JAN 05, 2018
INTRAW Scenarios: The World of Raw Materials in 2050
The INTRAW project consortium is pleased to announce the release of a new brochure presenting three scenarios for the world of raw materials in 2050.
The EU-funded INTRAW project was launched in 2015 with the aim of mapping best practices and boosting cooperation opportunities related to raw materials between the EU and five technologically advanced non-EU countries (Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa, and the United States).
In a truly cooperative approach, the INTRAW project has elaborated, in a series of workshops run in 2016, three scenarios that describe the world of raw materials in 2050. Given the current uncertainties that global politics have to deal with, scenarios are indeed an excellent means to prepare for the future and to safeguard against developments that are not desirable, but yet still plausible. The final scenarios, named "Unlimited Trade", "Sustainability Alliance" and "National Walls", are now available on the INTRAW website and are presented in more detail in a new brochure that can be downloaded via the link below.
DEC 05, 2017
Member Survey Results
Probe Research conducted a survey of the Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba membership, May 2017.
The survey covered a broad range of topics that both members and the public will find interesting.
DEC 01, 2017
Video Contest for Students and Young Professionals
Resources for Future Generations 2018 (RFG2018) has launched an exciting video contest where students and early career professionals can win a prize and free RFG2018 registration!
They're aiming to engage young people in Canada and internationally to help build a community that is passionate about communicating and engaging in all aspects of sustainability on earth, from the very small practical matters to the big ideas!
Every day young people are innovating, researching, and inspiring change that will lead to a sustainable future for the residents of planet Earth. Are you creating change through your research, innovation, or inspiration? Share your story by January 31, 2018 to be in with a chance to win!
CREATE A 3-MIN VIDEO TELLING YOUR STORY
Do you have an idea to share about how we can sustainably provide water, energy or minerals for
future generations?
Use your imagination, have fun, be creative!
SHARE YOUR STORY
Post your video on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram using the Hashtag #ICARE4RFG and follow +tag @RFG2018.
WIN BIG
First prize - $500 + Free Registration + a feature in the next issue of reSource Newsletter, the RFG2018 website, and social media channels.
Runner up - $250 + Free Registration.
About RFG2018
Resources for Future Generations 2018 (RFG2018) is an innovative new international conference dedicated to the availability of resources needed to sustain future generations. RFG2018 will generate discussion on key topics such as - what resources do we need; where are they; can we extract them cleanly; who benefits? Experts from a wide variety of backgrounds, engaged youth, and civil society from all over the world will explore six technical and societal themes vital to the long-term health of humans and our planet:
- The Earth
- Energy
- Resources & Society
- Education & Youth
- Minerals
- Water
DEC 01, 2017
"Engineering Changes Lives" Initiative Launched
A bold new initiative, announced by Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, aims to achieve the goal of women comprising 30% of newly licensed engineers in Manitoba by 2030. This ambitious goal, initially developed by Engineers Canada, results from the urgent need to increase the number of women in engineering across the country. The percentage of newly licensed female engineers across Canada was 17.2% in December 2016.
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba formally adopted the 30 By 30 goal as a Strategic End for the Association in May 2017, signifying its critical importance to the future of engineering in the province. Their new initiative, "Engineering Changes Lives", will increase both the number of women entering engineering and the retention rate of women working in the field.
"It is in the public interest to have the very best engineers practice. When we see an Association whose members do not reflect the diversity of the public, it is a sign that we are missing out. While the goal of 30% is well short of our ultimate goal of true proportional representation, 30% is achievable and has been shown to be the tipping point where a natural momentum begins to occur," explains President Jonathan Epp, P.Eng., FEC.
"We've been working to increase the number of women in engineering at a grassroots level for many years, so it's exciting to see a more dedicated approach towards achieving the 30 By 30 goal. We look forward to collaborating with new partners from across the province on this important initiative," said the Chair of the Association's Committee for Increasing the Participation of Women in Engineering (CIPWIE), Kathryn Atamanchuk, P.Eng.
Currently, in Manitoba, women represent 15.1% of newly licensed engineers. It takes between four and six years to obtain a university education before a graduate can apply to become an engineering intern with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, and another four years of supervised work experience to achieve the professional designation (P.Eng.). Therefore, the window to meet the 30% target by 2030 is closing in quickly, with only three years to influence the numbers required to accomplish this goal.
Lindsay Melvin, P.Eng., FEC, was the Association's sixth female President and is a keen advocate for the new initiative: "I am proud of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba for taking new, directed action to achieve more women in the engineering profession. The fact that women make up only 10% of all licensed engineers in Manitoba is a disservice to the public which engineers serve. The evolution of our world and society is constant and exciting. With diversity in the profession, engineering will be well poised to meet future challenges."
In the Speech from the Throne on November 21, The Honourable Janice C. Filmon, C.M., O.M., Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Manitoba said, "We look forward to engaging Manitobans on ways to ensure that women are better represented at decision-making and influence levels within community and corporate sectors."
NOV 23, 2017
Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) - Call for Presentations
The Canadian Institute of Planners, in partnership with the Manitoba Professional Planners Institute, is hosting its 2018 National Conference in Winnipeg (July 19 -22, 2018). Recognizing that city and community building crosses many disciplines, the 2018 Conference is inviting participation from all its allied professions (architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, transportation planning, archaeology, environmental science, real estate development, legal, governance, etc.) to join planners from across Canada in dialogue about the core issues that shape our communities.
The theme of the 2018 Conference is SOUL - focusing on how culture, the environment, social dynamics, and history shape the SOUL of our communities. The Conference will challenge participants to reflect on what SOUL means to planning and how it informs the work of planners and city-building professionals alike.
The deadline for abstract submissions is: December 21, 2017. For more information or to register, please visit the conference website.
NOV 27, 2017
Prairie Wood Design Awards 2018 - Call for Project Submissions
Project submissions are being sought for the 2018 Prairie Wood Design Awards. Nominations are welcome from design firms, individuals, and communities with accomplishments in wood construction.
The deadline to nominate projects for the 2018, 10th Anniversary competition is January 5, 2018. Visit the website for more information on nominating a project.
Process:
The submission process is online and FREE!
Winning projects and team will be promoted as follows:
- Included in the 2018 North American Wood Design Awards Hardcover publication
- Receive complimentary application to the 2019 National Wood Design Competition
- Highlighted on our website, announced in print magazine and digital publications
- Included in the Awards presentation in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary
Not to mention the great exposure at the Gala in Edmonton!
Visit the Wood WORKS! website today to start your application!
SAVE THE DATE:
The 2018 Award winners will be announced at the Gala on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at the Chateau Lacombe Hotel in the Alberta Ballroom.
NOV 27, 2017
City of Winnipeg Launches Online Occupancy Permit Search Tool
The Planning Property and Development Department of the City of Winnipeg would like to announce the launch of an online occupancy permit search tool. This feature enables members of the general public to search properties by civic address in order to obtain information related to issued occupancy permits.
This is the first phase of a three-phased project, and limits the searches to occupancy permits granted as of June 2, 2006. As occupancy permit records followed different formats prior to that date, a second and third phase to this feature have been planned for the near future to make older permits available for online access as well.
NOV 02, 2017
2018 Engineers Canada Scholarship Applications Open
Are you an engineer returning to school? Apply for an Engineers Canada scholarship!
Engineers Canada is seeking nominations for its 2018 scholarships. Each year, Engineers Canada partners with Manulife and TD Insurance Meloche Monnex to award six cash prizes, totalling $60,000, to professional engineers returning to university or college.
The Engineers Canada-Manulife scholarships are awarded to engineers returning to school to further their studies in an engineering field, while the Engineers Canada-TD Insurance Meloche Monnex scholarships are awarded to engineers studying in a field other than engineering that complements their engineering practice.
The deadline to submit nominations is March 1, 2018. For more information and to apply, visit the Engineers Canada website.
NOV 23, 2017
Indigenous Programing - Faculty of Engineering
The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba is seeking ideas and interest from the professional engineering and geoscience community to assist in initiatives that support Indigenous students and that foster Indigenous Knowledge, perspectives, and design principles in their programs.
The Faculty of Engineering has a long history of supporting Indigenous achievement including their successful Engineering Access Program (ENGAP). Indigenous students make up more than 6% of undergraduate enrollment, compared to national enrollment of just over 1%. They wish to pursue the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the University's strategic priorities to include Indigenous Knowledge and perspectives in the engineering curriculum for all students in meaningful ways.
Objectives include increasing Indigenous enrollment, introducing Indigenous Knowledge and design perspectives into the core curriculum, increasing the supports to Indigenous students in ENGAP, and supporting the Coop/Industrial Internship Program to engage students in placements that develop their understanding of the priorities of and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities. They welcome members' input on resources, ideas, and contributions including potential part- or full-time employment as Engineer/Geoscientist-in-Residence.
Please contact Jonathan Beddoes at
jonathan.beddoes@umanitoba.ca - he will be pleased to hear your ideas.
NOV 14, 2017
Breaking Barriers for Women in STEM Survey
Funded by Status of Women and spearheaded by the Ontario Society for Professional Engineers (OSPE), the Breaking Barriers for Women in STEM project website has now been launched.
OSPE is seeking your insights on any barriers that contribute to the underrepresentation of women in STEM. What can be done to support, encourage, and retain more women in STEM careers?
Professionals and students are encouraged to visit the Let's Break Barriers website and complete the survey.
If you currently work or have previously worked in a STEM field, take the survey and share it with your colleagues to help provide the information needed to develop well-informed strategies that will make change.
Input is welcomed from all genders, as the research seeks to explore similarities and differences in terms of experiences and perspectives.
NOV 13, 2017
Association Issues Request for Proposals in Support of New Initiative
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba is requesting marketing plan development proposals of services for a bold new initiative, inspired by Engineers Canada's 30 by 30 goal. The new project "Engineering Changes Lives" aims to target the diversity of society considering entering engineering and to retain those in the engineering "pipeline". The ultimate purpose of this initiative is to meet the goal that 30% of newly licensed engineers in 2030 will be women, as set forth by Council.
Engineers Canada's 30 by 30 goal is ambitious and has been adopted by all provincial and territorial engineering associations across Canada. This past year, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba formally adopted the goal as a Strategic End for the Association. As the average percent of newly licensed engineers who are women across Canada sat at 17.2 percent in December of 2016, it will take significant change to nearly double the average nationally.
Currently, in Manitoba, 15.1% of newly licensed engineers are women. This is significantly lower than the 30% target. Approximately 9% of registered engineers in Manitoba are women. It takes between five and six years of university education before a graduate can apply to become an engineering Intern with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, and another four years of supervised work experience before achieving their P.Eng. designation. Therefore, the window to meet the goal of 30% by 2030 timeline is closing in quickly with about 3 years to increase the numbers required in the pipeline to accomplish the goals.
By 2026, the Association will need well over 20% of our new applicants to be female and to sustain the intern program for the four year requirement to ensure 30% of newly licenced engineers are women by 2030. This means that by 2018 and 2019 we need to have all women in high school taking the electives of physics, math and chemistry. At this time, our target audience is in grade 8.
In a bid to help increase attraction and retention of women in STEM, phase one of the project is the enclosed Request For Proposals (RFP), for the purpose of engaging a women-led marketing company, to bring forth the revolutionary ideas needed to initiate the societal change to accomplish the 30 by 30 goal.
Proposals are now being accepted and marketing companies are encouraged to consult the RFP and submit their proposals to
30by30@EngGeoMB.ca with "RFP Submission for Marketing Services" in the subject line by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2017.
NOV 09, 2017
Public Review on Proposed Changes to Codes Canada Publications
A public review on proposed changes to the 2015 editions of Codes Canada publications is taking place from November 6, 2017 to January 2, 2018.
The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) would like to invite our members - as important stakeholders in the development of Codes Canada publications - to take part in the
fall 2017 public review of proposed changes to the 2015 national model codes.
Codes Canada publications, comprising the National Building, Fire, Plumbing and Energy Codes, are model codes developed by the CCBFC that the provinces and territories can adopt as is, or with modifications, as part of their building, fire, and plumbing regulations.
The public review is one of the principal steps in the process for updating national code documents, providing a nationwide forum where anyone can review and comment on the changes proposed. Following the review, CCBFC Standing Committees will consider all comments and make final recommendations on each proposed change. Subject to approval by the CCBFC, the final changes will be published by NRC in the 2020 editions of Codes Canada publications.
The public review will run from November 6, 2017 to January 2, 2018 on the Codes Canada Web site, www.CodesCanada.ca.
This second public review of the 2015 code cycle focuses on changes being proposed to the 2015 editions of the National Building Code (NBC), the National Fire Code (NFC), and the National Plumbing Codes (NPC). With an interim change planned for publication in late 2017, no changes are being proposed for the National Energy Code for Buildings at this time.
NOV 02, 2017
CBC Manitoba Names Jonathan Foord, EIT, to 2017 Future 40
CBC Manitoba has named Jonathan Foord, EIT, to its annual Future 40 list, a list of accomplished people under the age of 40 in the province.
Jonathan is nominated in the science and technology category, and has worked to design and implement Winnipeg's first Transportation Management Centre, rapidly introducing unprecedented citywide tools and unprecedented capabilities.
Driven by the desire to improve peoples' lives, his vision is much larger and extends to improved planning, better and faster emergency response to save lives, and much more. His revolutionary and visionary work is attracting international attention and he was recently invited to speak at the Waze Global Summit, livestreamed from the Google offices in New York City.
Cities around the world are now looking to Winnipeg and seeking insight from Jonathan on how they too can start to realize rapid transformation of their transportation systems. He is redefining transportation on a global stage, and doing it from Winnipeg.
The 2017 CBC Manitoba Future 40 finalists were invited to celebrate at a networking event, portions of which will be streamed live Thursday, November 2, during the CBC Winnipeg News at 6 p.m. CT.
OCT 06, 2017
Nominations now open for 2018 Engineers Canada Awards
Engineers Canada is seeking nominations for its 2018 Awards.
Presented in the following nine categories, these annual awards honour outstanding Canadian engineers, teams of engineers, engineering projects, achievements, and engineering students:
- Gold Medal Award
- Young Engineer Achievement Award
- Meritorious Service Award for Professional Service
- Meritorious Service Award for Community Service
- Medal for Distinction in Engineering Education
- National Award for an Engineering Project or Achievement
- Award for the Support of Women in the Engineering Profession
- Gold Medal Student Award
- The Award of Journalism Excellence in Engineering
Full details and online nomination forms can be found on the
Engineers Canada website.
The deadline to submit nominations for the Awards is January 19, 2018. The winners will be presented with their awards at the Engineers Canada AGM in May 2018.
SEP 15, 2017
2016-17 CIPWIE Mentorship Program Report
The Committee for Increasing the Participation of Women in Engineering (CIPWIE), an operating committee of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, is committed to assisting the association in achieving the 30 by 30 goal and to better understand and support the needs of Manitoba's female engineering cohort. Through committee meetings involving female engineers from a variety of industry sectors, CIPWIE identified mentorship as a potential solution to help address the female engineering retention issue and move Manitoba towards achieving the 30 by 30 goal. Mentorship has long been known as an effective way to support skill development and learning, and can lead to increased career satisfaction and retention. Successful mentoring relationships can also extend well beyond knowledge transfer and develop into life-long relationships that are mutually beneficial to all involved.
While mentorship programs do exist within Manitoba's engineering industry (for example the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC) Manitoba mentorship program), there are no programs offered specifically by Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba or the University of Manitoba that are open to all engineering disciplines/industries. To this end, CIPWIE developed a student-driven Mentorship Program that pairs female engineering students with female Interns and female professional engineers with the goal of providing a tri-mentorship model that will assist all participants with an opportunity to see what a career in engineering could look like and to help them expand their professional network.
This report provides details on the 2016-17 CIPWIE Mentorship Program, including results and feedback obtained, and recommendations for future program improvements.
AUG 31, 2017
Consultation on Manitoba's New Watershed Based Policy Framework
The Manitoba government has launched public consultations on three new environmental initiatives, which will improve water management and the sound decision making and activities towards a watershed-based approach.
Manitobans are asked for input on three online discussion papers:
- a made-in-Manitoba program called
GRowing Outcomes in Watersheds (Grow)
-
Watershed-based Drainage and Water Resource Management
-
Modernization of Manitoba's Conservative Districts Program
The government believes with the development of these watershed-based initiatives, Manitoba will be better positioned to address the challenges of climate change, reduce nutrient loading in our lakes and waterways, protect against drainage and flooding, and improve water quality. As expressed by government there are tremendous ecological opportunities to improve the future of the province through negotiating with effective watershed management strategies in partnership with the public, stakeholders, and other level of government. Manitobans can submit comments to
watershedconsult@gov.mb.ca until Oct.6.
For more information, please see the consultation webpage below.
SEP 01, 2017
Women in Manufacturing Survey
Help Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) and their partners support, promote, and inspire women to pursue careers in manufacturing.
Did you know in Canada, women account for 48 per cent of the labour force but only 28 per cent of the manufacturing workforce? More concerning still is that there has been no increase in the share of manufacturing jobs held by women over the last 15 years. Only six per cent of employed women in Canada have a job in manufacturing compared to 13 per cent of all men.
Attracting more women into manufacturing professions is critical to helping companies grow and to replace the existing and aging workforce. To do this, we must better understand the current realities of women in Canadian industry.
This survey aims to identify the challenges women face in advancing their careers in manufacturing, the perception of manufacturing as a career option for women, and the barriers that impede women-led manufacturing firms.
Based on the survey findings, CME and their partners will work with the manufacturing community, government leaders, and industry stakeholders to create and implement an action plan that can assist Canadian manufacturers in attracting, retaining, and advancing women in manufacturing careers in Canada. This action plan will be released in the fall of 2017 at CME's Annual Meeting and Advanced Manufacturing Symposium, The New Face of Manufacturing in Ottawa.
Please help by filling out this survey. Please also encourage women working in your organization and in your network to complete this survey.
The survey itself consists of no more than 30 questions and should take less than 10 minutes to complete. The deadline for completion is September 22, 2017 and all responses will be held in strict confidence.
AUG 30, 2017
U of M students receive Canada's largest STEM scholarship
Two students, one of whom is entering the Faculty of Engineering, have been named the University of Manitoba's recipients of the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarships.
Created in 2011 by Canadian business leader and philanthropist Seymour Schulich, this annual scholarship program encourages promising high school graduates to embrace STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in their future careers. This year, there were over 1,300 Schulich Leader Nominees from across Canada vying for 50 scholarships, valued at up to $100,000 each. Since inception, 270 students have received this celebrated scholarship.
Bailey Paziuk, 18, is a recipient of the $100,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. A graduate of Ste. Rose School in Ste. Rose, Man., Paziuk will enter the Faculty of Engineering this fall. Right now, she's considering doing a master's degree in the future and foresees herself designing and developing mechanisms to treat and aid patients of autoimmune diseases.
"Being awarded this scholarship was life changing," Paziuk says. "Prior to receiving it I was very concerned about how I would finance my university education, but now a weight has been lifted from my shoulders."
"Schulich Leader scholarship recipients are the best and brightest STEM students in Canada," says Schulich. "I truly believe that many of these students will make great contributions to society, both on a national and global scale. With their university expenses covered, they can focus their time on their studies, research projects, extracurriculars, and entrepreneurial ventures. They are the next generation of technology innovators."
AUG 28, 2017
Indigenous Housing Canada 2017 Ideas Competition - Call for Proposals
PURPOSE
The purpose of this competition is to raise awareness of Indigenous Housing in Canada and improve
opportunities available to design, deliver, and maintain housing for remote access Indigenous Canadians.
BACKGROUND
There are over 600 Indigenous Communities in Canada with over 60 ethnic groups located in diverse
landscapes, many with remote access. Current housing is provided by Indigenous Communities or with
funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
Housing demand can exceed supply causing overcrowding.
LOCATION
The location may be any remote access Indigenous Community in Canada not served by year-round all-
weather roads. Transportation to communities is currently limited to air, sea lift or temporary winter road during February and March. Winter road width restriction at bridges is 4.9 metres.
ELIGIBILITY
This call for entries is open to designers and non-designers. Multi-disciplinary teams are encouraged.
AWARDS
The three winning designs will be awarded the following honoraria in Canadian funds:
- First Prize - $5,000
- Second Prize - $3,000
- Third Prize - $2,000
For further details and submission requirements, see the Competition Details PDF below.
Submission deadline is Tuesday, November 14, 2017, 2:00 p.m. CST.
AUG 23, 2017
Premier adds new face, new department in cabinet shuffle
Premier Brain Pallister announced changes to the provincial cabinet August 17, 2017. There is one new face, one new department, and major changes to another ministry. The previously amalgamated portfolios of Indigenous and Northern Relations and Municipal Relations, held by Eileen Clark, has been reconstructed to create two new departments. Jeff Wharton was sworn in last Thursday morning as the Minister of Municipal Relations. Clark will remain the Minister for Ingenious and Northern Relations.
As the portfolio of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba falls under the Department of Growth, Enterprise, and Trade, it is notable that Blaine Pedersen is now the Minister of Growth, Enterprise, and Trade. Cliff Cullen will no longer serve as the Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade.
JUL 21, 2017
Government of Canada Board of Directors Opportunity
Canada's financial Crown Corporation, Export Development Canada (EDC), exists to support and further Canada's international trade exports. In collaboration with financial private sector partners, the Corporation provides support to Canadian investors and exporters of all varieties by means of its understanding of international markets, buyers, traders, and financial services.
The Federal Government is currently advertising for the part-time position of Director of its EDC Board. Consisting of thirteen members, the Board of Directors helps to set strategic direction for EDC and oversees that its policy objectives are met.
Applications for the position can be made through the Governor in Council Appointments website. The deadline for applications is August 10, 2017.
More information regarding the opportunity can be found on the Government of Canada EDC page.
JUL 13, 2017
Professional engineer announced as Canada's next Governor General
The Right Honourable Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced Her Majesty The Queen's approval of the next Governor General of Canada, Ms. Julie Payette, OC, CQ.
A member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from McGill University and a Master's in Computer Engineering from the University of Toronto, as well as a fellow of the International Academy of Astronautics, as one of only ten Canadians to have flown into space, and a respected scholar on scientific and technological advances and policies, Ms. Payette is an incredibly accomplished female astronaut and scientist. Ms. Payette will be serving as Canada's viceroy of the monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, and will take the place of His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston in the fall.
JUN 29, 2017
Call for Presenters - Ontario Association of Architects
The Ontario Association of Architects invites individuals or organizations to submit proposals for ConEd sessions to be considered for the 2018 OAA Conference: Bold by Design.
The OAA Annual Conference is a three-day interdisciplinary forum that brings together Ontario architects, interns, students, engineers, interior designers and other allied professionals. The Conference is comprised of continuing education seminars, workshops, panel presentations, architectural tours, and social events.
Deadline for Call for Proposals: September 29, 2017
Eligibility: Open to educators, presenters with expertise in their field
Theme: Bold by Design
Submission form and details: visit www.oaa.on.ca, Call for Presenters online submission form
Session Audience: Leaders in architecture and design, Emerging talents in architecture, Students entering the field, Built environment enthusiasts, Allied professionals, Faculty, Media
Session Event Date: ConEd Sessions, OAA Conference, May 23-25, 2018
Event Location: Toronto, Ontario
Please read the Guidelines & Terms of Presenting (link below) before submission.
Visit the OAA Website below to learn more about the opportunities and the process.
JUN 09, 2017
Council Seeks Member Input on New By-Laws
Council is seeking input from members on two proposed By-Laws; By-Law 17 and By-Law 9.2.9.
By-Law 17 is the By-Law that describes how future changes are made to By-Laws. At the January, 2017 meeting of Council, a task group was created to write a proposal to change By-Law 17. The Council task group has been working in conjunction with members, through public member engagement sessions, and with legal counsel to develop a draft, which would replace the current By-Law 17 in its entirety.
By-Law 9.2.9 is a new proposed By-Law which would introduce a fee for returning to active practice for members who were suspended due to non-compliance with the ProDev program, in order to cover administrative costs.
Council would like your input on both proposals, which can be found online by clicking here. Council will consider all comments from the members before finalizing the By-Law proposal. We request that you provide all comments by June 21, 2017.
Please send any comments to Danielle Unett at
dunett@enggeomb.ca who is acting as staff support to the By-Law task group.
JUN 08, 2017
175th Anniversary of the Geological Survey of Canada
Canada's oldest scientific agency, the Geological Survey of Canada, is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year.
In recognition of its anniversary, the history of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) is being highlighted on Instagram in a social media campaign to raise awareness of the country's oldest scientific agency. Established in 1841, the GSC is one of Canada's first government organizations and was founded before the Confederation. The GSC was created to geologically map Canada's landscape in search of viable mineral resources. Today, the GSC focuses on geoscience surveys, sustainable development of natural resources, natural geological hazard (eg. earthquake) research, and technology innovation.
Instagram followers who tag a photo of a location in Canada with a connection to the history of the GSC, will have the opportunity to receive a response from the GSC History Committee in the comment section of their post with a historical story or geological fact unique to that location. Follow GSC (@GeoStories) on Instagram for geological insight and to show support for the GSC! The campaign launched on June 3rd, and will continue throughout the summer.
JUN 01, 2017
Canadian Indigenous Self-Declaration
In order to achieve an increasing Indigenous membership, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba asks you to self-declare if you are of Indigenous ancestry.
By self-declaring as an Indigenous member, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba will be able to:
- Benchmark the number of Indigenous professionals in the membership.
- Gather data for statistical analysis, which will assist the Association in tracking its progress towards meeting its commitment to increase the recruitment and retention of Indigenous professionals in Manitoba.
- Determine strategic steps toward developing Indigenous engineering and geoscience professionals.
- Create, improve, and communicate supports for Indigenous members.
MAY 25, 2017
Engineering Access Program (ENGAP) Graduates Celebrated
The Engineering Access Program (ENGAP) is very proud to celebrate the successful achievements of eight Indigenous Engineering graduates this spring!
On March 22nd, 2017, ENGAP provided a warm and enthusiastic celebration dinner of 163 guests for the eight graduates, their families, friends, faculty, and the supporting community. The eight graduates are M. James Harper-Mechanical, Alicia Hill-Mechanical, Katrine Levesque-Civil, Michael MacCarthy-Computer, Kyle Monkman-Electrical, Ella Nabess-Mechanical, Mario Phaneuf-Electrical and Alex Simard-Civil, bringing the total number of ENGAP graduates to 118.
The evening began with a blessing for the dinner by graduate M. James Harper's Kokum (grandmother) spoken in both Cree and English. The Director of ENGAP, Randy Herrmann welcomed the many financial supporters of ENGAP such as the Faculty of Engineering, Manitoba Hydro, Lafarge, Hatch Ltd., Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, Manitoba Aerospace, Vector Construction, Shell Canada and special guests, including Dean Jonathan Beddoes of the Faculty of Engineering and Gerry Price of Price Industries. Jerry Henderson, a past ENGAP graduate arrived from Calgary to EMCEE the special evening.
MAY 25, 2017
New Domain - EngGeoMB.ca
The Association is in the process of migrating to a new Internet domain.
The 'apegm.mb.ca' will transition to 'EngGeoMB.ca' to correspond with the Association's working name change from APEGM to Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.
Staff e-mail accounts have already been migrated.
For example, reception@apegm.mb.ca is now Reception@EngGeoMB.ca.
There have been changes to some general service e-mail accounts:
- The general apegm@apegm.mb.ca is now info@EngGeoMB.ca
- Bulk E-news notices sent from eapegm@apegm.mb.ca will now come from ENews@EngGeoMB.ca
(please adjust corporate spam filtering appropriately)
The public website, http://www.apegm.mb.ca/ has an alias of http://www.EngGeoMB.ca/ and will gradually transition to that domain as default.
The private login server, https://apps.apegm.mb.ca/, is not yet available under the new domain, but will be transitioned to https://apps.EngGeoMB.ca/ in time.
The Association staff contact information is available on the website at: http://www.EngGeoMB.ca/Contact.html.
MAY 11, 2017
University of Manitoba IDEA Program
The University of Manitoba Innovative Design for Engineering Applications (IDEA) Program is now accepting project submissions for the Mechanical and Biosystems final year engineering design courses in 2017-2018.
The UofM IDEA Program is an integral part of the Faculty of Engineering's approach to developing design-ready engineering graduates. The IDEA Program works with industry partners to provide groups of students an opportunity to apply their engineering education in a final-year engineering design course, commonly referred to as a Capstone Design course.
As an industry partner, the program would provide you with low-cost exposure to graduating engineering students and increase your company's presence within the Faculty of Engineering. The student team will design a solution to the project submitted by your company. This can be viewed as an opportunity to move forward on projects that you may not currently have the time or personnel to address.
Projects suitable for the UofM IDEA Program have an appropriate scope, are open-ended and well-defined, and align with the course schedule: September to December for the Mechanical Capstone and September to April for the Biosystems Capstone. Examples of potential projects include component and assembly design, equipment and fixture design, lean manufacturing/process improvement, or designs for employee health and safety.
If you are interested in learning more about how the Program can benefit you and your company, please contact the IDEA Program by email at uofmidea@umanitoba.ca or by phone at 204-474-7205, or visit the IDEA Program Website.
APR 20, 2017
National Mineral Exploration Workforce Survey Launch
An important national HR survey of Canada's mineral exploration sector has lunched on April 12. It is a joint initiative of the mining industry sector council (MiHR) and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC). Geoscientists Canada is involved on behalf of the profession through participation in the project's Advisory Committee.
The Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) is a not-for-profit organization mandated to identify and address the HR and labour market challenges facing the Canadian minerals and metals sector. MiHR collaborates with mining and exploration companies, organized labour, contractors, educational institutions, industry associations, and Indigenous groups.
MiHR is conducting this survey about the mineral exploration sector. Whether as an employer, worker, student, educator, or affiliate, MiHR would like your opinion on the issues and challenges facing the mineral exploration industry and those who work in this sector.
APR 06, 2017
Access to Engineering Education in Manitoba
The Engineering Education Task Group has published a report titled "Access to Engineering Education in the Province of Manitoba", that examines access to engineering education in Manitoba, as well as future engineering market-place demand.
The report's findings suggest an increasing need for engineers in Manitoba, and present several possible barriers, as well as ten main recommendations with additional sub-recommendations, applying to enrollment in, completion of, or professional retention within engineering.
The report can be found on the Association website at About > Government Relations under the heading "Task Group Reports".
For more information about the report, please contact Soffia Baragar, Administrative Assistant Government Relations, at sbaragar@apegm.mb.ca.
MAR 21, 2017
Groundwater Sustainability Assessment Approach: Guidance for Application
The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) has posted Groundwater Sustainability Assessment Approach: Guidance for Application.
The document is intended to assist users to successfully apply the Groundwater Sustainability Assessment Approach (GSAA) developed by CCME. The document provides a balance of high-level guidance and practical how-to advice, highlighting issues and actions jurisdictions should take into account in implementation of the approach. The guidance is comprehensive in scope with specific explanations on the GSAA, definitions and principles.
MAR 14, 2017
Spaghetti Bridge Competition A Smashing Success
2017 marked yet another record year for the annual Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba Spaghetti Bridge Competition. Like last year, the competition was held over three consecutive days, making it easier for school groups to attend. 661 students competed, building 319 trusses which were tested to breaking point during the event. Prizes were awarded to the strongest structures from each grade, and a team from Shaftsbury High School earned the top spot when their truss bore 192.7 kg of weight before breaking!
"It's great to see so many students and teachers joining us this year to build strong entries in support of Winnipeg Harvest. Many bright, young minds applied a lot of engineering ingenuity with glue and spaghetti; participation has increased steadily each year. This year's contest entries held up 27,018 lbs.!" said Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng. FEC, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba CEO & Registrar.
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba donates $1/lb to Winnipeg Harvest, who turn it around 20x with their buying power. With matching food donations from partners Canada Safeway and Peak of the Market, Winnipeg Harvest will receive almost 600,000 lbs of food from the 2017 Spaghetti Bridge Competition!
"I'm absolutely thrilled to see we've set a new record for total weight-and a new record for donations!" says Kate Brenner, managing director, Winnipeg Harvest. "This event brilliantly educates young people on the value and importance of engineering, while teaching the virtues of compassion and empathy for those in need. Considering that 43% of the 61,914 monthly food bank users we assist are children, we are not only building bridges to span distances, but bridges to a better future. I thank Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba once again for their continued support for the families Winnipeg Harvest serves, and for continuing to inspire youth to excel in engineering."
The Spaghetti Bridge Competition was part of a series of events to celebrate Provincial Engineering and Geoscience Week (PEGW). The celebration is part of a National Engineering Month occurring across Canada throughout March 2017. PEGW also promotes careers in engineering and the geosciences to young people of all ages.
MAR 14, 2017
Ingenium 2017 - Call for Abstracts
From October 17 - 20, 2017, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba will host its annual conference, Ingenium, at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg. Ingenium is a premier professional development opportunity for the engineering and geoscience community in Manitoba, with participants representing a cross-section of the 7,800 members who work in the province's private and public sectors.
On October 19, 2017, Ingenium's Professional Development Seminars will take place. This year's conference explores the theme of Change Management. As a constant presence in all our lives, change brings a variety of both personal and professional challenges. Effective change management is a key skill for individuals and organizations, and the Professional Development Seminars will focus on equipping attendees to better predict, plan for, and manage change. Future challenges and opportunities affecting the fields of engineering and geoscience will be explored, best practices examined, and soft skills developed.
The Association welcomes abstracts for presentations on any related topic, which align to one of the five Ingenium discussion tracks:
- Change Management in our Profession
- Change Management in the Workplace
- Change Management in the Province
- Change Management in Members' Personal Careers
- Change Management in Technology
Please submit a half-page abstract, outlining the presentation proposal, along with the presenter's name, contact information, and brief bio, to Angela Moore, Manager of Operations, via email to amoore@apegm.mb.ca. Abstracts must clearly describe the content of the presentation.
Both Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba members and non-members are invited to submit abstracts.
Deadline for submissions is Friday, April 28, 2017.
Final decisions regarding presentations selected for inclusion in the conference will be made by May 12, 2017.
MAR 02, 2017
National Engineering and Geoscience Month
![[PEGW]](http://www.apegm.mb.ca/pdf/PEGW/images/home-centre-2.jpg )
March is National Engineering and Geoscience Month in Canada, the country's largest celebration of engineering excellence.
Throughout the month, volunteers from the provincial and territorial engineering regulators will be hosting more than 500 events from coast to coast to coast to show Canadians how fun and exciting the world of engineering can be.
National Engineering and Geoscience Month is presented by Engineers Canada-the national association of the 12 provincial and territorial engineering regulators-and has been celebrated each year since 1991.
This year's theme,
"There's A Place for You," stresses that an engineering pathway can take you anywhere. With engineering's many disciplines and uses, youth can find something that speaks to them. Whether they'd like to stay close to home or explore far and wide; whether they want to shape the future of medicine or renewable energy; whether they want to develop new food technologies or sustainable mining practices; or whether they want to help prepare their community for a natural disaster or run their own Fortune 500 company…they have choices along their engineering path.
Engineering is just the foundation-it will take youth anywhere. All they need is enthusiasm and passion. And National Engineering and Geoscience Month is a great time for them to discover their place in engineering.
To find a list of events in your area, visit the National Engineering and Geoscience Month website. You can also engage with the celebrations on social media by using the hashtag
#NEGM2017.
Or join us in celebrating the month through one of many volunteer opportunities. Engineers, teachers, parents and students can all help kids learn about the world of engineering. Take part in one of the month's events, volunteer as a judge at an engineering competition, or talk to a class about what an engineering career is truly like-these are just a few examples of how you can help us celebrate this March. Visit the National Engineering and Geoscience Month website for more ways to participate.
There is nothing you can't do and there are no heights you can't reach once you discover what engineering has to offer! Think about what you like to do and what kind of impact you want to make-engineering is the foundation of a fulfilling career if you like being creative, working with great people, travelling, solving problems and being rewarded for your work. Becoming an engineer is not only an investment in yourself, but also an investment in the world in which you live. Do you feel passionate about making a difference? Many engineers do-being an engineer gives you the skills you need to solve the issues that you're passionate about. As an engineer, you can shape the future by applying your skills to almost everything you can think of, from medicine to renewable energy, food technologies to sustainable mining, from being prepared for natural disasters to running a Fortune 500 company.
National Engineering and Geoscience Month is a great time to discover your place in engineering!
FEB 02, 2017
Professional Engineer Appointed by Government to U of M Board of Governors
Manitoba's Lieutenant Governor of Council has appointed eleven new individuals to the twelve member positions it has authority to fill on the University of Manitoba's Board of Governors, and has re-appointed one member. The University of Manitoba Board of Governors is made up of 23 members, including the Chancellor and the President of the University, as well as students, and is the Corporate Governing Body of the University responsible for overseeing the University's business and administrative affairs.
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba is pleased to offer congratulations to member Kimber Osiowy, a professional geotechnical and civil engineer, on his appointment to the University Board of Governors. Osiowy is a graduate from the University of Manitoba and is a past civil servant with Manitoba Infrastructure.
JAN 18, 2017
Association Launches New Diversity Employer Award
The Association is proud to announce a new award for the 2017 Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba Awards, the Diversity Employer Award.
The Diversity Employer Award is intended to recognize engineering and geoscience employers that have demonstrated, in action and spirit, support for recruiting, training, retaining, fostering respect for, and/or advancement of career opportunities for people defined within the "Diverse Employee Group". In celebrating these accomplishments, the award has the intended purpose of encouraging involvement of organizations in diversity-related activities, regardless of company size.
Nominations for this award, and the eigtht other categories, are now open, and the nomination deadline is February 1, 2017.
Further information about all the award categories, and the nomination forms, can be found on the Awards webpage.
JAN 16, 2017
Specified Scope of Practice License
The Association is implementing a new category of licensure called 'Specified Scope of Practice License'.
Each practitioner will be granted the title Engineering Licensee (Eng.L), or Geoscience Licensee (Geo.L), and they will be issued a seal that is distinct to their license.
This allows people with non-engineering or geoscience degrees to practice in a specific scope of engineering or geoscience discipline. Applicants will typically be diploma holders with many years of experience that fall within a specific scope of engineering or geoscience.
Additional information can be found using the link below.
DEC 06, 2016
Engineers Canada Photo Contest
What does engineering greatness mean to you? Enter the Engineers Canada Photo Contest and share your photos of Canadian engineering at its best!
Upload your photographs of engineers, engineering teams or engineering work to EngStudio, Engineers Canada's royalty-free stock image bank, and be automatically entered to win prizes and be featured on Engineers Canada's web and social media properties. Your photo may also be chosen by our panel of judges to be framed and displayed at the Engineers Canada office in Ottawa.
What to enter:
Engineer Canada is looking for photos of Canadian engineering at its best! Feats of engineering, engineers at work, engineering projects, engineering achievements, engineers in the community…Engineers Canada wants it all! Engineering is all around you so get creative, snap a photo, and submit!
Minor adjustments to correct for colour, lighting or exposure are acceptable, but Engineers Canada reserves the right to disqualify photos it deems to have been substantially modified.
For a photo in which a person is recognizable, you must secure a model release from the subject or, in the case of a minor, the subject's parent or guardian and provide it to Engineers Canada with your submission.
How to enter:
Please submit photographs and requested information online through Engineers Canada's EngStudio website. All photos must be submitted in .jpg or .jpeg format, with dimensions of at least 1800 x 2700 pixels. High-quality scans of non-digital photographs are acceptable as long as they meet these format and size requirements.
We do not accept photographs submitted through mail, email or any other means outside of the EngStudio website.
Entry deadline:
The Contest opens on November 14, 2016. All entries must be received through EngStudio by 11:59 PM ET on January 27, 2017.
Prizes:
Participants are eligible to win prizes in the three categories described below.
Engineers Canada will notify winners via the email provided at the time of entry; Engineers Canada may disqualify anyone who fails to respond to the notification within five business days.
Please do not contact Engineers Canada about the status of entries or judging. Participants will be contacted if their photograph is chosen as a winner.
NOV 17, 2016
Support for Bill C-243: The National Maternity Assistance Program Strategy Act
On October 26, 2016, Bill C-243: the development and implementation of a national maternity assistance program strategy and amendments to maternity benefits in Canada's Employment Insurance Act, was voted in favour of being read a second time and was referred to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, for further consideration.
Bill C-243 proposes creating a national maternity assistance program strategy to consider current maternity leave laws, and proposes changing Canada's Employment Insurance maternity benefits so that if a woman is forced to stop working earlier than average in pregnancy due to job functions posing a risk to her health or to that of her unborn child, she can claim her maternity benefits at an earlier time.
Please see the links below for additional information on Bill C-243, Bill C-243 endorsements, Second Reading of the Bill, and its current status.
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba looks forward to following and sharing the progress of Bill C-243. Updates will be posted in our E-News.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Soffia Baragar, Administrative Assistant Government Relations, at sbaragar@apegm.mb.ca.
NOV 17, 2016
Changes to Express Entry system will attract global talent to Canada
Canada's universities welcome changes to the Express Entry system which will make it easier for international students, researchers, and academics to become permanent residents to Canada, and enhance our reputation as a welcoming and diverse nation.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada announced via news release that, effective November 19, the Express Entry system will award points to international students who completed their studies in Canada. Points will now also be awarded for job offers to eligible candidates already in Canada on Labour Market Impact Assessment exempt work permits, a welcome change that will recognize the strong applications from candidates such as foreign faculty at Canadian universities.
In order to better compete in today's global knowledge economy, Canada needs to attract and retain more highly skilled, resourceful, and entrepreneurial people from abroad. Facilitating the flow of top global talent to our country is integral to the government's Global Skills Strategy and to ensuring inclusive and sustainable economic prosperity for all Canadians.
This information was found on www.univan.ca
NOV 10, 2016
Call for Nominations for Engineers Canada Awards
Engineers Canada is seeking nominations for the 2017 awards.
Awards are presented in nine categories:
1.Gold Medal Award
For exceptional individual achievement and distinction in a field of engineering.
2.Young Engineer Achievement Award
For outstanding contribution in a field of engineering by an engineer 36 years of age or younger as of May 31, 2017.
3.Meritorious Service Award for Professional Service
For outstanding contribution to a professional, consulting or technical engineering association or society in Canada.
4.Meritorious Service Award for Community Service
For exemplary voluntary contribution to a community organization or humanitarian endeavor.
5.Medal for Distinction in Engineering Education
For exemplary contribution to engineering teaching at a Canadian University.
6.National Award for an Engineering Project or Achievement
For outstanding engineering projects or achievements by an engineering team in which Canadian engineers were involved.
7.Award for the Support of Women in the Engineering Profession
For outstanding support of women in the engineering profession and engineering excellence.
8.Gold Medal Student Award
For outstanding leadership, contributions to society and volunteerism by an undergraduate engineering student.
9.The Award of Journalism Excellence in Engineering
This award celebrates the journalists who incorporate, through words or images, a balanced perspective on how engineering impacts important issues ranging from health and infrastructure to technology and economic prosperity.
The deadline for all submissions is 4 p.m. EST on Friday, January 13, 2017.
NOV 10, 2016
ENGAP students win Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards
The Faculty of Engineering's Access Program (ENGAP) is thrilled to announce that Kyle Monkman, a 23 year old Metis engineering student has won the Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award (MAYAA) for the Senior Academic category, and Emma Gillespie, a 17 year old Metis engineering student from Selkirk has won the MAYAA for the Junior Academic category.
The Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards recognize the accomplishments of Indigenous youth in the fields of culture, employment, traditional lifestyle, business, and academic excellence. Both students will receive their awards at an awards ceremony being held on November 24th at the Victoria Inn.
NOV 10, 2016
Province Announces Support For Unlocking The Toolkit Girls Forum Series
The Manitoba government is partnering with school divisions and industry sectors to host a series of forums in Winnipeg, Beausejour and The Pas encouraging girls to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and other non-traditional skilled trades, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for the status of women, announced on November 4.
"There is a shortage of women in STEM and non-traditional skilled trades in Manitoba, and we want girls to know these rewarding professions are worth considering as long-term careers," said Squires. "The Unlocking the Toolkit Girls Forum is a great opportunity for girls to learn about these trades and engage in fun activities developed and demonstrated by women who currently work in these fields."
The forum series kicked off at Bernie Wolfe School in the River East Transcona School Division (RETSD), where 70 Grade 5 and 6 girls were assigned to groups led by high school-aged mentors. The groups were guided through seven stations where they participated in hands-on activities designed and facilitated by a tradeswoman or scientist including a plumber/pipefitter, carpenter, electrician, virtual-reality game developers, mason, and engineer.
The next Unlocking the Toolkit Girls Forums will be taking place in Beausejour on Nov. 15 and at University College of the North in The Pas on Nov. 22.
NOV 03, 2016
How an engineer heart patient invented the device that saved his own life
Born with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting the body's connective tissue that can cause the aorta to stretch and rupture, Tal Goldsworthy, a British engineer, invented ExoVasc, a synthetic sleeve that reinforces the aortic artery, which has now been used in 81 patients in the UK and elsewhere.
"I'm just a curious individual," he said. "Since I could walk, I've had a screwdriver and a spanner in my hand. I'm an engineer. My whole life has been spent asking the question, ‘How do we improve this?' Is there a better way?"
Golesworthy was in Ottawa Wednesday speaking at SPOR - Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research - a three-day conference hosted by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The conference looked at how doctors and the health care system can improve by listening to ideas and feedback from the very patients it serves.
"My example is pretty extreme, but it makes the point that pretty much every patient can make a contribution to the health care system," Golesworthy said.
Not everyone has the particular set of skills Golesworthy has, but anyone can have a useful idea. It's important for doctors and health care administrators to listen, he said.
NOV 03, 2016
Ingenium Conference Another Success: Awards Presented, New President Sworn In
Ingenium, the Association's conference, was held October 25-28, 2016 at the Fort Garry Hotel. Themed on 'Great Expectations', the conference offered five different seminar tracks, giving attendees a wide variety of options and learning experiences.
2016 Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba Awards
Eight awards were presented to outstanding individuals at the Annual Awards Gala Dinner on October 28, 2016. Congratulations once again to all of this year's award recipients:
Member-In-Training Award - Steven Harms, EIT
Early Achievement Award - Mark Lee, P.Eng.
Champion of Engineering Education Award - Marcia Friesen, P.Eng., FEC
Outstanding Service Award - Raymond Reichelt, P.Geo., FGC
Judith Weiszmann Women in Engineering Champion - Christine Wu, P.Eng.
Leadership Award - Kelly Hearson, P.Eng.
Technical Excellence Award - Jay Doering, P.Eng., FEC
Honorary Life Membership Award - Don Spangelo, P.Eng., FEC
New President
At the Annual General Meeting on October 27, 2016, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba welcomed Lindsay Melvin, M.Sc., MBA, P.Eng., FEC, as the new Council President for 2016-2017. Lindsay will lead the Association's Council in regulating the practices of engineering and geoscience on behalf of the people of Manitoba.
The upcoming issue of The Keystone Professional will include more information about the conference, our new President, and our award winners.
OCT 20, 2016
Digvir Jayas, P.Eng. FEC receives honorary degree
Distinguished Professor Digvir S. Jayas has been recognized by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in India.
The university conferred a doctor of science degree on Jayas at its 37th Convocation on Oct. 15.
Jayas, who is U of M Vice-President (Research and International), addressed the graduates in a speech.
"I am proud of my research accomplishments at the University of Manitoba and I owe a great deal of thanks to the many TNAU graduates and professors who chose to work with me and contributed to my success," said Jayas. "Their contributions have led to a better understanding of interactions among biotic and abiotic factors in stored-grain ecosystems through experiments and mathematical models. These models can be used to design better grain storage systems."
Jayas was educated at the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar, India; the University of Manitoba, and the University of Saskatchewan. He has held a Canada Research Chair in Stored-Grain Ecosystems, and conducts research related to drying, handling and storing grains and oilseeds and digital image processing for grading and processing operations in the Agri-Food industry.
He has authored or co-authored over 800 technical articles in scientific journals, conference proceedings and books dealing with issues of storing, drying, handling, and quality monitoring of grains. He has collaborated with researchers in several countries but has had significant impact on development of efficient grain storage, handling and drying systems in Canada, China, India, Ukraine, and USA.
OCT 20, 2016
Criminal record check process changes
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) - who handle the criminal record checks of federal government contractors - is retiring name-based record checks in favour of mandatory electronic fingerprinting. This means that contractors working in construction or real property activities in the federal government will have to be fingerprinted as part of the security screening process.
A pilot program to ease the transition began on October 3, 2016, and will run for approximately one month. Full implementation will occur sometime after December 1, 2016, though a firm date has yet to be determined.
A second communiqué to companies registered with Contract Security Program (CSP) is expected to be circulated in October describing the new process.
OCT 20, 2016
First public review on proposed changes to the 2015 editions of Codes Canada
The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) would like to invite professional engineers - as important stakeholders in the development of the national model codes - to take part in the fall 2016 public review of proposed changes to the 2015 editions of Codes Canada publications.
Codes Canada publications, comprising the National Building, Fire, Plumbing, and Energy Codes, are model codes developed by the CCBFC that the provinces and territories can adopt as is, or with modifications, as part of their building, fire and plumbing regulations.
The public review is one of the principal steps in the process for updating national code documents, providing a nation-wide forum where anyone can review and comment on the changes proposed. Following the review, CCBFC Standing Committees will consider all comments and make final recommendations on each proposed change. Subject to approval by the CCBFC, the final changes will be published by NRC in the 2020 editions of Codes Canada publications.
The public review will run from October 11 until December 9, 2016 on the Codes Canada Website, www.codescanada.ca.
This first public review of the 2015 Codes will focus primarily on proposed changes to the 2015 editions of the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB and the National Plumbing Code (NPC).
For further information, please contact Anne Gribbon, Secretary to the CCBFC, at anne.gribbon@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.
OCT 20, 2016
Did you know? - Council has a policy for careful spending and saving
It's right in the governance policy manual.
Council in its policy EL-3 requires the CEO to "estimate revenues conservatively and expenses realistically." This translates into a balanced budget whereby every dollar is carefully spent to cover the essentials. All the bills are paid on time and in good order. Council further requires through policy EL-4 that all purchases are made "with due consideration to quality, after-purchase service, value for dollar, environmental impact and normally prudent protection against conflict of interest." This means that best business practices and high ethical standards are applied to all spending. Council regularly monitors the CEO's adherence to these policies.
The practice of careful spending and careful saving has resulted in a balanced ledger year-by-year with savings in the bank. Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba sits on a solid financial foundation. The Association will continue to follow the practice of careful spending and saving to ensure that financial strength and stability continues into the future.
OCT 13, 2016
Did you know? - How is the Nominating Committee Populated?
The Nominating Committee is a committee of Council, whose purpose is to ensure there is a sufficient slate of nominees for Council positions. This slate is produced in a manner consistent with the Act and By-laws, taking into consideration the broadest possible diversity of the membership and governance succession. Upon request by Council, the committee may also be asked to prepare a list of members qualified and interested in serving as the Association's nominees to, or representatives on, various external boards and committees.
You may have noticed some recent changes in the process for populating the Nominating Committee. In the past, we nominated members during the Annual General Meeting. Since not everyone can attend the AGM, we are now populating this committee through a call for volunteers. Council receives a list of all names received from the call and then populates the committee. Consider volunteering for this important role by responding when the call for volunteers is advertised in the E-News.
OCT 13, 2016
Support for Bill C-243: The National Maternity Assistance Program Strategy Act
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba is fully endorsing federal bill, Bill C-243; the development and implementation of a national maternity assistance program strategy and amendments to maternity benefits in the Employment Insurance Act. The changes outlined in Bill C-243 would allow a woman greater flexibility with maternity benefits so that if she is forced to stop working earlier than average in pregnancy due to job functions posing a risk to her health or to that of her unborn child, she can claim her maternity benefits at an earlier time.
Please see the links below for additional information on Bill C-243, Bill C-243 endorsements, and Second Reading of the Bill.
Bill C-243:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=8131708
Bill C-243 Endorsement statements:
http://www.billc-243.ca/endorsements/
Bill C-243 Second Reading:
https://openparliament.ca/bills/42-1/C-243/?tab=mentions
If you would like to help support this Bill, please email or phone your local MP before October 19, 2016. The contact information for your local MP can be found using this
Take Action page.
If you would like to email your MP in support, the following template may be used.
Dear MP______,
On October 19, 2016, Bill C-243: The National Maternity Assistance Program, will be debated in the House of Commons.
This Bill aims to improve the flexibility of maternity benefits for women working in potentially hazardous jobs, such as construction, welding, or engineering. Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, along with stakeholder groups from across the country, has endorsed this Bill as an important step towards gender equity in Canada's workforce. Here is the statement of support put out by Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba:
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba fully endorses Bill C-243; the development and implementation of a national maternity assistance program strategy and amendments to the Employment Insurance Act. As the provincial regulatory body for professional engineers and professional geoscientists, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba sees Bill C-243 as a positive step toward removing barriers that still exist for women in, or considering, engineering or geoscience as a profession. Bill C-243 not only supports these women, it also supports their families and their employers, and makes the work environment more inclusive and equitable for all.
As someone who works as a_______________, this Bill is important to me, and I want to strongly urge you to support it. To learn more about Melodie, the welder who inspired the Bill, I would encourage you to go to: www.billc-243.ca.
Thank you, and I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba looks forward to following and sharing the progress of Bill C-243 as it advances to debate and vote. Updates will be posted in our E News.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Soffia Baragar, Administrative Assistant Government Relations, at
sbaragar@apegm.mb.ca.
OCT 13, 2016
New regulatory resources available online through Engineers Canada
Engineers Canada has added a case law catalogue and a guidelines catalogue to its website, making reference material easily available and searchable to engineering regulators, policy-makers, and stakeholders.
The case law catalogue provides a collection and summary of case law across Canada that is of interest to regulators and the engineering profession.
The guidelines catalogue compiles guidelines developed by the provincial and territorial engineering regulators and by Engineers Canada. These guidelines can be searched by authoring organization, by publication date or by topic, which ranges from admissions practices to ethics, to intellectual property, to risk management, amongst others.
Content to both catalogues will be added as it is created.
OCT 07, 2016
Winnipeg engineer develops cheaper prosthetic for kids
A Winnipeg engineer has found a cheaper way to give youth amputees a hand-specifically, a controllable prosthetic that can open and close.
With modern technology, amputees can control prosthetics "myoelectrically," which basically means the devices react to electric signals in the muscles of a residual limb.
"When you flex your bicep for example there are these naturally occurring electric signals that can be measured in voltage-and it can be used to actually control a (prosthetic device)," explained Matt Gale of Northern Bionics, who's recent pitch for a cheaper youth version of such a device won him $1,000 at North Forge's Pitch Idol competition.
Gale explained it's an effective technology adult amputees appreciate, but it's also costly and delicate-making such prosthesis impractical and inaccessible for kids who might out-grow them in short order.
"They're very expensive, tens of thousands of dollars, and not practical… it doesn't make sense for them to pay that much until they're a little older," he said.
Gale works full-time as an engineer specializing in 3D metal printing with Precision ADM in Winnipeg, but volunteers at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children (RCC).
"At the rehab centre, it was brought to my attention there's a void in the market for an affordable myoelectrically-controlled prosthesis," he said, noting he heard from families and the director of prosthetics alike that children face barriers in accessing the best technology for prosthesis.
That knowledge prompted him to combine his leading edge 3D printing know-how with young patient's needs to create a prosthetic hand he thinks can be sold for "less than $5,000."
OCT 06, 2016
Did you know? - By-Laws Re-write Project
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba is almost 100 years-old. It began in 1920 and some of the by-laws date back to the beginning. The current by-law booklet has been likened to a "renovated house" - many additions have been put on over the years and now the old homestead is in such poor shape that it needs a "total makeover."
The Association's legal counsel was contacted about this project in 2012. Back then, they said it would take considerable time, expense and consultation with a broad range of members and stakeholders in order to draft an updated set of by-laws. At that time, the estimate of legislative drafting and related legal work to fulfill the proposed eight (8) parts was estimated at 150 hours. Add town hall meetings and other stakeholder engagement events, a project of this scale would take 12 to 24 months to complete.
Feedback from members this year has touched on by-laws, policies and procedures used by Council and the Association in the administration of their regulatory mandate. Council passed a motion at its meeting of September 15, 2016 to make this project one of its strategic priorities - inviting all members to participate in this important work leading up to the centennial year. Watch for a future e-news about how to get involved.
SEP 29, 2016
Two new guidelines approved by Engineers Canada Qualifications Board
The Engineers Canada Qualifications Board has approved two new guidelines: the Guideline on Returning to Active Practice, and the Guideline on Sustainable Development and Environmental Stewardship for Professional Engineers.
Forty representatives from engineering regulators, the Accreditation Board, and the Engineers Canada Board met in Halifax, NS, on September 16 and 17 to advance the work of the Qualifications Board. The Board also approved a Communications Strategy and reviewed its new website presence, including a revised engineer-in-training FAQ page, a Guideline webpage, and the Members Manual.
The next meeting of the Qualifications Board will take place in April 2017.
SEP 29, 2016
Did you know? - Government Relations Strategic Plan Approved
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba's Government Relations Strategic Plan has been approved by Council.
In a regulated profession such as engineering or geoscience, it is important to maintain a respectful and productive relationship with the decision-makers in government. For Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, this means working with the Manitoba government to ensure that engineering and geoscience professions and stakeholders are not adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations, and to ensure that both are a key resource for the government to rely on for information and support within engineering and geoscience areas of expertise.
The overarching goal of the Association's government relations activity is the creation of a relationship where government officials in all areas think "engineering and geoscience means Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba". Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba will be their first call as a reliable source of information, a source of new policy ideas, and a partner in satisfying the consumer, working towards the public good/safety. Creating this relationship requires the formation and execution of a Government Relations Strategic Plan, a clear and thorough communications strategy, to further engagement of the members with government, to connect with MLAs locally, and to take action through an active Government Relations Committee. Positive interaction with government will allow Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba to achieve its broader strategic goals and bolster communication and public relations efforts.
We always want to hear from our members. Please e-mail any feedback you may have on the Government Relations Strategic Plan to sbaragar@apegm.mb.ca.
SEP 29, 2016
The President's new email address
As part of Council's continuing commitment to be accessible, open and transparent, a President's email address (president@apegm.mb.ca) is now available.
This email address will provide the membership with continuity to address any questions or concerns, avoiding the need to change the contact point annually. A response will be provided within three business days. For complex issues that will take more time to assess, a response indicating this will be provided.
The President will have full access to the President's email address and will review and respond to emails through this address. Since it may not be feasible for the President to check the email daily, the Executive Assistant to Council and CEO will monitor the email daily. In some cases, the President may direct the Executive Assistant to provide a response on behalf of the President.
Please feel free to use this email address to address any questions or concerns that you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!
SEP 26, 2016
2016 Salary Survey Now Available
The Salary Research Committee of the association conducts an annual salary survey of the professional members and members-in-training who indicate they live and work in the province of Manitoba.
The survey, which is conducted in the spring, asks about the salaries and benefits received in the previous year.
The 2016 Salary Survey is now available for your review.
SEP 22, 2016
2016 Council Election and By-law Proposals
Candidate and By-law proposal information is now available for the upcoming membership vote to be held between October 6 - 19, 2016. Information is available through the links below.
This year there are nine candidates for election to three positions in the professional engineer category, two candidates for election to one position in the professional geoscientist category. There is no election for the Member-In-Training (MIT) representative to Council this year.
There are 33 By-law change proposals to be voted on by the membership. An important letter from President Lesley McFarlane, P.Eng., and the By-law proposals are now available at the link below.
The vote will take place through your online profile between October 6, 2016, 12:00 a.m. and October 19, 2016, 11:59 p.m. The results will be announced at the 2016 Annual General Meeting on October 27, 2016.
SEP 15, 2016
The Ordre des ingénieurs pleads for a new Engineers Act
While participating today in the consultation on Bill 98, An Act to amend various legislation mainly with respect to admission to professions and the governance of the professional system, the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ) pleaded for a major revision of the Engineers Act, which has remained virtually unchanged since its adoption in 1964.
"The protection of the public hinges in part on the governance of the orders and the Professional Code, but also on a definition of professional practice that is in step with the reality. It is high time that the Engineers Act reflected the changes that have occurred in the profession in the last half-century," says Kathy Baig, Eng., FEC, MBA, President of the OIQ.
Tougher proposals for the Professional Code
Even though the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec thinks that Bill 98 makes a positive contribution to modernizing the professional system, the organization proposes additional measures to improve the protection of the public, such as:
- greater protection for whistleblowers against acts of retaliation, including demotions and lay-offs;
- information sharing between the syndics of professional orders and, when a syndic has good reason to believe that there is an imminent threat to public safety, with other authorities in charge of security and public protection;
- consistency between the fines set out in legislation respecting the professions and those in the Professional Code. If the fines were left as they now stand, the fine for unlawful use of the professional title of engineer would be $62,500 under the Professional Code, while the fine for using plans not signed by an engineer would be only $10,000 under the Engineers Act.
Finally, the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec welcomes the proposal to reduce the size of professional orders' boards of directors, a desire frequently expressed by the OIQ in recent years.
SEP 15, 2016
Did you know? - New Audit Committee
As a result of a resolution brought forward at last year's AGM, a new Audit Committee has been formed. The Audit Committee has carried out the review of the draft audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2016, as well as a review of council related spending in its first few months. Everything was found to be in good order.
The Audit Committee is comprised of a combination of CPA's and P.Eng's with representation from council, independent of management, as well as a non-member representative from the Chartered Professional Accountants of Manitoba. The mandate of the Audit Committee is to provide oversight of the financial reporting, and internal controls applied by the association and its management in order to ensure accurate financial reporting to stakeholders.
SEP 08, 2016
Did you know? - By-Law 2016: How were they developed?
By-law proposals this year were developed with the assistance of members from various backgrounds. Members from the Continuing Competency Committee (CCC), the Committee for Increasing the Participation of Women in Engineering (CIPWIE), and three Councillors participated in the development of the by-law proposals. The proposals were also edited by legal counsel for Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba prior to receiving approval by the whole of Council on June 20, 2016.
SEP 08, 2016
The Society of Women Engineers Launches Research Platform Focusing on the State of Women in Engineer
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has established itself as the primary resource for knowledge, information, and trends on women in engineering with the launch of its newest tool, research.swe.org. The website was created to provide clarity among the wealth of data available, and deliver a centralized data source for members and individuals interested in locating information about women in engineering.
The website features trends and data on women in engineering and the STEM landscape across the globe from the K-12 level, to collegiate to professional. Additionally, the website will feature SWE's own research to supplement the knowledge base around issues affecting female engineers' success. Being able to provide data and information to inform decisions that affect women in the education sector and the workplace is an important part of SWE's goal to advocate for the success of women in engineering and technology.
"SWE's strong membership base and historical knowledge position us as an authority on female engineering issues," said Roberta Rincon, PhD, manager of research at SWE. "We intend to build upon this knowledge and provide access to our work through this new site."
One of SWE's most recent research pieces focuses on female attrition in the STEM workplace, the first gender-based workplace culture study of its kind conducted in the STEM space in the U.S.. The data sheds light on differences between female and male personal and workplace priorities, including the gaps that are driving females to leave the workforce. SWE plans to release a similar study in fall of 2016 that focuses on workplace experiences, and gender and racial bias.
"As the world's largest advocate for women in engineering and technology, it's important to show the progress we have made, but also to show that there is still work to do in terms of creating an inclusive environment in engineering where women can thrive," said Karen Horting, CEO and executive director of SWE. "Our research efforts coupled with this new tool are a big step in SWE becoming the resource on women in engineering."
About SWE
The Society of Women Engineers, founded in 1950, is the world's largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. The not-for-profit educational and service organization is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career aspiration for women. To ensure SWE members reach their full potential as engineers and leaders, the Society offers opportunities to network, provides professional development, shapes public policy, and provides recognition for the life-changing contributions and achievements of women engineers. As a champion of diversity, SWE empowers women to succeed and advance in their personal and professional lives.
SEP 01, 2016
CNAM, CSCE announce partnership
The Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) and the Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM) have announced a formal partnership between the two associations.
A Memorandum of Understanding, in recognition of their common interests in promoting and disseminating asset management practices in Canada was signed by John Murray, chair of CNAM and Jim Gilliland, president of CSCE, on June 30, 2016.
CNAM is a not for profit association of infrastructure asset management organizations in Canada. Its members are government and private sector experts in the field. The CSCE is a learned society created to develop and maintain high standards of civil engineering practice in Canada and to enhance the public image of the civil engineering profession.
CSCE and CNAM recognize that asset management is a key element in the design, construction, and maintenance of Canadian municipal infrastructure and a long term contributor to the sustainability of these essential systems.
As a result of the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding, and based on their shared commitment to asset management in Canada, CNAM and CSCE have committed to the following supportive joint initiatives for 2016-17:
- Sharing material for each other's publications;
- Linking to each other's websites;
- Participating at each other's conferences;
- Working on the development of Canadian asset management guidelines, frameworks and training materials
- Developing asset management education programs at an undergraduate or post-graduate level in Canadian civil engineering departments, and
- Developing a Canadian infrastructure sustainability rating system.
SEP 01, 2016
Did you know? - Membership Fee Breakdown by Ends
After 5% GST ($18) is removed:
E1 = Operations, 45% or $163
E2 + E3 = Member Services, 28% or $101
E4 = Government Relations, 5% or $18
E5 = Diversity, Recruitment, and Retention, 3% or $11
E6 = Education, 3% or $11
E7 = Public Awareness, 16% or $58
Total: $380
![[Membership Fees By Ends]](http://www.apegm.mb.ca/pdf/News/MembershipFeeByEnds_small.jpg)
(click to enlarge)
AUG 31, 2016
Engineers Canada calls on federal government to convene a dialogue to modernize maternity leave
Engineers Canada today published an Issue Statement calling on the federal government to convene a national dialogue to modernize maternity and parental leave in order to best support Canadians and the country's economic growth.
"The time is now to have a national conversation about a system that so many Canadians rely on as they grow their families," said Kim Allen, MBA, FCAE, FEC, P.Eng., Engineers Canada's Chief Executive Officer. "We need to modernize the maternity and parental leave system in order to ensure that the system best serves parents, employers, and our country's economy."
The current maternity and parental leave system is seen by many as one of the contributing factors to the attrition of women from professional roles, and specifically for women in the engineering profession.
"Women make up more than half of the Canadian population, but they currently only make up 12.8 per cent of engineers in Canada," said Jeanette M. Southwood, M.A.Sc., FCAE, FEC, P.Eng, Engineers Canada's Vice-President of Strategy and Partnerships. "We are committed to growing that number to ensure that the engineering profession reflects the demographics of Canadian society, and an improved and modernized maternity and parental leave system will help us attract and retain more women in the engineering profession."
Engineers Canada proposes that the federal government convene a national conversation on this topic by holding a public consultation with relevant stakeholders to properly understand the realities facing professionals who take employment leaves. This would better inform the government on how best to structure and administer the employment leave benefit programs.
Engineers Canada and the twelve provincial and territorial engineering regulators are committed to increasing the number of women in the engineering profession. In 2015, they launched 30 by 30, Engineers Canada's goal of raising the percentage of newly licensed engineers who are women to 30 per cent by the year 2030.
In 2016, Engineers Canada published Managing Transitions, a planning resource guide that outlines best practices for employees and employers managing maternity or parental leave in the engineering and geoscience professions. The guide aims to create welcoming workplaces in the profession with good leave practices that will attract and retain talented employees.
For more information, contact:
Brent Gibson (Practice Lead, Communications) at 613.232.2474 x234 or brent.gibson@engineerscanada.ca
AUG 31, 2016
Italy earthquake prompts questions about Canada's seismic code
Following the earthquake that killed approximately 290 people and destroyed the historic centre of Amatrice and other medieval centres in central Italy last week, the authorities are asking questions.
According to media reports some of the buildings that collapsed, including a school, and a medieval bell tower, had been seismically retrofitted in the past few years following an earlier earthquake in the Appenine Mountain region. Retrofits to the elementary school that crumbled last week, for example, had cost US $785,000.
Now prosecutors are asking whether negligence or fraudulent construction practices contributed to the devastation, since these seismically reinforced structures did not stand up to the 6.2 magnitude event. The quake has displaced thousands of people, destroyed homes and apartment buildings, and wrecked churches, town halls and cultural treasures dating back hundreds of years.
Asked for comment, Tibor Kokai, Ph.D., P.Eng., a principal of Read Jones Christoffersen, says: "The school that collapsed in Italy was retrofitted, so whether they overlooked something, nobody knows." Kokai co-authored the Concrete Design Handbook and is a member of the CSA A23.3 and past member of the Standing Committee on Earthquake design. He has designed tall buildings in cities across Canada and is currently designing two 100-storey buildings in Toronto.
"Different codes in different countries specify the different levels of earthquake to design for," he says, "and if you perfectly design by the code, and if the magnitude of the earthquake does not exceed what you were supposed to design for, then the building should not collapse." In short: "If we do things right and construct the building right, then it should stand."
When it comes to retrofits, however, and here he is speaking about Canada, Kokai has concerns. The National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) allows special provisions for "grandfathering" buildings based on their past performance. It means that existing buildings only have to be upgraded to meet the latest seismic safety codes if there is a change of use, or if the owner is adding storeys to the structure, i.e. adding mass. If there is no such change and basic checks are done according to the NBCC, then the structural engineer only needs to ensure that the building will withstand 60% of the earthquake loads specified by the current codes. That, Kokai says, leaves the building "by definition 40% weak."
The grandfathering provision in the building code is based on past performance, but Kokai says this is not fully valid. "When you say a building performed well for in the last 100 years, it is for gravity loads that are pushing downwards and some wind load action. But did this building ever experience the maximum design earthquake, which acts horizontally? No. So grandfathering the earthquake performance of existing buildings based on the last 40 years of past gravity and wind load resistance thereby reducing the acceptable earthquake resistance capacity by 40% and claiming the building is o.k. is not right."
AUG 25, 2016
Two University of Manitoba students receive Canada's largest STEM scholarship
Grant Legaree and Viktor Popp have been named the University of Manitoba's recipients of the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarships.
Created in 2011 by Canadian business leader and philanthropist Seymour Schulich, this annual scholarship program encourages promising high school graduates to embrace STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in their future careers. This year, there were over 1,500 Schulich Leader nominees from across Canada vying for 50 scholarships, valued at up to $80,000 each. Since inception, 220 students have received this celebrated scholarship.
Viktor Popp, 18, is a recipient of the $80,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. A graduate of Erickson Collegiate Institute in Erickson, MB, Popp will be entering the Faculty of Engineering this fall. Popp was selected for his outstanding academic and extra-curricular achievements: while maintaining exceptional grades he lead a campaign to raise money for cancer research and he facilitated a 4-H fun day for children in his community.
Grant Legaree, 18, is a recipient of the $60,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. A graduate of Atikokan High School in Atikokan, ON, Legaree will be entering the Faculty of Science this fall. Legaree was selected for his outstanding academic and extra-curricular achievements: achieving the highest grades in his school while playing on four sports teams, and raising over $8,000 for melanoma research after he lost his sister to the cancer.
"It is very important that we support exceptional students that demonstrate great leadership and embrace STEM fields," says Schulich. "It is an investment not only in their future, but the future of our country. Their pursuits are sure to lead to key innovations in the years ahead."
Schulich Leader Scholarships are prestigious entrance scholarships awarded to high school graduates enrolling in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at participating universities in Canada and Israel. Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines will have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman, and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established this $100 million scholarship fund in 2011 to encourage our best and brightest students to be the next pioneers of global scientific research and innovation. This program awards 100 scholarships annually, valued at more than $5.5 million. Schulich Leaders can devote their full time and attention to their studies, as all of their financial needs are covered over the course of their degree. As a result, many of our highest potential students are winning these scholarships and will make great contributions to society.
AUG 25, 2016
Did you know? - New Accounting System
Did you know that Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba has a new accounting system? Manager of Finance Ian Wiebe has implemented an upgrade for the 2016 - 2017 fiscal year. This will greatly improve the Association's ability to track and report on budget items and overall financial goals.
The decision to upgrade the accounting software comes at a time that demands increased accountability to the Association's stakeholders by Council and staff. It was initiated in response to some key factors including:
- Growing membership.
- An old, outdated accounting system.
- Increased need to integrate back-end accounting systems with member services, banking, and payment processing systems.
- Need for improved financial reporting with transparency.
- Maintaining compliance with accounting standards outlined by the CPA Handbook Part III - Accounting Standards for Not-for-Profit Organizations.
By replacing the old accounting system which was geared towards small business, the new software is scalable to meet the needs of small, medium and large enterprises. It is more robust in its analytical capabilities and provides the flexibility to adapt with the Association into the future.
With the new system, many benefits are anticipated including: (1) improvements in timeliness, reliability and accuracy of information (2) improved controls leading to maintaining tighter budgets (3) integration with the HR record system and (4) making better-informed financial decisions during the year.
Council and staff are looking forward to the improvements the new system will bring to the Association over the coming year. It is anticipated that it will allow the Association to maximize value for each member dollar while fulfilling its' fiduciary duties on behalf of all stakeholders.
AUG 25, 2016
100+ Stakeholders meet to develop shared vision on future of engineering accreditation
On August 17-18, over 100 people from the engineering community attended Engineers Canada's Forum on Accreditation in Toronto, ON.
Representatives from engineering regulators, students, deans, industry, and Engineers Canada's board and committees met to clarify a shared vision for the future of accreditation of engineering education in Canada. Attendees held breakout discussions centered on the purpose, outcomes, trends, opportunities, and future solutions for accreditation. The discussions produced recommendations that were voted on and prioritized and that will be investigated further and actioned in due course.
The final report from the Forum will be available in September.
AUG 18, 2016
Did you know? - What happens in a Council Meeting?
Did you know that the members of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba annually elect individuals to govern the professions on your behalf? The Association's council is comprised of not fewer than seven councillors, both professional engineers and professional geoscientists; not fewer than two councillors who are not members (lay persons) and one councillor who is an engineering intern or geoscience intern. Currently, there are 12 engineers, 2 geoscientists and 3 non-members. Among the non-member councillors, there are two lawyers (LLB) and one Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). The CEO attends all meetings of council as CEO, Registrar and Secretary of the Association, but is not a voting member of council.
You might ask: "What happens at a typical council meeting?" Each meeting agenda includes a report by the President on recent meetings, events and activities since the last meeting, followed by a presentation by an "ownership" group. This part is intended to hear important insights and recommendations from public groups that Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba is seeking to serve. These groups include school divisions, employers, First Nations groups and others whom partner with the Association in serving the public interest. The middle (majority) time of each meeting is devoted to governance: making major decisions, discussion on issues, focusing on serving the public. The last part of each meeting is spent monitoring internal policy and evaluating council performance. The total time is about 4 hours. Councillors usually take a 15 minutes break half-way. News items and more detailed information about Council is available on the Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba web site.
AUG 11, 2016
Did you know? - Why bother with GR?
Why is it important for Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba to be at the legislature? Why bother with GR - government relations? If we aren't talking with the ministers and MLAs, some other groups will. If we don't take the opportunity, we miss out.
Spend some time at the legislature and it will change your opinion of what's going on down there. Don't rely on the internet, radio or newspaper to give you a report. They're often mistaken about what is really happening. If you hang out at 450 Broadway, you'll see ordinary people like you and I trying to do good for the public of Manitoba.
Good "GR" government relations is not about party politics. It really isn't. It's about relationship. It's about being a genuine friend to each of 57 MLAs. My mother used to say "if you want a friend, be a friend." This includes our elected members of the Manitoba legislature. They are some of the hardest working people that you will meet. They are serious about doing good for the citizens of this province and they deserve our support and friendship.
Wiki Dictionary tells me "government relations or lobbying is the act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials in the government, most often legislators or members of regulatory agencies."
What do we want? We want to be able to influence government on engineering topics. How do you influence them? In his book "Principles of Ethical Influence," Dr. Robert Cialdini
1 says that in order to have influence, you have to be liked. "You have to be a friend. This comes through uncovering similarities, areas of genuine compliments and finding opportunities for cooperation."
In the past two years Director of Government Relations Scott Sarna has introduced the president and myself to many MLAs. All are interesting people. Some represent urban ridings within Winnipeg, while others are from rural municipalities. Some of the stories are fascinating! I've enjoyed many conversations where I've learned something new about Manitoba and the people who live here.
Your input is important. If you'd like to discuss government relations, send Scott and I an email. We'd enjoy telling you more and discussing how you might contribute to the GR team. Scott Sarna, Director of Government Relations
ssarna@apegm.mb.ca or Grant Koropatnick, CEO & Registrar,
gkoropatnick@apegm.mb.ca
1. [Cialdini, Robert B., "Principles of Ethical Influence." Harper Collins, New York.]?AUG 11, 2016
Should engineering firms be regulated? APEGBC poses the question
The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) is asking members to submit their thoughts on an issue of critical importance to consulting engineering firms. Members who wish to comment can do so online until August 28.
The association is looking into whether it should be regulating corporate practice.
In Ontario, for example, such a regulation is already in place, so that any engineer who wants to provide services directly to the public has to register for a Certificate of Authorization from Professional Engineers of Ontario.
APEGBC has set up an advisory task force to look into what it says is a "complex issue," which revolves around its duty to protect the public. It points out: "The issue of corporate regulation is raised on an ongoing basis by members and organizations that look to APEGBC to ensure that practitioners and companies within various sectors meet the same quality assurance standards, particularly whenever major incidents involving engineering or geoscience in B.C. or elsewhere occur."
The Advisory Task Force on Corporate Practice that is guiding the process of evaluation and consultation includes members and industry representatives from government, manufacturing and construction.
APEGBC says the responses it receives will be used to map out what corporate practice could look like in B.C., and will inform the second stage of the consultation process which will include a presentation at APEGBC's Annual Conference in October.
The task force will deliver a final recommendation to Council in spring 2017 and then the council will consider whether to seek to acquire the necessary regulatory authority
AUG 04, 2016
Did you know?
Did you know that Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba members enjoy the lowest fee in Manitoba?
Council's philosophy on fees has been to raise the fee $10 per year to provide a small cushion against inflation. This has been a prudent practice since 2012; resulting in program growth without calling on the members for a special levy. As it was in 2006, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba occupies the bottom rung on the regulatory ladder of professional fees in Manitoba.
Notwithstanding an unusually low professional fee, a few express displeasure with the amount. This is puzzling, since 81% of the membership don't pay out of their own pocket, but receive their professional fees as a staff benefit.
1 For those that pay their own fee, you can claim a rebate on Line 212 of your annual personal income tax return.
2
The following table shows the basic 2016 practicing fees for professions in Manitoba:
Profession and practicing fees:3
Association of Manitoba Land Surveyors - $2,878
Law Society of Manitoba - $2,730
College of Physicians & Surgeons - $1,700
CPA - Chartered Accountants - $1,300
Manitoba Veterinary Association - $1280
CPA - Regular Member - $985
Manitoba Teachers Society - $956
Manitoba Association of Architects - $900
Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association - $890
CPA - Certified General Accountants - $700
College of Physiotherapists - $675
College of Occupational Therapists - $525
College of Registered Nurses - $443
College of Licensed Practical Nurses - $389
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba - $380
Engineering or Geoscience Intern - $190
1. [Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba Member Salary Survey 2014.]?
2. [Canada Revenue Agency online source: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/lns206-236/212/menu-eng.html]?
3. [Some professional fees may have changed since these numbers were compiled.]?AUG 04, 2016
EngScape launches successfully
A month after launch, EngScape, the new online labour market portal from Engineers Canada, has received over 9,000 visits from users in Canada, the United States, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Engineers Canada's CEO Kim Allen, MBA, FEC, FCAE, P.Eng., sent over 300 personalized letters to MP constituent offices, and a number of offices responded positively that the information will help the MP deal with constituents who are domestic and international engineering graduates.
Promotion of the EngScape site will continue over the coming months as Engineers Canada reaches out to teachers, students, and other stakeholders.
With statistics and data about employment rates, salary, post-secondary enrolment and diversity, and descriptions of careers and jobs in the field, EngScape is one-stop-shopping for anyone looking for a career in engineering.
JUL 28, 2016
The Frank Arnott Award Innovation Challenge
Geoscience data is critical to exploration success, and yet increased expenditure on acquiring more data has not translated into higher discovery rates. Exploration organizations are therefore seeking to maximize the value of their existing data, and technology, to prioritize opportunities, and select the best drill targets. As projects move deeper under cover, modern exploration scenarios require explorers to integrate and assess all available data, gain even greater insights, and build improved exploration models. In recognition, that effective data integration and visualisation of our data sets remains one of our greatest challenges, we are hosting the Frank Arnott Award as a ‘collaborative' challenge, focused on innovation in data integration and visualisation.
The Frank Arnott Award encourages solution-finding for one of the biggest challenges in the exploration industry: data integration and visualization of multi-disciplinary data. Candidates are invited to submit their entries, demonstrating a new way to improve exploration outcomes using data integration and visualization, by the end of 2016.
Finalists are encouraged to present at Exploration 17 in Oct 2017 in Toronto.
JUL 14, 2016
Engineers Canada launches EngScape, online portal for engineering jobs
Engineers Canada has launched EngScape, an interactive online portal that addresses the labour market needs of the engineering profession in Canada.
The portal presents statistics and data about employment rates, salary, university enrollment, and diversity, breaking it down by engineering discipline and by province.
In addition to the labour market trends and projections for the 14 engineering disciplines, EngScape also features profiles of individual engineers, provides typical job descriptions and requirements, and presents career outlooks for each discipline.
EngScape also includes a job search tool that aggregates engineering job postings from a variety of online sources.
"We want to provide one-stop-shopping for anyone looking for a career in engineering," said Jamie Ricci, Engineers Canada's practice lead in research.
"EngScape has something for everyone-youth can discover what they can do with an engineering career, recent engineering graduates can look for their first job, experienced engineers can find their next job, and internationally trained engineers looking to enter the Canadian workforce can explore the range of opportunities across the country."
EngScape is the product of a partnership between Engineers Canada and the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC).
Engineers Canada is the national organization of the 12 engineering regulators that license the country's 290,000 members of the profession.
JUL 14, 2016
A "different" grad class to consider - ENG 7010 - The Engineering Design Process
The Faculty of Engineering is once again offering ENG 7010, a class that looks at design from a different perspective, in the spirit of Dr. Clive Dym's observation: "design is bigger than technology".
Classes meet for three (3) hours, every second week, over a period of two terms.
There are two options:
Section A01 - Thursdays from 08 30 a.m. to 11 30 a.m.
Section A02 - Thursdays from 16 30 p.m. to 19 30 p.m.
There is an enrollment limit of 12 students per section.
If you are a graduate student, you should get permission to take the course from your Advisor and then register through AURORA.
If you simply wish to Audit the course, go to the UofM website and enter "Auditing a course" in the search "bubble" at the top right hand corner of the page. This will take you to the instructions page for registration. You should be aware that an audited course entitles you to claim PD points.
For more information please contact:
Ron Britton (ron.brittor@umanitona.ca) or Doug Ruth (douglas.ruth@umanitoba.ca)
Classes begin on September 8.
JUL 07, 2016
Quebec doesn't trust engineers to regulate themselves
The Quebec government has decided the province's engineers are unable to regulate themselves.
Justice Minister Stéphanie Vallée announced Wednesday that Quebec's order of engineers is being placed under the trusteeship of the provincial government.
The move was approved by cabinet and follows a recommendation by the province's Office des Professions, the body which oversees the Quebec's professional bodies.
"The Office determines that the effective execution of its activities of control of the profession and the financial stability of the OIQ are seriously affected, to the point of putting in doubt the capacity of the OIQ of carrying out its primary mission of protecting the public," the Office said Wednesday in a news release.
In 2014, two experts were named by the Office to help the Ordre des ingénieurs straighten out a number of internal crises.
Those experts presented a list of recommendations in January of 2015. The Ordre submitted a report last month about how it intended to implement the recommendations.
Vallée described the Ordre's report as "insufficient". She said much work needs to be done to ensure the Ordre can continue to "play its main role of protecting the public".
Vallée added that the trusteeship will help the Ordre's new president, Kathy Baig, put the organization back on its feet.
The Ordre said it will work with the government, but that it was let down by the announcement.
"The Ordre is disappointed by this decision, which comes after a year of efforts and results linked to its mission to protect the public," the Ordre said in a statement.
"Nevertheless, the Ordre will respect the decision."
The Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec has more than 60,000 members. It is a self-governing body responsible for establishing the criteria required to qualify as an engineer and to monitor how the profession is practiced in the province.
As part of its trusteeship plan, the government will appoint three administrators to oversee how the organization is run
JUL 07, 2016
The Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec continues its transition toward better governance
The Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ) acknowledges the ministerial decision, issued not long after its new Board of Directors took office, to place the organization under temporary administration. The OIQ is disappointed with this decision, which was made after a year of efforts and results in line with its mission of protecting the public. However, the OIQ respects it.
Kathy Baig, Eng., FEC, MBA, who just began her duties as President, hopes that the three new directors recognize the work that has been done to date by the OIQ, as the Minister of Justice did with the Office des professions du Québec and the government. "We have shown extensive cooperation in the last two years and intend to continue doing so. I am confident that we can speed up our work, even in this context, since we are striving for the common objectives of sound management and governance," explained Ms. Baig.
The OIQ will note the terms and conditions of the decision as soon as they have been communicated. A meeting with the three directors appointed by the government is already scheduled for next week.
The OIQ will continue all activities involved in supervising the practice of engineering and protecting the public.
About the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec:
Founded in 1920, the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec has a membership of some 61,000 engineering professionals in all fields, except forest engineering. The mission of the OIQ is to ensure the protection of the public by supervising the practice of the profession within the framework of its constituent laws and ensure that the profession serves the public interest.
JUL 07, 2016
Self-regulating professions must regulate in the public interest - or else
In British Columbia, the Real Estate Services Act gave the Real Estate Council the mandate to "uphold and protect the public interest in relation to the conduct and integrity of its licensees." But the real estate profession is not the only profession that was given the right to self-regulate its members.
In B.C. alone, foresters, lawyers, architects, land surveyors, engineers, social workers, chiropractors, dentists, nurses, opticians, optometrists, physical therapists, doctors, psychologists, veterinarians, notaries and other professions have governing bodies established by legislation that are required to license their members, regulate their professions and exercise their powers in the public interest, rather than in the specific interest of their members.
Tony Wilson (a franchising, licensing, and intellectual property lawyer at Boughton Law Corp. in Vancouver) urges that all professions, industries, and occupations that are self-regulating need the confidence and trust of the public to be effective. Regulatory bodies, whether elected or appointed by their members, have to keep in mind that they must put the public interest ahead of the specific interests of their members.
JUL 07, 2016
Engineering student recognized for service in Manitoba Legislative House
On June 28, University of Manitoba engineering student Eric Schillberg was recognized by the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba for his contribution to the House as assistant in the message room, page, and gallery attendant.
As Honourable Myrna Driedger, MLA for Charleswood and Speaker of the House appreciatively noted:
"And I'd also like to bid adieu on behalf of all of us to Eric Schillberg. Eric was a page in 2013-2014. He is a graduate from West Kildonan Collegiate. He has since filled in as page, gallery attendant, and assisted in the message room. Eric has done a terrific job for the Assembly by showing his dedication to this House. Eric often goes to work at a second job before or after his shift, depending on his hours. Eric entered the U of M in 2014 and is presently taking civil engineering with an expected graduation date in 2019. He is currently a member of the University of Manitoba Institute of Transportation Engineers. In addition, Eric is head director of professional relations for the University of Manitoba Engineering Society. Eric hopes to use his engineering degree to travel abroad and gain valuable work experience. One day, he would like to return to Manitoba and run for a position as a member of the Legislative Assembly. And on behalf of all of us, we'd like to wish Eric the very best and thank him very much for all of his service."
JUN 30, 2016
Douglas Ruth elected President of the Canadian Academy of Engineering for 2016/2018
Douglas Ruth, PEng, PhD, FCAE was elected President of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE) at CAE's Annual General Meeting held on June 27, 2016 in Winnipeg, MB. He was elected as a Fellow of the Academy in 2008 and has served on the Board of Directors since 2013.
Doug holds two degrees from the University of Manitoba (BSc(ME) and MSc(ME)) and a doctorate from the University of Waterloo. He has worked in both the manufacturing sector, with Carter-Temro, and the oil and gas industry with Petro Canada and GEOTECHnical resources. He has held academic appointments at both the University of Calgary and the University of Manitoba. Doug served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba between 1999 and 2010. He also served for 12 years as a member of the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board including two years as the Chair. Doug is a fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada and of Engineers Canada.
JUN 27, 2016
Forty-three new Fellows inducted into the Canadian Academy of Engineering
President Douglas Ruth inducted 43 new Fellows into the Canadian Academy of Engineering on June 27, 2016. The ceremony took place in Winnipeg, in conjunction with the Academy's 2016 Annual General Meeting and Symposium.
Dr. Ruth commented: "We welcome the new Fellows. They are engineers of outstanding abilities. While they have widely varying backgrounds, from Industry, Academe and Government, what they all have in common is the demonstrated desire and ability to go beyond the normal practice of engineering and contribute in exemplary ways towards their fields and to their communities. We expect great achievements through their participation in the Academy's activities. In our past, Fellows of the Academy have produced major studies in the fields of education, energy and innovation; we look forward with boundless anticipation as to how these new Fellows will build upon these good works and explore new and exciting areas of engineering and its impact on public policy."
JUN 23, 2016
Hendrik Falck, P.Geo. President of Geoscientists Canada for 2016-2017
On June 4, 2016, at the 43rd Meeting of the Board of Directors of Geoscientists Canada in Calgary, Alberta, Hendrik Falck, P.Geo, FGC, took office as President 2016-2017, after serving a year as its President-Elect. Mr. Falck resides in Yellowknife, NWT, where he is District Geologist with the Mineral Deposits Division, Northwest Territories Geological Survey, and part of the Department of Industry, Tourism, and Investment, Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).
Mr. Falck is the past-president of the NAPEG (The NWT and Nunavut Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists). He is the NWT/NU director for Geoscientists Canada and has served as a member of the Canadian Geoscience Standards Board. He is also a former president of the Mineral Deposits Division of the Geological Association of Canada. Hendrik is an active member of the Geological Society of The Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM), and is a technical editor for the CIM Journal. He is also a director of the Canadian Geological Foundation.
In fulfilling his duties as President, together with colleagues on the Executive Committee, Mr. Falck will be focusing on continuing to build Geoscientists Canada into an effective national/international forum for Canada's geoscience profession that fully serves the needs and supports the responsibilities of its constituent associations.
JUN 23, 2016
UMSATS placed 2nd in the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge
The U of M Space Applications and Technology Society (UMSATS) represented the University of Manitoba in the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge at the David Florida Labs (Canadian Space Agency) and placed 2nd overall this year with their UMSATS T-SAT3.
The competition tasks university teams from across Canada to design a fully operational cube satellite - about the size of a litre of milk - that can conduct a space mission over the course of a year.
UMSATS has taken second place at both previous competitions, despite the fact that in the second year the satellite had a technical glitch.
This is experiential learning at its pinnacle. Students designed this satellite and pursued experimental ideas on their own. They worked alongside industry leaders or professors in fields other than their own and had to teach themselves how to design an antenna deployment system, or, even less theoretical, about screws and bolts.
JUN 02, 2016
Gold Medal Student Award goes to André Marchildon
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba student member André Marchildon wins the Gold Medal Student Award at the Engineers Canada Awards Gala in Charlottetown, PE, on May 26.
A remarkable, energetic and focused student, Mr. Marchildon is completing his fourth year at the University of Manitoba in the Mechanical Engineering Program. As the Senior Stick President, he represents over 1,700 undergraduates working with a council of 90 dedicated student leaders, managing a budget of one quarter million dollars.
Mr. Marchildon has held leadership positions in several organizations including the University of Manitoba Engineering Society and the Congress of the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students, and was a Cabinet Minister in the Manitoba French Youth Parliament. He also gives his time to St. Amant, working with those who have developmental disabilities. As busy as he is, Mr. Marchildon has maintained an outstanding academic record-he is a young man well prepared for an exciting career in the field of engineering.
Videos of the award recipients are now available on the Engineers Canada YouTube channel.
JUN 02, 2016
Engineers Canada welcomes new president and Board directors
At its Annual General Meeting last week in Charlottetown, PE, Engineers Canada welcomed Chris D. Roney, FEC, P.Eng., BDS, UE, as its president for the 2016-2017 term. In the coming year, Roney and the Engineers Canada Board will work with the engineering regulators to advance the profession in the public interest.
Engineers Canada also welcomed four new Board directors last week: Kathy Baig, FIC, ing. (OIQ), David Brown, P.Eng., BDS, C.E.T. (PEO), Sarah Devereaux, FEC, P.Eng. (Engineers Nova Scotia) and Connie Parenteau, FEC, P.Eng. (APEGA).
MAY 26, 2016
City of Winnipeg Bulletin - Requirements for Portable Classrooms
The City of Winnipeg has posted a new Information Bulletin on its website regarding the requirements for permits and design considerations for new and relocated portable classrooms.
The bulletin is numbered "2016-002-A/B/E/M/P/S, Requirements for Portable Classrooms" and is posted on the City of Winnipeg Information Bulletins webpage at the link below.
MAY 26, 2016
Special Meeting of Members
On behalf of Council, many thanks to all members who attended the Special Meeting on May 19. We were thrilled to have over 100 members in attendance. The meeting was held to share with you the recent activity of Council, to let you know Council's response to the two resolutions raised by members at our last AGM, and to hear from our you about any matters that are important to you.
If you missed the Special Meeting, you can find a copy of the presentation materials through the link below. Here is a brief synopsis of the response to the two resolutions:
1.Resolution #1. A Task Group of Council Members was formed in December 2015 to investigate Resolution #1 and make recommendations back to Council. At the May 12 2016 meeting of Council, Council decided upon the following response to Resolution #1:
a. The first two components of Resolution #1 involved a request to make available to the members, the legal opinions that permitted Council to suspend, reprimand or remove a Councillor from Council. Council voted to make the speaking notes from legal counsel available, they are now available through the link below.
b. The third component of Resolution #1 requested that Council remove its authority to remove members of Council. Council has elected to not remove that authority. As pointed out in the above speaking notes, it is an inherent and expected right of governing bodies such as Council to be able to enforce its own standards of governance. Council believes that maintaining that standard is not only a right but also an important responsibility.
c. The fourth and final component of Resolution #1 requested that Council revise its policies to require the use of mediation in the event of a future complaint regarding a violation of the Council Code of Conduct by a Councillor. Council agreed, and is working to refine the process by which mediation will be used. Removing Councillors is something that Council will only consider as a last resort, and therefore it is important that a method for mitigating violations of the Code of Conduct is formalized.
2. Resolution #2. A Task Group of Council Members was formed in December 2015 to investigate Resolution #2 and make recommendations back to Council. At the March 17 2016 meeting of Council, Council voted to accept the recommendation of the Task Group. As a result, an Audit Committee is being created, and members are being recruited in time for approval at the June 20 2016 Council Meeting and the annual audit (of the 2015-2016 fiscal year ending June 30, 2016). If you are interested in serving on the Audit Committee, please respond to the ongoing call for volunteers.
Following the presentation, time was provided for questions and comments. Many of the themes centred around increased transparency, accountability, and trust of Council. As I highlighted at the meeting, Council has been aware of these concerns and is working towards these goals, for example by calling the Special Meeting on May 19. We will reflect on the comments and questions provided to us at the Special Meeting. Look for further communication from us in the coming weeks and months.
As always, I welcome your thoughts and comments. Please feel free to contact me by email at lmcfarl@mts.net.
Sincerely,
Lesley McFarlane, P.Eng.
2016 President
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba
MAY 25, 2016
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MAY 19, 2016
Engineers Canada endorses Bill C-243
Engineers Canada is dedicated to enhancing gender diversity in the engineering professions, where women remain under-represented. Improving retention increases diversity and one area that is crucial for the retention of skilled and valued talent is improving practices around managing maternity leave for women.
Engineers Canada endorses Bill C243 - a national maternity assistance program and changes to the Employment Insurance Act that will be a great first step towards eliminating the individual, organizational and societal barriers women still experience in and out of the engineering profession. There are instances in which engineers may work under demanding and even dangerous conditions. By giving women better tools to manage their professional lives, the engineering profession can actively engage, include and embrace gender diversity as a means of improving the profession for the benefit of both its members and Canadians. "Bill C243 will be invaluable for engineers who are women, for their families and for their employers," said Kim Allen, MBA, FCAE, FEC, P.Eng., the Chief Executive Officer of Engineers Canada."
Bill C243 is a good place to start. However, much more needs to be done to fully protect, support and encourage women's participation in the workforce. Engineer Canada looks forward to continuing to engage with the government and likeminded stakeholders to better attract and retain diverse groups into the engineering profession to more closely reflect the demographics of Canadian society.
MAY 19, 2016
Standards Council of Canada recruiting volunteers to provide expertise
Many Standards Council of Canada (SCC) committees are actively recruiting new members to provide expertise. By participating in international standardization, you can become a global leader at the forefront of your industry, while helping to advance the health, safety and economic well-being of all Canadians. Find more information on the committees that are currently recruiting on the SCC website.
The SCC leads and facilitates the development and use of national and international standards and accreditation services in order to enhance Canada's competitiveness and well-being.
MAY 18, 2016
Manitoba's 2016 Speech from the Throne
Manitoba's 41st Provincial Government began its first day of session on Monday, May 16, 2016 with an inaugural speech from the throne by Lieutenant Governor Janice Filmon announcing the government's vision and plans for the province.
The Throne Speech was successfully passed, and Manitoba's new provincial government is now in session until June 1, 2016. The Provincial budget is expected to be released on May 31, 2016.
For more information, and to access a copy of the Throne Speech, please follow the link below.
MAY 05, 2016
Association Booth Wins Award At Career Symposium
Each year, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba take part in Winnipeg's Rotary Career Symposium, to promote the fields of engineering and geoscience to visiting students and adults considering their future career paths.
At this year's symposium, the Association's booth featured two robotic arms, electrical circuit kits, and a hands-on display of rock samples. Visitors were encouraged to engage with all the activities, including using the robotic arms to pick up and manipulate objects in a maze, and guessing the identity of rocks, while discussing the broader fields with professional engineers and professional geoscientists who volunteered their time at the booth.
After a busy few days with a lot of interested and engaged visitors, the Association was honoured to be recognised as the 'Most Interactive, Entertaining & Fun' booth at the 2016 Rotary Career Symposium, as voted for by their student judges.
The Association would like to thank the judges for choosing the booth for an award, and give special thanks to the members who volunteered their time to represent their fields and engage with the visitors at the symposium.
MAY 02, 2016
Association Calls Special Meeting of Members
The Council of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba invites all members to a special meeting of the Association under By-Law 5.2.
Council is seeking to increase dialogue with members on matters of importance to them. One way we are doing this is by calling a special meeting, to provide updates on activities underway by Council, and let members know how they can be involved. Also, at our AGM in October 2015, some members brought forward two Resolutions for Council to consider. Council is looking to share progress on both Resolutions with members at this special meeting.
In response to Resolution #1, which asked Council to look at the process it uses to evaluate concerns about Councillor Code of Conduct violations, Council will create a more structured framework that includes a mediation process. The mediation process is intended to diffuse issues, where possible, before they ever come to the floor of Council as a formal complaint.
In response to Resolution #2, which asked Council to form an Audit Committee, Council has now approved the formation of an Audit Committee.
The meeting will take place at Canad Inns Fort Garry, 1824 Pembina Highway, on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. The agenda for the meeting will cover the following three items:
(1) Update on Council activities
(2) Response to Resolution #1 from the AGM October 2015
(3) Response to Resolution #2 from the AGM October 2015
To register your attendance at this meeting, please see the event page below.
APR 29, 2016
City of Winnipeg Planning, Development, and Building Fees Changing June 1, 2016
On March 23, 2016 City Council adopted the results of a Comprehensive Fee Review that
adjusts all fees charged for various permits and services. These changes (with the exception of
commercial mechanical permit fees) come into effect on June 1, 2016.
The fee changes are in line with other cities across Canada, keeping Winnipeg's fees at pace with
industry trends. The analysis of the review resulted in adjusting the fee calculation methodology
in all categories as a result of evaluating extensive cross-municipal comparisons.
It's also important to note a key process change regarding permits. As of June 1 permit fees will
have to be paid at the time of application.
Items with direct and notable impact to the design consulting industry are:
1. Calculation of permit fee for alterations to an existing building in Section 2.1.3.
2. New fee for alternative solution proposal in Section 2.1.4.
3. Increased fee for pre-application meeting in Section 2.1.6.
4. New structure for re-review penalty charges in Section 2.1.6.
For a complete list of the new Planning, Development, and Building Fee and Charges which will be in effect on June 1, 2016, see the City of Winnipeg website link below.
A summary of the 10 Major Findings of the Comprehensive Fee Review can be found here:
http://www.winnipeg.ca/ppd/fees/pdf//10-Major-Findings_Planning-Development-and-Building-
Fees-and-Charges.pdf
For additional information about the new fees and charges, please go to
http://www.winnipeg.ca/ppd/fees/default.stm or contact the Zoning and Permits Branch at 204-
986-5140.
APR 21, 2016
Manitoba's Provincial Election Results
Congratulations to all of the successful candidates of the April 19, 2016 Manitoba Provincial Election.
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba would like to offer a special congratulations to members Steven Fletcher, P.Eng., and Kelly Bindle, P.Eng., on their wins for a seat representing their respective constituencies of Assiniboia and Thompson as MLAs, and to members Jeannette Montufar, P.Eng., and Malli Aulakh, P.Eng., on their nominations for candidacy, and hard-fought campaigns.
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba looks forward to working with Manitoba's newly elected government in the next four years to come.
For a complete list of Manitoba's newly elected officials, and for a more detailed list of riding electoral outcomes, please see the links below.
APR 08, 2016
Engineers Canada Provides Highlights and Analysis of Federal Budget 2016
The Honourable Bill Morneau, Canada's finance minister, tabled "Budget 2016: Growing the Middle Class" ("Budget 2016") in the House of Commons on March 22, 2016. Engineers Canada's "Federal Budget Highlights and Analysis" provides information on the promises made in the budget that affect the engineering profession, call upon the expertise of engineers and align with areas of interest to the engineering profession. Highlights include investment in making Canada's infrastructure more resilient, investments in Indigenous communities' infrastructure and water systems, ensuring access to good labour market data and more.
Find the full analysis in the Highlights and Analysis document below. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Eric Scharf, Practice Lead, Government Relations at eric.scharf@engineerscanada.ca.
MAR 21, 2016
Corporate Sponsors Sought For Canada Summer Games
Winnipeg will host the Canada Summer Games July 28 - August 13, 2017. Featuring 16 sports, over 250 events and a major cultural festival, the 2017 Canada Games will welcome over 4,000 athletes and coaches, and more than 20,000 visitors. Held every two years, the Canada Games are a key event in the development of Canada's young athletes, many of whom go on to become the country's next generation of national, international and Olympic champions. The Canada Games are this country's largest multi-sport event for young athletes and in 2017 will celebrate their 50th anniversary and Canada's 150th birthday.
Winnipeg will become the largest host city the Canada Games have ever seen. This opportunity presents a number of ways to connect our communities, to collaborate, and to be a part of this amazing event.
To realize the full potential of these Games, significant financial support from the corporate sector is critical. A corporate sponsorship campaign has been launched, and is actively pursuing local organizations to get on board with the Games.
To discover more about the Games in Winnipeg or to get involved, visit www.canadagames.ca/2017
MAR 01, 2016
Follow-Up Regarding Annual General Meeting
In accordance with our By-Laws, Section 5.1.4, there were two Resolutions brought forward at the AGM. Council discussed both resolutions at our December meeting. For each Resolution, a Task Group composed of Councillors has been formed, to provide a recommendation to Council for action. Both Task Groups have met and are working diligently to prepare their recommendations. They are giving both resolutions the attention and due consideration deserving of such important subjects, while at the same time working expediently to provide a recommendation to Council.
The By-Law states that "Council shall report on the disposition of any such resolutions at the next Annual General Meeting." Council is committed to providing a response to the membership as a whole, before that stated timeline.
This information is provided to help you understand the work underway by Council, to govern our Association well. To provide feedback or inquire further, please contact President Lesley McFarlane at lmcfarl@mts.net.
FEB 24, 2016
Mining Industry Waiting Longer For Permits
Over the past 10 years mining companies (and their engineering consultants) have had to wait longer to receive exploration permits, according to a Fraser Institute report.
Issued February 22, the report finds that Ontario is a "clear laggard" in terms of how efficient, transparent and certain its approvals process is. But it found that permit times are increasing not just in Ontario, but also across Canada.
Permit Times for Mining Exploration: How Long Are They? was co-authored by the institute's Kenneth Green and Taylor Jackson, based on the opinions and experiences of professionals in mining.
Green notes : "Growing wait times for permits add to the cost of exploration and therefore deter investment and ultimately hinder Canada's ability to realize its considerable mineral potential,"
In Ontario 68% of the respondents said that permit approval wait times had grown over the previous 10 years. This compared with 52% in Quebec and 40% in British Columbia.
When the survey respondents were asked about transparency and clarity in the permitting process, those in Saskatchewan were happiest, with 87% saying yes. This compared to 76% who were happy in Quebec, and 64% in Ontario.
FEB 11, 2016
New Health and Dental Insurance Program Launched for Retired Engineers
Engineers Canada and Manulife have launched a new retiree health and dental insurance program. The Professional Retiree Health and Dental Insurance program starts where government coverage ends-for both routine and unexpected medical expenses.
The new program offers three choices of coverage levels, whether your group benefits are coming to an end, you want to add to you existing group coverage or you are self-employed.
To find out more about the program, see the Engineers Canada link below.
JAN 29, 2016
New Canadian Building Codes have 400 changes
Engineers should prepare for 400 changes coming this spring in the 2015 versions of Canada's National Building Code, National Fire Code, National Plumbing Code and National Energy Code for Buildings. The National Research Council of Canada, which is in charge of the codes, has outlined some of the changes in advance. They have also announced that from now on the four codes are collectively referred to as "Codes Canada."
Among the technical changes in the new version of the National Building Code are new hazard values for seismic design in Part 4 and Appendix C. The updates apply to 679 geographic locations and are based on recent earthquake data. Notably also, all buildings in Canada will now be designed for earthquake forces regardless of the level of hazard. However, a simplified approach to the calculations is being provided exclusively for low hazard locations.
In Part 3 there are new accessibility requirements, and in Part 5 new metrics for sound transmission.
Housing and small buildings in Part 9 have new prescriptive requirements regarding earthquake loads to complement changes in Part 4, as well as new roofing, damp-proofing and waterproofing standards. Other significant changes affect stairs, ramps and handrails.
For further information regarding the changes, please read the full Canadian Consulting Engineer article via the link below.
The national codes are precedent setting for the provincial building codes, which are implemented by law. New code versions are issued periodically to update them and make sure they are "responsive to new technologies, materials, construction practices, research, social policy, and the changing needs of Canadian society."
Codes Canada will be announcing the release of the new codes via social media and on its website. A copy of Codes Canada 2015 can also be ordered online.
JAN 20, 2016
Association Launches New Award In Honour of Judith Weiszmann
The Association is proud to announce a new award, which will be included in the 2016 Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba Awards, presented at the annual Gala Dinner event in October.
Named after the first female engineer to be registered in the Province of Manitoba, the Judith Weiszmann Women in Engineering Champion Award is intended to recognize female engineers who through engineering and career achievements have demonstrated the qualities that enabled Judith Weiszmann to be recognized as an outstanding engineer, role model, and influencer of the profession for the advancement and support of women in engineering.
Nominations for this award, and the seven other categories, are now open, and the nomination deadline is February 16, 2016.
Further information about all the award categories, and the nomination forms, can be found on the Awards webpage.
JAN 20, 2016
Managing Transitions: Joint Resource Guide Published
Engineers Canada and Geoscientists Canada have today jointly published a planning resource guide that outlines best practices for employees and employers managing maternity or parental leave in Canada's engineering and geoscience professions.
Managing Transitions: Before, During and After Leave is intended to assist engineers and geoscientists who are considering maternity or parental leave, and is designed to also assist their employers. It provides extensive checklists and outlines steps that individuals, supervisors and companies can take to help smoothly off and on ramp employees taking a leave of absence.
"This guide will be a tremendous resource for new parents and for their employers," said Kim Allen, FEC, P.Eng., the Chief Executive Officer of Engineers Canada. "The guide and its recommendations will go a long way to creating welcoming workplaces in the engineering and geoscience professions with good leave practices that will attract talented employees."
Engineers Canada and Geoscientists Canada are both dedicated to enhancing gender diversity in their respective professions, where women remain under-represented.
Diversity has proven value for innovation, customer relevancy and project management, and employers are therefore looking for ways to improve workplace inclusivity, attract top talent, and ensure their company is on the leading edge of policy and practice. Improving career transitions and managing leaves of absence are crucial for the retention of this skilled and valued talent, and thereby increase workplace diversity.
"Geoscientists Canada is delighted to be jointly publishing this new guide together with our colleagues at Engineers Canada," said Oliver Bonham, P.Geo, FGC, the Chief Executive Officer of Geoscientists Canada. "Experience and research has shown that without forethought, rejoining an organization can be frustrating, especially when expectations are not managed. The solution is to actively manage the transition and this guide outlines the steps to do so, ensuring that employees and employers know what to expect; that leaves of absence do not disrupt career progression or productivity; and that business continuity remains."
Engineers Canada and Geoscientists Canada thank the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Alberta (APEGA), and acknowledge the groundbreaking work done by the women and men of the Women in APEGA group. That group created the foundational document, Managing Transitions: Before, During and After Leave, upon which this national guide is based.
JAN 20, 2016
Act Amendment Update - New Updated Act Now Available
Bill 21, The Engineering and Geoscientific Professions Amendment Act, received Royal Assent on Thursday, November 5, 2015. The changes made to The Engineering and Geoscientific Professions Act outlined in Bill 21 are now law and have come into force.
The official, newly updated version of The Engineering and Geoscientific Professions Act is now available to the public. A copy of the new Act can be found on the Association's website, and a direct link is posted below.
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Soffia Baragar, Administrative Assistant, Government Relations, at
sbaragar@apegm.mb.ca.
JAN 13, 2016
Interested Members Sought For India Members Chapter
The India Members Chapter would like to invite you to come and learn more about a new chapter with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba. A general meeting will be held on the evening of Tuesday February 16th, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba office, 870 Pembina Highway.
The objectives of the India Member Chapter are:
- To assist the Association in matters of engineering and geoscience as authorized by Council
- To promote, undertake or engage in programs or functions that will contribute to the professional growth and career development of its members.
- To establish a registry of Indian or Indo-Canadian professional engineering (P.Eng.), professional geoscientists (P.Geo.) and members-in training (MIT) within Manitoba.
- To support the educational aspirations of future members by granting academic scholarships to deserving India-educated engineering and/or geoscience professionals.
- To support community projects or collaborate with community service oriented groups in their projects, programs and activities.
We invite those that have completed at a minimum a baccalaureate degree in engineering or geoscience in India and is either registered as a professional engineer, professional geoscientist or member in training in the Province of Manitoba; or is in the process of completing the academic requirements to be registered as a professional member of the Association to attend this general meeting.
For more information, or to express interest in joining the Chapter, please contact Vaibhav Banthia at
vaibhav.banthia@tetratech.comDEC 04, 2015
National 30 by 30 progress report and Resource Guide now available
What is Engineers Canada's role in 30 by 30?
30 by 30 is Engineers Canada's commitment to raising the percentage of newly licensed engineers that are women to 30% by the year 2030.
Women make up more than half of the Canadian population but are significantly under-represented in the engineering profession; less than 12 per cent of practicing licensed engineers are women.
One of Engineers Canada's core objectives is to achieve sustainable membership of the 12 provincial and territorial engineering regulatory bodies that is reflective of Canadian demographics. 30 by 30 is a key component to meet this objective.
Engineers Canada has released a snapshot of national progress toward 30 by 30 as well as a guide that can assist regulators and other engineering stakeholders in their work towards the goal.
DEC 04, 2015
Five Engineers Among The Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada
Held annually, the WXN's Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada recognizes the accomplishments of professional women across Canada who are talented leaders and who inspire others to push the boundaries of what's possible.
At this year's Awards Gala, held on November 26, 2015, WXN honoured five professional engineers for their contributions to their fields. Those five are (descriptions from WXN):
- Micheline Bouchard, Corporate Director, TELUS, PSP Investments, International Women's Forum
"A professional engineer, Micheline Bouchard is a recognized business leader and former CEO who brings broad experience leading technology companies to her board positions. She is also a current member of the International Women's Forum Global Board."
- Catherine Karakatsanis, COO, Morrison Hershfield Limited
"Catherine Karakatsanis is responsible for the domestic and international operations of the employee-owned consulting engineering and management firm, providing leadership and overseeing 850 professionals. As a board member, she helped the firm move away from only allowing full-time employees as partners. As a result, more young mothers and fathers have taken advantage of this opportunity."
- Ann Mellema, Director, Programs Governance, Irving Shipbuilding
"With more than 25 years' experience in management and organizational change, Ann Mellema is on the leadership team transforming Irving Shipbuilding. She's responsible for developing new processes while maintaining quality and governance as they take on the largest shipbuilding contract in Canadian history."
- Siobhan Robinson, Project Engineer, Kerr Wood Leidal Associates
"Siobhan Robinson has been involved in projects ranging from wastewater treatment to asset management. She is passionate about empowering youth to pursue careers in engineering and is focused on providing young engineers opportunities to grow their careers."
- Jeanette Southwood, VP Strategy and Partnerships, Engineers Canada
Nominated as: Urban Development & Infrastructure Sector Leader-Canada, Golder Associates
"An award-winning engineer, Jeanette Southwood is a senior owner at the employee-owned Golder, helping set management and strategic direction as well as driving performance. She also serves as a reviewer for Ontario's Ministry of the Environment and leads the team providing expert advice."
NOV 12, 2015
Act Amendment Update - Law Passed
Bill 21, The Engineering and Geoscientific Professions Amendment Act, received Royal Assent on Thursday, November 5, 2015. The changes made to The Engineering and Geoscientific Professions Act outlined in Bill 21 are now law and have come into force.
Please see the links below for information on how Bills are passed, a copy of Bill 21, and a copy of Bill 21 with amendments highlighted and explanatory notes attached.
The new version of The Engineering and Geoscientific Professions Act is available below
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Soffia Baragar, Administrative Assistant, Government Relations, at sbaragar@apegm.mb.ca
NOV 05, 2015
National Membership Report Ranks Manitoba Top For Female Engineers
Engineers Canada recently released the 2014 National Membership Report, which aggregates the provincial and territorial regulators' membership information. The report highlights another year of growth in the profession.
In 2014, there were 277,847 members of the 12 regulators. Of these, 12.2 percent were female. Each regulator's progress towards the 30 by 30 goal is emphasized in the report, with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba and Engineers PEI highlighted as having the highest percentage of female newly licensed engineers (25.4 percent and 25.0 percent, respectively).
The full report is available on the Engineers Canada website, through the link below.
NOV 05, 2015
Revised 2015 Accessibility Design Standards Now Available
The revised 2015 Accessibility Design Standards for City of Winnipeg built environments is now posted on the Planning Property and Development website, and can be accessed through the links below.
If anyone wishes to go over the changes to this document, please contact:
Judy Redmond, MSc. Accessibility and Inclusive Design
Universal Design Coordinator
City of Winnipeg
204-986-2131
OCT 22, 2015
Act Amendment Update - Third Reading
The Association is seeking Amendments to The Engineering and Geoscientific Professions Act of Manitoba. The proposed Act changes were introduced as Bill 21 at the Introduction and First Reading on Monday, May 11, 2015.
Bill 21 has now successfully passed Concurrence and Third Reading, which took place on Wednesday, October 21, 2015. A date for Proclamation of Royal Assent has not yet been set, but is expected to take place in the next couple of weeks.
Royal Assent is given by the Lieutenant Governor, or in the absence of, by the Administrator of the Province in a brief ceremony. During this ceremony, the date at which Bill 21 comes into effect will be announced, on which date the changes to the Act outlined in Bill 21 will become law.
Please see the links below for more information about Bill 21 and how Bill amendments are passed.
For further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Soffia Baragar, Administration Assistant, Government Relations, at sbaragar@apegm.mb.ca.
OCT 06, 2015
Geoscience for America's Critical Needs to Society
American Geoscience Institute (AGI) in the US has created a new version of its 'Geoscience for America's Critical Needs to Society' document to coincide with the 2016 Presidential elections. This document outlines high-level actions to address major policy issues where the discipline of geoscience plays a significant role.
The document forwarded by Geoscientists Canada also illustrates some of the major contribution the profession of geoscience is making to the society and public in Canada.
The full document is available via the link below and will be discussed in the upcoming winter issue of The Keystone Professional.
SEP 24, 2015
APEGM Changes Its Name
As of this month, The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba will be known as Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.
After a number of years of review, the Association is pleased with the new name which is both easier to say and recognize for both members and the general public. Current times call for brevity, specificity, and ease of introduction, and the name Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba accomplishes just that. While the previous name was commonly shortened to APEGM, the new name will remain as the three words most distinctive to the Association, with no acronym attached.
Since the original logo incorporated the old name, a change of logo has occurred as well. The new logo presents strong bolded lines representing the letters E and G, the two first letters of the Professions the Association represents. The lines appear bar-like, with the initial three reaching out horizontally, placed one above the other like building blocks, each an example of a bar set and raised. The concept of the logo is clear and concise, with the minimal letter forms giving a sense of structure and space.
While the APEGM logo and the old name are expected to be phased out in the upcoming months, all staff emails, and website information is expected to remain the same for the time being.
Always aiming to serve its members and the general public, the Association began considering shortening its name years ago for greater clarity and ease of introduction, and went through many meetings and a Council vote to consider the change. "Although the (old) name is familiar to us, it is not easily recognized by the public. If you did a survey, how many people would know what APEGM is?" explained Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng. FEC, CEO & Registrar of the Association in a 2013 publication of The Keystone Professional, the official publication of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.
Name changes from lengthy titles have already occurred at a number of Engineering and Geoscience Associations across Canada, such as in New Brunswick where the provincial association is now called Engineers Geoscientists New Brunswick, and nationally by the former Canadian Council of Professional Engineers and Canadian Council of Professional Geoscientists which are now titled Engineers Canada, and Geoscientists Canada respectively.
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba currently oversees over seven thousand members, and this number is expected to increase as demand and the population within the province continues to grow. As a public organization assigned to serve and protect public interest, it may be agreed that changing the name of the Association to one that is more recognizable and concise, is doing just that. Never mind the fact that it just, makes life work better as well.
SEP 14, 2015
University of Manitoba Adds 18 Extra Seats in Engineering Program
The University of Manitoba will expand its engineering program to allow in 18 more students per year.
The Province of Manitoba is spending about $500,000 to expand the program, which currently has 336 seats.
The 18 new seats will be divided over the current U of M engineering program and a new "hybrid" program from the university and Red River College.
Once the program is ready, it will allow between 10 and 15 RRC students to transition to a U of M engineering degree.
Undergraduate enrolment in the U of M's engineering program has increased by 48 per cent since 2008, according to the university's president.
SEP 10, 2015
Act Amendment Update
The Association is seeking amendments to the Engineering & Geoscientific Professions Act of Manitoba. The proposed Act changes were introduced as Bill 21 at the first reading on Monday, May 11, 2015. Second Reading took place on Thursday, June 18, 2015.
Bill 21 has now passed the Committee Stage which took place Wednesday, September 9, 2015. The hearing was successful in presenting Bill 21 to the assigned Legislative Committee for further consideration of amendments, and included both written and oral submissions made by the public, the Association, and Association members.
Bill 21 will next be assigned a Report Stage date, at which point the Legislative House will have an opportunity to consider Bill 21 and specific clause amendments within the Bill. After acceptance of the Report Stage of Bill 21 we move on to the final two stages, Third Reading and Royal Assent. Further updates will be made available on our website and through E-News once the information is made public.
Please see the links below for more information about Bill 21 and how Bill amendments are passed.
For further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact the Administrative Assistant, Government Relations, Soffia Baragar at sbaragar@apegm.mb.ca.
SEP 03, 2015
Act Amendment Update - Standing Committee Stage
The Association is seeking amendments to the Engineering & Geoscientific Professions Act of Manitoba. The proposed Act changes were introduced as Bill 21 at the first reading on Monday, May 11, 2015. Second reading took place on Thursday, June 18, 2015.
Bill 21 has now proceeded to the Standing Committee Stage. The date for the Committee Hearing is set for Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in Room 255 of the Manitoba Legislative Building and will be read under the Committee Hearing on Social and Economic Development.
The public is welcome to attend and individuals may additionally present written submissions or an oral presentation concerning their thoughts on the proposed changes to the Bill. Persons wishing to make an oral presentation can register through the Clerk's Office at 945-3636. For further information about how to present at the Committee Hearing, see the FAQs below.
Once Bill 21 has passed the Committee Stage, the Bill will be assigned a date for a Report Stage at which point further changes to specific clauses of amendments may be proposed. Any changes made to the current proposed Bill amendments at the Committee Hearing and the date of the next Report Stage for Bill 21 will be made available on our website once the information is made public.
See the links below for more information about Bill 21, how Bill amendments are passed, and for further details about the Committee Hearing.
For further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact the Administrative Assistant, Government Relations, Soffia Baragar at gr@apegm.mb.ca.
JUL 08, 2015
Construction Canada: Designing Buildings for Climate Change
Canada's building codes have historically been formulated, at least in part, based on accumulated historic climate data that ultimately provides the essential criteria for most key building component performance characteristics. However, there are indications climate may be beginning to change. If buildings do, in fact, experience different environmental conditions over the next 40 years, these changes could potentially have a significant impact on our building stock.
Some experts also believe this apparent warming trend may have the potential to destabilize weather patterns, possibly increasing both the frequency and intensity of severe weather-related events. As a result, this accumulated historic climate data may no longer best serve us in providing the criteria for designing buildings that will have an extended service life.
This ongoing debate calls into question whether the Canadian construction and codes communities should continue to use historic data for designing buildings that are expected to provide an effective service life of 30, 40, or 50 years or more, without examining the issue closely.
In response to the perceived risk, the Public Infrastructure Engineering Vulnerability Committee, (PIEVC), established by Engineers Canada, has been directing the completion of climate change vulnerability assessments on four key asset categories. (In addition to buildings, the committee has also been overseeing the formal assessment of transportation assets, storm/waste water treatment/collection and water resource systems.)
The PIEVC website details its purpose, objectives, and vision, while also providing a valuable glossary of terms and definitions, as well as a definition of climate change and detailed fact sheets.
To read the full article by Gerald R. Genge, P.Eng., and Brian Burton, which explores the work of PIEVC, click on the link below.
JUL 02, 2015
Act Amendment Update
The Manitoba Legislative Assembly has officially risen as of Tuesday, June 30, 2015. New house rules were passed. Changes to the rules were made to ensure that the legislature operates at set times in the future; so that MLAs, government staff, and the public will know in advance when the house is to sit. The Manitoba Legislative Assembly will sit next on Tuesday, October 20, 2015.
With the house risen, along with the new rules governing the legislature, Bill 21 has been delayed. After reviewing the new rules it appears that committee meetings over the summer break will not take place, with the exception of emergency sessions. In the case of Bill 21, the probability of it qualifying for an emergency session is low to not at all. Therefore, the Association will have about fifteen (15) weeks before the house sits again. When the house resumes sitting, Bill 21 will proceed to the standing committee hearing stage.
Members will be kept informed of any updates on Bill 21 through the summer via the Association's e-news. In the meantime, any questions or comments you may have can be directed to CEO & Registrar Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng., FEC at gkoropatnick@apegm.mb.ca
JUN 25, 2015
Engineers Canada Releases Labour Market Report
The report, Engineering Labour Market in Canada: Projections to 2025, released by Engineers Canada, provides province-level projections of supply and demand for engineers. The forecast is for more than 100,000 engineering job openings in Canada between now and 2025 as engineers retire and the economy continues to grow.
Canada is facing a skills gap as engineers in senior level positions retire or leave the workforce and their experience cannot be replaced by students and early career engineering professionals.
Interprovincial mobility of Canadian engineers and experienced internationally trained graduates will be two principal groups to potentially fill the positions left by retiring engineers.
Canadian higher education institutions will continue to play a critical role in training tomorrow's engineers. Post-secondary institutions are granting an increasing number of engineering degrees to Canadian and international students, creating new entrants to meet growing supply requirements.
"This report will help employers, governments, academic institutions and engineering regulators plan for the future requirements of the Canadian engineering labour market. Engineers and students will then have the information they need to determine how they will fit into that market," said Kim Allen, FCAE, FEC, P.Eng., chief executive officer of Engineers Canada. "This report demonstrates the continued importance of engineers to the Canadian economy and a bright future for engineering in Canada."
Highlights of the report include:
-The supply, demand, and degree of difficulty getting engineers for the fourteen occupations recognized by Statistics Canada will vary according to economic conditions.
- The report identifies the average age of engineers in each of the engineering disciplines. For example, the average age of civil engineers in British Columbia (50), and Manitoba (48), will create more job openings than there will be workers available as older engineers retire.
- Retiring mechanical engineers are expected to contribute nearly 70% of mechanical engineering job openings over the next five years in Canada. This will increase to nearly 90% of total job openings from 2020 to 2025.
- The recent decline in oil prices and the exchange rate, stronger U.S. growth, and increased investment will mean a stronger economy in some provinces over the medium-term, particularly for mining, manufacturing, and utilities.
- As demand for engineers continues to be strong, inter-provincial mobility, Canadian engineering graduates, and immigration of engineers will be necessary to fill engineering positions.
- Increased participation of underrepresented groups in engineering, such as women and Aboriginals, will be necessary to fill engineering positions in Canada over the next decade.
For more information or to download a copy of the report, visit Engineers Canada's website.
JUN 23, 2015
Act Amendment Update
The Association is seeking amendments to the Engineering & Geoscientific Professions Act of Manitoba. The proposed Act changes were introduced as Bill 21 at the first reading on Monday, May 11, 2015. Second reading took place on Thursday, June 18, 2015. We are waiting confirmation of the date for the standing committee public hearing.
Please send in any questions or comments you may have to CEO & Registrar Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng., FEC gkoropatnick@apegm.mb.ca
To read the full wording of Bill 21, as well the positive support spoken by government officials at the second reading of the bill, please see the links below.
JUN 08, 2015
New Fellows inducted into the Canadian Academy of Engineering
President Pierre Lortie inducted 50 new Fellows and a new Honorary Fellow into the Canadian Academy of Engineering on June 4, 2015. The ceremony took place in Hamilton, in conjunction with the Academy's 2015 Annual General Meeting and Symposium.
Mr. Lortie commented: "We welcome the new Fellows. They are engineers of outstanding abilities. While they have widely varying backgrounds, from Industry and Academe and Government, what they all have in common is the demonstrated desire and ability to go beyond the normal practice of engineering and contribute in exemplary ways towards their fields and to their communities. We expect great achievements through their participation in the Academy's activities. In our past, Fellows of the Academy have produced major studies in the fields of education, energy and innovation; we look forward with boundless anticipation as to how these new Fellows will build upon these good works and explore new and exciting areas of engineering and its impact on public policy."
For further information about each of the new inductees, please click on the press release link below.
The Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE) is the national institution through which Canada's most
distinguished and experienced engineers provide strategic advice on matters of critical importance to
Canada. The CAE is an independent, self-governing and non-profit organization established in 1987.
Members of the CAE are nominated and elected by their peers to honorary Fellowships, in view of
their distinguished achievements and career-long service to the engineering profession. Fellows of the
Canadian Academy of Engineering are committed to ensuring that Canada's engineering expertise is
applied to the benefit of all Canadians.
The Canadian Academy of Engineering works in close cooperation with other senior academies in
Canada and internationally. It is a founding member of the Council of Canadian Academies, along with
the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. The CAE works in close
collaboration with the other members of the Canadian Engineering Leadership Forum which brings
together representatives from Engineers Canada, the Engineering Institute of Canada, the Association
of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada, the National Council of Deans of Engineering, and the
Canadian Federation of Engineering Students, all working together to ensure a safer, cleaner,
healthier and more competitive Canada. The CAE is also a member of the International Council of
Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences, which includes some 28 similar national bodies
around the world.
MAY 27, 2015
Act Amendment Update
The Association is seeking amendments to the Engineering & Geoscientific Professions Act of Manitoba. The proposed Act changes were introduced as Bill 21 and the first reading took place on Monday, May 11th, 2015.
The government brought forth various wording modifications throughout the Bill. You can find the original Proposed Act Amendments and Bill 21, the official version, through the links below.
Please see the link below to learn about the process of passing a bill into law. Considering the government introduced Bill 21 into first reading, it can be concluded that at this time the government is comfortable with the bill. We are waiting to hear back on the date for Bill 21's second reading.
MAY 27, 2015
Association Past President Digvir Jayas Appointed Engineers Canada President
Engineers Canada is pleased to welcome Digvir Jayas, FCAE, FEIC, FEC, P.Eng., as its president for the 2015-2016 term. In the coming year, Dr. Jayas and the Engineers Canada Board will work with the engineering regulators to advance the profession in the public interest.
Dr. Jayas is currently the University of Manitoba's Vice-President (Research and International) and Distinguished Professor. He is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba, served as its president (2005-2006), and has represented the association on the Engineers Canada Board since 2010.
In addition, he has been active on the boards of many organizations, including serving as chair of the Canadian Engineering Qualifications Board (2000-2002), and has served as President of the Agriculture Institute of Canada, Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology, Canadian Society for Bioengineering, and the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists.
Dr. Jayas held a Canada Research Chair in Stored-Grain Ecosystems, and he conducts research related to drying, handling and storing grains and oilseeds and digital image processing for grading and processing operations in the agri-food industry. He has authored or co-authored over 800 technical articles in scientific journals, conference proceedings and books dealing with issues of storing, drying, handling and quality monitoring of grains. He has collaborated with researchers in several countries but has had significant impact on development of efficient grain storage, handling and drying systems in Canada, China, India, Ukraine and USA.
Jayas will be joined by the following members of the Executive Committee: President-Elect Chris Roney, FEC, P.Eng.(PEO); Past-President Dr. Paul Amyotte, FEC, P.Eng., (Engineers Nova Scotia); Darryl Ford, FEC, P.Eng., (APEGNB); Larry Staples, FEC, P.Eng., (APEGA); and Zaki Ghavitian, FIC, ing., (OIQ); and Engineers Canada's Chief Executive Officer Kim Allen, FEC, P.Eng. They will be supported by the Engineers Canada staff in Ottawa.
MAY 25, 2015
Engineers Canada: 2014 Year in Review
Engineers Canada was created in 1936 by its constituent associations to provide support and leadership to the country's engineering profession on their behalf. The associations continue to control and direct the activities of Engineers Canada through a set of Ends Policies that were approved in June 2013 and are laid out in the Engineers Canada Board Policy Governance Manual.
The 2014 Year in Review explores what has been done in the past year towards:
- End #1 - Consistency in Regulatory Standards and Practices
- End #2 - Public Confidence in the Profession
- End #3 - Sustainability of the Profession
- End #4 - Protection of the Engineering Term
MAY 22, 2015
Honouring Canada's Exceptional Engineers
Canada's engineering profession honoured the accomplishments of remarkable engineers during the Engineers Canada Awards Gala at the Hotel Arts on May 21, 2015. Sponsored by TD, Manulife, ENCON and the Great-West Life Assurance Company, the Awards highlight engineering excellence and contributions to the engineering profession, community, and the safety and well-being of Canadians.
The Gold Medal Award is the profession's highest honour, presented for achievement and distinction in engineering. This year's recipient is Karel Velan, ing. One of the most ingenious and innovative leaders in the field of industrial valve design and manufacturing, Mr. Velan designed the first universal steam trap and has 12 patents in the area of industrial valves and traps. The Velan Inc. family business is a public company which now oversees 17 manufacturing plants globally with over 2,000 employees.
"Karel Velan is an entrepreneur with a special talent for invention and promotion," said Engineers Canada President Paul Amyotte. "A scientist with deeply held philanthropic values, Mr. Velan considers himself first and foremost an engineer. We are proud to honour Mr. Velan and all the 2015 award recipients who demonstrate leadership and ingenuity in their respective fields and in the profession."
The 2015 Engineers Canada Award recipients are:
- Samantha Espley, M.A.Sc., P.Eng. (PEO) - Award for the Support of Women in the Engineering Profession
- Jonathan Kay - Award of Journalism Excellence in Engineering
- Suresh Neethirajan, P.Eng. (PEO) - Young Engineer Achievement Award
- Jonathan Rose, P.Eng. (PEO) - Medal for Distinction in Engineering Education
- Mark Bellamy, FEC, P.Eng., (APEGA) - Meritorious Service Award for Community Service
- Conrad LeLièvre, FEC, P.Eng. (Engineers Nova Scotia) - Meritorious Service Award for Professional Service
- Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project Onshore Design Project. Principal Engineer: Chris Mealing, P.Eng. (APEGBC) - National Award for an Engineering Project or Achievement
- Connor Scheu (APEGA student member) - Gold Medal Student Award
- Karel Velan, ing. (OIQ) - Gold Medal Award
MAY 22, 2015
Engineering in Canada
The Globe and Mail has created a 9 article insert exploring the topic of Engineering in Canada:
Specialization and diversification are changing the work of engineers
This spring, Engineers Canada released a report that explores the trends, issues and challenges facing the engineering profession.
Carleton meets the growing demand for talent in high-tech disciplines
Many students in computer systems engineering dream of landing a job at Microsoft after graduation. Darren Stahl had his position at the U.S. tech giant nailed down before starting his final year at Carleton University in Ottawa.
Strengthening Canada's economy through research and innovation
Engineering and engineers are vital in Canada's quest to be at the forefront of the technological revolution.
Infrastructure investment fuels economy, improves quality of life
The head of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies says that the 2015 federal budget's commitment to new investments in infrastructure is good news for Canadians.
New surgical tool improves outcomes for brain cancer patients
Leading engineers and brain cancer researchers in Montreal have teamed up to develop a unique cancer-detection tool that will improve the outcome of cancer patients undergoing brain cancer surgery - and that also has the potential to revolutionize the fight against all types of cancer.
Transformational experiences spark youth interest in engineering careers
This spring, students at Nakasuk Elementary School in Iqaluit were taught basic coding skills, which they then used to record and remix traditional throat singing to create new music.
Co-op programs benefit students and employers
For those who see a university education as finding a balance between acquiring knowledge and developing job-ready skills, co-op combines the best of both worlds.
Improving access to safe water and empowering local communities
Canadian engineers are using education and skills development to enable people in developing countries to access safe water and improve sanitation.
Engineers Canada Awards 2015
Presented annually since 1972 to recognize outstanding Canadian engineers, teams of engineers, engineering projects and engineering students, the Engineers Canada Awards highlight engineering excellence, as well as the contributions of Canadian engineers to their profession, their community and to the safety and well-being of Canadians.
APR 23, 2015
Better Labour Market Information Good for All
Engineers Canada is pleased to see the federal government confirm new investments in labour market information with the tabling of their Economic Action Plan 2015. The Government proposes to reallocate $4 million over two years, beginning in 2015- 2016 to support the launch of a new one-stop national labour market information portal.
"Engineers Canada looks forward to working with the federal government on this important initiative," say Chief Executive Officer Kim Allen, FEC, P.Eng. "Accurate, accessible, and up-to-date labour market data is essential for students, prospective immigrants and those looking to move within Canada for work. This is an important step to addressing skills mismatches and potential labour shortages in engineering and other industries."
The budget includes other items of importance to the engineering profession:
- Proposed reallocation of $7 million over two years, starting in 2015-2016, to support improved labour mobility.
- Proposed reallocation of up to $35 million over five years, starting in 2015-2016, to make the Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Pilot Project permanent to support internationally trained workers in their pursuit of foreign credential recognition.
- Thoroughly review the recommendations of the Panel on Employment Challenges of New Canadians.
- A one-time investment of $65 million to business and industry associations to allow them to work with willing post-secondary institutions to better align curricula with the needs of employers.
- An investment of $248.5 million over five years in Aboriginal labour market programming.
In other areas of interest to Engineers Canada, the Economic Action Plan 2015 will provide an additional $750 million over two years, starting in 2017-2018, and $1 billion per year ongoing thereafter for a Public Transit Fund.
"Over the last several years, this government has made serious investments in infrastructure, and the proposed Public Transit Fund is another example," said Mr. Allen. "We do still feel that all infrastructure owners need to make sure that the investments communities count on are able to withstand extreme weather, and we look forward to working with them, and governments to make that happen."
APR 20, 2015
Federal Disaster Mitigation Program Represents Step in the Right Direction
Engineers Canada is pleased with the federal government's continued commitment to mitigating the risks to infrastructure and public safety caused by extreme weather. On April 17, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety, released additional details on the National Disaster Mitigation Program.
The Program will take a proactive, sustainable approach to disaster mitigation. It will:
- Support provinces and territories in reducing flood-related risks by identifying and mitigating those risks;
- Contribute to establishing conditions for the introduction of a residential flood insurance market in Canada;
- Collect disaster and risk information related to flooding; and
- Help to facilitate knowledge-sharing across emergency management stakeholders.
"The National Disaster Mitigation Program's focus on risk mitigation and collection of disaster and risk information is an effective methodology," said Kim Allen, FEC, P.Eng. "The engineering profession is a leader in this area, and we look forward to continuing to work with Public Safety Canada and communities across the country to help keep Canadians safe in the face of extreme weather."
More information on what the engineering profession is doing to ensure Canada's infrastructure can withstand the challenges created by climate change can be found at www.pievc.ca.
APR 15, 2015
CSA Review Finds Room for Improvement in Mining Issuers' Investor Presentations
Members of the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) today released a Staff Notice, which summarizes the findings of staff of the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) and the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) (collectively, the Principal Mining Jurisdictions) and outlines the CSA's expectations for website disclosure by mining issuers.
The Principal Mining Jurisdictions reviewed investor presentations from the websites of 130 mining issuers to determine if they met the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Part 4A of National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations and other securities legislation.
"Overall, our review found that mining issuers' website disclosure needs improvement. Incomplete information and overly promotional language are key areas of concern. We expect mining issuers to use this notice to improve their disclosure to investors," said Louis Morisset, CSA Chair and President and CEO of the Autorité des marchés financiers.
The Principal Mining Jurisdictions sent letters to 49 mining issuers and instructed them to correct the non-compliant disclosure in their website investor presentations and, in some cases, issue a corrective news release and refile technical reports, which the issuers did.
The review highlighted the need for mining issuers to improve their disclosure in the following key areas:
- Naming the qualified person (QP): naming the individual who approved technical information and noting their relationship to the issuer;
- Preliminary economic assessments (PEA): providing required cautionary statements so investors can understand the limitations of PEA results;
- Mineral resources and mineral reserves: including a clear statement on whether mineral resources include or exclude mineral reserves;
- Exploration targets: expressing potential quantity and grade as a range and including the required statements outlining the target limitations;
- Historical estimates: including source, date, reliability, and key assumptions along with the required cautionary statements; and
- Avoiding overly promotional terms and potentially misleading information: securities legislation prohibits misleading disclosure and misrepresentation.
APR 09, 2015
APEGM Launches App
Available for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, the new APEGM app will let you update your ProDev log, contact information, and preferences anytime, anywhere.
For our registered professional members, the ProDev section is the easiest way to keep your professional status up-to-date and stay in touch with APEGM while on the go. By using the app, you can receive credit for your activities the moment you do them, and see your ProDev Status updated immediately.
All members can keep up to date on the latest happenings in Association news, and choose how you want to receive the Keystone Professional magazine and news and event notices. Easily change your address or contact details, to ensure that you never miss out!
Wherever you are, the new APEGM app will keep you in touch with the Association, allowing you to ask questions or contact us with just the press of a button. Download it now for free using the links below.
MAR 31, 2015
Professional Engineer Hired As Winnipeg's New CAO
City Councillors on Wednesday March 25, 2015, unanimously approved the choice of Doug McNeil, P.Eng., as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the City of Winnipeg, as recommended by the city's selection committee and executive policy committee.
Doug McNeil, P.Eng., is a registered Professional Engineer who most recently served as the deputy minister in Manitoba's Infrastructure and Transportation department and who previously worked for the Manitoba Floodway Authority and the city's water and waste department. He will start his new job as CAO on April 7, 2015.
DEC 29, 2014
Proposed Act Change
The Association is seeking amendments to the Engineering & Geoscientific Professions Act of Manitoba. You are invited to learn more about the proposed changes at upcoming information sessions to be hosted at the Association offices - 870 Pembina Hwy.
- Wednesday, January 14, 2015
- Wednesday, February 11, 2015
- Tuesday, March 10, 2015
All sessions start at 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. Please see the President's Letter for more details.
DEC 01, 2014
New Benefits For Members
Engineers Canada has partnered with UPS to offer a broad range of services for the transportation of packages and freight for engineering professionals. Savings with the UPS Members Benefit Program include 30% off base price on domestic and export services, no weekly service charge and discounts starting at 70% for UPS Freight Standard LTL Services.
OCT 15, 2014
Elliot Lake Inquiry Final Report
The Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) have issued a news release regarding recommendations they put forward to strengthen regulation of the engineering profession in Ontario, that have been endorsed in the final report of the Commissioner of the Elliot Lake Inquiry.
SEP 30, 2014
2014 Salary Survey Now Available
The 2014 Salary Survey is now available for your review. This survey provides the latest information on salaries and benefits provided to engineers and geoscientists working in Manitoba.
SEP 01, 2014
ProDev Reporting Guide
By now, all practicing members of the association should have received hard copies of the new APEGM ProDev Guide in the mail. This guide should make it easier to understand the parameters of the APEGM Professional Development Reporting Program.
Note that the first member evaluation under this program will begin in the new year. Login today and make sure your ProDev Log is up-to-date!
SEP 01, 2014
Adoption of National Energy Code in Manitoba
New regulations for energy efficiency in the construction of large buildings will come into effect on December 1, 2014 with the adoption of the National Energy Code for Buildings 2011 (NECB) as the Manitoba Energy Code for Buildings (MECB).
These new Energy Code requirements will be on all building permits applications - starting December 1, 2014. The City of Winnipeg has prepared an Information Bulletin for Industry that outlines the impact that these new requirements will have on permit applications.
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![[Membership Fees By Ends]](http://www.apegm.mb.ca/pdf/News/MembershipFeeByEnds_big.jpg)