INNOVATION November-December 2016

He says his year spent traveling the province as the association’s vice president and listening to members at branch meetings made him aware of the complexity of APEGBC’s operations, the diversity of member needs, and the complexity of the association’s relationship with BC’s government. “The experience made me appreciate how lucky we are in this province to have an organisation such as APEGBC representing us at the personal, municipal, provincial, and national levels. It also made me aware of the challenges facing APEGBC and the professions, and of how much work remains to be done to strengthen the association’s relationships with members and with the BC Government.” In addition to serving on APEGBC Council, Bob has volunteered on APEGBC’s Competency, Registration, and Professional Practice committees, beginning in 2004. Below, he talks about his vision and general priorities as association president during the coming year. What is your vision for your term as president? Ideally, I see APEGBC leading the nation in terms of promoting the professions, increasing mobility and increasing diversity, with appropriate transparency and direct and clear communication with members. I also see APEGBC being viewed as a protector of the public and as a capable regulator, with modern, efficient, but fair systems and processes in place, and with both the membership and government having high confidence in the association to deliver what both groups need. What do you foresee to be the most pressing issues facing APEGBC now? A key challenge we face this year is demonstrating to members and government that we can deliver on our duty to protect the public without compromising member advocacy. The membership wants more transparency and greater control on proposed changes or additional requirements. The

government appears to want to see increased due diligence on the part of members in regards to continuing professional development (CPD) and public interest, similar to what is seen in other regulated professions. There is also interest in our exploration of potential regulation of companies practising engineering or geoscience in BC. Although the association has taken steps via the Organisational Quality Management program and the creation of a task force to explore this issue, the government may consider the results of these efforts, communications and input, I think the association can achieve these requirements through increased membership engagement, more direct communication via members’ chosen media, and other means. What do you foresee to be the most pressing issue facing APEGBC members and the professions? In addition to the issues I just mentioned, the increasing trend towards sourcing of engineering and geoscience services outside the province for various-sized projects—services that have traditionally been done within BC—is a concern. The association needs to continue its work with stakeholders to ensure outsourcing of services meets APEGBC’s public- protection requirements, and to ensure similar services offered by BC firms are viewed as not only competitive, but better. This work includes new branding and promotion of the professions by APEGBC. How will you apply what you learned during your term as vice-president to your term as president? I will continue consulting with members on topics such as government relations, CPD, the quality management guidelines, APEGBC’s involvement in Engineers Canada, as required. I will support the on-going coupled with the CPD concerns, insufficient. In terms of members’ desire for transparency,

work to strengthen APEGBC’s relationship with government, the public and other stakeholders, and to increase membership engagement to ensure we maintain the confidence of all these stakeholders as a self- regulating professional body. I will also continue to support APEGBC’s strategic plan, the diversity of APEGBC members, current efforts to streamline, modernise and ensure the fairness of APEGBC’s registration process, as well as improved alignment with other provincial professional associations. I will also work to ensure all councillors, members, staff, and other guests feel welcome at Council meetings. v

2016/2017 APEGBC President Bob Stewart describes: His leadership style:

His professional philosophy: I trust, but verify, and follow the laws of the land. His approach to the role of APEGBC president: I will be approachable, polite, and professional—and expect the same from others. I am inclusive and welcoming, and open to listening to other points of view—but expect the same in return. I am organised and come prepared to get the task at hand done right the first time. I still like to laugh.

I am a facilitator and consensus builder. I encourage all stakeholders to provide input to enable the team or group to talk through, understand or resolve an issue. In addition, I have no problem delegating tasks to appropriate individuals. His personal style: I am approachable and friendly, but have a serious side I can call on. I enjoy listening to others and understanding their concerns. I am a problem solver, and enjoy explaining my point of view or suggestion. I also love to laugh, and enjoy a good story or joke.

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