FOR COUNCIL Jim McCuaig, P.Eng., CD
• Perspective of a multi-disciplinary technologist and professional engineer • Distinguished reserve and regular force military experience • APEGA relevance, public awareness, effects of legislative review are key issues Born in Belleville, Ontario, Jim McCuaig lived in various communities across Canada while growing up. After graduating from high school, he went to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and earned his diploma in mechanical engineering technology. During this time, Jim was also active in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve with 746 (Calgary) Communication Squadron and trained as a radio/teletype operator, a teletype technician, and a radio technician. He reached the rank of sergeant in 1985 and received his commission as second lieutenant in 1986. At the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics in Kingston, Ontario, he trained as a communications and electronics engineering officer. In 1986, Jim moved to Victoria and served with 741 (Victoria) Communication Squadron, transferring to the regular force in 1987. He attended the Canadian Forces School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering in Borden, Ontario, training as a land electrical and mechanical engineer. Jim transferred back to the reserve force, serving as a troop officer and an operations officer with 741. In 1989, Jim moved to Castlegar, B.C., where he taught high school as a teacher on-call before attending Selkirk College in Castlegar, where he received a diploma in electronics engineering technology. In 1992, Jim joined EMCO Engineering Ltd. in Castlegar, working until 1999 as an electrical and mechanical engineering technologist. Jim maintained his army reserve status and attended the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, B.C., and trained as a military engineering officer. He served with 44 Field Engineering Squadron in Trail, B.C., as a troop officer and an operations officer. Promoted to captain in 1994. Jim attended Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, receiving his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 2001. He then then went to work for Hemisphere Engineering in Edmonton as an electrical design engineer. Maintaining his employment with the Reserve, he was Regimental Adjutant with 8 Field Engineering Regiment in Edmonton, before retiring from the CAF in 2003. Jim accepted an offer with ATCO Electric in 2003 to work as the senior regional engineer in Peace River. After this position closed in 2006, he remained in Peace River to briefly operate Peace Engineering before accepting a position with BAR Engineering Co. Ltd in Lloydminster, Alberta. Here, he was employed as a senior staff engineer working on various interdisciplinary projects. In 2014, Jim left BAR Engineering to join Smith + Andersen in Edmonton as an
Associate Principal, where he managed the firm’s electrical group. In 2016, Jim accepted employment with the Town of Peace River, where he is now the Director of Engineering and Infrastructure, overseeing engineering, planning and development, public works, solid waste management, cemetary operations and water/ wastewater infrastructure. Jim is a professional
engineer registered to practice in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories. He is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Jim became involved with APEGA in 2003 when he joined the Peace River Branch as a member at large. He volunteered with other branches as he moved with his career. He has been active in the APEGA legislative review sessions, and in recruiting and mentoring new members to volunteer for their branches. Jim believes his varied background as an engineering technologist and then an engineer, in various disciplines, would bring a balanced perspective to Council. His involvement in various branches gives him an appreciation of members’ needs in both urban and rural areas. If elected, he would like to help APEGA continue to be relevant to members, including those in non-consulting areas. He also wants to increase public awareness of APEGA’s mandate and help us become the most trusted profession. Jim is interested in how legislative changes will affect practice standards to ensure we maintain our high level of service delivery to the public. Jim and his wife have four children. His past community involvement includes volunteering with Scouts Canada groups, and he currently supports his wife’s involvement in Girl Guides, particularly around engineering and STEM. Jim is an avid rugby fan, cheering on Canada’s men’s and women’s teams, Scotland, and New Zealand’s Mighty All Blacks. • Edmonton Branch—Chair (2016), Vice-Chair (2015–2016) • Vermilion River Branch—Chair (2014), Vice-Chair (2013), Secretary (2012), Member at Large (2008–2012) • Peace River Branch—Member at Large (2004–2006), Volunteer Member (2016–Present) AFFILIATIONS, CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE • Past Cub Leader, Beaver Leader, Scouts Canada (2002– 2003, 2004–2006) • Past Vice-President Debney Armoury Officers Mess Committee (2003) APEGA ACTIVITIES • Professional Member (2003–present)
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