The PEGG

April, 2000

Across Canada

News briefs from associations in other provinces and territories.

Student Program To Begin in B.C.

The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia has implemented a new university student program for engineering and geoscience students in second year and higher.

The program has been identified as an important component of APEGBC's strategy to increase the number of registered engineers and geoscientists in training.

The Member Advantage Program for Students (MAPS) entails an initial student membership fee of $25. A portion of the fee will be offered as a credit toward E.I.T. and G.I.T. fees as an incentive to join APEGBC after graduation.

Quebec has such a program and Ontario is proceeding with a similar initiative. Last year, APEGGA launched its APEGGA Student Advantage Program (ASAP). ASAP participants pay no fee.

B.C. Makes Condo Recommendations

APEGBC, in conjunction with the Consulting Engineers of British Columbia has made a presentation to the Barrett Commission, which is examining the issue of leaky condominiums in British Columbia.

The joint presentation suggest:

• that qualified engineers be engaged early in the process to provide the appropriate professional advice;
• that life-cycle costing be required as a design tool to assess the cost/benefit of various options;
• that building envelope maintenance schedules and requirements be included in maintenance manuals as a guide for building owners and managers;
• that an independent professional reserve fund analysis be made mandatory, versus the current requirement of an arbitrary percentage of the operating budget.

Manitoba Opts For Voluntary CPD

The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba has opted for a voluntary program of professional development by its members. The move follows a recommendation by a Member Competence Task Force. A communications strategy is being developed to increase member awareness of the decision.

According to APEGM President John Hosang, P.Eng. : "The voluntary nature of the program that will evolve is not to be taken as diminishing its importance. In fact, the value of personal improvement will be emphasized in the communications strategy."

Advocacy Concept Receives Support in Ontario

The results of a Professional Engineers Ontario mail-out ballot has resulted in a majority of those members voting (12,047 for vs. 2,903 against and 86 spoiled) in support of creating a separate professional organization, the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. The latter would be dedicated to advancing the interests and aspirations of members, and promoting the profession. The vote also approved a $30 increase in PEO's licensing fee (phased in over two years) to help support the new organization. The proposal calls for PEO to have a regulatory role.

Next steps will include PEO Council appointments to the interim board, further discussions with government, and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.

Ontario Reviews Chapter System

A Professional Engineers Ontario group has suggested a number of changes to PEO's current chapter system. The recommendations by the Chapter Structure and Revitalization Team include:

• statutory recognition of chapters under Ontario's Engineering Act;
• increased staff support for administrative functions;
• increased funding to permit chapters to provide a wider range of services; and
• local or regional offices to deliver services to members and the public.