The quarterly publication of APEGA. This edition focuses on the council election with information about why to vote, all the candidates, and how to vote. Also included in this edition is the annual AGM & Conference, plus an Ethical Approach to Third Party Reviews.
SPRING 2019
| apega.ca
The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta
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Contents
SPRING 2019
FEATURED PHOTO: PAGE 50›
FEATURES 10 Why Vote? 11 How do I Decide? 14-39 Who Are the Candidates? 40 How do I Vote? 42 It’s AGM & Conference Time 44 Third-Party Reviews: An Ethical Approach 42 10
64
DEPARTMENTS
4 President's Notebook 7 RCEO’s Message 46-53 Movers & Shakers
54-64 The Watch 66 Volunteering 69 Edmonton, Calgary Branch Calendar 70-77 The Discipline File 78 Member Benefits
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The PEG (ISSN 1923-0052) is published quarterly—online—in the spring, summer, fall, and winter, by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta. The PEG ’s content relates primarily to APEGA, our statutory obligations, our services to Members and Permit Holders, and the professional development of Members. The magazine also celebrates Member and Permit Holder accomplishments in Professional Engineering, Professional Geoscience, and other areas. The PEG is not a technical, peer-reviewed publication. Although we publish items about accomplishments in research, we do not publish actual academic or scientific papers and presentations, even in summary form. The PEG does not accept advertising. Opinions published in The PEG do not necessarily reflect the opinions or
VOLUME 3 | NUMBER 1 | SPRING 2019 ISSN 1923-0052 Director of Communications Nancy Biamonte Nancy.Biamonte@apega.ca Editor George Lee , FEC (Hon.), FGC (Hon.) George.Lee@apega.ca
policy of APEGA or its Council. Inquiries: George.Lee@apega.ca
EXECUTIVE TEAM Registrar & Chief Executive Officer Jay Nagendran , P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.), QEP, BCEE
COUNCIL President
Nima Dorjee , P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.) Vice-President Timothy Joseph , P.Eng., PhD, FCIM President-Elect George Eynon , P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hon.) Past-President Jane Tink , P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.)
Deputy Registrar & Chief Regulatory Officer Matthew Oliver , CD , P.Eng. Chief Membership Services Officer Heidi Yang , P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.) Chief Financial & Corporate Officer Sharilee Fossum , CPA, CMA, ICD.D, MBA Director of Communications Nancy Biamonte Senior Advisor & Director of Council Relations Sloan d’Entremont , P.Eng. BRANCH CHAIRS Calgary Tibor Kaldor , P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.) calgarybranch@apega.ca Central Alberta Jeff Krehmer , P.Eng. centralalbertabranch@apega.ca Edmonton Andrew Liu , P.Eng. edmontonbranch@apega.ca Fort McMurray Ajaya Anuradha Ghosh , P.Eng. fortmcmurraybranch@apega.ca Lakeland Andrew Francis , E.I.T. lakelandbranch@apega.ca Lethbridge Albert Tagoe , P.Eng. lethbridgebranch@apega.ca Medicine Hat Clayton Bos , P.Eng. medicinehatbranch@apega.ca Peace Region Kimberly Chin , E.I.T. peaceregionbranch@apega.ca Vermilion River Dustin Wiltermuth , P.Eng. vermilionriverbranch@apega.ca Yellowhead Calvin Goveia , E.I.T. yellowheadbranch@apega.ca
Natasha Avila , P.Eng. Jennifer Enns , P.Eng., FGC, FEC (Hon.) Darren Hardy , P.Eng. Brad Hayes , P.Geol., PhD, FGC, FEC (Hon.) Tim Hohm , P.Eng. Walter Kozak , P.Eng. RaeAnne Leach , P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.), PMP Manon Plante , P.Eng., MDS, CD1 Bob Rundle , P.Eng., FGC, FEC (Hon.), PMP Jason Vanderzwaag , P.Eng., M.A.Sc., LEED-AP, PMP Claudia Villeneuve , P.Eng., M.Eng., PMP, ACG Emily Zhang , P.Eng., PMP
Councillors
Mary Phillips-Rickey , F CA Georgeann Wilkin , RN, LL.B., MBS
Public Members of Council
APEGA CONTACT INFORMATION HEAD OFFICE 1500 Scotia One, 10060 Jasper Avenue NW Edmonton AB T5J 4A2 PH 780-426-3990 TOLL FREE 1-800-661-7020 FAX 780-426-1877
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Engineers Canada Directors Lisa Doig , P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.), MBA
Gary Faulkner , P.Eng., PhD, FEC, FGC (Hon.) David Lynch , P.Eng., PhD, FEC, FGC (Hon.), FCAE, FEIC, FCIC (President-Elect) Connie Parenteau , P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.)
www.apega.ca email@apega.ca
Geoscientists Canada Director Colin Yeo , P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hon.)
CALGARY OFFICE 2200 Scotia Centre, 700 Second Street SW Calgary AB T2P 2W1 PH 403-262-7714 TOLL FREE 1-800-661-7020 FAX 403-269-2787
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NOTICE
2019 Annual General Meeting
Friday, April 26, 2019 | 2 p.m. TELUS Convention Centre | Calgary, Alberta Luncheon 12:00 p.m. – 1:40 p.m.
Attendance Qualifies for CPD credit
apega.ca for more details.
In accordance with APEGA Bylaw 16(20) of the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act , official notice of the 2019 APEGA Annual General Meeting is hereby given.
Your Vote. Your Council. Your APEGA.
Have your say in how APEGA is governed.
The 2019 APEGA election runs from Monday, February 11, 2019, at 9 a.m. to Thursday, March 14, 2019, at 4:30 p.m.
Visit apega.ca now to participate.
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President’s Notebook
APEGA
My Final Call to Action as APEGA’s 99th President BY NIMA DORJEE, P.ENG., FEC, FGC (HON.) APEGA President
It’s easy to be blasé about our professional roles. We act ethically, we perform our duties within our areas of training—and voila, the public is properly protected. Society, for the most part, moves forward. When we do this properly, there’s no such thing as choosing to ignore codes, standards, and legislation. There are no shortcuts to success. My bias is showing here, but by my reckoning, engineers and geoscientists play a disproportionate role in our march of progress. Bridges stay up, the bounty beneath our feet is discovered and put to good use, our shareholders smile. We hold our heads high, turn off our computers at the end of the day, and head home to be with our families and sleep the sleep of the just. There’s nothing wrong with all that. In fact, it encapsulates the beauty and power of self-regulation. Because we act professionally in our everyday lives, APEGA is well equipped to continue to serve the people of Alberta for another storied century. Member self-interest is channelled into the greater good. Kudos all round. But is there more we should be doing? I think so. And that’s the challenge I present to you, as my term as your President winds down. This is my last column in The PEG . Soon, I’ll shift into Past-President mode, as the 2020 centennial of this wonderful organization draws near. I have viewed my role as one of encouragement and leadership, rather than one of heavy-handed direction, especially when it comes to my relationship with members and permit holders. In every interaction we’ve had during my term, I have listened to you and also done my best to inspire you. I have shared information and ideas that dare us to stretch our imaginations beyond
what, on cursory examination, we think can achieve. I’m talking about the big picture and the moves we make now, as we bring an even better world into focus. If you’ve been reading my words in this space, you’ll recognize some common threads. In short, my column has been about our people: who we are, what we have, and how we can work together. I’ve written about how none of us succeed on our own, using as an example my own journey from refugee in India to professional engineer in Alberta. I’ve written about the need to develop our own engineering and geoscience communities, to develop new opportunities and connections, and to support each other. And I’ve implored you to think of Alberta’s surplus of senior engineers and geoscientists, along with the regulatory excellence that buttresses them, as a provincial resource we should share with each other and the world. Now, let’s look at leveraging all this into the arena of universal responsibility. Let’s start thinking of our duty to the public as something bigger than doing our jobs properly—and, dare I say it, bigger than our actual professions. I am not suggesting that you aren’t already giving back or serving the greater good in other ways. Some of you have earned enormous wealth, within and beyond engineering and geoscience, and I would never, ever minimize the impact that the labs, buildings, cultural enterprises, health facilities, schools, and other deserving projects you’ve supported have had. It’s impossible to give you each individual recognition—I would miss many of you, which in itself reflects how prolific we are, when it comes to donating to good causes.
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President’s Notebook
APEGA
I HAVE LISTENED TO YOU AND ALSO DONE MY BEST TO INSPIRE YOU. I HAVE SHARED INFORMATION AND IDEAS THAT DARE US TO STRETCH OUR IMAGINATIONS BEYOND WHAT, ON CURSORY EXAMINATION, WE THINK CAN ACHIEVE.
Most of us won’t have the opportunity to give millions of dollars to making the world a better place. We still have plenty to offer, though, no matter how much time or money we donate to worthy causes. Coaching your child’s soccer team or serving meals for the local homeless shelter are profoundly important things, small as they may seem on the outside. And remember the APEGA Foundation, which tills the ground for future yields of engineers and geoscientists. But what else? We have a responsibility to offer solutions, and we shouldn’t limit ourselves to professional interpretations of those words. My call to action is not just about building, inventing, and mining things. It’s about the impact and overall purpose of what we create, and it’s about the bigger questions concerning the survivability of our planet, our institutions, and our infrastructure: better power storage, better information technology, affordable alternative energy, less societal disfunction. Add to the list as you see fit. In our quest as professionals to find solutions, we’re often called upon to use our skills in root-cause analysis. When you solve for the root cause, your success rate increases dramatically. This skill is needed everywhere, not just in the sciences. We need it in community development. We need it in education. We need it in business and various industries. We are solution-seekers and solution- finders, and as such our value goes
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President's Notebook
APEGA
beyond keeping the lights on and the oil coming out of the ground. Two major elections are coming up (not to mention the APEGA election, underway now). It may be too late to run provincially or nationally, but I implore you to participate. Ask the right questions. Support good candidates for good reasons. The public arena needs critical thinking, especially in a world that often looks at ignorance as a virtue and rails against expert opinion. I do not believe one side or the other of the political spectrum has a monopoly on altruism. In our time, intolerance and selfishness are finding purchase on the left and the right. No matter what your own leanings are, you can be better than that. Alberta is often seen as some kind of redneck outpost, and current events, along with our reactions to them, are doing little to change that, especially after they’ve gone through the media filter and been reduced to Facebook memes. I think we need to show the world that we can be pro-pipeline and pro-solar. We can simultaneously support the oilsands of Wood Buffalo and the windfarms of southern Alberta. We can seek solutions without destroying what we already have. REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES An honorary APEGA member many of you will have heard of is Calgary oil entrepreneur Jim Gray, OC, AOE. He’s started something in his city that fits nicely into what I’m talking about, stemming from his Top 7 Over 70 Awards. The Calgary and area awards program sprung from a pair of observations. All kinds of demographic groups, except seniors, are regularly awarded for their successes. At the same time, Mr. Gray noticed an explosion of new ventures among those who have reached or passed traditional retirement age. Wasn’t
it time, he thought, to celebrate and encourage those late-career (or even post-career) successes and new directions? Top 7 Over 70, in partnership with the Calgary Seniors Resource Society, was born. Mr. Gray did not stop there. The next step in this story is InterGen Canada, which unleashes what its website calls “an army of mentors and advisers” on companies that participate in its four-month accelerator program. Who are these mentors and advisers? Retired or soon-to-retire executives, of course. InterGen also holds workshops, roundtables, and meetups—all geared towards connecting that senior and priceless resource I’m been talking about with younger entrepreneurs, their ideas, and their projects. I think we should all keep an eye on InterGen. And those of us in the senior category should look at InterGen as an example of what we can continue doing, when our more traditional careers are over. Here’s something else that ties into what I’m talking about. In 2008, Stanford Medicine in the U.S. founded the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. The centre, within the Department of Neurosurgery, addresses a need for research into what motivates us to do good things. It’s also about cultivating good as a necessary part of societal and individual development. That’s amazing and encouraging: that being good is being promoted as a separate academic endeavour, worthy of being addressed as a medical matter. If medicine can promote altruism, why can’t we? Why can’t all professions? So I’ll end on that note. I hope that, during my presidency, I’ve managed to encourage you and inspire you. I know many of you have done exactly that for me. Thanks to all those who supported me, shared an idea with me, or shared a story with me. It’s been a great ride. Let’s all start developing our next big idea. And let’s all do our part to build a better world.
LINKS APEGA Foundation
InterGen Canada Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education
Questions or comments? president@apega.ca
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Registrar & CEO's Message
APEGA
Demonstrate Professional Leadership: Vote in APEGA Election 2019 BY JAY NAGENDRAN, P.ENG., QEP, BCEE, FEC, FGC (HON.) APEGA Registrar and Chief Executive Officer
Another year has zipped past in the life of APEGA, and the next cycle of governance is nearly upon us. We’ve been here many times before. In fact, the self- regulation of engineers and geoscientists has been proving itself in Alberta year after year, for almost a century, so thank you very much for your support during your chapter (and mine) in this storied history. We have much to be proud of, and I am confident that there’s at least another century ahead for APEGA. However, we cannot take the privilege of self- regulation for granted—we need to continuously earn the public trust. The public and some governments have less faith in institutions like ours than they once had. Those with the authority to regulate, like us, are questioned often, so our processes need to be strong, our answers solid, and our decisions thorough and defensible, all in the public interest. A century of service means a continued commitment to public safety. Being prepared and sustaining the public trust comes from strong and thoughtful leadership at the Council table. That’s why your vote matters and that’s why I’m encouraging you to use it now, during APEGA Election 2019. Our collective wisdom—the wisdom that APEGA’s staff and I rely upon for guidance and governance—are necessary to set us up for a second successful century of protecting the public interest, so let’s do this properly. Through surveys, we know why many of you have decided against voting in the past. A major reason is a lack of understanding of what exactly it is that Council does. Another reason is a lack of knowledge of who
the candidates are and what they represent. You don’t know these people, so how can you reasonably choose between them? The good news is that we’ve addressed each of these concerns. The election and the way we present it have improved, year upon year, based on the feedback you’ve provided. You can find out more about this in the election and candidate coverage in this PEG , which we’ve divided into three sections, starting on page 10: Why Vote? How do I Decide Who to Vote For? How do I Vote? The first part explains what Council is and what it does for you, your professions, and, most importantly, the people of Alberta. Council develops and drives a strategic plan. It oversees the association’s resources to make sure they are used responsibly. By directing me and receiving my reports, Council provides oversight of the operational side of the business. Think of Council’s role as deciding what the outcomes of our work should be. Council tells me what it wants APEGA to accomplish, then APEGA’s staff and I figure out how to make it happen. Under the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act (the EGP Act ), Council is responsible to the government to enforce the Act. Hence, Council’s role is a significant one. To execute properly, Council counts on the yearly replenishment of fresh perspectives through the addition of bright and thoughtful people on Council. Selecting those people is where you come in. Your vote is important, so we want you to make informed decisions. That’s why we post videos and other information about candidates online. Personal
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Registrar & CEO's Message
APEGA
Make yourself an APEGA election champion. Let your professional peers know what the candidates are saying. Direct them to information on the issues APEGA faces. If you’re comfortable doing so, tell them who you’re voting for and why.
statements appear on apega.ca and in this edition of The PEG . The statements this year are short and direct. They’re less about what candidates have done and more about who they are now. We’ve had candidates answer identical questions, too, so you can find out even more about their approaches and positions. We’re offering two chances to meet the candidates in person. If you have the time in your schedule, considering attending one of our Coffee & Conversation events. Dates are February 20 in Edmonton and February 27 in Calgary, at our office in each city.
Of course, in this digital age there are other ways to connect, too. Look for your candidates on social media. Ask them questions. Post comments on their discussion strings. We’ve improved the voting system itself, too. It’s better and simpler, this year. You use your regular login procedures in our Member Self-Service Centre. No unfamiliar starting point or designs. If you do run into trouble, you can contact our 24-hour help line. No matter what I write or say, some members won’t vote. Empathy and lack of engagement exist in any society and any organization; APEGA is no different.
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Registrar & CEO's Message
APEGA
Perhaps you’re thinking that my call to action makes a lot of sense. You agree that your Council makes important decisions. You agree that the people who serve in this way need to be bright, competent, and thoughtful. You see that APEGA is making it easy to get to know the candidates and cast your votes. Still, what does one person’s vote mean or change? How are you making a difference? I understand the argument. It reflects one of the paradoxes of any democratic system. People, in our case members, have a collective role in deciding who governs them. Yet individually, a single person rarely makes a difference. Try naming an election decided by a single vote. I have a response to that. Make yourself an APEGA election champion. Let your professional peers
know what the candidates are saying. Direct them to information on the issues APEGA faces. If you’re comfortable doing so, tell them who you’re voting for and why. It’s interesting how these columns turn out. At the outset, I was going to tie the election to the importance of leadership. I was going to talk about styles of leadership, individual leadership journeys (including my own), and how all of us, as professionals, are obligated to demonstrate leadership when the situation demands it. All of that was going to happen much earlier in this article than now. Here we are at the end. I ask that you demonstrate your professional leadership now. Vote, be proud that you voted, and encourage others to vote. You have until Thursday, March 14, at 4:30 p.m.—but don’t be afraid to act early!
LINKS Vote Now
Questions or comments? Registrar_CEO@apega.ca
Coffee & Conversation Event APEGA Conference and AGM
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Why Vote? Everything you do as a professional member is informed by a COUNCIL that oversees the APEGA professions. Council is a critical element in maintaining and enhancing self-regulation, and your vote demonstrates that you want the right people making decisions on your behalf. APEGA ELECTION 2019 continues until March 14. Will you cast an informed vote? The content that follows should help get you there.
APEGA’s Council is made up of 16 professional members and 3 public members .
All public members are appointed by the
All professional members are elected by you!
Government of Alberta.
Council’s Role
"[To] manage and conduct the business and affairs of the Association." -Section 12(2), the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act
To develop and drive APEGA's strategic direction
To ensure responsible use of resources to effectively execute
To provide ongoing oversight of APEGA’s function and activities
To make decisions that affect the professions and the membership
APEGA's strategic plan
To provide financial oversight
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How do I Decide Who to Vote For?
2. Follow APEGA and candidates on social media
1. Candidate materials
You can learn more about candidates and decide which ones you would like to see on Council.
3. Networking event
Online now
Coffee & Conversation Edmonton: February 20 Calgary: February 27
Personal statements start on page 13
VOTE NOW Polling began February 11 and continues until March 14
CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT (2020-2021 Term) 3 running
You have up to 1 vote Most votes: President-Elect 2nd-most votes: Vice-President
CANDIDATES FOR COUNCIL (Term Beginning 2019) 10 running
Vote Online
You have up to 4 votes Elect 4
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APEGA ELECTION
Your Next APEGA President
The President of APEGA for the 2019-2020 term was elected last year, in APEGA Election 2018. Your incoming President officially advances from President-Elect to President at the APEGA Annual General Meeting, April 26, 2019, in Calgary. You don’t cast a vote for the 2019-2020 President. Instead, you vote for a President-Elect, who advances to the presidency next year. The information on this page is presented as background only.
George Eynon, P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hon.)
Personal Statement
You only need to know a few things to understand me. First, that I played rugby from an early age for 25 years. It is the consummate team sport, so I cannot help it—I am a team player! (Though I do enjoy cycling; it keeps me fit and gives me some time to think.) Next, that my 45-year wide-ranging career affords me a unique, 360-degree, global perspective of our professions in operation. That teaching is part of my make-up by training and predilection: as a high school teacher, TA at graduate school, consultant, oil and gas industry geologist, and regulator. Currently, I mentor several younger people, teach short courses for industry, classes, and workshops through the Haskayne School of Business and School of Public Policy, and speak at technical sessions and conferences. It’s the age-old maxim of needing to “pass it forward.” As a life-long learner, I read a lot to keep up with all the things that interest me, and depend on good research and verified facts. I don’t take anything on blind faith—show me your evidence! However, I don’t always find the time to read everything I want to, as I’m a chronic serial volunteer (Scouting, PTAs, technical
societies, United Way, Drop-in Centre, and my professional association). Lastly, while I’ve always been a stickler for proper use of language, I’ve also become a self- confessed governance and regulatory nerd as well—serving on my technical societies’ boards, as an ERCB Board Member—and on APEGA Council.
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APEGA ELECTION
George Eynon, P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hon.)
Question Responses
What does self-regulation mean to you as a member of APEGA? It means “professionalism by peer review”—the responsibility of regulating ourselves! It is the privilege of using our knowledge and skills in the best interests of society, given our training and licensure. Our registered peers maintain the status of our P.Eng. and P.Geo. designations, together with APEGA staff ensuring a high level of professional ethics, conduct, and standards of practice. I ran for several reasons. First, a real pride in being a P.Geo. and the desire to give back to my profession in some way. Second, I have a deep personal interest in both proper regulation and good governance. Third, I bring considerable direct governance and regulatory training and experience to the table, having served with the ERCB and AER, and on numerous technical society and business-related boards. Why are you running for Council and why do you think it’s important to serve in this way?
What challenges do today’s engineers and geoscientists face?
There are several. First, continuing economic distress in Alberta’s economy that directly affects our members: thousands unemployed or under-employed, or unable to find work after graduating. Second, offshoring of engineering further contributes to unemployment here. Third, rapid advancement of technology requires continuous educational upgrading and retraining, which puts an additional financial burden on professionals. Finally, a complete lack of public knowledge of APEGA: about who we are, what we do, or why we do it! What is the value of professional membership in APEGA? The most important is that membership confers the legal right to practise as engineers and geoscientists, recognizing our training and skills. We regulate ourselves—ranking us with lawyers and doctors. There is also a degree pride in having the P.Eng. or P.Geo. title designation after our names. Society benefits, too: we practise our professions in the public interest under a Code of Ethics and against practice standards and guidelines.
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FOR PRESIDENT (2020-2021 Term)
Tim Joseph, P.Eng., PhD
Personal Statement
As a professional engineer, educator, and strategic leader in volunteer organizations for 20 years, most recently serving APEGA as a Councillor and the Vice-President, I continue to advocate for transparency, ethical honesty, empathy, knowledge enhancement, and courage to change. With two decades of governance, fiduciary, membership and outreach volunteer activity, I have heard the concerns of APEGA members. Albertans are aware of APEGA—but largely unaware of what engineers and geoscientists actually do. I will move APEGA forward to better communicate to Albertans, especially in trusted assurance of those licensed under APEGA for services. Our 2020 Centennial places APEGA under the spotlight. APEGA must clearly demonstrate the highest standards of its members to the public. Members need to find value in volunteering: branch activities, statutory boards, and running for APEGA Council. I will commit to moving APEGA to deliver on value- driven volunteering and participation. APEGA members continue to find CPD challenging, especially formal activity. I will commit to moving APEGA forward in establishing CPD opportunities directly tied to members’ discipline focuses. In an era when the viability of self-regulation in Canada is questioned, a priority is moving the EGP
Act regulatory changes through approval to assure APEGA’s continued relevance as a self-regulator. I will commit to moving APEGA towards being a stronger, transparent regulator. I am seeking your support and faith to move APEGA forward. I value your trust, I will make the time and the commitment needed, and I look forward to the challenge and change.
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FOR PRESIDENT (2020-2021 Term)
Tim Joseph, P.Eng., PhD Professional Highlights
• Recently appointed as Associate Dean (Student Conduct) for the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta, meaning he is responsible for all discipline decisions for the more than 6,000 engineering students attending the university • Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum in 2011 for his contributions to the global mining industry and to mining engineering education • An expert in mine equipment, having a principal role in the innovative design of a number of major pieces of mining equipment and delivering industry PD training programs worldwide on mastering mining operations and decisions • Experience on APEGA Council, 2017 and 2018, including current Vice-President and service as chair of the Policy & Standards Task Force
Question Responses
What does self-regulation mean to you as a member of APEGA? Self-regulation is taking responsibility for your work and the work of others, drawing on training and experience as a licensed professional. It is about ensuring quality of work in the protection of all exposed to that work, and holding those accountable in delivering such work. It is as much an ethical and personal responsibility as it is an adherence to the EGP Act in our commitment to protect the public. APEGA may take the official compliance role as the self-regulator, but each of us is also responsible. Why are you running for Council and why do you think it’s important to serve in this way? It is one thing to talk about taking a leading role, it is another to act on it. Having experienced APEGA as a volunteer, a Councillor, and the Vice- President, it is time for me to step up and lead. APEGA is a multi-faceted, complex, member-based organization; it requires strategic leadership with foresight. We must be mindful of the implications of the issues of the day and also of what the future will hold.
What challenges do today’s engineers and geoscientists face? Engineers and geoscientists, particularly in the Alberta resource sector, face challenging economic times. Opportunities are slim, but collaboration may be a vehicle to navigate depressed markets. Members have suggested that APEGA should host forums for discussions on innovative collaboration. Feedback provides valuable direction for APEGA in this area. What is the value of professional membership in APEGA? The value of professional membership in APEGA is hard to see for many members. If you are not involved as volunteers at branches, on statutory committees, in outreach, or as Councillors, APEGA is merely a collector of annual fees and your CPD reporting. Benefits like insurance and travel discounts do not cut it. APEGA needs to expand the variety of opportunities for direct involvement for the value proposition to be realized.
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FOR PRESIDENT (2020-2021 Term)
Shawn Morrison, P.Eng.
Personal Statement
Shawn was born and raised in Edmonton. After graduating from Bonnie Doon High School, he started working as a process operator at Celanese Canada and continued working there during university. He obtained a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering in 1980 from the University of Alberta. After graduation he worked for Canadian General Electric, followed by Dillingham Construction and then Syncrude Canada Ltd. in various roles in Fort McMurray. There, he started volunteering with APEGA’s Fort McMurray branch and for the community. A more challenging career awaited in Calgary—and more APEGA opportunities. Serving on Council was a humbling experience Shawn enjoyed. Volunteering for APEGA committees and events identified the incredible depth and breadth of our professions. The volunteer bug had bitten, and Shawn was elected to a second APEGA Council term. Among his duties were serving on at least three committees a year. The most rewarding was the Finance Committee, which Shawn chaired for two years. Being fiscally responsible while providing regulatory activities and member services is a challenging task for APEGA staff. Technical opportunities and challenges led Shawn to volunteer for the American Society of Mechanical Engineer (ASME), PVP Division, D&A Subcommittee.
Starting his own consulting firm during this time resulted in some amazing opportunities for work and technical knowledge growth. Travelling to world-class manufacturing locations and interacting with the companies that provided the very complex equipment for many mega projects was both rewarding and challenging.
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FOR PRESIDENT (2020-2021 Term)
Shawn Morrison, P.Eng. Professional Highlights
• More than 38 years’ experience in engineering and project management • Director of Mechanical Engineering and CEO of M5 Engineering Inc. in Calgary • Active APEGA volunteer, volunteering at Life Member Events, New Member Induction Ceremonies, and Iron Ring Ceremonies • Experience on APEGA Council, 2000–2003 and 2008–2011, including service on Finance Committee and Governance Committee
Question Responses
What does self-regulation mean to you as a member of APEGA? Self-regulation is a privilege. It means that our professions have the right for self-determination and governance. We can shape and control how the professions interact with and protect the public. This allows me to practise engineering in an environment that I choose. Why are you running for Council and why do you think it’s important to serve in this way? The opportunity to lead our professions would be a challenging and humbling experience. APEGA members help design and create amazing technical advances. We help implement concepts to enrich the lives of others. Leading such an organization is a challenge that I would eagerly accept, and I would work hard to fulfill the role’s requirements.
What challenges do today’s engineers and geoscientists face? The pace of change that technology brings is incredible. How we keep up with and lead those technological changes will be daunting. Ensuring our natural resources are developed responsibly and are sent out for fair market value is an immediate concern. Transitioning the future to other sources of energy, integration of artificial intelligence, robotics, advances in biomechanics are some of the other challenges that I see. APEGA allows me to practise my profession in a self-governing environment. One can choose to practise engineering and geoscience in a job- type role or as an adventure outside the norm by providing a consulting service. The public recognizes that professional members are held to a high standard, and we are compensated appropriately for our efforts. What is the value of professional membership in APEGA?
17
FOR PRESIDENT (2020-2021 Term)
John Van der Put, P.Eng.
Personal Statement
Family Drawn to the mountains of Alberta, John moved to Calgary in 1990, where he and his wife, Kathryn, raised their two daughters. He enjoys golfing and hiking in the mountains in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter. Professional With 35 years of accomplishments in upstream oil and gas and pipeline development, John has been consistently recruited to be at the pointed end of the spear on high-risk, complex business challenges. Sometimes a constructive disrupter, he is known for both challenging and unifying teams that deliver above expectations. Committed to knowledge sharing, John is valued by his peers as a teacher and mentor—contributing to their professional development. APEGA The highlights of John’s over 25 years as an APEGA volunteer were his two terms on Council, which allowed him to make a direct contribution to our association by addressing key issues affecting our professions—among them facilitating professional mobility, developing a continuing professional development system, improving the registration of geoscientists, and implementing an accord with technologists. John also served as chair of APEGA’s Audit and Finance committees, helping ensure our association’s financial integrity. John has also enjoyed mentoring and student outreach.
Volunteering John devotes a significant amount of his time and energy to organizations that focus on human development and technological advancement. Aside from APEGA, examples of his volunteer work include the University of Athabasca Governing Council, the University of Calgary Centre for Innovative Technology Industry Advisory Board and, as an official, Calgary Track & Field.
18
FOR PRESIDENT (2020-2021 Term)
John Van der Put, P.Eng.
Professional Highlights • Energy industry executive with 35 years of experience, whose accomplishments span the Americas in upstream oil and gas and pipeline development • Extensive knowledge of process engineering and project executive leadership • Contributor for more than 20 years to boards focused on human development and technological advancement, including Athabasca University Governing Council and, most recently, the Engineering Research Advisory Board of the University of Calgary • Experience on APEGA Council, 2007–2010 and 2012–2015, including service on the Discipline Committee; the Professional Development Committee; the Acts, Regulations & Bylaws Committee; the Audit Committee; and the Finance Committee; and in mentoring and student outreach
Question Responses
What does self-regulation mean to you as a member of APEGA? Self-regulation is the privilege the province grants members of APEGA to determine what it takes to practice engineering and geoscience in Alberta, and ensure that our members are practicing competently, ethically, and professionally to protect the public. By being diligent in zealously upholding professional standards, our members will enjoy the privileges and benefits that derive from securing the public’s trust. As well, the ability to manage our own professional association allows us to maximize the value our members can derive from membership. Why are you running for Council and why do you think it’s important to serve in this way? I have worked as an APEGA volunteer ever since first becoming a member over 25 years ago because I believe in giving back to the profession that has given so much to me. Having served two terms on Council, I am running for President at this time because I can leverage my management skills and knowledge of our association to help make the renewal of our legislation a success and to improve the value of APEGA membership.
What challenges do today’s engineers and geoscientists face? APEGA’s members today face very challenging times. The energy industry continues to be on the ropes, which impacts the province’s economy more broadly and puts pressure on our members to reduce project costs—while never compromising on safety and continuing to strive to achieve more and more ambitious sustainable development objectives. The principal benefit of APEGA membership is the opportunity to be a licensed practitioner of engineering or geoscience in Alberta and to enjoy the value that the public ascribes to your professional designation. Our association ensures that the standards of the engineering and geoscience professions are upheld and that its members have the tools to practice competently so that we can successfully contribute to societal well-being and ensure public safety. What is the value of professional membership in APEGA?
19
FOR COUNCIL
Iyub Adam, P.Eng.
Personal Statement
Due to the struggle in oil and gas industries, thousands of our engineers have lost their jobs, and many graduate engineers and geoscientists have not been able to enter their chosen professions. We should note the recent challenges to self-regulation elsewhere in Canada, including instructions to APEGA’s counterparts to the west, EGBC, from the Government of B.C. Thus, self-regulated associations such as APEGA should maintain the confidence of the public and the government. During these complicated times, APEGA must amplify membership services to help members. We must develop closer relationships with other organizations that serve members. In today’s world, engineering and design is often outsourced and only the final work is done in Alberta. So, one of the most important issues facing APEGA today is the challenge of regulating in a period of outsourcing and off- shoring. We need to ensure consistent regulation of technical work in engineering and geoscience, regardless of place We have a duty to participate in the public debate on the issues that involve our professions, helping society make the right decisions. APEGA must provide a forum for all members to be heard and engage in discussions with the
public to better serve our communities and our province. I look for your support and look forward to engaging you in discussions on these and other subjects that concern you and our association.
20
FOR COUNCIL
Iyub Adam, P.Eng.
Professional Highlights • More than 20 years of experience in engineering, design, and project management of power projects, including 10 years of leadership experience as engineering manager/ team lead in ABB Inc. • Obtained knowledge of the EGP Act and its administration through the lens of a permit holder at ABB, and knowledge of working within organizations through IEEE and others • Robust awareness of case management, document management, and investigation practises within the power industry, considers themselves a strong and innovative team player
Question Responses
What does self-regulation mean to you as a member of APEGA? Self-regulation means that the association should fulfill its obligation to meet the public safety and government interest. It’s key to the success of APEGA. Also, APEGA should be transparent in all its activities and maintain public confidence. Why are you running for Council and why do you think it’s important to serve in this way? In today’s environment, engineering and design work is often completed overseas—outside of APEGA’s regulatory authority—and only the final work takes place here. So, one of the most important issues facing APEGA is the challenge of regulating the professions in an era of outsourcing and off-shoring. We need to ensure consistent regulation of technical work in engineering and geosciences, regardless of where the work is done. I would work with the association to try to limit outsourcing and get more jobs for members.
What challenges do today’s engineers and geoscientists face? Engineers and geoscientists should meet their due diligence and overcome cost and time constraints. Without the influence of management and power, engineers and geoscientists should perform their work for the best interest of the public. Engineers and geoscientists design a future world. They work on some of the most complex engineering and geoscience projects in Alberta. They provide technical solutions to some of the most challenging problems society faces. We have a duty to participate in the public debate on the issues that involve our professions, and to inform the public and elected officials of options so that they can make the right decisions to serve Alberta's interests. What is the value of professional membership in APEGA?
21
FOR COUNCIL
Ali Chamanara, P.Eng., PhD
Personal Statement
As a Council member, I will bring to the table my substantial experience in strategic leadership, process and risk management, and operational excellence, gained while working in technical and leadership capacities for world-class enterprises including Shell, Rio Tinto, and CNRL. Throughout my career, I have leveraged academic advancement with applied skills, remaining connected with academia by guest lecturing at the University of British Columbia and supporting research at the University of Alberta. I am committed to engaging prospective members from university through the member- in-training period. Fourteen years ago, in a remote field in the Middle East, my job required me to communicate with an engineer from Denmark through an interpreter. I realized not speaking English was a critical gap in my career development. I left everything behind to come to Canada to learn English. My aspiration to grow led me to begin my doctorate at the University of Alberta while working at Rio Tinto, and then Shell. I recognize there are many members who share a similar journey, and I hope to contribute to the role that APEGA can play in helping newcomers close gaps in their competencies as they integrate into our professional and social communities.
My wife, Sarah, and I started our family in Fort McMurray before moving to Calgary. We welcomed our first son, William, last year, and we are expecting our second son in March. We are both committed to giving back and believe we each have a responsibility to build a better future.
22
FOR COUNCIL
Ali Chamanara, P.Eng., PhD
Professional Highlights • Lead engineer in mine engineering at Canadian Natural Resources Limited, leading a large team based in Calgary and at Muskeg River and Jackpine mines • Active supporter of advanced education, giving guest lectures at the University of British Columbia and supporting research at the University of Alberta with a specific focus on applied skills • Advocator for diversity and inclusion as a building block of strategic strength in our professional and social communities
Question Responses
What does self-regulation mean to you as a member of APEGA? Self-regulation means members of a profession taking on self-governing responsibilities delegated by government to protect the public’s best interest. It is important to have an effective and well- governed self-regulating body, supported by a healthy and respectful relationship with government. APEGA has done well with its relationship in the past with government and its members, and as a member of Council, I will continue to promote and be an advocate for the organization. Why are you running for Council and why do you think it’s important to serve in this way? Many bright professionals have played key roles in my career development by providing me with opportunities, mentorship, and coaching to get me where I am today. It is now my duty as a professional member to give back and to offer my unique, global skillset, vision, and voice on Council. It is important to serve on Council to play an active role in shaping the future of our association and to make a positive impact in our professional community.
What challenges do today’s engineers and geoscientists face? Our immediate challenge is to continue to manage the economic downturn that is impacting professionals, permit holders, APEGA, and governments. When companies cut costs, governments respond with their own measures. This results in economic uncertainty for families, governments, and businesses across Canada. APEGA and its members must continue to respond with innovative solutions, while maintaining high levels of due diligence, safety, and ethics. What is the value of professional membership in APEGA? APEGA professional membership represents a significant investment in our education and training. APEGA members dedicate their lives to making a difference by building strong and inclusive communities. APEGA is our professional home and we each belong to this family that supports our work, education, and professional development. Professional membership in APEGA brings public trust and confidence in our work as members serving the public’s best interest.
23
FOR COUNCIL
Swapan Das, P.Eng., PhD
Personal Statement
I have been a proud member of APEGA for over two decades and feel that this organization can do more to bring forward the work members are doing professionally to improve the quality of life and environment in Alberta and worldwide. We are 60,000 strong—a group of highly educated professionals with diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. It does not seem right that APEGA should be oblivious and succumb to external pressures on our livelihoods, most of which are political and created by vested interest groups. APEGA members are working hard every moment to improve processes and technologies for a better world. With such a huge talent pool in APEGA, we need to use facts and figures to educate people, mostly the youngsters, about reality, so that they are aware and are not emotionally blackmailed. This is not about taking a side but about bringing out the truth. Our CPD system needs to be made more effective and relevant. It should not be about just checking boxes. The current economic situation in Alberta has forced many of us into survival mode, working in gas stations or doing odd jobs. We deserve a reprieve and should not be led to arbitrary courses for fulfilling our CPD requirement.
APEGA needs to break the status quo. Lost membership may be a slippery slope for APEGA. Part of the APEGA vision is to instill pride in Members. I will raise this in Council as a priority.
24
FOR COUNCIL
Swapan Das, P.Eng., PhD
Professional Highlights • 34 years of experience in the oilpatch and has mentored and trained many junior engineers • Vice-President, Reservoir Productivity Management, at Value Creation Inc., Calgary • Has his PhD from the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Calgary (1995)
Question Responses
What does self-regulation mean to you as a member of APEGA? Being professional members of APEGA we all work with proper due diligence, following standards of practice and applying technical skills gained through accredited educational institutions and personal work experience. Continued employment, growth, and customer satisfaction are indicators of our work as self-regulated professionals. Why are you running for Council and why do you think it’s important to serve in this way? I believe APEGA can and needs to do more for members. I have talked to many members, and I hear complaints that APEGA is a money grab and not focused on member welfare. I will raise this issue as a member of the council. If needed, I will strive to be elected to the executive—a prerequisite is serving on Council for at least a year.
What challenges do today’s engineers and geoscientists face? The technical challenges are the same, and in general professional members are self-driven for improvement all the time. It’s the social challenge on industry. Survival of Alberta’s industry is the key challenge. For members with private practice and others who need to stamp and certify their work and others’ work, APEGA membership is of utmost importance. Many practising engineers, who usually work under APEGA members, do not get much value, other than nice-to-have or for a situation that may arise. In many cases it’s not a requirement for the job. Having a P.Eng. on the business card should bring pride, which is fading away with all the lost engineering jobs in Alberta. In my personal discussion with many members the question that came out is, “Is it worth it?” What is the value of professional membership in APEGA?
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