MAY 2005 ISSUE
President 'Proud to be Elected
Larry Staples, P.Eng., Becomes 86th
President at AGM in Calgary
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You Take the Gavel, Top, incoming President Larry Staples, P.Eng., accepts the official gavel during the AGM, April 23 in Calgary at the APEGGA Annual Conference; bottom, Linda Van Gastel, P.Eng., becomes the 50th past president to receive a ceremonial vest on her departure from the top job. The vesting ceremony took place at the Summit Awards Gala, April 22. |
BY GEORGE LEE
The PEGG
Promising to live up to his oath of office while working hard for a group of professionials he's proud to represent, Larry Staples, P.Eng., officially became the 86th APEGGA President April 23 in Calgary.
“The oath I've just taken is genuine,” he told the crowd of about 160 members and others at the Annual General Meeting, which was the starting point of his one-year term leading the Association. “I am so proud to be elected by my peers. This is not only a privilege — it is also a responsibility.”
Mr. Staples took over from Linda Van Gastel, P.Eng., whose term saw APEGGA refocus on communication and consultation. In her final report as president, Ms. Van Gastel told members that despite APEGGA stepping back on the controversial Inclusivity Initiative, issues within it remain.
Members will likely someday vote on some form of new membership category, for limited and defined practices so emerging disciplines are regulated. “This is an issue that will continue to be a factor in the coming years,” Ms. Van Gastel predicted.
Another critical matter is the ability of members to register and work across borders with as few hurdles aspossible, while licensing bodies ensure public protection. Known as mobility, the initiative has long been a major APEGGA issue.
Ms. Van Gastel said multi-jurisdiction projects on the horizon and the province's rapidly growing economy make recent mobility advances in the Pacific Northwest particularly important.
It was all part of an interesting and busy year, she said. “This was a very rewarding year and one I will always be grateful for.”
Mr. Staples brings about three decades of consulting and research experience — and APEGGA volunteer experience — to the position. He and his wife, Moira, live in Edmonton. They have three adult children and a new granddaughter.
For more on Mr. Staples, see Meet the President on page 6 of this edition of The PEGG (or click here to view online version). For the full new Council, including those elected in 2005, see page 4 (or click here to view online version). Also listed are winners of Summit Awards (click here for online version).