Readers’ Forum
OPINION
railways need to consider the cost for increased speed carefully. Mr. Spencer says a “safe increase of five km/h would bring down costs considerably.” Actually, faster trains require increased expense to ensure smoother track. They burn more fuel. They require greater care to maintain wheelsets and running gears to higher standards and finer tolerances. There are a lot of interesting challenges facing North American railways, but we already know how to safely run trains more quickly; the choice not to do so is primarily economical. JASON ARNOT, P.ENG. Calgary
skills in helping to develop a new generation of instrumentation engineering technologists, here in Central Alberta. Curriculum development can be done remotely, if those interested live outside of Red Deer. Having said that, we would also be extremely interested in utilizing experience in the classroom, for those who do live close by. And, should there be any current Professional Engineers who feel they can provide development or instructional assistance part time, we would also welcome them. Thank you for your help in getting the word out. A small item in the e-PEG has already brought us responses. Here’s hoping this second appeal to APEGA’s extremely rich vein of knowledge and expertise can help us even further. NIGEL LANE, P.L.(ENG.) Curriculum Development Lead
INSTRUMENT ENGINEERING
EXPERTISE NEEDED
Instrument Engineering Technology School of Trades and Technologies Red Deer College
In my position at Red Deer College, I have been tasked with forming and leading a team to develop curriculum content for our new Instrument Engineering Technology (IET) program, which we plan to launch in the fall of this year. Drawing on the knowledge and experience of Red Deer College faculty members, we have begun development. We wish to supplement this input, however, with some from external resources. I am therefore writing to The PEG in the hopes of building interest from other Members and drawing on their wealth of experience in instrument engineering. Perhaps my story will help attract some of your readers to this endeavor. I am a recently reinstated APEGA Member, holding a P.L.(Eng.) licence. Not long ago, I had retired after a 30-year career with NOVA Chemicals in Red Deer in instrument and electrical engineering. But I decided to re-enter the workforce and utilize my experience and knowledge in the education field. That’s how I ended up at Red Deer College, and that’s why I am now reaching out to the APEGA membership. Red Deer College hopes to tap into the experience of other people like me — for instance, recently retired Professional Engineers or Professional Licensees who may want to spend some of their retirement sharing their experience, knowledge and
Editor’s Note: Reach Mr. Lane at 403-342-3376 or nigel.lane@rdc.rd.ca.
INACTION BY INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS COULD BE TAXING
Professional Members who do contract work should be aware of how costly it could be to file their taxes at the small business rate of 14 per cent. If Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) assesses a contractor as a personal services business (PSB) instead of a small business, the rate now jumps to 38 per cent. When dividends are paid out, the amount could even reach 50 per cent or more. At particular risk are individual contractors who work for one client. If you've created a corporate structure but otherwise would probably be considered an employee, the strategy could backfire. I suggest you bring the issue up with your accountant. You may also want to check CRA’s Guide RC4110 — Employee or Self-Employed? Although it doesn't specifically
50 | PEG SPRING 2015
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker