The Public Policy Forum, incepted 20 years ago, brings together leaders from the public and private sectors to connect with and learn from one another. The Forum created the Young Leaders Award to recognize young Canadians who exemplify leadership in public policy, a description for which the co-founders of EWB—at only 30 years of age—personify.

EWB’s influence in the shaping of public policy stems from the work of the organization’s 32 chapters across Canada which engage engineering professionals, university and high school students, and the Canadian general public in civic discourse. The award indicates that the voices of these tens of thousands of Canadians engaged through EWB, who are urging the government to adopt pro-development policies, are being heard.

“We created Engineers Without Borders as a catalyst for change. A nod from the Public Policy Forum is a great honour that signals we are having influence,” said Parker.

The ability of EWB to have such influence can be attributed in large part to the strong reputation of our profession within Canada. Policymakers and high level executives alike respect the engineering profession and its desire to serve humanity both in Canada and abroad.

And the future of our profession, if EWB’s Young Leaders can serve as an indicator, is looking bright.

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.