Spring 2019 PEG

FOR COUNCIL

Jason Vanderzwaag, P.Eng.

Professional Highlights • With engineering experience totaling 15 years, currently leads the Associated Engineering office in Fort McMurray, providing project management, technical leadership, and mentorship • Experience includes Water System Recovery following the 2016 Fort McMurray Wildfire, Municipal and First Nation projects, and international community development projects • APEGA experience includes current APEGA Councillor (2017–2019), with service on Governance Committee and as CEA Liaison, and other APEGA experience includes Fort McMurray Branch, mentor volunteer, and legislative review champion

Question Responses

What does self-regulation mean to you as a member of APEGA? Self-regulation means that our professional members are responsible for providing statutory oversight over our peers. This includes the evaluation of applicants, and the investigation and discipline of members that contravene our Code of Ethics or do not meet professional standards. There are threats to self-regulation through government intervention and loss of public confidence in our professions. These threats are materializing in B.C. through “regulate the regulators” discussions, which risk political interference in an association’s ability to properly self-regulate. I believe that self- regulation is a privilege to be protected. Why are you running for Council and why do you think it’s important to serve in this way? Having served on Council for the past two years, I want to apply my experience, leadership, and problem-solving skills to the challenges facing APEGA into the future. I see opportunity to improve our relationships with organizations such as CEA and ASET, by recognizing the value of the work that their members contribute to our professional practice, and to the public good of Alberta as a whole.

What challenges do today’s engineers and geoscientists face? While we are seeing signs of economic recovery in Alberta, many members are still struggling. Changes in our industry, including technology advancements, and the outsourcing and offshoring of work, create challenges for our members to remain competitive. I believe that through lifelong learning opportunities such as CPD and mentoring, we can ensure that our members remain at the forefront of their professions. What is the value of professional membership in APEGA? I believe that the value of membership in APEGA is the pride and prestige that comes with our titles, and the ability to sell one’s service as professionals. Our titles convey confidence to employers and procurers of services because of the high professional standard that our members must meet. This confidence is only maintained by upholding the association’s responsibilities and statutory obligations through self-regulation.

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