FOR COUNCIL Craig Clifton, P.Eng.
• Proven record with engineering and industry associations • Long history of success in family business • Outreach and dialogue will give APEGA a higher public and government profile 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, its benefits, and our role in the economy. I have volunteered with the Consulting Engineers of Alberta (CEA) and was elected to its board (2009), as Vice President (2012), and as President (2013). I worked with government departments to address issues ranging from relationships with Alberta Transportation to coordination with the Southern Alberta Flood Recovery Task Force, which 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. CEA began an outreach program to the Alberta Construction Association, the Alberta Chamber of Resources, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, and other industry groups to find common issues to address jointly. My committee alignment efforts helped create a more focused organization, delivering better value to members. 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 continues and is expected to be completed within the next few years. My time on the CEA board has shaped my view of engineering as a driver of the economy and public safety. This societal benefit goes beyond work done—it is also work enabled. Typically, every $ 1 billion of engineering remuneration results in $10 billion of investment. Work by professional engineers enables investment in and construction of safe, efficient structures and infrastructure for 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 am the Transportation Committee Chair for ACR. I recently helped complete a pilot program for a new Alberta heavy module in conjunction with the Construction Owners Association of Alberta and the 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 volunteered to help organize the OAEC conference, which helps improve relationships between owners, architects, engineers, and contractors in the construction industry. If elected to APEGA Council, I would encourage council to be more intentional about not only the enhancement of the image and identity of our professions, but to actively engage in public dialogue on topics that affect the professions. I understand that public safety is the mandate of the association, but it should be up to the association to define what a professional engineer is for the public and not other entities. Over the last few years, I feel that there have been times when APEGA should have offered proactive public comment rather than remain silent. Examples that come to mind are third-party accreditation of work that is historically done by a professional engineer (such as an erosion sediment control professional), or the whole pipeline debate that has been happening within the country. I don’t suggest advocating for the pipeline, or any other industry for that matter. That is clearly not in the mandate of the association. However, when the public discussion is so hyperbolic, I feel it is completely appropriate for the association to remind the public that design and construction would be under the supervision of professional engineers, people who have sworn an oath to public safety. Let the public debate be on the social benefit, or acceptable risk, but don’t let it disparage our profession. APEGA works to protect public safety, ensuring the practice of engineering and geoscience are being performed appropriately. Few people know exactly what APEGA is doing to fulfill its mandate. Improved, proactive communication would help. I believe my personal and professional experience could be an asset to the APEGA Council, and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute.
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