Society Notes September 2002

Society Notes - April 2007

1. 2007 Ontario Budget - OSPE applauds province’s continued investment in infrastructure

OSPE has good reason to be pleased with the recent provincial budget. Specifically the announcement of continued funding for infrastructure, with a pledge of $5.9 billion in 2007-08 for transit, highways, hospitals, schools, colleges, universities and rural infrastructure. In addition, $11.5 billion has been earmarked for new and refurbished electricity generation as well as conservation and demand management initiatives.

“We asked the provincial government to honour their infrastructure funding commitments, and they have,” said Daniel J. Young, P.Eng., OSPE President and Chair. Since 2005 and recently again during pre-budget consultations, OSPE strongly encouraged the Provincial Government to fulfill its funding commitments through ongoing infrastructure investment. While the government had no new infrastructure financing announcements in the 2007 budget, it has committed to financing all the infrastructure projects pledged in 2005.

“The government has told Ontarians that infrastructure is its top priority. We are at a critical time as our transit, highways, hospitals, schools, sewage and water systems are in desperate need of updating and repair. It is vital for all Ontarians that the government has made this commitment to ensure that the security of these essential services is not compromised,” said Mr. Young.

The investment is good news for the profession as it signals increased opportunity for engineers and the engineering profession to play a role in building and strengthening the province.

OSPE recommends that the government streamline their approval process with various government agencies to ensure that they can act quickly to implement its infrastructure projects and appoint an ombudsman or task force to work with stakeholders to resolve issues or roadblocks that may arise as a result of the increased infrastructure development By fast-tracking the approval process and proactively addressing issues that arise, the government will reduce costs incurred by delays to projects.

Find out more about Ontario’s 2007 budget and what’s in it for engineers at www.ospe.on.ca.

2. PEO Council Election Results

Last month the results of the Professional Engineers Ontario Council election were announced. Of the newly elected councillors, several OSPE members were elected ensuring that OSPE interests are heard at PEO. In January, OSPE sent a questionnaire to all candidates asking them to comment on several issues of importance to OSPE. Those responses now provide OSPE members with insights into the perspectives of the incoming PEO Council.

With approximately 54% of the vote, J. David Adams, P.Eng, assumes the role of President-elect of PEO Council. An Ottawa native, Adams holds a B.Eng. in mechanical engineering (Power and Design) from Carleton University, and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Western Ontario. He is President of Maple Leaf Engineering Corporation, and resides in Hanover, Ontario.

Other newly elected council members include: Vice President Diane L. Freeman, P.Eng., Councillors-at-large Peter DeVita, P.Eng. and Richard Weldon, P.Eng. (all OSPE Members), East Central Region Councillor Corneliu Chisu, P.Eng., Western Region Councillor Roydon A. Fraser, P.Eng. (OSPE Member), and West Central Region Councillor E. Phil Maka, P.Eng.

Candidates who participated in our OSPE questionnaire provided their ideas about raising awareness and improving the image of professional engineers, the benefit of specialty designations, the need to demonstrate continuing competence and recommendations for improving compensation paid to professional engineers. Questionnaire responses were posted on OSPE’s website to let our members know about PEO candidates’ views prior to the Council elections.

In response to OSPE’s questionnaire, President-elect Adams explained that he sees great importance in recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of professional engineers as a means to improving the image of the profession, and he hopes to create programs to positively showcase the profession. In addition, he is open to the idea of eliminating exemptions under the Professional Engineers Act, promising to take this issue to the Attorney General. Adams also views continuing education as an essential component of the engineering profession. Although not an OSPE member, Adams vowed to work in co-operation with OSPE to promote a strong voice for the profession.

View all candidate responses to our pre-election questionnaire at www.ospe.on.ca.

3. Federal Government funds study of engineering and technology labour market

In October 2006, Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) agreed to fund a two-year cross-Canada project to study the engineering and technology labour market. The Labour Market Study will provide information about where in Canada engineers of various disciplines are needed. This information will be especially useful to foreign-trained engineers, new graduates and engineers in career change.

The study will collect and analyze labour market information in order to:

• provide a detailed picture of job supply and demand;
• better understand the changing skill sets required by the engineering team today and in the future; and
• identify economic impacts resulting from changes in the labour force and skill sets.

The Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (CCPE) is administering the project with direction and technical oversight provided by a Steering Committee comprising of representatives from CCPE, the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT), engineering and certification bodies in the provinces and territories, deans organizations for engineering and technology and immigrant settlement agencies. OSPE is also a member of the Steering Committee.

The first steering committee meeting took place in January of this year, and will continue to meet quarterly until project completion. Stay tuned to www.ospe.on.ca for updates on the progress of this study.

4. Call for Volunteers - Mobility Task Force

OSPE is currently seeking volunteers for our Mobility Task Force. All OSPE members are invited to submit their names as prospective task force members. Please tell us why you are suited by background and qualifications to make a meaningful contribution to the work of this task force.

OSPE Mobility Task Force
In response to the interest expressed by members in learning more about issues surrounding mobility of professional engineering qualifications between Ontario and other provinces and territories, OSPE will re-establish a task force to examine these issues. If you have experience in this area OSPE would like to hear from you.

If you are interested in adding your voice to this task force, please login to our Members Only section and go to Volunteer Now to fill out our online volunteer form. Be sure to indicate that you would like to participate in the "Mobility Task Force".

Or you can contact Gina van den Burg, OSPE Policy Analyst, at gvandenburg@ospe.on.ca or by phone at 416-223-9961 Ext. 237.

All OSPE members in good standing are welcome to volunteer.

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5. Make your voice heard – it is time for the 2007 OSPE Board Election

Cast your ballot from March 19 to April 19.

OSPE is calling on all members to make your voice heard by voting in our Board election. This is your chance to ensure that the collective voice of the engineering community of Ontario is heard by selecting the best possible candidates to represent your interests.

This year six candidates are vying for four Board positions. A complete election package, including candidate’s biographical information was mailed to all eligible voters on March 19, 2007. Information on 2007 Candidates is also posted on the OSPE website at www.ospe.on.ca.

Final election results will be announced at the OSPE Annual General Meeting on May 10, 2007 and the new Board will take office immediately afterwards.

The following six OSPE members (listed in alphabetical order) were approved as candidates by the Nominations Committee. All biographical information was prepared and submitted by the candidates. All candidate statements are the opinions of the candidates and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of OSPE or its Board of Directors. View each candidate's profile by clicking on their name.

Choose and vote from March 19 to April 19!

Valerie Davidson, P.Eng.
William Donald Goodings, P.Eng.
Rob Hughes, P.Eng.
Nadine Miller, P.Eng.
M. Clare Morris, P.Eng.
Edward Poon, P.Eng.

VOTING PROCEDURE:
An independent agency, ADP Investor Communications (ADP), has been engaged to issue, collect and tabulate returned ballots and report on ballot results. If you are eligible to vote, please refer to the ballot you received in the mail for detailed instructions. If you are certain that you are eligible to vote and did not receive a voting package in the mail, please contact Andrea Vecera at 416-223-9961 or 1 866 763-1654, ext. 222

Voting officially opened on March 19. To be valid, all ballots must be received by ADP no later than April 19, 2007. Please do not send your ballot to the OSPE office.

You can review detailed information about the 2007 OSPE Election, including Candidate Information and Election Procedures on our website. Then be sure to cast your vote in the election. It's your Society - have your say!
Questions about the election can be directed to Andrea Vecera at avecera@ospe.on.ca or by phone at 416-223-9961, ext. 222. Stay tuned to www.ospe.on.ca for further election updates.

6. Recruitment event exclusively for engineering students

OSPE invites students to meet engineering employers at two exclusive recruitment networking events. Jump-start your career and learn about hiring trends and openings for engineering students. Don't miss this opportunity to network and make contacts with employers in your field and explore career options you may not have considered. Register for one or attend both.

Students are encouraged to bring their resume and dress in business attire. These events are for students only.

Tuesday, April 10
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Register to attend now at www.ospe.on.ca.

Participating employers:
• CH2M HILL Canada
• Enbridge Gas Distribution
• Aecon Civil and Utilities
• IBM Canada Ltd.

Thursday, May 3
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Register to attend now at www.ospe.on.ca.

Participating employers:
• McAsphalt Industries Limited
• Agropur, Division Natrel
• Colt Engineering Corporation
• Hydro One

These career events offer an informal setting where you can:

• Speak with employers directly about current and future job or internship opportunities.
• Learn about industry trends and identify companies and industries that are new and growing.
• Drop off a resume and gain feedback on your qualifications (and resume).
• Gather company information to prepare for potential interviews.
• Learn the jargon of a particular occupational field.
• Identify role models or mentors to guide your professional development.
• Talk with professionals about career paths and experiences to improve confidence and communication skills.
• Obtain support and encouragement from others who share your interests.

Experts report that only 20 percent of all jobs are advertised in the classifieds. Networking can lead to the other 80 percent.

7. Get ahead with our Spring Professional Development offerings

Get ahead this spring with OSPE’s professional development offerings. Master skills in management, leadership, negotiation, problem solving and more through a variety of OSPE courses, workshops and seminars.

OSPE’s extensive professional development offerings can help you expand your career and lets you connect with fellow engineers. Space is limited so be sure to register early.

Upcoming Professional Development offerings:

• Master of Negotiation Seminar
April 11, 2007 (Toronto) OR
April 17, 2007 (London)

• Meetings for Effectiveness Workshop - April 12, 2007

• Problem Solving Workshop - April 18, 2007

• Transition Training Course for the Objective-Based 2006 Building Code - April 23 - April 28, 2007

• Leadership in Project Management Course - April 30 - June 18, 2007

Upcoming Career Centre Workshop:

• Sharpening Business Acumen: Moving from a Technical to a Managerial Role - May 3, 2007

Visit Professional Development and our Career Centre at www.ospe.on.ca for more information on our courses, programs, and workshops and to register. Online registration is fast, easy, and secure.

Have you registered to receive Career Development Express?
Keep up to date on all the latest OSPE Professional Development and Career Centre news and events by registering for Career development Express. Simply log into the OSPE Career Centre at www.ospe.on.ca and click on 'e-Newsletters'.

In addition to the many courses and workshops listed on our site, OSPE offers a variety of on-site training and/or needs-based training opportunities. To find out more, email us at pd@ospe.on.ca or call us at 416-223-9961, ext. 230.

8. EWB at the World Bank Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation

On February 13, 2007, Engineers Without Borders (EWB) co-CEO, Parker Mitchell, presented at the World Bank Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation. The event, which explored the role of science, technology and innovation in sustainable development, was a tremendous opportunity for the Canadian-borne EWB to share its approach and knowledge.

As the co-founder and co-CEO of EWB, Parker is not new to discussions about the role of technology in development. He co-founded EWB seven years ago on the premise that appropriate technology is a critical component in development and that consequently, Canadian engineers have an important role to play.

Parker, a speaker on the conference’s opening panel, talked about the critical role of appropriate technologies in reducing the vulnerabilities of people living in extreme poverty. “Whether it is improvements in food transformation, accessible clean water, affordable energy, better transport, improved agriculture transformations or any number of other areas, the adoption of new technologies and techniques will be key” to reducing vulnerabilities in rural Africa.

Based on lessons learned during the seven years since EWB’s inception, Parker emphasized that although technologies are important, a pure focus on improving technology can lead one to miss other important factors that impact technology adoption.

Technological development must be shaped by an understanding and the incorporation of “users needs”. Those technologies that effectively incorporate the needs of the people for which they are intended are most likely to be adopted.

Unfortunately, this design element is all too often forgotten, resulting in many technologies that go unadopted, ultimately having little impact on developing communities.

For EWB, taking part in the World Bank conference provided an exceptional opportunity to profile the role of technology in development before a high profile and influential audience. The invite is indicative of the organization’s rising international profile for driving effective, sustainable change, and the reputation of Canadian engineers around the globe.

To listen to Parker’s speech, please visit: http://www1.worldbank.org/hdnetwork/External/ed/ParMitchell.htm.

Since 2001, OSPE has been proud to make Engineers Without Borders its Charity of Choice. You can learn more about EWB by visiting www.ewb.ca.