DEC 01, 2021
Annex D of CSA A23.3 Now Mandatory
Annex D of CSA A23.3 Design of Concrete Structures is now mandatory and will come into full effect when the new National Building Code comes out at the end of this year.
The Canadian Standards Association made a significant change to the standard A23.3:19 as it relates to the installation and inspection of anchors (fasteners) installed in hardened concrete (generally described as post-construction installed anchors). Annex D: Anchorage, is now a mandatory part of the standard.
The change in requirements which this announcement seeks to address is that in previous version(s) of the standard, Annex D was written in “mandatory language” but was labeled “Informative”. In the 2019 version of A 23.3, Annex D is now labeled “Normative”, which means it has become a mandatory part of the standard. It is anticipated that the CSA S6 anchoring provisions will adopt similar installation and inspection requirements during the current cycle of code development.
Requirements specific to sections D 10.1 to D 10.2.4 of Annex D have been summarized below:
- D 10.1 REQUIRES that anchors be installed by “qualified personnel”
- D 10.2.1 states that the level of inspection required varies by anchor category type, both mechanical and
adhesive anchor installation may require inspection.
- D 10.2.2 refers to adhesive anchors and anticipates the possible requirement for “proof loading” and the
requirements for either periodic “special inspection” or continuous “special inspection”.
- D10.2.3 addresses the installation of “horizontally or upwardly inclined” adhesive anchors and mandates
that the installation be performed by personnel certified under an applicable certification program;
ACI/CRSI Adhesive Anchor Installer certification program is referenced.
- D 10.2.4 mandates that adhesive anchors “installed horizontally or upward inclined, etc.” be continuously
inspected during installation by an inspector specially approved for that purpose”*.
While it has always been professionally prudent to ensure that proper installation of anchors is accomplished to assure design parameters are met, in Canada, designers and specifiers using CSA A23.3:19 are now required to comply with CSA A23.3 Annex D in regard to the installation, inspection, and reporting of inspection results, where applicable, of post-construction installed anchors. This requirement will be further mandated upon the upcoming publication of the 2020 National Building Code of Canada later this year and subsequent provincial adoption.
Members and practitioners should take this into consideration when updating specifications for work that incorporates this element of the construction process.
NOV 08, 2021
Congratulations to Recipients of 2021 Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba Awards
On Friday, November 5, 2021, eight awards were presented at the Association’s annual awards ceremony, hosted online. Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba was honoured to recognize the achievements of these exemplary individuals, teams, and companies who represent the best of engineering and geoscience in Manitoba.
Full citations for all the award winners can now be found online at
www.EngGeoMB.ca/AwardRecipients.html
2021 Award Winners
Team Achievement Award
The Team Achievement Award recognizes engineering or geoscience excellence in, and major contributions to, the concept, design and implementation of an engineering or geoscience project in Manitoba.
- Presented to
Dillon Consulting - Southwest Rapid Transitway – Stage 2 and Pembina Highway Underpass Project
Innovation Award
The Innovation Award is intended to recognize engineers or geoscientists who have shown innovation though the advent of new technologies or novel applications of engineering/geoscience ingenuity though application of a concept or project.
- Presented to
Precision ADM - AIR N95 Reusable Respirator
Leadership Award
This award recognizes outstanding achievement or influence towards major engineering or geoscientific works and developments undertaken for society's long-term benefit and/or quality of life. The individual is usually in an upper management, executive, or governance role.
- Presented to
Dr. Digvir Jayas, P.Eng., FEC, FGC(Hon)
Intern Award
The Intern Award bestows distinction on those training to be engineers or geoscientists, specifically those demonstrating exceptional work achievement in their early EIT/GIT years who enhance society’s knowledge of our professions.
- Presented to
Cormac Foster, EIT
Early Achievement Award
The Early Achievement Award bestows distinction on outstanding engineers and geoscientists and recognizes exceptional achievements in the early years of their careers.
- Presented to
Jacqueline MacLennan, P.Eng.
Judith Weiszmann Women in Engineering Champion Award
The Judith Weiszmann Women in Engineering Champion Award recognizes a woman who through engineering and career achievements has demonstrated the qualities that enabled Judith Weiszmann to be an outstanding engineer, role model, and influencer of the profession for the advancement and support of women in engineering.
- Presented to
Maria Neufeld, P.Eng.
Outstanding Service Award
The Outstanding Service Award recognizes outstanding service rendered to, or on behalf of, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, by a member of the Association.
- Presented to
Dr. Jay Doering, P.Eng., FEC
Technical Excellence Award
The Technical Excellence Award recognizes outstanding achievement, including the direct advancement of the engineering or geoscience professions, by an individual member during his or her career.
- Presented to
Dr. Ahmed Ghazy, P.Eng.
In addition to the 2021 Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba Awards, one Honorary Life Membership was bestowed on
Hilmi Turanli, P.Eng., FEC. The granting of Honorary Life Membership (By-law Clause 7.1.4) recognizes many years of meritorious service rendered to the Association or the profession.
The Awards Committee thanks all nominators for the exceptional nominations received for the 2021 awards and the Association congratulates all those who received awards and recognitions this year.
NOV 04, 2020
Looking Back Through Our Century: November 1921
The Association adopted its first Code of Ethics of November 1, 1921, which was revised April 6, 1935, and September 23, 1959. It would subsequently be rewritten and adopted on February 28, 1968, and revised on April 13, 1992, May 9, 2000, and October 19, 2018.
The Code of Ethics ensures that practitioners apply their specialized knowledge and skill at all times in the public interest, with honesty, integrity and honour, and conduct themselves in a spirit of fairness and tolerance when dealing with fellow professionals. As a general guide, the Code of Ethics outlines the spirit of Association member's professionalism. Failure to follow this code may be considered unskilled practice, professional misconduct, or both.
To learn more about the Code of Ethics and how it’s changed over the years, read “Ethics – The Time Factor” on page 50 of the Centennial Issue of The Keystone Professional.
JUL 17, 2020
Habitat for Humanity Build Days
As the Association celebrates 100 years in Manitoba, the Centennial Outreach Task Group invited practitioners to join us in giving back to our community through two Build Days with Habitat for Humanity. On July 15 and 16, over 50 volunteers and Association staff rolled up their sleeves to work together on a new condo development site in Amber Trails.
Habitat homes are truly the homes that love built. They are constructed almost entirely by caring volunteers, with the support of dedicated, skilled Habitat for Humanity Manitoba staff. While all Build Days are crucially important to the success of Habitat’s program, these Build Days were particularly significant as the site on Templeton Ave was the first to reopen in Canada post-lockdown, our volunteers being the first that Habitat welcomed anywhere in the country since March. It takes many caring hands to build a Habitat home, the enthusiasm, positive attitudes, and work ethic of our volunteers kicked this project off successfully. We are truly grateful to the volunteers who gave their time for such a worthy cause.
See below for the article which appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press.
![[G.K. and J.P. July 16, 2020]](http://www.enggeomb.ca/images/people/Habitat2020GrantJitendra.jpg )
CEO & Registrar Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng., FEC and President Jitendra Paliwal, P.Eng., FEC
![[July 15, 2020]](http://www.enggeomb.ca/images/people/HabitatBuildJuly152020.jpg)
Day One Volunteers
![[July 16, 2020]](http://www.enggeomb.ca/images/people/HabitatBuildJuly162020.jpg)
Day Two Volunteers
JUL 17, 2020
Looking Back Through Our Century: July 1993
Over the past 100 years, thousands of volunteers have worked tirelessly on committees and events in our mostly volunteer run association which is the reality of participating in a self-regulated profession. As practitioners, volunteer service is a requirement to be eligible for professional registration however many of our practitioners have always gone above and beyond what is required.
In the summer of 1993, many Manitobans became familiar with Habitat for Humanity when former US President Jimmy Carter came to Winnipeg to support the building of 19 homes for low income families to own. Our Association members were among the seven hundred volunteers who picked up hammers and saws for the official launch of the Habitat for Humanity project in Winnipeg. This is just one of the many events where our volunteers have given their time to make life work better in Manitoba.
To learn more about the Jimmy Carter Habitat Build and volunteer opportunities for our practitioners, see the links below.
![[Habitat Build 1993]](http://www.enggeomb.ca/images/people/HabitatForHumanity1993.jpg )
Don Osman, P.Eng(Ret), FEC; Bill McDonald, P.Eng(Ret),FEC; Bob Stokes, P.Eng(Ret), FEC; John Friesen, P.Eng.; and Glenn Morris (deceased) at the Jimmy Carter Habitat for Humanity Build in 1993.
OCT 24, 2019
Congratulations to Recipients of the 2019 Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba Awards
On Friday, October 18, 2019, eight awards were presented at the Association’s annual Awards Gala Dinner, which took place at the RBC Convention Centre. Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba was honoured to recognize the achievements of these exemplary individuals, teams, and companies who represent the best of engineering and geoscience in Manitoba.
2019 Award Winners
Team Achievement Award
The Team Achievement Award recognizes engineering or geoscience excellence in, and major contributions to, the concept, design and implementation of an engineering or geoscience project in Manitoba.
Presented to: Trek Geotechnical Inc., Morrison Hershfield, and HTFC Planning and Design for the Taché Promenade Active Transportation Upgrades and the Belvédère Saint-Boniface
Intern Award
The Intern Award bestows distinction on those training to be engineers or geoscientists, specifically those demonstrating exceptional work achievement in their early EIT/GIT years who enhance society’s knowledge of our professions.
Presented to: Christopher Bzovey, EIT
Early Achievement Award
The Early Achievement Award bestows distinction on outstanding engineers and geoscientists and recognizes exceptional achievements in the early years of their careers.
Presented to: Kathryn Dompierre, P.Eng.
Champion of Engineering Education Award
The Champion of Engineering Education Awards recognizes an outstanding supporter and champion of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba.
Presented to: Herb Reynolds
Judith Weiszmann Women in Engineering Champion Award
The Judith Weiszmann Women in Engineering Champion Award recognizes a woman who through engineering and career achievements has demonstrated the qualities that enabled Judith Weiszmann to be an outstanding engineer, role model, and influencer of the profession for the advancement and support of women in engineering.
Presented to: Roberta Radons, P.Eng.
Outstanding Service Award
The Outstanding Service Award recognizes outstanding service rendered to, or on behalf of, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, by a member of the Association.
Presented to: Donald Himbeault, Ph.D., P.Eng., FEC
Technical Excellence Award
The Technical Excellence Award recognizes outstanding achievement, including the direct advancement of the engineering or geoscience professions, by an individual member during his or her career.
Presented to: Dr. Norman Halden, P.Geo.
Leadership Award
This award recognizes outstanding achievement or influence towards major engineering or geoscientific works and developments undertaken for society's long-term benefit and/or quality of life. The individual is usually in an upper management, executive, or governance role.
Presented to: Shane Mailey, P.Eng., FEC
The Awards Committee thanks all nominators for the exceptional nominations received for the 2019 awards and the Association congratulates all those who received awards and recognitions this year.
OCT 24, 2019
2019 Fellowes of Engineers Canada and Geoscientists Canada
At the Association’s Recognition Wine and Cheese, held Wednesday, October 16, 2019, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba was honoured to present certificates to the 2019 Fellowes of Engineers Canada and Geoscientists Canada.
Fellow of Engineers Canada (FEC)
Engineers Canada has the Engineers Canada Fellowship to honour individuals who have given noteworthy service to the engineering profession in one of the following categories:
Engineers who have:
a) Assumed office as president of the Engineers Canada Board of Directors;
b) Assumed office as president of one of the provincial associations;
c) Served the engineering profession in a volunteer capacity for at least 10 years.
e) Been recognized by an award from Engineers Canada
or a non-engineer who has given special service to the profession in a leadership role.
This year’s recipients are:
• Kyle Cumming, P.Eng., FEC
• Ruth Eden, P.Eng., FEC
• Robert Okabe, FEC (Hon.)
• Athula Rajapaske, P.Eng., FEC
• Jennifer St. Laurent, P.Eng., FEC
• Stirling Walkes, P.Eng., FEC
Also, the following Association long-service employees received an Honorary FEC this year:
• Chantelle Cabral, FEC (Hon)
• Lorraine Dupas, FEC (Hon)
• Angela Moore, FEC (Hon)
• Marlene Polson, FEC (Hon)
• Claudia Shymko, FEC (Hon)
Fellows of Geoscientists Canada (FGC)
The Geoscientists Canada Fellowship honours individuals who have given noteworthy service to the geoscience profession in one of the following categories:
A geoscientist who has:
a) Assumed office as president of Geoscientists Canada;
b) Assumed office as chair of the Canadian Geoscience Standards Council;
c) Assumed office as president/chair of one of Geoscientists Canada’s constituent associations;
d) Served the geoscience profession in a volunteer capacity for at least 10 years.
e) Served in a senior staff capacity with Geoscientists Canada and/or a constituent association for a minimum of 10 years
f) Provided noteworthy service to the geoscience profession in another capacity
or a non-geoscientist who has met the requirements of criteria (c), (d) (e) and/or (f) above
This year’s recipient is:
• Danielle Huminicki, P.Geo., FGC
![[Fellowes of Engineers Canada and Geoscientists Canada]](http://www.enggeomb.ca/images/people/FECWineAndCheese2019.jpg)
President of Engineers Canada David Lynch, P.Eng., Stirling Walkes, P.Eng., FEC, Association Past President Ruth Eden, P.Eng., FEC, Robert Okabe, FEC (Hon), Dr. Athula Rajapakse, P.Eng, FEC, Jennifer St. Laurent, P.Eng., FEC, Association CEO and Registrar Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng., FEC Missing from photo: Kyle Cumming, P.Eng., FEC and Danielle Huminicki, P.Geo., FGC
Congratulations once again to our new Fellowes of Engineers Canada and Geoscientists Canada.
OCT 18, 2019
2019 Council Election And By-law Change Results
On October 17, 2019, the report of the scrutineers was presented at the Annual General Business Meeting.
Professional Engineer
There were six (6) candidates for election to three (3) positions in the professional engineer category.
945 ballots submitted to elect the following P.Eng. councillors for two year terms:
- Cheryl Lashek, P.Eng.
- Allan Silk, P.Eng.
- Izabela Witkowska, P.Eng.
Intern
There were two (2) candidates for election to one (1) position in the intern category. 234 ballots submitted to elect the following Intern councillor for a two year term:
Professional Geoscientist
There was no election for the professional geoscientist member to the Council; the one candidate was declared elected by acclamation:
By-law Proposals and Petitions
This was the third and final phase of the By-law Re-write Project. The proposal from Council was for the entirety of the by-laws, but included the by-laws covering Code of Ethics, Complaints and Discipline, and By-law Changes, which were approved by the membership in 2017 and 2018. 881 ballots submitted regarding the proposed By-law changes.
- Final phase of the By-law re-write project
Result: PASS (For: 657, Against: 89, Abstain: 135)
OCT 18, 2019
Notice to Practitioners - Fee Increase
At our Annual General Business Meeting on Thursday, October 17, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba unveiled its plans to join our colleagues across Canada in a national campaign to get more school age girls and women interested our profession.
Currently 16% of engineers in Manitoba are women. By 2030 we want to see that increase to 30%.
Our leadership and many employers of our professionals across Manitoba know our workplaces need to become more equitable, not just for our profession but for the good of the public we serve.
Our elected Council is taking responsibility for bringing our profession up to date and with that has developed our long-term 30 by 30 campaign that will be funded with a $100 increase in members' fees and $50 increase in intern fees starting in 2020.
We know this is our generation's opportunity to encourage school-age girls and women in our lives - our daughters, nieces, granddaughters, and their friends - to join our profession in the same way the law, accounting, dental, and doctors' professions have already done.
Look out for our new Equity and Representation webpage coming soon.
Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng., FEC
Secretary
SEP 26, 2019
Congratulations to the 2019 Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba Award Nominees and Recipients
Join us on Friday, October 18 at the 2019 Ingenium Awards Gala Dinner where we will recognize the achievements of these following exemplary individuals, teams, and companies who represent the best of engineering and geoscience in Manitoba:
2019 Award Nominees and Winners
Team Achievement Award
The Team Achievement Award recognizes engineering or geoscience excellence in, and major contributions to, the concept, design and implementation of an engineering or geoscience project in Manitoba.
Nominees:
- Owner’s Engineering Services for the Design Build of Intersection Upgrades at PTH 59/101 and PTH 59/PR 202
- Trek Geotechnical Inc., Morrison Hershfield, and HTFC Planning and Design for the Taché Promenade Active Transportation Upgrades and the Belvédère Saint-Boniface
Intern Award
The Intern Award bestows distinction on those training to be engineers or geoscientists, specifically those demonstrating exceptional work achievement in their early EIT/GIT years who enhance society’s knowledge of our professions.
Nominees:
- Sue Arongna, EIT
- Morgann Becket, EIT
- Christopher Bzovey, EIT
Early Achievement Award
The Early Achievement Award bestows distinction on outstanding engineers and geoscientists and recognizes exceptional achievements in the early years of their careers.
Recipient:
- Kathryn Dompierre, P.Eng.
Champion of Engineering Education Award
The Champion of Engineering Education Awards recognizes an outstanding supporter and champion of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba.
Judith Weiszmann Women in Engineering Champion Award
The Judith Weiszmann Women in Engineering Champion Award recognizes a woman who through engineering and career achievements has demonstrated the qualities that enabled Judith Weiszmann to be an outstanding engineer, role model, and influencer of the profession for the advancement and support of women in engineering.
Recipient:
- Roberta Radons, P.Eng.
Outstanding Service Award
The Outstanding Service Award recognizes outstanding service rendered to, or on behalf of, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, by a member of the Association.
Recipient:
- Donald Himbeault, Ph.D., P.Eng., FEC
Technical Excellence Award
The Technical Excellence Award recognizes outstanding achievement, including the direct advancement of the engineering or geoscience professions, by an individual member during his or her career.
Recipient:
- Dr. Norman Halden, P.Geo.
Leadership Award
This award recognizes outstanding achievement or influence towards major engineering or geoscientific works and developments undertaken for society's long-term benefit and/or quality of life. The individual is usually in an upper management, executive, or governance role.
Recipient:
- Shane Mailey, P.Eng., FEC
The Awards Committee thanks all those who submitted exceptional nominations received for the 2019 awards. The Association congratulates all those nominated this year.
SEP 05, 2019
Student Renewals Now Open
Student renewals are now open for undergraduate students attending the University of Manitoba or Brandon University for the 2019-2020 year.
To renew, please log into your personal profile.
If you have forgotten your Association ID, please email the Student Coordinator. If you have recently graduated please look into applying for the Pre-Registration/Intern Program.
AUG 22, 2019
Chapters Join to Host 3rd Annual Summer Picnic
On Saturday, August 17, more than 150 members, families, and friends joined together for an afternoon of food, fun, and games at St. Vital Park. The third annual picnic provided an opportunity to network with other chapter members, both professionally and culturally.
Originally organised by the Arab, Chinese, Filipino, and India chapters, the organising committee led by Roy San Buenaventura, P.Eng., has now expanded to also include the Ethio-Eritrean and Indigenous chapters.
![[I2Face]](http://www.enggeomb.ca/images/I2FACE_Group_Photo.jpg)
Chapter members join for a fun afternoon.
![[I2Face]](http://www.enggeomb.ca/images/I2FACE_Picnic.jpg)
L-R: India Members Chapter Vice Chair, Dushyant Saraswat, P.Eng., Arab Members Chapter Chair, Mike Toma, P.Eng., Ethio-Eritrean Chapter Chair, Getnet Muluye, P.Eng., Filipino Chapter Chair, Jun Tapia, P.Eng., Chinese Chapter Past Chair, Wayne Wong, P.Eng., Indigenous Chapter Chair, Gregory Page, P.Eng., FEC
![[MLEC 2019]](http://www.enggeomb.ca/images/I2FACE_GKoropatnick.jpg)
Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng., FEC, brings greetings to the attendees.
![[MLEC 2019]](http://www.enggeomb.ca/images/I2FACE_Dodgeball.jpg)
Friendly game of dodgeball.
![[MLEC 2019]](http://www.enggeomb.ca/images/I2FACE_Tug.jpg)
What's a picnic without a tug-a-war?
AUG 08, 2019
Heritage Committee Needs Your Help with Photos
The Heritage Committee needs your help! They are working hard to finalize their book to celebrate the centennial of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba in 2020 and believe there are gold mines of photos out there waiting to be discovered and mined.
Do you have engineering, geoscience, and/or construction photos from projects dear to your heart? We’d love for you to share them with us. We'll scan and archive them to share with the rest of our membership and the public so they too can appreciate the work of our professions.
Contact Danielle Wawryk at
DWawryk@EngGeoMB.ca if you have photos to share.
JUN 07, 2019
By-law Review Committee Seeks Input on Draft By-laws
During 2017 and 2018, the By-law Review Committee in accordance with the multi-year by-law re-write project has worked on three major by-laws; By-law 13: Code of Ethics, By-law 15: Complaints and Discipline, and By-law 17: By-law Changes. During the 2019 year, the committee has reviewed the remainder of the by-laws; By-laws 1 through 12, 14 and 16. After review, the committee is recommending that these by-laws be revised entirely as drafted by legal counsel.
The following version of the proposed by-laws is in draft format and has not been officially approved by either the By-law Review Committee or by Council. As such, the final version for voting is subject to change. The committee has taken the step of releasing this draft early, prior to full internal vetting, in order to give members as much time as possible to become familiar with the proposed changes and to provide feedback to the committee.
Modifications in principle between the existing by-laws and the proposed new by-laws are as follows:
- Adding a definition of ‘good standing’
- Requiring all councillors to be in good standing
- Excluding members who are not in good standing from nominating councillors, voting at Annual General Meetings and elections, and serving on Council committees
- Ensuring the length of the voting periods of by-law changes and Council elections are equal
- Only allowing a professional member to be elected to the Executive Committee
- Having the executive committee report to the council on any actions taken
- Requiring retired members to identify themselves as such
- Eliminating the Life Membership category, and adding a provision for Retired Members to apply to have their dues waived
While drafting the by-laws, legal advised some further changes:
- Clarifying definitions
- Defining the execution of instruments
- Defining the duty of care and protection of Councillors, officers, and others
Your feedback is welcome,
Jonathan Epp, P.Eng.
Chair of the By-law Review Committee
Please send any feedback by
Friday, June 21st, 2019 to Danielle Unett, who is acting as staff support to the By-law Review Committee, at
DUnett@EngGeoMb.Ca . All feedback received will be forwarded to all members of the committee for consideration.
MAY 02, 2019
Environmental Scan Provides Insights
In December 2017, the Council of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba approved ongoing initiatives to increase the percentage of newly licensed engineers who are women to 30% by the year 2030. This initiative, commonly referred to as ‘30 by 30’, was introduced to engineering associations across Canada by Engineers Canada.
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba’s plan for the 30 by 30 initiative has been organized in three stages. A marketing plan was developed, staff was hired, a committee to oversee the initiative was formed and became active. To aid in the development of a strategic plan for the initiative, an environmental scan was initiated as part of the exploration phase of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba’s 30 by 30 Strategic Plan process.
The scan provides insights as to why diversity and gender parity in engineering are important and includes a review of findings and recommendations to address the barriers faced by girls and women from early childhood and all along the engineering pipeline. The environmental scan is available below.
Relatedly, please see our recommended talking points when speaking to potential engineers, whether during a scheduled classroom presentation or in daily conversations, available below. Our research shows that we may be unintentionally turning people, and disproportionately, girls, away from engineering by the ways in which we talk about the profession. This is one thing we can all begin to do to reach gender parity!
APR 04, 2019
Abstracts Sought for Association's Annual Conference
From October 16 - 18, 2019, 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 8,200 practitioners who work in the province’s private and public sectors.
On October 17, 2019, Ingenium’s Professional Development Seminars will take place. The Association welcomes abstracts for presentations on any topic related to engineering and geoscience and the professionals which practice in those fields.
In particular, we welcome presentations which explore:
• Case studies of successful applications of new strategies or technology in Manitoba
• Resiliency and climate change
• Technical presentations on emerging technologies
• Industry trends
• Competency skills benefitting engineering and geoscience professionals
Please submit a half-page abstract, outlining the presentation proposal, along with the presenter’s name, contact information, and brief biography, to Danielle Wawryk, Communications & Events Coordinator, via email to
DWawryk@EngGeoMB.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 26, 2019.
Final decisions regarding presentations selected for inclusion in the conference will be made by May 31, 2019.
MAR 27, 2019
Engaging Members with Future Act Amendments
Two years ago, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba commenced a comprehensive By-law review and updating process for the purpose of renewing the By-laws. In so doing, an opportunity to update The Engineering and Geoscientific Professions Act through the Manitoba Government was identified, allowing for both strengthening of the provisions of the Act with respect to such items as internal reviews and discipline, and modernizing the Act’s registration processes.
On December 10th, 2018 the Association contacted the Manitoba Government requesting legislative changes to the Act. Since December 2018, several steps have taken place that have allowed for the proposed new Act amendments to be created, including but not limited to:
- Council engagement through a By-law task group;
- Legal counsel drafting the legislative changes;
- Holding two member engagement sessions (January 28 and February 15) that provided members with an overview of potential amendments and gave members the opportunity to provide feedback on these changes and to offer further recommendations, and;
- The submission of the proposed new Act amendments to the government for review and feedback.
Council received the detailed proposed changes at its March 14, 2019 meeting.
The requested amendments to the Act are grouped by the following categories/types:
- Administrative Efficiency/Elimination of Interprovincial Barriers
- Protection of the Public and Streamlining of Disciplinary Procedures
- Name of Association
- Miscellaneous Amendments
- Changes to Other Acts/Regulations
- Coming into Force Date
MAR 18, 2019
Spaghetti Bridge Competition Smashes Bridges and Fights Hunger
New this year, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba brought their annual Spaghetti Bridge Competition into two Winnipeg schools in addition to two days at Kildonan Place Shopping Centre. By bringing the competition into schools, volunteer engineers had the opportunity to speak to hundreds of students about how professional engineers provide many trusted and valuable skills and services that make people’s lives better. Over a four-day period, more than 800 students competed, building 476 trusses which were tested to breaking point during the event. Prizes were awarded to the strongest structures from each grade, and a grade 12 student from John Taylor Collegiate earned this year’s top spot when her truss bore 180 kg of weight before breaking!
“It’s great to see so many students and teachers joining us to build strong entries in support of Winnipeg Harvest. By applying their ingenuity to make the most from simple building materials of spaghetti and glue, these future engineers constructed trusses which held up a load of 14,577.43kg! Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba multiplied this number by $2 and we happily gave a donation of $29,154.86. This will help Winnipeg Harvest in feeding approximately 150 families for a whole year” said Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng., FEC, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba’s CEO & Registrar.
“Students and teachers thank you so much for participating in this amazing event by putting your imagination to work and helping to feed your fellow hungry Manitobans” says Keren Taylor-Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of Winnipeg Harvest. “By donating $2 for every kg of weight sustained by over 470 pasta bridges, you’ve raised over $29,000 to fight hunger and feed hope for families in Manitoba. Thank you to Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba for your continued support.”
The Spaghetti Bridge Competition was part of a series of events to celebrate Provincial Engineering and Geoscience Week (PEGW). The celebration is part of National Engineering Month, which takes place across Canada throughout March each year. PEGW also promotes careers in engineering and the geosciences to young people of all ages.
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba is a public organization charged with the governance and regulation of the practice of professional engineering and professional geoscience in Manitoba.
![[Donation Presentation to Winnipeg Harvest]](http://www.enggeomb.ca/pdf/PEGW/images/HarvestChequePresentation2019.jpg )
Janelle Duerksen, Manitoba Harvest, Tristen Gitzel, P.Eng., FEC, Chair of PEGW Task Group, Ruth Eden, P.Eng., President of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, and Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng., FEC, CEO & Registrar of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, and Association volunteers.MAR 01, 2019
Certificate of Authorization Renewal Time
Certificate of Authorizations are currently renewing for the period May 1, 2019, to April 30, 2020. Renewal notices were mailed out earlier this month to the listed authorized designates.
All companies who hold a Certificate of Authorization must submit their renewal payment by April 5.
Renewals can be made
online.
FEB 28, 2019
New Student Chapter at University of Manitoba for LGBTQ2S+ Engineering Students
University of Manitoba EngiQueers is one of 31 groups across Canada who has partnered
with
EngiQueers Canada and the
Canadian Federation of Engineering Students (CFES)
to create visibility, space, and a community for LGBTQ2S+ engineering students through social connection, advocacy and education, and professional development.
EngiQueers Canada (EQ) is providing guidance to instill inclusivity in all CFES activities, and the CFES is supporting EQ in their efforts to create inclusive environments for all engineering students across Canada.
The U of M chapter of EngiQueers is looking for professional role models who are LGBTQ2S+ or allies interested to help their initiatives. If you are interested in providing support to UM EngiQueers to create a more inclusive community for all, complete the
EngiQueers Involvement Contact List.
Visit the
UM EngiQueers Facebook or
Instagram pages for more information.
FEB 08, 2019
PEGW - Winnipeg Free Press Supplement Opportunity
As part of Provincial Engineering and Geoscience Week (PEGW), the Winnipeg Free Press will publish a special section celebrating and showcasing Manitoba's outstanding engineers and geoscientists who play such a vital role in the growth and prosperity of our province and our individual quality of life. It will also explore some of the challenging and rewarding opportunities available to those interested in a career in the field of engineering and geoscience.
The Free Press invites you to be a part of this special section with an editorial profile or advertisement about your organization's services, accomplishments, and career opportunities, or to express appreciation for the employees who have contributed to your success. See the supplement guidelines below for more information.
JAN 30, 2019
Association Selected as Finalist for Spirit of Winnipeg Award
The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce has revealed the finalists for the 10th annual Spirit of Winnipeg Awards and Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba is proud to announce that they have been selected as one of three finalists for the Wellness and Workplace Culture Award. This category recognizes practices and enabling conditions for improved inclusivity, productivity, skills, health, and satisfaction for employees.
Chosen by volunteer judges drawn from the business community, the Spirit of Winnipeg Award recipients embody the ambitious, innovative, caring spirit of our prairie home. The winners will be revealed at the Spirit of Winnipeg Awards Gala on Wednesday, March 6, at the Club Regent Event Centre.
Visit the Spirit of Winnipeg Awards webpage for further information about the awards and this year's finalists.
JAN 28, 2019
Engaging Members with Future By-law and Act Amendments
On January 28, 2019, Council hosted a member engagement session to discuss upcoming changes to the By-laws and the Act.
The By-laws being reviewed this year, through Phase III of the By-law Re-write Project are By-laws 1-12, 14 and 16. A majority of the changes will be to reduce redundancies with the Act, and to clean up language. Some potential changes include:
- Adding a definition of "good standing"
- Adding a requirement for retired members to identify themselves as such (eg. P.Eng (Ret.))
- Removing the provisional membership category
At the request of government, the Act is also being looked at for potential changes including:
- Adding an option to create an audit process for the ProDev program
- Creating an Appeal Board for decisions of the Registration Committee and dismissals by the Investigation Committee
- Update wording to reflect currently terminology
Members who were unable to attend the engagement session on January 28, are encouraged to join the next session to be held on Friday, February 15 at noon. Further information and online registration can be found below.
DEC 06, 2018
Dear 2030: Students of Manitoba Ask The Profession To Be Ready
In the spring of 2018, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba launched a marketing campaign to middle and high school students of Manitoba, which saw them send petitions with thousands of signatures to some of the province's largest employers of engineers asking them what they will do to ensure that 30% of newly licensed engineers will be women by 2030, 30 by 30.
In 2017, just over 21% of newly licensed engineers were women, however, that number has fluctuated above and below 20% from year to year. Overall in Manitoba, 11% of engineers are women. Less than 20% of the applicants to the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba are women.
So why talk about the problems we’re facing as a profession with the young women we want to recruit?
To begin with, the problems extend beyond our profession.
The decades of research is clear: the barriers nudging girls and women out of a career path in engineering range from subtle and unconscious to intentional and systemic. They start in toddlerhood and carry on throughout the life span of an engineer. The culprits include parents, teachers, guidance counselors, the media, academia, workplace culture, regulatory authorities, and government. We are all responsible to some degree, sometimes from multiple social locations.
The research also suggests that talking about the barriers helps to inoculate girls and women against them. We are more equipped to address and overcome a barrier if we can see it coming and have the language to identify it.
The petitions led to conversations in classrooms with students, teachers, administrators, superintendents, parents, engineering professionals, and journalists.
Some of the students from École Lansdowne, Darwin School, and John Taylor Collegiate agreed to share their thoughts with us. We’d like to thank them and all of the students who have been signing and speaking about the need for women in engineering, for guiding the conversations and calling for action so that we can reach 30 by 30. You can hear some of their voices in this video.
The employers responded to the petitions by sending representatives to the Manitoba 2030 Coalition Launch event at the Manitoba Legislature on November 13, 2018. The Coalition will work together to address gendered barriers to recruitment, retention and equity to the profession.
30 by 30 is a national initiative and the students of Manitoba are leading the way.
NOV 29, 2018
Changes to the Eligibility Definition of Manulife's Insurance Products
One of the benefits of being registered with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba is access to competitive rates by certain insurance providers.
One of those providers, Manulife, would like to notify practitioners that the following programs/services now have the requirement that membership in a participating association is only required at the time of application and/or signing up for the service.
Effective September 1, 2018, the eligibility requirement for sponsored programs with Manulife was changed to: membership in a participating association will only be required at time of application for insurance. These programs include:
• Term Life and Accident Insurance
• Disability Income Replacement Protection
• Health and Dental Care
• Business Overhead Insurance
• Retiree Health and Dental Insurance
• Critical Illness
A copy of the FAQ relating to Manulife products is now available on the Insurance page of the Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba website for ease of reference.
Here is a list of the additional programs/services with the eligibility change for ease of reference:
• Financial Security Program (Great-West Life)
• Pet Health Insurance (PetSecure)
• Manulife Bank – Manulife One
• Budget Car Rental
• UPS Shipping
Please note that this change is not applicable to:
• Professional Liability Insurance given its nature and tie to professional licensure;
• Home/Auto Insurance program due to its insurance regulatory requirements relating to membership and the ability to discount rates;
• Secondary Professional Liability Insurance program given its nature and tie to professional licensure.
NOV 07, 2018
Share Your Story
Are you a professional engineer, professional geoscientist, or intern?
Why did you decide to become a P.Eng. or P.Geo.?
How has your work influenced your community or the world?
As a P.Eng. or P.Geo., what accomplishment are you most proud of?
If you’re interested in telling your story, we want to hear from you.
As part of our spring 2019 campaign, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba wants to engage the public through video about the what, how, and why of our professions.
If you want to take part, here’s what we need from you:
- A very brief write up about what you’d like to say.
- If chosen, we will need you for a 30 - 60 second on-camera interview in December or January (Date/time/location to be determined).
Please email
GKeatch@EngGeoMB.ca with your story.
OCT 31, 2018
Congratulations to Recipients of 2018 Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba Awards
On Friday, October 19, 2018, eight awards were presented at the Association’s annual Awards Gala Dinner, which took place at the Fort Garry Hotel. Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba was honoured to recognize the achievements of these exemplary individuals, teams, and companies who represent the best of engineering and geoscience in Manitoba.
Full citations for all the award winners can now be found online at
www.EngGeoMB.ca/AwardRecipients.html
2018 Award Winners
Team Achievement Award
The Team Achievement Award recognizes engineering or geoscience excellence in, and major contributions to, the concept, design and implementation of an engineering or geoscience project in Manitoba.
- Presented to
MacDon Windrower Design Team
Diversity Employer Award
The Diversity Employer Award recognizes 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 from diverse backgrounds. In celebrating these accomplishments, the award has the intended purpose of encouraging involvement of organizations in diversity-related activities, regardless of company size.
- Presented to
StandardAero
Intern Award
The Intern Award bestows distinction on those training to be engineers or geoscientists, specifically those demonstrating exceptional work achievement in their early EIT/GIT years who enhance society’s knowledge of our professions.
- Presented to
Alexandra Campbell, EIT
Early Achievement Award
The Early Achievement Award bestows distinction on outstanding engineers and geoscientists and recognizes exceptional achievements in the early years of their careers.
- Presented to
Dario Schor, P.Eng.
Champion of Engineering Education Award
The Champion of Engineering Education Awards recognizes an outstanding supporter and champion of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba.
- Presented to
Donald Hatch
Judith Weiszmann Women in Engineering Champion Award
The Judith Weiszmann Women in Engineering Champion Award recognizes a woman who through engineering and career achievements has demonstrated the qualities that enabled Judith Weiszmann to be an outstanding engineer, role model, and influencer of the profession for the advancement and support of women in engineering.
- Presented to
Alana Gauthier, P.Eng.
Outstanding Service Award
The Outstanding Service Award recognizes outstanding service rendered to, or on behalf of, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, by a member of the Association.
- Presented to
Dawn Nedohin-Macek, P.Eng., FEC
Technical Excellence Award
The Technical Excellence Award recognizes outstanding achievement, including the direct advancement of the engineering or geoscience professions, by an individual member during his or her career.
- Presented to
Dr. Zahra Kazem-Moussavi, P.Eng.
In addition to the 2018 Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba Awards, one Honorary Life Membership was bestowed on
Catherine Stewart, P.Eng., FEC during the Recognition Wine & Cheese Reception on Wednesday, October 17, 2018. The granting of Honorary Life Membership (By-law Clause 7.1.4) recognizes many years of meritorious service rendered to the Association or the profession.
The Awards Committee thanks all nominators for the exceptional nominations received for the 2018 awards and the Association congratulates all those who received awards and recognitions this year.
OCT 25, 2018
Council Election Results for 2018
Below are the results of the 2018 Council Elections and by-law proposals and petitions.
P.Eng.
There were 895 ballots submitted to elect the following P.Eng. councillors for two year terms:
- Vaibhav Banthia, P.Eng.
- Carolyn Geddert, P.Eng.
- Ian Smallwood, P.Eng.
- Efrem Teklemariam, P.Eng., FEC
P.Geo.
There were 713 ballots submitted to elect the following P.Geo. councillor for a two year term:
By-law Proposals and Petitions
There were 848 ballots submitted regarding the proposed By-law changes.
By-law 4.5.6 - Finance Committee Amendments
Result: PASS (For: 721, Against: 55, Abstain: 72)
By-law 13 - Code of Ethics Amendments
Result: PASS (For: 719, Against: 60, Abstain: 69)
By-law 15 - Complaints & Discipline Amendments
Result: PASS (For: 649, Against: 76, Abstain: 123)
By-law 17.5.5 - Determination of Good Faith Amendments
Result: PASS (For: 637, Against: 98, Abstain: 113)
By-law 17.6.x - Consideration and Voting on Proposed By-law Amendments
Result: PASS (For: 645, Against: 86, Abstain: 117)
SEP 24, 2018
Notice to Members - Election Details Amendment
After receiving an interpretation from legal counsel, the vacancies for council positions have been amended to: four (4) professional engineers and one (1) professional geoscientist. This does not affect the nomination process, as all requirements in the Nominating Committee procedures and By-law 3.1.2 were properly administered.
Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng., FEC
Secretary
AUG 20, 2018
2017-18 CIPWIE Mentorship Program Report
The Committee for Increasing the Participation of Women in Engineering (CIPWIE) is committed to assisting Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba in achieving the 30 by 30 goal set by Engineers Canada and to supporting the needs of Manitoba’s female engineering cohort. The CIPWIE Mentorship Program supports women during their engineering education and as they progress through their careers. Participants are engaged in a formal mentoring relationship with opportunities to ask questions about the profession and share insights into what it’s like to be an engineer. The Mentorship Program aims to increase the retention of Manitoba’s female engineering talent, while also increasing diversity in the engineering profession.
While mentorship programs do exist within Manitoba’s engineering industry, there were no programs offered
specifically for women in engineering or that span all engineering disciplines or industry sectors. To this end, the CIPWIE Mentorship Program was developed in 2015/16. Since then, the program has grown from an initial cohort of 70 participants to 121 participants in the 2017/18 offering. To date, nearly 300 women have participated in the CIPWIE Mentorship Program!
This report provides details on the 2017-18 CIPWIE Mentorship Program, including results and feedback obtained, and recommendations for future program improvements.
JUL 12, 2018
Notice to Practitioners - Disciplinary Hearings
The purpose of this notice is to remind members how the disciplinary process works. The process is detailed in Part 10 (Sections 29 to 55) of the Act and By-law 15 of the Association’s by-laws.
All matters of investigation and discipline are by peer review – by members looking at the practice of a member. When a member is charged with professional misconduct, it is a decision made by the Investigation Committee. The Committee includes sixteen professional engineers and geoscientists. To further ensure that the public is being protected, there are two lay persons serving on the Investigation Committee. Staff and legal support are also provided to the Committee for the administration of each case.
In all cases, the Investigation Committee seeks input from the investigated member regarding the allegation(s). If the Investigation Committee thinks there is “reasonable and probable grounds” to believe that the member has acted unprofessionally, they will attempt to dialogue with the member to ensure that the member’s point of view is clearly understood.
The Investigation Committee only forwards a charge after making a thorough and serious attempt to understand all sides in the matter. When the Committee forwards a charge, it triggers a quasi-judicial hearing. Disciplinary hearings are under the control of the Discipline Committee, which is also comprised of professional engineers, geoscientists and lay persons. At a disciplinary hearing, there are three parties: Discipline Panel (judge), Investigation Committee (prosecutor) and member (defendant). Both sides are provided full opportunity to present their case before the Discipline Panel. The panel then decides on the basis of evidence and arguments presented by each side during the hearing.
It is only after the disciplinary hearing is completed that a member can be deemed guilty of professional misconduct or cleared of charges.
Prior to any hearing, it is premature to cast judgement on an issue or member. Both sides must be heard and the balance of information must be weighed in a fair and transparent process. The investigation procedures and disciplinary hearing format used by Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba achieves this fair and open process.
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba believes in due process and for privacy reasons, cannot comment on any case until after the process is completed.
Grant Koropatnick, PEng, FEC
CEO & Registrar
Some Relevant Facts:
- In a typical year, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba receives about two dozen complaints from the public.
- Less than 1% of members are ever investigated.
- In 2017, 99.6% of members met the requirements of ProDev (the continuing professional development) program.
- The current membership is 8,318.
JUL 10, 2018
Notice to Practitioners - Annual General Meeting
Annual General Meeting
The 2018 Annual General Meeting of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba will be held at 2:30 p.m., on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, 375 York Avenue, Winnipeg, MB.
Nominations for Election to Council
There will be four professional engineer positions and one professional geoscientist position to be filled on Council as of October 2018.
Members can be nominated by completing the nomination form which may be downloaded from the website or obtained from the Association office. Each nomination shall be endorsed by the nominee and six nominators. Persons submitting a recommendation are required to obtain the consent of the nominee.
Nominations will be received by the secretary up to the close of business on Thursday, September 6, 2018.
By-law Changes
Proposals for by-law amendments, repeals, or enactments may be submitted by any professional member in writing signed by not fewer than 12 professional members under By-law 17.5.1. Proposals submitted under 17.5.1 must be received by the secretary not less than 60 days before the anniversary of the last previous annual general meeting. The deadline for proposals is August 20, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. All other requirements can be found on the 2018 By-law Proposal Form on the website.
Resolutions
By-law 5.2.4 prescribes that resolutions put forward at an Annual General Meeting must be in writing, signed by the mover and seconder, and received by the Secretary no less than 48 hours prior to the commencement of the meeting. Either the mover or the seconder must be present in person or by distance conferencing at the meeting for the resolution to be considered.
JUL 05, 2018
Geoscience and Canada – Understanding our Earth: The vital role of Canada’s geoscientists
Geoscientists Canada is pleased to announce the release of “Geoscience and Canada – Understanding our Earth: The vital role of Canada’s geoscientists”. This informative booklet highlights the rich geoscience resources of Canada and the vital contributions of geoscientists to Canadian society.
Human life and progress are underpinned by materials provided by the Earth, and geoscience provides us with the knowledge and understanding to find resources and utilize the Earth sustainably and responsibly, for the benefit of current and future generations. The booklet Geoscience and Canada contains twelve sections, each covering a broad practice area, or an area of interest, concerning geoscience. The publication further includes an introduction; a centre spread, featuring a geological map of Canada overlain by photos and informative statements from geoscientists across Canada; as well as fascinating sidebars about general and Canadian geoscience highlights.
This booklet is a joint publication of Geoscientists Canada and the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences (
www.cfes-fcst.ca) with financial support from the Canadian Geological Foundation (
www.canadiangeologicalfoundation.org), and contributions from professional geoscientists and science writers across Canada.
The English language version of the booklet is available at
www.geoscientistscanada.ca. The French language version will be available shortly. An announcement will be released when the French version is posted.
JUN 29, 2018
The Accessibility Standard for Customer Service
Nearly one in six Manitobans is disabled by barriers where they work, live, and play. Barriers to accessibility come at an enormous cost – to persons with disabilities, to their family and friends, to their communities, and also to business. By learning how to eliminate barriers, everyone benefits.
Manitoba is committed to becoming an inclusive society. The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) outlines a clear and proactive process to identify, remove, and prevent barriers in key areas of daily living.
The first accessibility standard focuses on customer service. By introducing policies addressing training and communication, the goal is to achieve respectful, barrier-free customer service in all Manitoba organizations (including businesses) that have at least one employee.
There are different timelines for organizations to meet the standard. The Manitoba Government and the public sector have already been required to comply to the new law. Private, small municipalities, and non-profit organizations must comply by November 1, 2018.
To meet the Customer Service Standard, organizations must:
• meet the communication needs of customers, clients or members
• allow assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen tanks
• welcome support people, who are there to assist
• welcome people with service animals
• ensure accessibility is maintained as intended (ramps, wide aisles, removal of clutter)
• let customers know when accessible features and services are not available
• invite customers to provide feedback
• train staff on accessible customer service, including reasonable accommodations under The Human Rights Code (Manitoba)
• make public events accessible (large public sector organizations only)
All public sector organizations and private sector organizations with more than 20 employees must document their customer service policy and provide notice that it is available on request.
The Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (SMD) has created a Made-in-Manitoba series of six short videos that highlight the importance of making businesses and organizations more accessible to customer with disabilities. SMD is able to provide training that addresses all of the required components of training as outlined by the Accessible Customer Service Standard by using the videos and creating customized content for your business or organization.
JUN 28, 2018
Canadian Archives of Women in STEM Launches
On June 18, 2018, the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists – Education and Research Institute (INWES–ERI) and Library and Archives Canada launched the Canadian Archives of Women in STEM at the University of Ottawa. The event was opened by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, who was followed by presentations by the founders, as well as young women currently involved in STEM research.
With support from Engineers Canada, and other partners, the archiving of materials from women in STEM across Canada represents an important step towards better understanding the role of women making Canadian history. Engineers Canada looks forward to engaging with this project as it grows.
The archives project is looking for Canadian women in STEM to donate their records and research.
For further information about how to donate records to this project, see the uOttawa webpage below.
JUN 25, 2018
By-law Review Committee Seeks Member Input
The By-law Review Committee is seeking member input on the draft wording of the new By-law 4.2.6: Finance Committee.
Currently, Council's Executive Committee operates as the Finance Committee. With the introduction of By-law 4.2.6, the Finance Committee would become a separate committee of Council, and would be governed by a term of reference.
Below is the proposed wording for the new by-law, as well as the draft of the terms of reference for the Finance Committee.
If you have any comments, please send them to Danielle Unett at
DUnett@EngGeoMB.caJUN 07, 2018
INWED 2018: Celebrating the Achievements of Women in Engineering
Saturday, June 23, 2018, is International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), an international awareness campaign to raise the profile of women in engineering and focus attention on the amazing career opportunities available to women in this exciting industry.
For INWED 2018, Engineers Canada and the 30 by 30 Champions invite Canadians to celebrate the achievements of women engineers, and their contributions to the profession and to broader Canadian society. On Tuesday, June 19, Engineers Canada will begin sharing videos of an engineer and an engineering graduate who are women with the message that engineering can be a fulfilling and exciting career choice for women.
Join the campaign by filming your own short selfie video (as an individual or a group). Tell us why being a woman in engineering is important and post your videos on social media, tagging @EngineersCanada and @EngGeoMB and using the hashtags #INWED2018, #RaisingTheBar, #RaisingProfiles, and #30by30.
MAY 28, 2018
Local Transportation Engineer Honoured with National Award
Winnipeg transportation engineer and Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba member, Jeannette Montufar, P.Eng., was presented with Engineers Canada's Award for the Support of Women in the Engineering Profession at a ceremony in Saskatoon on Thursday, May 24. The award recognizes engineers who, through their engineering and career achievements, have demonstrated noteworthy support for women in the profession and have established a benchmark of engineering excellence.
Whether it's empowering women in STEM programs at university or developing national guidelines to make crosswalks safer for pedestrians with limited mobility, Jeannette has proven time and again that, with enough vision, accessibility for all is achievable. The civil engineer, who is internationally renowned for her leadership and expertise in the field of transportation engineering, has been a champion of accessibility for women in engineering, supervising and empowering a large proportion of female graduate students and creating a fund to encourage underprivileged women to pursue engineering or science in university. Recently, Jeannette has helped drive Engineering Changes Lives, a bold initiative between the Manitoba provincial government and Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba that aims to ensure Manitoba meets the 30 by 30 target set out by Engineers Canada.
MAY 23, 2018
Association Holds Fourth Annual MLA Reception
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba held its fourth annual MLA Reception on Thursday, May 17, 2018, in Winnipeg. The reception provides opportunities for the Association members including Council, past presidents and committee chairs to get to know government officials and build positive relationships between one another. Government representatives from federal, provincial, and municipal levels attended the reception this year to show their support for the professional engineers and professional geoscientists of Manitoba.
The reception created a platform for many one-on-one conversations related to the engineering and geoscientific professions including key initiatives of engineering education, increasing representation of women and indigenious professionals, and the need for internationally educated engineers and geoscientists in Manitoba.
Government officials in attendance included Honourable James Bezan, MP for Selkirk-Interlate-Eastman; Honourable Blaine Pederson, Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade; Honourable Cliff Cullen, Minister of Crown Services; Honourable Ralph Eichler, Minister of Agriculture; Honourable Cameron Frisen, Minister of Finance; Kelly Bindle, MLA for Thompson; Blair Yakimoski, MLA for Transcona, Dennis Smook, MLA for Verendrye; Jon Reye, MLA for St. Norbert; Collen Mayor, MLA for St. Vital; Jeff Browaty, City Councillor, and Shawn Dobson, City Councillor.
MAY 22, 2018
By-law Review Committee Seeks Member Input
The By-law Review Committee is seeking member input on the draft wording of the proposed changes to By-law 13: Code of Ethics and By-Law 15: Complaints and Discipline.
Continuing with Council's By-law Rewrite project, By-laws 13 and 15 came under review in 2018. The By-law Review Committee, through research and member engagement, developed a set of principles on which to base the proposed draft wording of By-laws 13 and 15 on. The principles were then sent to legal counsel who composed the draft wording.
Below you will find links to the 'Code of Ethics - Draft Wording' and 'Complaints and Discipline - Draft Wording'.
You will also find a link to the 'Guiding Principles' which both drafts were based off of.
Additionally, you will find the 'Code of Ethics - Additional Information' and the 'Complaints and Discipline - Additional Information'. These two documents help to explain the reasoning behind the By-law Review Committees reasons to make changes to these By-laws, as well as outline some of the major changes.
Please forward all comments to Danielle Unett, who is acting as staff support for the committee, at
DUnett@EngGeoMB.ca. An online forum, accessible through your member profile, is also available for discussion on the potential by-law changes.
MAY 03, 2018
“Engineering Changes Lives” - Doubling the Number of Women Entering Engineering by 2030
Only 15 per cent of newly licensed engineers in Manitoba are women – lower than nearly every other professionally-accredited occupation. Gender inequality is the biggest diversity gap facing engineering in Manitoba.
“Girls are an opportunity for all sectors to grow so if engineers want a piece of the pie, they need to fight for it. Girls are awesome, so bring up your game,” said Nusraat Masood, EIT, engineering intern and Director of WISE Kid-Netic Energy, a University of Manitoba program with a mission to attract girls to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. “Currently, health-related fields are doing far better at attracting girls who pursue STEM studies.”
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba has a goal: 30 by 30. By 2030, 30 per cent of newly licensed engineers will be women. That’s double the current rate.
The Association knows this goal can’t be met without a significant, long-term commitment and has budgeted an initial $800,000 for the first phase of this initiative, one that’s meant to reach young women who could be the next decade’s graduating class in engineering.
"Council put its support behind Engineering Changes Lives, because it was evident we need to take strong and immediate action, if we were to achieve 30 by 30," said Engineer’s Geoscientists Manitoba President, Jonathan Epp, P.Eng., FEC. "This is a strategic priority for us, because it is in the public's interest to be served by a profession that is representative of the public it seeks to serve."
Minister responsible for Status of Women, Hon. Rochelle Squires, addressed a full room at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Monday. Over 100 government officials, engineers, and educators were in attendance for a panel discussion exploring the culprits that steer girls away from STEM and nudge women out of the engineering profession. Culprits ranging from unconscious gender bias in teaching math and science from a young age and societal gender expectations, to a lack of role models both in the profession and in the media were identified. The engineers on the panel then shared their personal experiences.
Lindsay Melvin, P.Eng., FEC, professional engineer and Past President of the Association recalled: “I didn’t realize there were any culprits until years later when I looked back and said ‘Hey, why did that happen?’ For example, I don't remember if there were any other girls in my high school computer class, but the teacher would often ask me to handout the handouts. I missed verbal instructions and fell so far behind I had to drop out. It was devastating and discouraging and it didn’t set me up well for university when I had to take computer science for my engineering degree.”
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. This new initiative, called “Engineering Changes Lives”, aims to increase both the number of women entering engineering and the retention rate of women working in the field. Sarah Stringer, lead marketing researcher for the campaign, knows there will have to be an understanding of the leaks at all points on the career pipeline: “How do we look at the whole ecosystem and make engineering believe that diversity is not going to lower the bar, or just be a sign of the times, but is going to raise the bar for the province and ultimately for humanity as a whole.”
Included as part of the panel discussion was the launch of an in-school advertising campaign inviting collaboration between Manitoba’s middle school students and the province’s largest engineering employers to address the barriers that keep girls from choosing engineering as a career.
“Prior to joining the university, I worked at a start-up company which was male-dominated. I went on my first maternity leave and found that very difficult and frustrating. My HR was very flustered, which didn’t bode well for me. Companies need to be well-read, well-positioned for a diverse workforce, which includes women, which includes LGBTQ, which includes everyone. They need to keep it welcoming, keep it proper.” said Nusraat Masood.
![[Engineering Changes Lives Panel Photo]](http://www.enggeomb.ca/images/people/30by30Apr302018.jpg)
Panellists take questions from the audience.
L-R: Sarah Stringer, Juliet Creative, Jonathan Epp, P.Eng., FEC, President of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, Lindsay Melvin, P.Eng., FEC, Past President of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, and Nusraat Masood, EIT, WISE Kid-Netic Energy Program Administrator.APR 05, 2018
Association Seeks Input on Centennial Celebrations
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba turns 100 in 2020 and we want to celebrate this milestone with you! To help inform the decisions of which projects and activities will take place during our centennial year, the Association's Centennial Task Group needs
your help!
Complete this short survey at
www.surveymonkey.com/r/EngGeoMBCentennial - it will take only four minutes and you could win a $100 Best Buy gift card if you complete it before April 22!
MAR 29, 2018
Abstracts Sought for Association's Annual Conference
From October 16 - 19, 2018, 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 8,200 practitioners who work in the province’s private and public sectors.
On October 18, 2018, Ingenium’s Professional Development Seminars will take place. The Association welcomes abstracts for presentations on any topic related to engineering and geoscience and the professionals which practise in those fields.
In particular, we welcome presentations which explore:
• Case studies of successful applications of new strategies or technology in Manitoba
• Resiliency and climate change
• Technical presentations on emerging technologies
• Industry trends
• Competency skills benefitting engineering and geoscience professionals
Please submit a half-page abstract, outlining the presentation proposal, along with the presenter’s name, contact information, and brief biography, to Gemma Keatch, Communications & Events Coordinator, via email to
GKeatch@EngGeoMB.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 27, 2018.
Final decisions regarding presentations selected for inclusion in the conference will be made by May 30, 2018.
MAR 14, 2018
Spaghetti Bridge Competition Smashes Bridges and Records
2018 marked a record year for the annual Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba Spaghetti Bridge Competition. Taking place over three consecutive days at Kildonan Place, a record 904 students competed, building 453 trusses which were tested to breaking point during the event. Prizes were awarded to the strongest structures from each grade, and a team of two from grade 3 at École Rivière-Rouge earned this year’s top spot when their truss bore 195 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. Participation has really soared this year and we’re so pleased to see these future engineers applying their ingenuity to make the most out of the simple building mateirals of spaghetti and glue. This year's contest entries held up 12,397.6kg!" said Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng., FEC, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba’s CEO & Registrar.
In return for all of the spaghetti that the 2018 participants used to build their bridges, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba donated $2 per kg of load that the bridges held to Winnipeg Harvest, resulting in a $24,795.20 donation.
“Utilizing pasta to construct bridges is a great way to inspire tomorrow’s engineers, while encouraging giving back to those who are hungry,” says Keren Taylor-Hughes, Executive Director of Winnipeg Harvest. “By donating $2.00 for every kg of weight sustained by over 450 pasta bridges, they have made a huge difference in the lives of hungry Manitoba families! For every $1 donated, Winnipeg Harvest can distribute $20 worth of food across the province, which means this donation will translate into nearly $500,000 of food going to food banks, soup kitchens and school snack programs. Thank you Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba and all the students who participated.”
The Spaghetti Bridge Competition was part of a series of events to celebrate Provincial Engineering and Geoscience Week (PEGW). The celebration is part of National Engineering Month, which takes place across Canada throughout March each year. PEGW also promotes careers in engineering and the geosciences to young people of all ages.
![[Donation Presentation to Winnipeg Harvest]](http://www.enggeomb.ca/images/people/SpaghettiBridgeCheque2018.jpg)
Jonathan Epp, P.Eng., FEC, President of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, Keren Taylor-Hughes, Executive Director of Manitoba Harvest, Tristen Gitzel, P.Eng., FEC, Chair of PEGW Task Group, and Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng., FEC, CEO & Registrar of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.FEB 26, 2018
Grand Opening of Expanded Association Office
Having taken the opportunity for growth in 2017 by expanding its office into newly vacant space on the second floor, the Association marked the official opening of the new space with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, February 23.
Representatives involved in the renovation gathered with councillors, staff, and special guests to mark the occasion in the new Wardrop Boardroom.
In honour of their achievements and their impact on engineering in Manitoba, the four boardrooms on the second floor are named after prominent engineers in the province: Landon, Lyons, Wardrop, and Weiszmann. The Association was privileged to be joined by some of their family and friends for this special occasion.
CEO & Registrar Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng., FEC, introduced special guests Ann Weiszmann, daughter of the late Judith Weiszmann, P.Eng., FEC, and Terry Wardrop, son of the late Les Wardrop, P.Eng., FEC, who shared fond memories of their parents and their engineering legacies. Along with President Jonathan Epp, P.Eng., FEC, they cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the expanded space.
![[Ribbon Cutting]](http://www.enggeomb.ca/images/people/SecondFloorRibbonCutting.jpg)
l-r: Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng., FEC, Terry Wardrop, Ann Weiszmann, Jonathan Epp, P.Eng., FEC
Following the ceremony, the Association welcomed visitors its new space during an open house afternoon. Over 30 practitioners joined staff for tours of the new facilities.
FEB 08, 2018
Support Services List Now Available Online
Are you experiencing job loss or some other event that has created stress in your life? The Association now has a comprehensive list of Support Services listed on its website, as a reference to help you through stressful events affecting yourself,your worklife, and your personal life.
Many professional members in Alberta have experienced job loss due to the economic downturn caused by low oil prices. Although the Manitoba economy is not experiencing the same conditions, you may find the list of support services helpful. Do you need help with any of these?
• Job loss
• Career change
• Change in health
• Mental health
• Death of a family member
• Financial pressure
• Mediating a dispute
In addition to the Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba list, contact the Human Resources department at your workplace or EAP (employee assistance program) representative if you have benefits.
FEB 07, 2018
Canadian Blood Services Seeks Engineering Firms For Project Donate
Canadian Blood Services is asking engineering firms to roll up their sleeves to save a life by participating in Project Donate this March. Approximately 5000 appointments in Manitoba need to be filled this month to meet the needs of local patients. You can donate at the central Canadian Blood Services clinic on William Ave, or at one of the mobile clinics taking place in Steinbach, Selkirk, Brandon, Morden, Winkler, and many more Manitoban locations.
All participants should identify themselves as taking part in Project Donate when signing in on arrival at a clinic, as Project Donate donors will be entered in a prize draw to win a $100 Keg gift card!
Encourage your workmates to donate with you and Canadian Blood Services will provide LifeBus transportation to and from the clinic on William Ave! To book a group appointment, or a LifeBus shuttle to the Winnipeg Blood Centre, call 204 789-1056 or email
groupbookermb@blood.ca
To book an individual donation appointment, download the GiveBlood app or visit
www.blood.caFEB 01, 2018
Association Expands Office Space
In 2017, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba took the opportunity for growth by expanding their office into newly vacant space on the second floor, which had been previously occupied by Granite Financial. The Association had been considering options for future office growth and Granite’s move to Donald Street provided a timely opportunity to expand without having to relocate. After renovating the space over the course of several months, the expanded office is now functional and in use.
The Association moved from its previous office at 850A Pembina Highway, to the current location of 870 Pembina Highway in 2009. At that time, there were 5,608 members and 12 staff. As of January 30, 2018, membership had increased to 8,201 and there are currently 19 staff supporting the growing membership and increased program initiatives. Prior to the expansion to the 2nd floor of the building, several staff were located in shared workspaces with no privacy and minimal storage, and a couple of staff members were working out of boardrooms, due to having no permanent work area.
The office expansion allows all staff access to individual office space, while also including room for future growth, and the Investigations Department benefits from additional private storage space. Growing committees, task groups, and chapters are further accommodated with the addition of four boardrooms on the 2nd floor, named after significant engineers in the Association’s history.
The renovations to the second floor updated the décor and functionality of the space while encouraging future floorplan flexibility through the inclusion of an innovative DIRTT wall system, as well as several open-plan areas. A new internal staircase links the two floors and features a modern wall art installation, in keeping with the modern décor of the lower level.
As the Association continues to grow to better support members and the public, more working space is a necessity. This expansion ensures Association staff and members, both present and future, will have room to continue their work with necessary privacy and space.
FEB 01, 2018
Feedback Sought for Return to Active Practice Guideline
The Continuing Competency Committee (CCC) is seeking member feedback on the newly developed Return to Active Practice Guideline. This guideline will help to standardize how Reinstatement and Resumption applications are reviewed. The current draft of the Return to Active Practice guideline has been reviewed by the CCC and the Registration Committee, and can be found through the link below.
If you have any comments or questions about the guideline, please send them to Danielle Unett at
DUnett@EngGeoMB.caJAN 18, 2018
"Engineering Changes Lives" Celebration Huge Success
A celebration to launch the “Engineering Changes Lives” initiative, which aims to achieve the goal that 30% of newly licensed engineers in Manitoba are women by the year 2030, was held last night at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, attracting over 120 attendees.
Lindsay Melvin, P.Eng., FEC, was the Association’s sixth female President in 2016 - 2017 and explained what the initial strategies would include: “This initiative is a multi-year program of activities, whose results are to be measured by the number of women participating in engineering. Activities over the immediate years will include a marketing program to share the important message about why engineering changes lives, building partnerships, research, and the development and implementation of strategic plan to be executed over a number of years.”
Honourable Rochelle Squires, Minister responsible for Status of Women, was the guest speaker representing the Manitoba Government’s endorsement of this initiative:
“These opportunities are key to women succeeding in, and remaining in various male-dominated fields including engineering, science, trades, and technologies and I hope that someday we can get rid of that phrase ‘male-dominated fields’, especially when we’re talking about engineering.”
The excitement levels throughout the evening were palpable by guests including engineers, government representatives, and industry professionals, as they are among the stakeholders who are critical to increasing the momentum behind this initiative to make it a reality.
Dr. Jeannette Montufar, P.Eng. FEC, Chair of the Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council and a member of the 30 By 30 Task Group said: “We need to ensure that we take a bold approach with this initiative, as the status quo has not been achieving the desired results. We need to explain what engineering can mean to everyone, but especially to girls. Engineering truly changes lives and I am so proud to be an engineer.”
The new initiative will increase both the number of women entering engineering and the retention rate of women working in the field, as currently, in Manitoba, women represent 15.1% of newly licensed engineers and approximately 9% of all registered engineers.
Ruth Eden, P.Eng., President-Elect of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba and the Acting Assistant Deputy Minister of Water Management and Structures Division for Manitoba Infrastructure commented: “For engineering to be the best profession that it can be, the membership needs to be representative of all society. Our profession needs the best suited candidates to take the necessary training to become professional engineers and continue to solve the problems of tomorrow.”
Chair of the Association’s Committee for Increasing the Participation of Women in Engineering (CIPWIE), Kathryn Atamanchuk, P.Eng., noted: "CIPWIE’s grassroots efforts over the past 20 plus years have built a foundation of community building and support, but the Engineering Changes Lives initiative is going to take this to the next level, the level that is required to help us meet the 30 by 30 goal and beyond."
![[Engineering Changes Lives Launch Photo]](http://www.EngGeoMB.ca/images/people/30by30Jan172018.jpg)
(L-R) Jonathan Epp, P.Eng. FEC, President of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, Lindsay Melvin, P.Eng. FEC, Past President of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, Ruth Eden, P.Eng., President-Elect of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, Hon. Rochelle Squires, Minister responsible for Status of Women, Dr. Jeanette Montufar, P.Eng. FEC, Chair of the Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council, and Kathryn Atamanchuk, P.Eng., Chair of CIPWIE (Committee for Increasing the Participation of Women in Engineering).
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
AUG 18, 2016
Four Tips for Would-Be Astronauts
Thinking of applying to be Canada’s next astronaut? There are a number of excellent candidates, but if you want an edge, who better to tell you how to shine like a supernova than the first Canadian to ever walk in space — Commander Chris Hadfield spoke with CBC The Early Edition’s Rick Cluff on what it takes:
1. Do what you like
“Looking back, I think people sort of get the impression that it was linear or direct or straight arrow or pre-destined,” he said.
“It was nothing like that.”
Instead, Hadfield said he focused on doing things that he liked.
“I dreamed of being an astronaut, [but] knew that I was probably never going to be one,” he said.
“You don’t want to count on something at the end to be the only justification. You want to love all the stuff you’re doing along the way.”
2. Meet the requirements
Granted, the things Hadfield found interesting — being a fighter pilot, completing a degree in mechanical engineering, a masters of aviation systems — definitely helped him stand out.
In fact, the Canadian Space Agency has some specific requirements for candidates, among them:
• Possess a bachelors degree or higher in a specific science or technology field.
• Have at least three years professional experience.
• Physical requirements like height and weight restrictions, vision, normal hearing and blood pressure.
3. Be patient
Hadfield said the key quality would-be astronauts have is patience — “a really tenacious patience. Not a lackadaisical kind of patience.”
They need it.
For one thing, the competition is fierce.
Hadfield was one of the four astronauts named from a pool of over 5,000 applicants in the Canada Space Agency’s recruitment campaign in 1992.
This year, there are many thousands of applicants, and it will take a full year before the space agency names its next two astronauts.
“What do you do with 6000 applications for two jobs?” he laughed.
4. Dream big but have perspective
“It’s an interesting way to go through life, to be pursuing something that’s really deep in your heart that’s probably never going to happen,” Hadfield said.
Candidates also have to understand that being an astronaut is not all space life, he said.
“I was an astronaut for 21 years, but I flew in space for 6 months,” he said.
“It’s a life of service. It’s about putting other requirements ahead of your own, your country’s requirements, the scientific necessity, and the demands of the mission.”
Yet, he said “it is the best job I could possibly imagine.”
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.
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 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
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 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 12, 2016
Natural Resources Canada: Canada’s Marine Coasts in a Changing Climate
Natural Resources Canada’s latest science assessment of climate change impacts and adaptation is available on-line. The report contains a Synthesis, background chapters on the physical environment and human dimension of coasts, chapters examining Canada’s East, North and West coast regions, and a series of FAQs. Case studies demonstrating action on adaptation are found throughout the report.
Requests for print copies can be sent to: nrcan.adaptation.rncan@canada.ca
FEB 25, 2016
Engineers Canada Launches New Website to Celebrate National Engineering Month
March is once again National Engineering Month in Canada — the country’s biggest annual celebration of engineering. This year’s celebration has as its theme “Engineering: A Place for You,” and encourages participants to discover that with engineering’s many disciplines and uses, they can find their niche within the profession.
To mark the occasion, Engineers Canada has launched a new National Engineering Month website that will allow visitors to truly discover the engineering profession. The new website features events happening across Canada in each province and territory, descriptions of the various engineering disciplines and profiles of everyday engineers.
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.
DEC 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
Association Member Joins Cabinet
Congratulations to The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, a Manitoba professional geoscientist and member of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, on her new role in the federal Liberal cabinet as Canada’s Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Labour.
For the full list of ministers appointed to Justin Trudeau's cabinet, see the CBC news story 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
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.
AUG 10, 2015
Consultation - Manitoba's New Groundwater and Water Well Act
Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship is seeking our Association's input into new regulations to support its new Groundwater and Water Well Act. The new Act received Royal Assent in June 2012 and will replace the existing Ground Water and Water Well Act that is over 50 years old. The new regulations will replace the existing Well Drilling Regulation that is over 45 years old.
Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship has undertaken a thorough review of the type and extent of regulation needed to support implementation of the new Act. Development of the regulations has included consultation with various stakeholder groups for input and feedback on a range of regulatory matters. The proposed new regulations are essential to bring the Groundwater and Water Well Act into effect and consist of:
1) Groundwater and Water Well (General Matters) Regulation; and
2) Well Standards Regulation
The regulations have been developed to address matters related to the licensing of well drilling contractors, measures for the protection of groundwater and aquifers, and standards for the construction and sealing of wells.
The rationale and proposed regulatory changes are outlined in the discussion paper which includes a consultation draft of the two supporting regulations. Please share the discussion document with your members and colleagues by directing them to the electronic document available through the link below.
Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship is committed to engaging stakeholders on the proposed new regulations. Comments are encouraged and should be provided in writing by August 28, 2015 to:
• By mail:
Proposed Regulations Review
Groundwater Management Section
Water Science and Management Branch
Box 18, 200 Saulteaux Crescent
Winnipeg MB R3J 3W3
• By email with "Proposed Regulations Review" in the subject line to groundwater@gov.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.
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.
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 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 06, 2015
Engineers Canada Supports Council of Canadian Academies’ STEM Report
On April 30, the Council of Canadian Academies published Some Assembly Required: STEM Skills and Canada’s Economic Productivity. The report represents the work of an 11-member Expert Panel on STEM Skills for the Future that assessed Canada’s preparedness in meeting future science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skill requirements.
“Engineers Canada supports the Council of Canadian Academies’ STEM report recommendations, including early childhood interventions to strengthen fundamental STEM skills,” said CEO Kim Allen, FEC, P.Eng. “The recommendations will maximize Canada’s potential for innovation.”
Engineers Canada has been working on issues that relate to the STEM report’s key findings, including supporting under-represented groups in engineering to broaden the profession’s skill supply; balancing STEM with other skills such as leadership, communications and creativity to promote innovation and economic growth; and developing long term strategies for capacity building.
“I congratulate the Expert Panel on their important work, and look forward to collaborating with the Council of Canadian Academies to achieve our common goal of a Canadian workforce that has balanced skills, the ability to take advantage of opportunities and the capacity to adapt to change,” said Allen.
More information on the Council of Canadian Academies’ Some Assembly Required: STEM Skills and Canada’s Economic Productivity report can be found at www.scienceadvice.ca.
APR 15, 2015
Federal Government Releases Report on Employment Challenges of New Canadians
The Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development, released the Panel on Employment Challenges of New Canadians’ report on innovative approaches and challenges related to licensing, hiring and integration of immigrants. Engineers Canada’s Chief Executive Officer, Kim Allen, FEC, P.Eng. was a member of the panel that met with over 150 organizations involved in the issue of employment for new Canadians.
The Panel’s report, “Survival to Success: Transforming Immigrant Outcomes,” makes six recommendations to better integrate immigrants into the Canadian labour market:
- Require each regulated occupation to develop a single national standard and point of contact and insist that skilled immigrants take the initiative to have their qualifications assessed prior to arriving in Canada.
- Develop a broader strategy for alternative careers with a more prominent role for regulators that will support newcomers as part of the licensing process.
- Foster leadership, support and a shared sense of responsibility among all stakeholders for helping immigrants find jobs that match their skills.
- Establish a “Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group for Better Immigrant Employment Outcomes.”
- Produce more coordinated labour market information targeted at newcomers.
- Educate communities on how to increase retention outside large metropolitan areas.
“I am honoured to have been a member of the Panel on Employment Challenges of New Canadians,” said Kim Allen, FEC, P.Eng. “Working on the Panel was an excellent opportunity to speak with stakeholders and experts across the country to help address an issue of importance to the country and engineering profession.”
Engineers Canada is excited to continue working with Employment and Social Development Canada to address some of the challenges faced by newcomers that are highlighted in the report.
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.
MAR 27, 2015
Manitoban Member Named Engineering Ambassador Award Recipient
Association Past President and Incoming President of Engineers Canada, Dr. Digvir Jayas, P.Eng., FEC, has been named this year’s recipient of the Partners in Research (PIR) Engineering Ambassador Award.
The PIR Engineering Ambassador Award recognizes a Canadian researcher, his or her outstanding body of work over a period of time which has contributed to the field of engineering, and corresponding promotion of this research to the Canadian public.
The PIR National Awards presentation will be held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Tuesday, May 26, 2015.
MAR 19, 2015
Young Engineer Hopefuls Use Their Noodles
2015 proved to be another successful year for the Association's Spaghetti Bridge Truss Strength Competition, held this past weekend at Kildonan Place.
"It's great to see students, teachers, and engineers come together to build strong entries in support of Winnipeg Harvest. Many bright, young minds applied a lot of engineering ingenuity with glue and spaghetti. This year's contest entries held up 14,602 lbs.!" said Grant Koropatnick, P.Eng. FEC, APEGM CEO & Registrar.
APEGM 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 over 320,000 lbs of food from the 2015 Spaghetti Bridge Competition!
“Building bridges is important in any community. The idea of using pasta, which happens to be one of our top ten most needed items, is a great way to inspire youngsters and our next group of engineers to build those bridges. By including such a generous donation to Winnipeg Harvest, it helps illustrate that building bridges to reduce the number of people relying on food banks is important for any professional moving forward”, says David Northcott, Executive Director of Winnipeg Harvest. “There are more bridges to build as we feed an average of 61,691 Manitobans monthly with nearly 45 per cent being children.”
The Spaghetti Bridge Truss Strength 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 2015. PEGW also promotes careers in engineering and the geosciences to young people of all ages.
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 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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