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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