Engineers "Get Involved" at Society's General Assembly

On Saturday, November 8 members had an opportunity to "Get Involved" at the Society's fourth General Assembly. Engineers, interns and students gathered in downtown Toronto to examine challenges facing the engineering profession and discuss ways to build on our advocacy efforts.

"Our General Assembly has a unique purpose, different from other Society events throughout the year," explained Society President and Chair Daniel J. Young, M.Eng., P.Eng., in his opening remarks. "The General Assembly is where we focus on the Society's most important mandate - advocacy."

The full-day Assembly began with a presentation of the Society's most recent membership research results. Based on over 3,000 responses, the survey results revealed that few engineers are highly satisfied in several areas of their working life. On average, engineers who responded were only 19% satisfied with income and prospects for advancement and only 42% satisfied with the level of respect they receive from managers and supervisors.

The day was moderated by public policy expert Erin O'Connor, who delivered a thought-provoking keynote address that measured engineering in Ontario against other jurisdictions and against other major professions. Ms. O'Connor's address emphasized that engineers must take proactive steps to earn the respect of legislators and to protect their own interests long term.

"In many ways, yours is a profession under siege," Ms. O'Connor said. "And a profession under siege owes it to itself to ensure that it is keeping on top of developments, and providing for its future."

Ms. O'Connor's address set the stage for moderated break-out sessions, where small groups of engineers examined a number of the issues she raised, including the question of specialization, continuing education, practice inspections and how to raise the profile of the engineering profession in Ontario.

Summaries of each break-out discussion were presented to all attendees. While engineers held a range of views on each issue, all groups reported a strong level of support for ongoing professional development and continued advocacy on issues that affect public health and safety.

The day concluded with an open-mike question period where members had the opportunity to ask the Society's Board and staff about a variety of advocacy topics. A report from the 2003 General Assembly will be available shortly, right here at www.ospe.on.ca. View photos of the 2003 General Assembly now.