The quarterly publication of APEGA. This edition features Plot Devices: Children Engineer Solutions for Storybook Characters; Council Candidates Announced; Legislative Review Wraps Up; Dues Increase Goes to Risk Reserve; Foundation Renamed, Refocused
SPRING 2017
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Contents
SPRING 2017
FEATURED PHOTO: PAGE 39›
10-30
32-33
DEPARTMENTS
FEATURES
10 Election Begins 11 Infographic 12 Story
4 President's Notebook 7 Interim CEO’s Message 36 Movers & Shakers 47 Professional Development 49 Member Benefits
13-29 Candidate Statements 30 Notice 31 Voting Consultations Underway 32-33 APEGA Summit 2017 34-35 Legislative Review Milestone Reached
SPRING 2017 PEG | 1
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. Publication of a print version of The PEG ceased with the distribution of the winter 2016 edition. 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 Although we publish items about accomplishments in research, we do not publish actual academic or scientific papers and presentations, even in summary form.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 at this time. Opinions published in The PEG do not necessarily reflect the opinions or
VOLUME 1 | NUMBER 1 | SPRING 2017 ISSN 1923-0052 Editor George Lee George.Lee@apega.ca COUNCIL President Dr. Steve E. Hrudey , P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.), FCAE, FSRA (Canmore) President-Elect Jane Tink , P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.) (Okotoks) Vice-President John Rhind , P.Geol. (Calgary) Past-President Connie Parenteau , P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.) ( St. Albert) Councillors Natasha Avila , P.Eng. (Cold Lake)
policy of APEGA or its Council. Inquiries: George.Lee@apega.ca
STAFF LEADERSHIP EXECUTIVE Interim Chief Executive Officer Heidi Yang , P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.) Director, Executive & Government Relations Pat Lobregt , FEC (Hon.), FGC (Hon.) Director of Operations Krista Nelson-Marciano , BA REGULATORY Registrar Carol Moen , P.Eng. MEMBER SERVICES Acting Director, Member Services Mohamed El Daly , M.Sc. COMMUNICATIONS Director, Communications Philip Mulder , APR, FCPRS, FEC (Hon.), FGC (Hon.)
Dr. Jeff DiBattista , P.Eng., MBA (Edmonton) Lisa Doig , P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.) (Calgary) Jennifer Enns , P.Eng. (Calgary) George Eynon , P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hon.) (Calgary) Darren Hardy , P.Eng. (Calgary) Dr. Brad Hayes , P.Geol., FGC (Calgary) Dr. Timothy Joseph , P.Eng., FCIM (Edmonton) Mahsoo Naderi-Dasoar , P.Eng., M.Sc., PMP (Calgary) Manon Plante , P.Eng., MDS, CD1 (St. Albert)
APEGA CONTACT INFORMATION HEAD OFFICE 1500 Scotia One
Art Washuta , P.Eng. (Edmonton) Terry Waters , P.Eng. (Calgary)
10060 Jasper Avenue NW Edmonton AB T5J 4A2 PH 780-426-3990 TOLL FREE 1-800-661-7020 FAX 780-426-1877
Ross J. Harris , FCA, ICD.D Mary Phillips-Rickey , F CA
Public Representatives
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Engineers Canada Directors
www.apega.ca email@apega.ca
Dr. David Lynch , P.Eng., FCAE, FEIC, FCIC, FEC, FGC (Hon.) Connie Parenteau , P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.) Larry Staples , P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.)
CALGARY OFFICE 2200 Scotia Centre 700 Second Street SW Calgary AB T2P 2W1 PH 403-262-7714 TOLL FREE 1-888-262-3688 FAX 403-269-2787
Geoscientists Canada Director George Eynon , P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hon.)
BRANCH CHAIRS Calgary Gobind Khiani, P.Eng. calgarybranch@apega.ca Central Alberta Stephen Huber , P.Eng. centralalbertabranch@apega.ca Edmonton Bob Rundle , P.Eng. edmontonbranch@apega.ca Fort McMurray Jason Vanderzwaag , P.Eng. fortmcmurraybranch@apega.ca Lakeland Hannah Maynard , E.I.T. lakelandbranch@apega.ca Lethbridge Olivia Sieniewicz , P.Eng. lethbridgebranch@apega.ca Medicine Hat Said Said Yussuf , P.Eng. medicinehatbranch@apega.ca Peace Region Brian Morrison , P.Eng. peaceregionbranch@apega.ca Vermilion River Kashif Dada , P.Eng. vermilionriverbranch@apega.ca Yellowhead Ana Paula Mayumi Tanaka , P.Eng. yellowheadbranch@apega.ca
2 | PEG SPRING 2017
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162245 01/2017
President’s Notebook
MASTER APEGA
Study, Define, Frame, Move Forward — APEGA and Managing Risk BY DR. STEVE E. HRUDEY, P.ENG., FEC, FGC (HON.) FCAE, FSRA APEGA President
“Predictions are difficult — especially about the future.” -variously attributed to Nobel physicist Neils Bohr, baseball legend Yogi Berra, and others Risk is a four-letter word — that much we can agree on. Risk also has multiple meanings among different individuals and even for the same indi- vidual facing different circumstances. Normally, risk is relevant in the context of predicting future challenges. Yet too often debates and actions about risk (e.g., risk assessment, risk manage- ment, risk communication) proceed as if the word has a single, universal meaning. Resulting confu- sion from talking at cross-purposes can itself be very risky. Despite some very tangible risks associated with using the word itself, APEGA can and must manage the risks it is facing. This is essential to delivering on the primary reason that APEGA exists — to provide effective self-regulation of our professions to protect the public. We’re managing some of those risks right now. If you’ve read any of my past PEG columns, however, I think you know that I believe we can — and must — do better. IF APEGA IS TO MORE EFFECTIVELY MANAGE RISK, WE MUST FIRST UNDERSTAND WHAT APEGA MEANS BY RISK.
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President's Notebook
APEGA
If APEGA is to more effectively manage risk, we must first understand what APEGA means by risk. Given the diversity of perspectives on the word and subject, one way to refine APEGA’s understanding of risk is to accept some of the word’s fundamental truths. I’ll initiate that discussion with the following points, drawn from my professional experience. 1. Risk is inherently multidimensional. This reality is a characteristic that leads directly to the value of risk as a concept worth managing, making it more useful than just focusing on probability, consequences, or uncertainty. For example, we acknowledge that there are low probability- high consequence risks, just as there are high probability-low consequence risks. These extremes alone show that risk is multi-dimensional. 2. Risk must be considered for a specified timeframe. If risk is considered for a specified consequence — say, the Earth being affected by a climate-changing asteroid strike — quantitative probability estimates will be very different for a timeframe of one year than for some time over the next millennium. With this understanding, timeframe is surely another dimension of risk. 3. Because of the multidimensional character of risk, there is no strictly objective way to represent it as a single number. Of course, there are computational ways to condense a multidimensional entity into a single number, but this happens only by assigning some weighting to how the dimension magnitudes will be combined. Any weighting scheme, even equal weighting of all dimensions, entails judgment. Although such judgment can be informed by relevant expertise, no weighting scheme should claim the purity of mathematical objectivity. 4. Ranking risks is an exercise in judgment. If risks could be objectively represented by a single number, then ranking would be straightforward. But because subjectivity, no matter how rational it may be, is necessary to convert a risk estimate into a number that can be ranked, judgment is necessary. 5. What is important to those affected will influence how they rate risks. Personal perspectives will inevitably play a role in how any individual judges risks. Risk science has been dominated by debates about real versus perceived risk, yet all risk
ScienceCartoonsPlus.com
predictions involve judgments. Claims to know the “real risk” cannot withstand scrutiny. The focus on risk debates needs to be about how much evidence there is, and how rational and robust the estimation methods are from one risk assessor to the next. 6. Risks are inherently a prediction of what may happen. If something has already happened, there are consequences, but the probability element and timeframes fundamental to risk no longer apply. A mature understanding of the vagaries of prediction should make anyone cautious about claiming to know the “real risks.” Consequences can be real, but the likelihood of those consequences arising must be a prediction — an estimate conditioned by the knowledge available to the person or persons assessing the risk. 7. To varying degrees, risks are balanced by benefits. The negative and positive consequences of any risk are not likely to be evenly distributed among those affected. These realities mean that concerns about fairness and equity are often more influential in judging risks than the probability or magnitude of consequences. 8. Zero risk is not possible. If we can agree that, at a minimum, risk has dimensions of consequences, probability, and time, we need to recognize that each has an enormous range of values that often can only be discussed by representing numerical estimates on a log scale. There is no zero on a log scale or on a mathematically conceived probability
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President’s Notebook
APEGA
distribution, and time itself is open-ended. Of course, a risk can be vanishingly small for a particular scenario, but an expectation of being able to achieve zero risk, for example by banning an activity or a product, inevitably ignores the consequences of alternative actions or inaction. APEGA ENJOYS A REMARKABLE LEVEL OF VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT FROM MEMBERS, WHICH IS ESSENTIAL TO MAKING SELF- REGULATION VIABLE AND DELIVERING IT TO MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC 9. Uncertainty may be more important than consequence. The original practitioners of risk management have been found in the insurance industry. The underlying premise of insurance is that there can be financial compensation possible for any consequence, but insurance relies upon having confidence in knowing the probability of any consequence so that a financially viable premium can be charged to cover that risk. The magnitude of the consequence is less important to an insurer than knowing the appropriate premium. This perspective is at odds with how most citizens view risk. Concern about dire consequences usually dominates an individual’s rating of risk, more than how certain we can be about the likelihood of the risk prediction. 10. Defining risk scenarios is essential to comparing risks. A clearly defined risk scenario can have boundaries of certainty. Let’s use health risk as an example. Every person born has a lifetime probability of death equal to one, i.e., certainty. But within that overall boundary, the timing, cause, and nature of death allow for considerable variability about what health risks matter to individuals. This reality makes health risk assessment a challenging activity. In August 2016, APEGA embarked on formalized risk training for Council and senior staff. Going for- ward, managing risks to APEGA will be fundamental to what APEGA’s leadership must achieve. With some of the foregoing in mind, we need an initial framing of the
major risks facing APEGA. Following are some of the major considerations for such a framing. • Many Members and Permit Holders are in distress because of Alberta’s continuing economic realities. The situation may take a long time to improve and the consequences of those realities inevitably threaten the viability of APEGA to deliver effective self-regulation. • The regulatory model for APEGA has been more focused on careful selection of who can be licensed to practise our professions. Thereafter, the model has been more reactive, relying on investigation and resolution of complaints rather than active prevention of unacceptable practice. • APEGA enjoys a remarkable level of volunteer engagement from Members, which is essential to making self-regulation viable and delivering it to Members and the public. Sustaining volunteer engagement is therefore critical. • APEGA has found that some core elements of its operations and support systems need to be substantially upgraded. A failure to address these necessary upgrades will undermine the viability of APEGA in its primary mandate to protect the public. • The percentage of Members who turn out in our annual Council election may suggest to some stakeholders that many Members take for granted and do not value the privilege of self-regulation. Our turnout is consistent with other self-regulating organizations, and our turnout may not directly reflect low valuation of self-regulation. Still, it’s a connection some stakeholders may make, so maximizing voter turnout is a valid risk management goal for APEGA. Of this short list of major risks facing APEGA, the last one — increasing voter turnout in our annual Coun- cil election — speaks to something that you can act on right now for APEGA, and thereby help strengthen the health of the engineering and geoscience professions.
Questions or comments? president@apega.ca
6 | PEG SPRING 2017
Interim CEO’s Message
APEGA
Your Vote,Your Journey BY HEIDI YANG, P.ENG., FEC, FGC (HON.) Interim CEO Think of the first time you made your way through the door of some neighbourhood school or church basement to cast your vote in a free election. By now, the names of the candidates and whether they won or lost may have disappeared into the mists of time. But the feeling you got from showing up and filling out the ballot — with purpose — that’s still there. Each time I vote, the feeling returns, and it’s just as strong as it was the election before. The process is not particularly stressful. The lineups aren’t long and the opening hours are. Parking is usually easy to find, if you need it, but many voters simply walk from their homes. A mood of quiet resolve and camaraderie seems to permeate the venue. We’ll argue
politics tomorrow morning, if we need to. But not now. Now is for voting and accomplishing something profoundly important, together.
Voting is your right, but it is so much more, too. It is freedom of choice. It is your connection to who you are and where you’ve come from, to how you can make a difference. That polling place feeling is one of pride and patriotism, certainly. Yet it’s also a feeling of community. All these people, regardless of their backgrounds and beliefs and skin colours and ages, have this simple, important act in common. They came out. And then they voted. VOTING IS ONE ENTRY POINT INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ORGANIZATION THAT REGULATES YOUR WORK AND YOUR PROFESSIONS. IF YOU’RE ALREADY AN ENGAGED MEMBER, VOTING IS A REAFFIRMATION OF YOUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR PROFESSIONS
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Interim CEO’s Message
APEGA
APEGA ELECTION BEGINS And right now, you can vote in the annual APEGA election. Polling is underway for your next President- Elect and Council. You have until March 19 at 12 noon to make your choices. Everything is online, so vote any time of day, at your convenience. If you’ve already decided you’ll vote but haven’t yet, then please go to the election area of the our website now. Learn about the candidates by reading their statements and watching their videos. Make your choices. If you haven’t decided to vote or don’t normally do so, read on and let me continue my case to encourage you to engage with APEGA. I think it’s a good one. While APEGA is not your country, it is your profes- sional community. If you feel no connection whatsoever to APEGA, or you dislike some of the actions APEGA takes on your behalf, or even if you think we’re doing just fine, voting is important. Your ability to vote and your choice to do so are the epitome of self-regulation. Voting is one entry point into engagement with the organization that regulates your work and your profes- sions. If you’re already an engaged Member, voting is a reaffirmation of your commitment to your professions MY ENGAGEMENT JOURNEY Why is engagement so important? It’s a word you hear often from member-based organizations of all kinds, from self-regulators through to credit unions. Let me explain it with my own story. When I first moved to Alberta as a newly graduated engineer, my first thought was, “I ought to register as a Member-in-Training.” After doing that, I signed up to volunteer with APEGA; I felt it was my obligation as an MIT to support my profession, and volunteering was a natural choice. My first engagement with APEGA was through the Peace Region Branch. I made connections with like- minded engineers and geoscientists and aimed to make a difference in my professional and personal commu- nity, first as the Outreach lead and then through many Branch executive positions, including Chair. THE COUNCIL PERSPECTIVE During my term as Chair, I attended Council meetings. This first taste of APEGA governance gave me a
ELECTRONIC VOTING — BE INFORMED, ATTEND AGM
deeper sense of what APEGA is and how it contributes to protecting the public interest. Council meetings were extremely informative, relating to APEGA’s performance against our statutory functions, and I gained awareness of Council’s responsibilities. I remember voting in Council elections, during those early years. Back then, the ballots were paper and the process was slow and tedious. But what motivated me was knowing that my vote, among many others, would shape the composition of APEGA Council — the body that would set direction for APEGA. Again, that sense of purpose, that voting feeling, resonated with me. Years later, the Nominating Committee asked me to consider running for Council. That led to my second engagement with APEGA, when I was elected to a three-year term as a Councillor in 2011. The voting period never felt so important as I waited to see whether I would receive enough support to be elected. I talked with colleagues and reached out to networks to encourage voter turnout. That year, 15.7 per cent of the membership voted. The percentage has fluctuated over the years, and we continue to encourage an increase in voting. My time on Council proved rewarding. I remember discussing issues and learning about the impact of our decisions on the strategic direction of APEGA. “Wow,” I I’d also encourage you to attend the AGM in Calgary on April 28. Consultations are now underway on a subject that could result in a proposed bylaw amendment regarding mail and electronic voting. If we do propose an amendment, it will be put before the AGM for a vote. Take part in consultations that are now underway on the matter, which is before APEGA again after an amendment was defeated at the 2016 AGM. We listened, and we’re giving Members time to discuss the matter. Attend a consultation, attend the AGM. And vote — because your vote is important, and your vote counts.
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Interim CEO’s Message thought. “This is a huge responsibility. What a privilege it is to be here.” My motivation to be considered for Council was my desire to make a difference to our professions. I had not realized, however, the difference it would make to me . I learned about APEGA, about self-regulation, about working with others, about the importance of our pro- fessions to the people of Alberta. I learned that strate- gic leadership requires a disciplined outlook on current and future states, and that the consequences of what we do extend from our Members through to the public. THE STAFF PERSPECTIVE I had many opportunities to work closely with staff members over the years, and I found I really enjoyed this interaction. When the opportunity to join them pre- sented itself, I took it. I moved my family to Edmonton and became Director, Member Services in July 2014 — my third engagement with APEGA. I embraced the transition this represented — from providing strategic direction as a Councillor to provid- ing leadership to deliver on the initiatives resulting from those strategies. In this role, part of my vision was to better inform Branches about the strategies and hap- penings of APEGA, and as a result help build the desire in Branch Members to become more engaged with APEGA. In May of 2016, my most profound engagement with APEGA began. I accepted an appointment as the Interim CEO. In the last nine months, I have learned and grown immensely. I have never had this level of pride in my profession, knowing and appreciating the full engage- ment this current Council has given to APEGA, and the time and commitment all of our volunteers demonstrate, day in and day out. Why do they do this? Because they want to, and not because they have to. The desire to make a difference resonates with Council and all volunteers, and so does I HOPE YOU, TOO, HAVE A UNIQUE JOURNEY OF APEGA ENGAGEMENT AHEAD OF YOU, WITH ITS PLEASANT — AND SOMETIMES CHALLENGING — SURPRISES.
MASTER APEGA
the desire to be engaged. They care about our profes- sions. The motivations aren’t that different for staff members, most of whom are not APEGA Members. For them, of course, this is employment. But I have learned that it is so much more than “just a job,” and I am confi- dent that I speak for most if not all staff members when I say that. It’s been a pleasure to witness, from the perspec- tive of Interim CEO, the hard work and thought deliv- ered on behalf of the public and Members. I wake up each day with gratitude for all that I have experienced with APEGA. YOUR APEGA JOURNEY Yes, I am the exception. Not everyone gets the opportu- nity or privilege of this position or the experiences my path has provided; I sure didn’t expect them. But I am truly honoured to be able to serve APEGA in this capac- ity. And I know it will not be my last engagement with APEGA, either. I hope you, too, have a unique journey of APEGA engagement ahead of you, with its pleasant — and sometimes challenging — surprises. Your single vote will not change the world or APEGA, just like it won’t change Canada or Alberta or your municipality or your school board. But your vote does count. And perhaps your vote will change you, and your relationship with APEGA and your fellow professionals. Then that will change APEGA. Maybe it will change the way you approach your work, and the sense of camara- derie you have with other Professional Engineers and Geoscientists. Maybe it will encourage you to volunteer and take a more active role in self-regulation. I'm not ignoring the collective impact voting has on APEGA. We are always moving forward and changing, and the people you elect lead that effort. I can’t tell you what to look for in a candidate. But I can tell you this: these are great professions because of who you are and the fact that you get to regulate them. That’s worth celebrating. That’s worth protecting. That’s worth getting out and voting .
Questions or comments? ceo@apega.ca
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APEGA
Page 11 Page 12
Infographic
Story
Page 13-29
Candidate Statements Notices of Election, AGM
Page 30
POLLING PERIOD Friday, February 17, 2017, at 9 a.m. to Sunday, March 19, 2017, at 12 noon.
10 | PEG SPRING 2017
APEGA Election Process
2017 ELECTION
VOTER ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
FEBRUARY 17 th
MARCH 19 th 12:00 p.m.
Membership P.Eng., P.Geo., P.Geol., P.Geoph. OR Professional Licensee OR Life Member OR Honorary Life Member
In Good Standing No outstanding financial obligations to APEGA + No current APEGA-imposed sanctions or suspensions + No outstanding CPD hours
9:00 a.m.
Vote Online
ANNUAL ELECTION Each year we elect:
1/3 of Councillors*
1 st year as President-Elect 2 nd year as President 3 rd year as Past-President President-Elect
Term is 3 years Expirations staggered for continuity *Number of Councillors may vary each year
CANDIDATES for President-Elect MOST VOTES = President-Elect
MORE INFO apega.ca/election
elections@apega.ca
2 nd MOST VOTES = Vice-President
Toll free: 800-661-7020
Vice-President is a one-year position
SPRING 2017 PEG | 11
APEGA
APEGA Election 2017 Underway To Vote, You’ll Need the PIN and Link Emailed from Our Election Partner
APEGA is partnering with Everyone Counts, a leader in the electronic voting industry, to run APEGA Election 2017. Polling is now underway
Members will cast
votes for up to five Council candidates and one candidate for President-Elect. Incoming President is Jane Tink*, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.), elected
and continues until 12 noon on March 19, 2017. If you are an eligible APEGA voter, you should have received an Everyone Counts email
in 2016. Ms. Tink officially takes her oath of office as President in Calgary on April 28, 2017, at the APEGA Annual General Meeting. Following are names of the 2017 candidates. PRESIDENT ELECT/VICE-PRESIDENT
containing: • your PIN
• full voting instructions • a link to the voting site Any email you receive from Everyone Counts will include the APEGA logo and is legitimate. You must use your PIN to vote. If you can’t find it, call toll free 1-800-661-7020 or, from outside of North America, 780-426-3990. Helpline staff are available 24/7 while the election is taking place. Everyone Counts has successfully run elections for two other constituent associations, the Academy Awards, and many other clients. THE CANDIDATES In all, 14 APEGA Professional Members are seeking three-year terms on Council. Two other Members are running for the one-year position of President-Elect; the runner-up will become Vice-President, also a one- year position. The rest is up to you, as Professional Members of APEGA. Find out which candidates you support, cast your votes, and encourage your professional peers to do the same. Candidate statements appear in this section of The PEG . Further candidate information appears in the election area of the APEGA website.
Nima Dorjee*, P.Eng. John Rhind*, P.Geol. COUNCILLOR
Doug Cargill, P.Eng. Craig Clifton*, P.Eng. George Eynon*, P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hon.) Darren Hardy*, P.Eng. Amir Jamshidi, P.Eng., PE, PhD RaeAnne Leach, P.Eng. Francesco (Frank) Mannarino*, P.Eng. Jim McCuaig*, P.Eng., CD Ross Plecash, P.Eng., M.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.) Mustaqur Rahman, P.Eng.
Jason Vanderzwaag*, P.Eng., MASc. Claudia Villeneuve*, P.Eng., M.Eng.
Terry Waters, P.Eng. Emily Zhang*, P.Eng.
*candidates endorsed by the APEGA Nominating Committee
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2017 PRESIDENT (ELECTED PRESIDENT-ELECT IN 2016) Jane Tink, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.)
Jane Tink, P.Eng., was born in Red Deer, Alberta, and attended school in Pincher Creek, where she began volunteering for various youth and sports groups. She attended the University of Calgary and obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in 1984. After graduation she joined a smaller oil and gas company,
After being on APEGA’s Council, Jane was the Chair of the Aboriginal Committee and guest speaker at various conferences, and continued to volunteer locally, including being a mascot named Cookie with her son’s Cub troop. One of her career highlights has been to mentor and encourage both professionals and students in the professions. Jane currently lives south of Calgary with her family. APEGA has an enormous impact on the economy, safety, and advancement of Alberta, of Canada, and of the world. It’s an honour to once again participate in developing strategies to help our Members maintain the worldwide reputation of providing exceptional professional and technical input to any projects that they are involved in. Professional Associations • Registered Professional Engineer in Alberta (APEGA) • Registered Professional Engineer in British Columbia (APEGBC) • Registered Professional Engineer in Saskatchewan (APEGS) • Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Professional Activities • Honorary Geoscientists Canada Fellow (FGC (Hon.)) — Geoscientists Canada (2013) • Fellow Engineers Canada (FEC) — Engineers Canada (2009) • Chair, APEGA Audit Committee (2005-2006) • Chair, APEGA Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee (2005-2012) • Council Member, APEGA (2004-2007) • Chair, APEGA Calgary Branch Executive Committee (1997-1998) • Member, MEED Committee at the University of Calgary to institute a business minor for engineering students • Volunteer, APEGA Mentoring Committee • Member, University of Calgary Student Liaison Committee • Member, Student Outreach Program • Member-at-Large, APEGA Calgary Branch Civic Contributions • Organized and participated in science fairs and science presentations in Aboriginal communities, and various public and private schools and organizations in the Calgary area • Past member of the JCPT Technical Review Committee • President, Past President, Vice President and Newsletter Editor for AWES • Guest lecturer at the University of Calgary and National Engineering Conference on Gender Ethics in the Workplace • Guest speaker for various conferences • Scouts parent volunteer
and in 1987, while there, she obtained the title of Professional Engineer. She began her career reviewing and programming an economic evaluation program and reserve tracking system and moved on to become the company’s Drilling and Completion Engineer. She became involved in the Association of Women in Engineering and Science (AWES), holding various positions including President. She was also on the Journal of Canadian Petroleum Technology (JCPT) editorial review committee and volunteered in schools, presenting to K-12 students on various science topics, including engineering as a career and why it is a fantastic choice! During this time Jane began volunteering with APEGA — first with the Outreach Program making school presentations and then with Calgary Branch. Jane worked for a private oil and gas company for a number of years, where she was responsible for various geographical areas including all aspects of engineering, from exploration to well abandonment and reclamation. She also maintained the Novell and Novell/Unix computer system and was responsible for testing and integrating new engineering software. During this time she completed the University of Calgary APEGA Management Certificate in 1995 and continued her volunteer activities with APEGA and AWES, and as a speaker at conferences and schools. In 1994 she joined Ryder Scott Company when they opened their Canadian office. There she was a team leader, APEGA Responsible Member, and primary contact for clients both domestically and internationally. During this time she also lived at and operated a cattle ranch, where she gained a better appreciation of the economic and environmental sustainability challenges of maintaining a safe and secure food chain. In 2003 Jane was invited to run for APEGA Council and was honoured with the opportunity to serve as an APEGA Council Member from 2004 to 2007. She considered it an honour to serve her fellow professionals and the general public, and she relished the opportunity to give back to the profession that has afforded her such wonderful opportunities throughout her career. In 2013, Jane started a consulting firm, Consult Tink Inc., which provides contract engineering to clients domestically and internationally. Jane continues to prepare estimates of reserves and resources and future net income for various financial institutions and exchanges worldwide. The firm is an APEGA Permit Holder for which she is the Responsible Member.
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FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT/VICE-PRESIDENT Nima Dorjee, P.Eng.
Personal Statement Due to the economic downturn, thousands of our Members have lost their jobs, and many graduating engineers and geoscientists have not been able to enter their chosen profession. During these difficult times, APEGA must restore and increase membership services to help Members. We must work with our Permit Holders, government, and membership to find solutions to ease the difficulties Members face. We must develop closer relationships with other organizations that serve Members. APEGA is the largest professional association in Alberta. We have been entrusted with the privilege of self-regulation and with this comes great responsibility. First and foremost is our responsibility to maintain the public's trust through the licensing of competent and ethical Professional Engineers and Geoscientists. In today’s environment, it is conceivable for a project to have the entirety of its engineering and design work completed overseas (outside of APEGA’s regulatory authority) and only have the final work assembled in Alberta. So, one of the most important issues facing APEGA today is the challenge of regulating the engineering profession in an era of outsourcing and offshoring. We need to ensure consistent regulation of technical work in engineering and geoscience, regardless of where the work is done. I believe that the intent of the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act is to protect and ensure public safety in Alberta. Our Members are best served and the public interest is best protected when APEGA regulates the professions effectively. We must find the right balance between adapting to changes in the global economy and APEGA’s duty to uphold professional and ethical standards to ensure public safety in Alberta. APEGA Members work on some of the most complex engineering and geoscience projects around the world. 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. I believe APEGA must provide the forum in which our Members — with their professional and technical expertise — can be heard and engage in discussions with the public to better serve our communities and our province. Our professions’ impact on Alberta and our province’s economy is significant, and we must not be shy in advancing the interests of our Members and professions with government. We must engage in greater advocacy work. We must also be mindful of the enormous trust society has placed upon us. I look for your support and look forward to engaging you in discussions on these and other matters that concern you and our Association.
Nima Dorjee, P.Eng., was born in a Tibetan refugee settlement in India. Nima has called Calgary home since 1981. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Calgary in 1992. While attending the university in 1989, he was elected President of the 18,000-member students’ union. Upon graduation, Nima
founded EngIT Engineering Services, which specialized in providing E.I.T.s to employers for a short-term basis. In 1995, he joined the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Calgary. Under his leadership, the engineering internship program became the largest of its kind in Canada. In 2008, he was recognized with the Schulich School of Engineering’s Champion Award. The YMCA recognized Nima's involvement in human rights by awarding him the Canada Peace Medal in 1997, and in 2007 he received the Calgary Freedom of Expression Award. Since 2008, Nima has devoted his time to projects related to the Dalai Lama’s work on human values. This included working at the private office of the Dalai Lama in India. Since 2011, Nima has served as the President of Project Tibet Society, which is responsible for the resettlement of 1,000 Tibetan refugees from northern India to Canada. Nima was elected the Vice-President of APEGA in 2015. Nima and his wife of 25 years, Dr. Tsering Dorjee, have two daughters. APEGA Activities • Vice-President, 2015-2016 • Audit Committee, APEGA 2015-2016 • Co-chair, Joint Legislative Review Committee (2015-present) • Member, Investigative Committee (2012-present) • Member, Nomination Committee (2011-2012; 2004) • Member, Licensure Task Force (2001-2003) • Member, Council (2000-2003) • Member (1992-present) Affiliations, Corporate or Community Service • Chair of Fundraising, APEGA Education Foundation (current) • Board Member, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society • Co-chair, International Tibet Support Network • Chair, Engineering Alumni Chapter, University of Calgary • Member, Task Force on Racial and Cultural Diversity, City of Calgary • President, Students’ Union, University of Calgary • Member, Board of Governors, University of Calgary
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FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT/VICE-PRESIDENT John R. Rhind, P.Geol.
John Rhind, P.Geol., was born in Toronto but lived in many other cities before finally landing in Edmonton in 1979. John obtained his B.Sc. in Geology in 1984 from the University of Alberta. His executive development
John and his wife, Gail, have two adult children, both of whom live in Calgary. John and Gail have a home in Comox, B.C., where they enjoy walking the dogs, playing golf, and exploring all that the island offers. John retired in 2015 but continues to keep involved in industry, albeit on a more relaxed basis. APEGA Activities • APEGA Council Member (2015-present) • APEGA Vice-President (2016-2017) • APEGA, Member Executive and Audit Committees (2016-2017) • APEGA, Chair Governance Task Force (2016) and Member Policies and Standards Task Force (2016-2017) • Member (2005-present) Affiliation, Corporate or Community Service • Board Member, Alberta Chamber of Resources (2013-2015) • Board Member, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), (2012-2014) • Chair, CAPP Environmental Planning Group (2011-2013) • Executive Committee Member, Mining Association of Canada (2009-2014) • Chair, Keyano College Human Resources Committee (2009-2010) • Board Member, Mining Association of Canada (2008-2014) • Board Member, Keyano College (2008-2011) • Member, Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (1994-present) • Industry Director, Junior Achievement (1990-1993)
included completing the Operations Management Program from the Richard Ivey School of Business, the Executive Management Program from the Queen’s School of Business, and the Senior Executive Management Program from Shell Executive Development. John has been involved in oil and gas for 31 years, primarily in the oil sands business. He started his career as a Professional Geologist with Syncrude Canada Ltd., followed by a secondment to Imperial Oil in 1989. Returning to Syncrude in 1991, John moved into a business development role for two years, followed by successively more senior leadership roles to manage different parts of the business, including mining, extraction, utilities, and upgrading. John joined Shell Canada Ltd. in 2008, at which time he became the Chief Operating Officer for Albian Sands Energy. He was responsible for integrating Albian into Royal Dutch Shell in 2009, and after that, in 2010, was appointed Vice President of Oil Sands Operations. John then became the Vice President of Oil Sands in 2014 and has had full profit-and-loss accountability for the business. John has developed a reputation for implementing diversity and inclusion in every business he has led. As part of this effort, he has developed a passion for mentoring people to enable them to contribute at greater levels in their fields.
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FOR COUNCIL Doug Cargill, P.Eng.
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. -Elizabeth Andrew Doug Cargill has at times lived by these words. He began his love for volunteering at a young age when he got involved with school yearbook committees in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. He went on to get his engineering degree at Lakehead University
From the time Doug made Alberta his home over a decade ago, he has been deeply involved in the community. He has volunteered on numerous boards and committees, including the APEGA Practice Review Board, the Alberta Summer Swimming Association, and Rhythmic Gymnastics Alberta. Doug and his wife are parents to two daughters. And besides carrying out the duties of dad/driver/repairman, there is no such thing as down time for Doug. When not engaged in daily engineering tasks, he is often out flying, vacationing, scuba diving, or even acrylic painting. In the spirit of giving, Doug has been an event photographer for both the Alberta Summer Swimming Association and Rhythmic Gymnastics Alberta at their regional and provincial competitions. In running for APEGA Council, Doug wants to contribute to create change. He wants to give his fellow professionals a voice. Doug wants APEGA to have more public recognition. He wants APEGA to be relevant to its Members. And he wants his fellow professionals to know what APEGA is doing for them. Doug has ideas. And he wants to help his fellow Councillors to develop their ideas. Together: we will make things happen!
(Thunder Bay) and returned north upon graduation. During his university years, Doug was the President of the university chapter of the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering (CSME). In his career thus far, Doug has worked his way up from project engineer and now holds the position of National Mechanical Engineering Practice Leader for WSP Canada Inc. He has worked on projects across Canada’s Arctic, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia, and even Siberia. He has held board and committee positions in both the Northwest Territories Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists (NAPEG) and APEGA. And he is also a past Councillor of NAPEG.
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FOR COUNCIL Craig Clifton, P.Eng.
I hold degrees in chemistry and civil engineering from the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan, respectively. Thirty years ago, I began working in the family business, Clifton Associates Ltd., as a laboratory technician. Now, as VP Alberta, I have gained a thorough understanding of the engineering profession along with its challenges, our role in the economy, and benefits to society and our communities.
My time on the CEA board has shaped my view of the engineering profession as a driver of the economy, society, and public safety. The societal benefit of the profession is beyond the work that is done; it is the work that is enabled. Typically, every $1 billion of engineering remuneration results in $10 billion of investment, a 10-fold impact on our economy. Work by Professional Engineers enables investment and construction of safe, efficient structures and infrastructure for the benefit of Albertans. In 2012, I was elected to the board of directors of the Alberta Chamber of Resources (ACR). Being involved with ACR has led to a greater understanding of how integrated the resource sector is with the economy of the province and how the orderly and responsible development of our resources benefits all Albertans. Currently, I act as the Transportation Committee Chair for ACR and have recently helped complete a pilot program for a new Alberta Heavy Module in conjunction with the Construction Owners Association of Alberta (COAA) and CEA. The program will decrease capital costs, promote Alberta-based module construction, improve safety, and facilitate quicker royalty payments to the province. In 2015 I was appointed to the board of the Calgary Construction Association, and I volunteer to help organize the OAEC conference, a program intended to help improve the relationships between owners, engineers, architects, and contractors in the construction industry. If elected to APEGA Council, the first issue I would focus on is continual enhancement of the image and identity of our professions to improve public understanding of our role and contributions as self-regulated professions. There has been a trend of increased scrutiny on self-regulated associations and professions throughout Canada. Quebec's engineering regulator was put into trusteeship by the Government of Quebec because of a loss of confidence in its role in protection of the public. There are other examples of similar action on associations in other jurisdictions throughout Canada. APEGA needs to be seen to be working in the public’s best interest at all times. APEGA is working and has always worked to protect public safety, ensuring the practices of engineering and geoscience are being done in an appropriate manner. The issue is that few know exactly what APEGA is doing to fulfill its mandate. As a Councillor I would encourage a broad outreach to the public, government, and industry to begin a dialogue, educate, and solicit feedback. It has been my experience that working through these groups, the benefits of dialogue are immediate and significant. I believe my personal and professional experience could be an asset to APEGA Council and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute.
After relocating to Alberta in 2003, I volunteered with the Consulting Engineers of Alberta (CEA) and was elected to the Board of Directors (2009), Vice-President (2012) and President (2013). During this time, I worked with numerous government departments addressing issues ranging from long-standing relationships with Alberta Transportation to coordination with the Southern Alberta Flood Recovery Task Force that helped expedite damage assessments and design of flood mitigation works. As President, my goals were to enhance the image of CEA, align committees to achieve the goals of the strategic plan, and continue to press for legislated qualifications-based selection (QBS) for publicly funded projects within Alberta. As part of enhancing the image and influence of the organization, CEA began an outreach program to other industry groups such as the Alberta Construction Association, Alberta Chamber of Resources, Alberta Construction Association, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, and other similar organizations to find common issues that could be addressed jointly for our mutual benefit. I also undertook the alignment of CEA’s committees to improve efficiency and align the work of committees with the goals of the board of directors and the strategic plan. The result was a more focused organization that delivered better value to its members. Lastly, I worked with a core group of CEA representatives to educate elected officials and familiarize government personnel on the benefits of QBS. The work on QBS is continuing and is expected to be completed within the next few years.
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FOR COUNCIL George Eynon, P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hon.)
Personal Information • Immigrated to Canada in 1970, after a B.Sc. (London) and teaching high school; earned an M.Sc. (McMaster) and moved to Calgary in 1972. • President of geos eynon & associates consulting inc., consulting to governments, companies, and the public on regulatory issues, community and stakeholder relations, board and governance advice and services. • Teach at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business in the BComm PLMA specialization, and deliver energy literacy short courses for industry, governments, and the public, through Oak Leaf Energy Training. • Serve on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Society for Unconventional Resources (CSUR). Professional Background • In 1972, I joined Amoco in Calgary to begin a career in oil and gas exploration and production, moving through increasingly senior technical, management, and executive positions. I have experience with a broad spectrum of companies — majors, Canadian and U.S. large- and mid- size independents, and juniors — worldwide over the course of more than 20 years. • Then, for 15 years provided energy resources consulting and research services with GEOS Energy Consulting, Ziff Energy, Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA), and the Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI). • Appointed to the board of the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) in 2008 — Alberta’s oil and gas industry regulator. Served through 2013, for the last six months as a hearing commissioner with its successor, the Alberta Energy Regulator. • My wife, Joyce, and I live in Calgary. Affiliations and Community Service • Fellow of Geoscientists Canada (FGC) • Honorary Fellow of Engineers Canada (FEC (Hon.)) • Honorary Member of both CSPG and AAPG • Board member of CSUR — the Canadian Society for Unconventional Resources • Previously served on numerous CSPG committees, and as President, and similarly on numerous AAPG committees, as Chair of the House of Delegates, and on the Executive
We have two major issues to deal with currently. First, the regulatory function improvements that we have been addressing for the past several years. Second, the economic downturn that has created a large number of unemployed APEGA Members. Given our mandate for public safety and interest, maintaining our self- regulatory privilege granted by the government and public is a
paramount issue. Revising and renewing our Act is one of the most important tasks APEGA is undertaking with the provincial government. The recent focus is on the investigation, compliance, enforcement, and discipline functions that support our self-regulatory status. However, APEGA also needs to address its unemployed Members’ urgent and current dilemma — many professionals cannot afford to pay their dues. Membership dues are APEGA’s primary revenue source. Extending the period for dues abatement — non-payment for those who are unemployed while remaining practising professionals — means a huge financial hit and managing our affairs differently. Either way, it will be a significant financial hit for APEGA as well as those Members. I do not have the answers; however, given my experience on Council for the past several years, I have a good understanding of how APEGA runs, and I want to continue on Council for another term to help develop some solutions. APEGA Activities • Councillor, APEGA (2012-present) • APEGA-appointed Director of Geoscientists Canada (elected President 2015-present) • Member, Chair, and Past Chair, Practice Review Board (1995-1998)
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