Mr. Michael Smyth, P.Eng., has served APEGGA for 16 years, including six years on Council, and is currently the outgoing President. Throughout his tenure as an APEGGA volunteer he has demonstrated the qualities of leadership – commitment, enthusiasm, dedication and vision.

He graduated from the University of Waterloo with a B.A.Sc. in 1980 and earned an M.Sc. in Structural Engineering from the University of Calgary in 1990. His career began in drilling operations and research with Dome Petroleum in the Arctic offshore, followed by six years as an independent consultant. Mr. Smyth has worked in the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) industry for over 10 years with Bantrel, Colt and SNC-Lavalin. He is currently a senior project manager at Optima Engineers and Constructors with responsibility for business development.

As one of 600 active volunteers who carry out APEGGA’s core regulatory functions of registration, discipline and compliance, his leadership and vision have helped to ensure that APEGGA remains a leading provincial/territorial association in Canada. Through a continued focus on strategic planning and communications, he has contributed to the understanding among stakeholders of both the role of APEGGA and the contribution that engineers, geologists and geophysicists make to society and to our provincial economy.

Mr. Smyth has been an advocate and supporter of the high standards of core services and innovative problem-solving that are the hallmark of APEGGA. As a member of the Advocacy Task Force, he supported the position that the Association should become more vocal on topical issues, as well as facilitate dialogue among members and stakeholders.

During his tenure as President, Mr. Smyth tackled a number of critical issues facing the Association. He guided discussions with the Alberta Society of Engineering Technologists (ASET) concerning the future relationship between our two organizations. Similarly, he was instrumental in the development of visionary concepts that identify both how APEGGA will lead our professions in the future and what APEGGA’s relationship with other professions might be. Notably, a proposal is being considered to create additional classifications to license persons currently practicing under supervision but who possess sufficient qualifications and experience to merit a restricted scope of practice designation.

When claims of “bad engineering” relating to mega-projects appeared in local and national newspapers, he quickly jumped into the fray. He challenged these statements with all concerned and, in the end, determined that the most likely cause of these cost over-runs was not bad engineering but a number of weaknesses in project management and internal measures, plus economic factors beyond control.

In November 2003, he had the honour of officially welcoming APEGGA’s 40,000th member. Mr. Sebsibe Asfaw, P.Geol., came to Calgary from Ethiopia to make a new life for himself and in the process contribute to the Alberta Advantage – just as his fellow APEGGA members do. Mr. Smyth accompanied Mr. Asfaw to the Provincial Legislature where they were introduced to the Speaker of the House and the elected Members.

Mr. Smyth claims that the secret to his success has been the unquestioned support and understanding that he has received from his greatest critics and advisors, his wife Cindy and their four wonderful children.

APEGGA Activities

• President, APEGGA, 2003-2004
• First Vice President, APEGGA, 2002-2003
• Member, APEGGA Council, 1998-present
• Member, Licensure Task Force
• Member, Advocacy Task Force
• APEGGA Liaison to Consulting Engineers of Alberta
• Member, Council Governance Subcommittee, 2000-2001
• Member, Investigative Committee, 1996-2000
• Member, Nominating Committee, 1996-1997
• Member, University Student Liaison Committee, 1994-1995
• Chair, Calgary Branch Executive, 1993-1994
• Member, Calgary Branch, 1992-1995
• Chair, Calgary Members Liaison Committee, 1990-1991
• Member, Calgary Members Liaison Committee, 1988-1992

Affiliations, Corporate or Community Service

• Member, Minister’s Advisory Council for Electrical Deregulation
• Candidate for Calgary Public School Board, 1999
• Member, Canadian Society for Civil Engineering
• Member, Renovation Committee, Banff Trail Community Association
• Member, Dr. E.W. Coffin Elementary School Parent Council
• Member, Calgary Council of Home and School Associations
• Director, Science Alberta Charter School