory body that there is assurance that all engineers meet this standard, regardless of the country where they obtained their degree.
• Licensing requirements for engineering positions in the federal public service To practise engineering and use the title ‘engineer’ (or any variation thereof), individuals must be licensed by the engineering regulator for the provinces and/or territories where the title is being used.
• Procurement of Goods and Services Collaborating with licensed engineers, whether from the government or as consultants, is crucial to optimize value in federal government engineering procurement.
• Professional Practice in Biomedical Engineering: Regulating biomedical engineers and the field of biomedical engineering is central in ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical devices and treatments, while also safeguarding the public from potential harm.
• Professional Practice in Biotechnology Engineers Canada supports a regulatory framework for biotechnology that integrates social, ethical, health, economic, engineering, science, and environmental considerations within a public safety framework.
• Professional Practice in Cyber Security Cyber security legislation must consider the need for engineer input in the development and maintenance of cyber security software, hardware, systems, and critical infrastructure.
• Professional Practice in Software Engineering The regulation of software engineering is critical to safeguarding the public from potential risks associated with software development and to prevent unqualified individuals from assuming responsibilities that should be handled by professional engineers.
• Qualifications to provide engineering expertise to panels and boards under federal jurisdiction Delivering expert engineering testimony to federal panels and boards requires qualified and licensed professionals.
• Qualifications-Based Selection Qualications-based selection policies and processes for procuring engineering works maximize the value of the engineer’s contribution to a project while reducing the project’s life cycle costs.
• Qualified Person vs Licensed Engineer In Canada, the terms “professional engineer” and “engineer” are restricted by provincial law. 
• Regulation of Coastal, Ocean and Related Subsurface Engineering The engineering profession believes that public interest is best served when all engineering work, including in offshore areas, is  regulated by the provincial or territorial regulator where the equipment is deployed.
• Regulating the Profession in Federally Regulated Industries Self-regulation of the engineering profession protects and enhances public health, safety, welfare, and the environment for all Canadians.
• Research, Development, and Innovation Engineers are and must continue to be at the forefront of innovative solutions to help Canadians meet the environmental, social, and economic challenges of the 21^st century.
• Role of Engineers in Building a Safe and Resilient Canada Professional engineers play a pivotal role in building safe and resilient communities across Canada in their day-to-day work as they apply technology in creative ways for the benefit of society. 
• Role of Engineers in Helping Canada Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2050: Engineers recognize the urgency of tackling climate change and are committed to facilitating Canada's transition to a low-carbon economy, ensuring a prosperous and resilient future.
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Federal government support of STEM education is key to ensuring that Canada strives to maintain leadership in the provision of STEM intellectual capital to the global marketplace.
• STEM Education Research Funding  Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education plays a central role in promoting Canada’s economic development and capacity to compete globally as well as increasing Canada’s prosperity and productivity.
• The Role of Engineers in Canada’s Long-term Economic Recovery To ensure Canada’s long-term economic recovery, the federal government should make strategic economic investments in infrastructure, the natural resources and energy, sustainable development and innovation sectors, and diversity initiatives.
• The Role of Engineers in Protecting and Advancing the Public Interest (Demand-side legislation) Legislation that speaks to engineering work, regardless of whether it is a federal or provincial statute, should require the involvement of an engineer who is licenced by the provincial or territorial regulator in the jurisdiction where the work occurs.
• Unleashing Canada’s potential: How Engineers are Essential to Increasing Canada’s Productivity Productivity is the most important determinant of a country’s per capita income over the long term. Productivity measures the efficiency with which an economy transforms inputs into outputs.
• Ventilation Systems and Building Management in Reducing Airborne Contaminants The involvement of licensed professionals, particularly engineers, in the evaluation and modification of current HVAC systems is vital in ensuring that indoor air quality remains at an optimum level, reducing the risk of exposure and spread of pathogens, particularly COVID-19 type diseases.