The objectives of this paper are threefold; First, to brush an overview of the underlying drivers of the offshoring phenomenon that have appeared on economic and public policy radar screens over the last 15 years; Second, to look at the recent offshoring experience of a large Canadian engineering firm (SNC-Lavalin) with significant international experience and exposure; Third, to draw from the analysis, the evidence and the case at hand some lessons for public policy aimed at defining winning offshoring strategies.