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I am reluctantly drawn into the debate
on inclusivity. I share the concerns raised by Dr. Philippe
Erdmer, P.Geol.,
and Dr. Gary Faulkner, P.Eng. (Inclusivity Thrust Must
Not Lower Standards, Readers’ Forum, The PEGG,
February 2004).
With respect to the possible acceptance into APEGGA of
those who do not currently qualify for registration as
professional engineers, geologists or geophysicists in
Alberta, the two Board of Examiners members have elucidated
the relevant issues very clearly.
I wish to go further, however, by casting my vote against
the registration of anyone who does not meet the current
requirements. As I understand the process, persons shall
be considered for registration providing they have successfully
graduated from an accredited engineering, geology or geophysical
program and have served the required member-in-training
internship.
Alternately, persons who do not have a recognized degree,
but who can demonstrate adequate relevant experience, may
be allowed to write exams as determined by APEGGA. Upon
satisfactory completion, they may then be awarded either
M.I.T. or professional status.
I have often wondered as to the motivation of APEGGA to
open registration to those who do not meet the current
standards; those who have inferior academic qualifications
to those of us who have graduated with relevant degrees
from accredited universities. Is APEGGA being forced by
the provincial government or some other political pressure
to open registration to all comers?
This approach may well suit some, however I do not see
any benefits to APEGGA or to the community (the same community
we are mandated to protect) resulting from "dumbing-down" the
integrity of the professional designation.
There is already a trend in the engineering industry in
Alberta to hire non-professional engineers, pay them much
lower wages (particularly those from foreign countries)
and designate them as engineers.
APEGGA doesn’t appear to do enough to stop this practice.
Why? Is it because this practice may occur in the shops
of some of APEGGA registrants?
I have long believed that APEGGA membership and registration
are of questionable worth to me. My current work constrains
me to maintain registration. The value of engineering is
not promoted sufficiently by APEGGA. That is one of the
reasons why today, lawyers, accountants and physicians
generally continue to be remunerated much more appropriately
than most APEGGA members.
Engineering does, in fact, affect all aspects of our everyday
lives from the time we rise from bed. When we visit hospitals,
even lawyers' or accountants' offices, engineering is there.
If APEGGA proceeds with the currently contemplated action,
I will be seriously considering giving up my membership
and registration.
Horace R. Gopeesingh, P.Eng.
Calgary
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