INNOVATION September-October 2012
As the official publication of Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia, Innovation is circulated to almost 34,000 BC-registered professional engineers and geoscientists, other professionals, industry and government representatives, educational institutions and the general public. The magazine is published six times each year on a bi-monthly basis.
Sea Level Rise in BC • Northern Gateway Project • Diversity in Organizations
JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND GEOSCIENTISTS OF BC
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
A Vision for Energy Efficiency
Compensation survey results
2012 President’s Awards Winners
PM40065271
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content s
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2 012 [ VOl .16 nO .5]
features 18
Diversity in Organizations – Why and How Dr Elizabeth Croft PEng FEC, Jennifer Pelletier
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Multi-unit Residential Buildings in BC – A Vision for Energy Efficiency Andrew Pape-Salmon PEng MRM, Jordan Fisher LEED AP, Warren Knowles PEng BEP, Jennifer Sanguinetti PEng LEED AP Preparing for Sea Level Rise in British Columbia: Science, Policy and Practice Tina Neale, Jesal Shah PEng PE
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news 4
President’s Viewpoint – Making the Choice to Serve
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Association Notes – Directory Will Help Public Access Engineering and Geoscience Services; APEGBC Council Appoints New Chief Executive Officer; 2011/2012 Annual Report Available; Program Offers APEGBC- endorsed Quality Management Certification; Update your Practice Declaration and Contact Information; Get the Latest Annual Conference News
ON THE COVER: APEGBC members from around the province will be gathering in Victoria, BC for the 2012 Annual Conference, October 25-27 at the Victoria Conference Centre. This issue previews some of the topics to be covered among the 52 professional development sessions offered over two days preceding APEGBC’s AGM.
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APEG Foundation Grows the Next Generation of Professionals
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Getting it Right: Ethics in Practice
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2012 President’s Awards Winners
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Legal Brief – The Bargains We Make
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Risks Associated with Tanker Transports for the Northern Gateway Project
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2012 Member Compensation Survey Results
depar tment s
6 Newsmakers 11 APEGBC Professional Development 36 Discipline and Enforcement 37 Membership 41 Professional Services 46 Careers 47 Datebook
The C J Westerman Memorial Award
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September/October 2012 Volume 16 Number 5
v iewpoint
One of the most important decisions that APEGBC Council can make is the selection of the association’s Chief Executive Officer. Council appoints the CEO and Registrar to run our association on a daily basis and to represent the interests of the members as directed by the elected Council. APEGBC has been very fortunate to have had Derek Doyle PEng as our CEO and Registrar over the past 6 years. We were lucky to convince him to come on as our CEO instead of retiring at that time, and we owe him our thanks for a job well done. In his time at APEGBC, he has championed both the Professional Renewal Program and legislative changes for modernization of the Engineers and Geoscientists Act . But, Derek is soon moving on to his well deserved retirement. So, after an extensive CEO search led by past president Dick Fletcher PEng FEC, I’m very pleased to welcome Ann English PEng, as our incoming CEO and Registrar. Ann was the unanimous choice of the CEO Search Committee and Council to be our next CEO. You can read about Ann’s qualifications elsewhere in this edition. During the extensive CEO interview process, one of the questions we posed to Ann was why did she want the job? I thought that Ann gave the perfect reply: it’s all about looking for that place where you can serve the greater good. To me this sums up the reason why individuals make that choice to serve others. Over the past year, I’ve been asked many times why I ran for president of APEGBC. This motivation is harder to explain than it may seem on the surface. Taking on the presidency is a major personal commitment, which is then followed by the responsibilities of immediate past president. I estimate that I’ve spent approximately 50% of my time in the past year on APEGBC business. Not that I’m complaining; like those presidents before me, I went into this position with eyes open. The presidency is a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and challenge. It is an unparalleled opportunity to meet other community leaders and to attend a wide variety of events as APEGBC’s representative. In short, it is a very busy time that is both personally and professionally fulfilling, and a lot of fun. But, ultimately it is about service to the professions—working to make our association better, accountable and transparent to our members. This is occurring at all levels of APEGBC, whether it is through the members who give their time as registration interviewers and experience reviewers, who serve on committees and task forces, or who organize and lead the activities of the branches and divisions in every corner of the province. Over the past year, I’ve enjoyed my time in service to you, and I hope that during my presidency we’ve been able to move this association forward for the members and the public.
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC Suite 200 - 4010 Regent Street, Burnaby, BC Canada V5C 6N2 Tel: (604) 430-8035 Fax: (604) 430-8085 E-mail: apeginfo@apeg.bc.ca Internet: www.apeg.bc.ca Toll free: 1-888-430-8035
2011/2012 COUNCIL, APEGBC P resident J H ( Jeff) Holm PEng FEC
V ice P resident M (Michael) Isaacson PEng PhD P ast P resident F W (F rank ) D enton PE ng FEC
Making the Choice to Serve
Councillors M H (Matt) Cameron PEng FEC; E A (Emily) Cheung PEng FEC; J J (John) Clague PGeo PhD; A (Ana) Fernandes Cim Fcsi; H (Herb) Hawson PEng FEC; D M (Donna) Howes PEng; H G (Harlan) Kelly PEng; J (Joe) Martignago; A J (Andy) Mill PEng StructEng FEC; M I (Mark) Porter PEng StructEng;
S R (Ross) Rettie PEng FEC; (Mike) Waberski Bcls; M C (Michael) Wrinch PEng PhD; S (Sheila) Wynn PhD
ASSOCIATION STAFF D V Doyle P Eng C hief E xecutive O fficer and R egistrar J Y Sinclair C hief O perating O fficer T M Y C hong PEng C hief R egulatory O fficer and D eputy R egistrar J Cho CGA D irector , F inance and A dministration P R Mitchell PEng D irector , P rofessional P ractice , S tandards and D evelopment G M Pichler PEng D irector , R egistration G A Thiele LLB D irector , L egislation , E thics and C ompliance M L Archibald A ssociate D irector , C ommunications and S takeholder E ngagement R M F ilipiak P Eng A ssociate D irector , A dmissions D Gamble A ssociate D irector , I nformation S ervices V Lai CGA A ssociate D irector , F inance and A dministration J J G Larocque PEng LLB A ssociate D irector , P rofessional P ractice
Jeff Holm PEng FEC President
A Lim A/ A ssociate D irector , M ember S ervices D Olychick A ssociate D irector , M ember S ervices
Melinda Lau M anaging E ditor
EDITORIAL BOARD S Chiu PEng; R Gupta PEng P h D; C L Hall PGeo; S K Hayes PEng; K S Hirji PEng; M A Klippenstein PEng; I Kokan PEng; M E Leslie PEng; B Thomson PGeo FEC (Hon)
president@ apeg.bc.ca
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Advertising Contact: Gillian Cobban Tel: (604) 929-6733 Fax: (604) 929-6753 E-mail: advertising@apeg.bc.ca
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Subscription rates per issue $4.50; six issues yearly $25.00. Annual subscriptions of Association members are apportioned from membership dues in the amount of $15 per member (rates do not include HST). Innovation is published six times a year by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia. As the official publication of the Association, Innovation is circulated to members of the engineering and geoscience professions, architects, contractors and industrial executives. The views expressed in any article contained herein do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Council or membership of this Association. Submission Guidelines: Innovation encourages unsolicited articles and photos. By submitting material to Innovation, you grant Innovation a royalty-free, worldwide license to publish the material in Innovation magazine; and you warrant that you have the authority to grant such rights and have obtained waivers of all associated moral rights. Innovation reserves the right to edit the material for length, clarity and conformity with our editorial guidelines (www. apeg.bc.ca/resource/innovation/editorial.html) and is under no obligation to publish any or all submissions or any portion thereof including credits. All material is copyright. Please contact the Managing Editor for reprint permission.
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US Postmaster: Innovation (ISSN 1206-3622) is published bimonthly for $25.00 per year by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia, c/o US Agent-Transborder Mail, 4708 Caldwell Rd E, Edgewood, WA 98372-9221. Periodicals postage paid at Puyallup, WA, and at additional mailing offices, US PO #007-927. POSTMASTER send address changes (covers only) to Innovation, c/o Transborder Mail, PO Box 6016, Federal Way, WA 98063-6016.
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Does Mandatory CPD Make a Difference? In the latest issue (July/August 2012) we are informed of the efforts to make the CPD program mandatory but still no presentation of data supporting why this program should be made mandatory. Since the inception of the association it has been sufficient for the individual members to determine how and when to remain current, and I fail to understand why this approach needs to be changed. Before I am ready to support such a bylaw I think we need to answer some questions first. How do we quantify improvements to engineering practice? Public safety is paramount of course; can it be shown to have improved in those jurisdictions that already require mandatory CPD? What fraction of negative practice reviews can be attributed to lack of CPD? What is the cost (to the member and indirectly to the public) of making CPD mandatory ?
I have asked these questions of various members of and candidates for the APEGBC council and have received little more than claims of “self evident,” “public perception,” “marketing requirements” and similar justifications, but I feel that as engineers we can do better than that. At present in Canada, four of 12 engineering associations continue to use the voluntary CPD model (including the largest, PEO) while the remainder have transitioned to mandatory CPD in recent years. Choose some appropriate metrics and review the data, does mandatory CPD make a significant difference? Is it worth the costs? If it is a real benefit then the ratification vote will be a breeze...if not then let’s spend our efforts more usefully elsewhere. Niall Parker PEng Pender Island, BC v
Klohn Crippen Berger (KCB) is a multi-disciplinary consulting firm providing engineering and environmental services in the hydropower, transportation, ports, infrastructure, geotechnical, geosciences, mining, oil sands, oil & gas, environmental and water resources sectors. We offer our full range of services from our offices in Canada, Australia, the UK and Peru. Klohn Crippen Berger is pleased to announce the following Associates appointments.
Graham Parkinson, P.Geo. A Senior Geoscientist, Graham has more than 28 years experience on a wide variety of assignments in the mine development, engineering and environmental sectors and is currently managing highly complex projects for clients in Northern British Columbia. Thava Thavaraj, Ph.D., P.Eng. Thava is a Senior Geotechnical Engineer in our Vancouver-based Power and Transportation group where he provides geotechnical and seismic design analysis leadership for projects including bridges, dams, dykes and large earth structures and piled foundations.
Dave Dowdell, Ph.D., P.Eng., P.E., PMP. Dave is a Senior Structural Engineer in our Vancouver-based Power and Transportation group. Dave provides technical design and analysis leadership for major hydro, bridge and construction engineering projects like the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge. Rick Friedel, P.Eng., P.E. Since joining KCB in 2003, Rick has completed long-term assignments in our Mining Environmental Group (MEG) offices in Canada, South America and Australia. Rick returned to BC in 2011 to start up the Vancouver MEG Oil Sands group. Rick Ghag, Senior Structural Designer. Rick is a key member of our Vancouver-based Power and Transportation group where he has led bridge-structural design projects as well as multi-disciplinary projects for KCB resource sector clients.
www.klohn.com
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n ewsmaker s
Northwest states to seek work in Northern Alberta, an area that has experienced a significant labour shortage due to oil and gas development. A former APEGBC Community Service Award (1984) and Professional Service Award (2005) winner, Smith is APEGBC’s appointed representative to the PNWER Executive Committee. APEGBC’s participation in PNWER allows for input on a wide range of regional issues in the Pacific Northwest. Discussion took place this year regarding agricultural export standards; petroleum, mineral and energy The compensation survey is conducted every two years and allows APEGBC to perform an analysis of member compensation relative to employment responsibility level, giving members and employers a point of reference for comparison to other professions in BC and across Canada. An overview of the results of this year’s compensation survey is available on page 34. APEGBC undertook its 2012 survey of members’ compensation and benefits in May of this year, and members who participated were entered into a draw for a 32 GB Apple iPad. Matthew Chan PEng, a transportation engineer with Delcan, was the lucky winner chosen from among the 2,424 members who completed the 2012 Compensation Survey by June 30, 2012.
participation pays Off for compensation Survey taker
New iPad owner, Mathew Chan PEng.
ApeGbc past president recognized for promoting uS-canada cooperation For his work on cross-labour mobility, APEGBC past president Colin Smith PEng FEC was recognized by the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) with the Robert Day
Memorial Award at the organization’s annual summit. Smith has been actively involved in PNWER and has travelled to each of its 10 jurisdictions in the last two years to encourage US-Canada cooperation. Specifically, he has helped to develop a project to reduce barriers to labour mobility, encouraging skilled US tradespeople from Pacific
resource development; transportation infrastructure; and electrical energy generation among many other topics.
A bbotsford • C AlgAry • C ourtenAy • e dmonton • K elownA n AnAimo • r iChmond • s urrey • V iCtoriA
Honourable mention for OQm program
Challenges inspire us •
APEGBC’s Organizational Quality Management Program (OQM) has been recognized with a special Honourable Mention by the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) BC Chapter at the 2012 CSAE-BC Association Cornerstone of Excellence Awards. The OQM program was developed in cooperation with industry to improve the quality management of professional engineering and geoscience practices at the individual and organizational level. Offering an APEGBC-endorsed quality management certification to participating organizations, a pilot was conducted in 2010 and implementation of the program is underway. The special recognition was announced at the CSAE-BC awards luncheon on September 25, 2012. The Association Cornerstone of Excellence Awards honour outstanding achievement and dedication in the association sector.
• Geotechnical • Environment • Materials • Building Science
www.levelton.com
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Queen elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medals presented to bc engineers
countless APEGBC branches, committees, and task forces since 1978, Mr Blanchard also served eight years on Council, including one as President. Dr Sheldon Cherry is a respected researcher, engineer and educator in the field of structural and earthquake engineering as a professor emeritus at UBC. He is also the founding Chairman of the National Research Council’s Canadian National Committee for Earthquake Engineering and has made significant contributions to the Canadian and global engineering profession. The medals will be presented during the APEGBC Annual Conference and AGM at the Recognition Luncheon on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at the Victoria Conference Centre in Victoria, BC. Engineers Canada was identified by Rideau Hall as being a partner in the selection process of the recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medals. During the year of celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized for their contributions to Canada. 40
On behalf of His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General, APEGBC is pleased to announce three recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals. The association wishes to congratulate Captain Mark Adams PEng, Paul Blanchard PEng FEC and Dr Sheldon Cherry PEng for this most deserving honour. Their outstanding achievements in the field of engineering are a remarkable contribution to their profession, the province of BC and Canada. Captain Mark Adams is an exceptional young professional who has demonstrated outstanding service and leadership, and is a dedicated advocate of the mining and engineering industries in BC. Mark enlisted as a Royal Canadian Air Cadet where he served his community and volunteered for six years before enrolling in the Canadian Forces as a part-time reserve air force officer in the Cadet Instructors Cadre. A Senior Engineer at Stantec’s Surrey office, Mr Blanchard has worked on various high-profile projects and has been active in professional organizations. An invaluable contributor to
building relationships
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come join our excitement DNA is seeking talented Municipal Engineers who are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, and are ready to take on a wide variety of diverse infrastructure projects throughout BC and the North. DNA is a long-established, award-winning multidisciplinary firm, with pride in the service we deliver and in the relationships we foster with our First Nations, private sector and government clients. Come join our creative and dynamic team and be part of our next 40 years! Learn more about us at www.davidnairne.com and send your CV to employment@davidnairne.com building communities working together
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as soc ia t ion notes
New Directory will Help Public Access Engineering and Geoscience services To help connect members of the public seeking engineering and geoscience services with professional engineers and geoscientists, APEGBC is creating a directory of members and licensees offering services on discrete scope projects (DSP). APEGBC frequently receives requests from individuals and small- to-medium sized businesses for the names of APEGBC professionals able to provide services for their projects. In most cases, these projects have discrete and limited scopes. Examples of recent queries include a potential home buyer who wishes to ascertain the status of a retaining wall on a property; a condo owner told by a building official that an engineer must sign off on a modification to their suite; and a restaurant owner who wants to upgrade the fire suppression system in their kitchen. Typically, such projects do not readily fit the portfolios of larger organizations that routinely deal with large-scale or multidisciplinary projects over long periods of time. To meet this demand, APEGBC is compiling a Discrete Scope Projects Directory, a listing of members and licensees who would be interested in providing their services on such projects. While the DSP Directory will focus on discrete-scope projects of all kinds, there is particular demand in the following areas: · Building Enclosure/Building Science · Civil · Dams and flooding · Electrical · Fire protection · Mechanical · Structural Inclusion in the DSP Directory is completely voluntary, and members and licensees can add or withdraw their names at any time. To request inclusion in the DSP Directory, please complete and submit the form available at www. apeg.bc.ca/discretescopeprojects. For further information, please contact Gilbert Larocque CD PEng LLB, Associate Director, Professional Practice at (604) 639-8178, or by e-mail at dsp@apeg.bc.ca.
APEGBC Council Appoints New Chief Executive Officer and registrar APEGBC is pleased to announce the appointment of Ann English PEng as Chief Executive Officer and Registrar. Reporting to APEGBC Council, Ms English will join APEGBC on November 13, 2012 and will be responsible for all aspects of the association’s operations. Ms English succeeds Derek Doyle PEng, who will pursue retirement after having served as CEO and Registrar since January 2007. “We are delighted to welcome Ann to APEGBC,” says
Ann English PEng
president Jeff Holm PEng FEC. “Her outstanding leadership skills, broad experience in business development and project management, and proven track record in both the private and government sectors will be incredibly valuable to the association as we work to achieve our strategic goals.” Ms English will join APEGBC after almost 10 years at BC Hydro in a variety of senior leadership roles. She is currently the Director of Interconnections, responsible for the connection of load and generator customers (independent power producers) to the transmission and distribution systems. Previously, she led BC Hydro’s 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Initiatives project which won four awards and raised the bar on green energy solutions for future Olympic Games events. Ms English brings an in-depth understanding of the regulatory environment as well as demonstrated leadership, business development, and project management experience. In addition to her work with BC Hydro, Ms English has significant experience in private industry, with nearly 20 years at Foster Wheeler, a large utility equipment, engineering and construction company. She is a graduate of the University of Manitoba with a degree in mechanical engineering and a graduate of the University of Toronto with a degree in physiology. Apart from her professional pursuits, Ms English has also been involved in her community serving as a member of various boards and councils.
2011/2012 Annual report Available
The 2011/2012 APEGBC annual report is now available online at www.apeg.bc.ca/resource/ publications/annualreports/. The report provides an overview of how APEGBC has delivered on its strategic plan and includes the audited financial statements for the past year. Print copies of the report may be requested by contacting the APEGBC office at (604) 430-8035 or 1-888-430-8035, or apeginfo@apeg.bc.ca.
apeg 2011/2012 annual report
apeg 2011/2012 annual report
TheassociaTionofprofessionalengineersandgeoscienTisTsofbriTishcolumbia 200 – 4010regentstreet,burnaby,britishcolumbia V5c 6n2 T: 604,430.8035 f: 604.430.8085 e: apeginfo@apeg.bc.ca apeg.bc.ca
apegbc 2011/2012 annual reporT
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Program offers APEGBC-endorsed Quality Management Certification
APEGBC’s Organizational Quality Management (OQM) Program has been developed to improve the quality management of professional engineering and geoscience practices at the individual and organizational level. This voluntary program offers certification to participating organizations. Requests for participation in the OQM program are now being accepted. The OQM Program offers organizations employing APEGBC professionals the opportunity to implement or adapt in-house quality management policies and procedures consistent with the requirements of the Engineers and Geoscientists Act and Bylaws. An organization can elect to participate in the program in a variety of ways. They can use policies and procedures already established by the organization that are consistent with the basic quality management requirements that APEGBC members and licensees must meet under the Engineers and Geoscientists Act and APEGBC Bylaws; adapt existing policies and procedures to be consistent with the basic quality management requirements; adopt APEGBC’s OQMManual as-is; or adapt the APEGBC OQMManual to meet the particular needs of the organization while remaining consistent with the basic quality management requirements. OQM certified organizations will be identified as adhering to an APEGBC-endorsed quality management program, and will be listed on the APEGBC website. Employees from these organizations will be exempt from APEGBC’s Practice Review Program. The first OQM certifications will issued in early 2013. To initiate your participation in the OQM Certification process, or for any inquiries regarding OQM certification, contact oqm@apeg.bc.ca. A number of resources are also available for viewing or download, including the OQMmanual, the APEGBC Quality Management Guidelines, and webinars on the six Quality Management Guidelines. For more information on the OQM program visit www.apeg.bc.ca/ppractice/oqm.html. A session on the Organizational Quality Management Program will be presented on Friday, October 26, 2012 at the APEGBC Annual Conference in Victoria, BC. For more information, visit www.apeg.bc.ca/ac2012/prodev/organizations.html.
Follow us on Twitter and Get the Latest Annual Conference and AGM News Follow @APEGBC for the latest news on annual conference sessions, highlights and promotions. The official Twitter hashtag for the APEGBC Annual Conference and AGM is #apegac12 . This year’s conference program includes over 70 hours worth of professional development sessions, with streams devoted to building codes, management, engineering and geoscience in the resource sector, environmental engineering, municipal engineering, structural engineering, young professionals, better business and more. The event offers four keynotes and four social events, including an exhibitor wine and beer reception and the President’s Awards Gala. The tradeshow will feature 48 exhibitors and showcase materials and services geared towards engineering and geoscience professionals. On Saturday, October 27 at 8:30 am, the Association of Professional Engi- neers and Geoscientists of BC will hold its 93 rd Annual General Meeting. All members are encouraged to attend the meeting, which will be held in Carson Hall at the Victoria Conference Centre. There is no charge to attend the AGM business portions of the An- nual Conference. For information on the 2012 confer- ence program, accommodations and registration, visit the conference website at www.apeg.bc.ca/ac2012.
Membership renewal update your practice Declaration and contact Information Members and licensees are reminded to keep their practice declaration and contact information up-to-date ahead of the annual membership renewal period. The practice declaration information provided by members
and licensees identifies industry of practice and fields of expertise. It is used in the online member directory on the APEGBC website and assists the private and public sector in connecting with members and licensees to meet their engineering and geoscience related needs. The information also better assists APEGBC in more accurately identifying and serving members by practice area and expertise. In preparation for annual membership renewal, members are also asked to keep their contact information up-to-date prior to the renewal period (October 21-December 31, 2012). As the annual membership renewal package will be sent to the most current mailing address or e-mail address on file, please verify that this information is correct prior to October 21, 2012 . Updates to practice declaration and contact information can be made through the APEGBC online member portal located at https://secure.apeg.bc.ca/. Members can also verify and update their communication preferences to determine which communications they receive from APEGBC as well as their delivery preferences.
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g i v i ng back
APEG Foundation Helps to Grow the Next Generation of Professionals The APEG Foundation was chartered in 1994 to provide scholarships and bursaries to students in engineering and geoscience. Since its inception, members and firms have donated generously, enabling the Foundation to provide more than $820,000 in scholarships and grants. Each year, member donations provide students with the funding they need to start or continue their education in engineering or geoscience. Last year, 51 scholarships were awarded; however, Seventeen-year-old Jonathan Marr is a graduate of Sutherland Secondary School in North Vancouver, entering his first year of engineering at UBC this fall. He is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering or engineering physics, with plans for a graduate degree that will eventually lead him to a career in biomedical engineering: “I believe that this is not only an exciting field, but one that will truly improve our quality of life.” Students like Jeanie and Jonathan represent a bright future for the engineering and geoscience professions. Contributions to the Foundation go to support opportunities in post-secondary education for young people like them.
Jeanie Malone Scholarship Recipient
the number of high-quality applications far exceeded the number of awards the Foundation was able to provide. The Foundation is therefore striving to build its net asset base so that additional deserving applicants can be assisted. The importance of this work is shown in 2012 APEG Foundation scholarship recipients Jeanie Malone and Jonathan Marr. Jeanie Malone is a current University of British Columbia student. She is interested in chemical engineering with the long-term goal of completing her master’s degree. Jeanie says that her interest in engineering comes from her love of solving puzzles: “I see engineering as problem solving applied to the real world. Engineering is everywhere: it allows modern life to function and thrive, from dams and reservoirs to cars and computers to gasoline and newsprint.”
Beginning this year, the Foundation will be introducing a new structure to recognize donors at all levels. Four categories will be introduced: Supporting ($1-$99), Silver ($100-$249), Gold ($250-$999), and Platinum ($1000+). To our regular donors, thank you and please consider giving again. If you haven’t donated in the past, contributing this time will permit the Foundation to continue funding its scholarship programs, and grow and build for the future. Please consider giving back to the professions by way of a donation to the Foundation. Your tax-deductible gift to the APEG Foundation can make a difference.
Jonathan Marr Scholarship Recipient
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APEGBC Continuing Professional Development Personal Investment. Professional Commitment.
Getting the Best from Your Supervisors: How to Boost Productivity and Engagement October 11, 2012 – Vancouver, BC Engineers often direct the work of supervisors and our abil- ity to get the work done depends on them.We can improve our success by helping themmaster the four key skills every supervisor needs: ability to lead and deal with performance issues, ability to give instruction, ability to improve the way work is done, and the ability to set work priorities. The program is also at the roots of lean manufacturing. It provides a simple, proven model for improving the skills of supervisors in any industry. With so many indicators pointing simultaneously towards increased economic growth and resource-use and declining ecosystems and the crossing of danger- ous biophysical boundaries, we need to overhaul our civilization’s design applications so that they operate in harmony instead of in con ict with Nature. This seminar is for engineers and geoscientists who want to explore the possibilities of civilizational redesign and apply them in their work. E ective Presentation Skills October 12, 2012 – Vancouver, BC No other skill is as vital to success as the ability to stand up in front of a group to e ectively communicate information and in uence others’thinking and actions.This course will help you to improve your presentation skills by providing you with strategies and proven techniques for preparing a successful presentation and developing your delivery skills. APEGBC 2012 Annual Conference & AGM October 25-27, 2012 – Victoria, BC APEGBC’s Annual Conference and AGM combines two days of professional development sessions with technical tours, a tradeshow, social events and the AGM. Using Earned Value Techniques to Manage Project Performance October 25-27, 2012 – Victoria, BC This seminar will introduce the EVM theories and best practices every project management practitioner should know in order to monitor and forecast project performance successfully. It will help attendees learn how to apply EarnedValue tools and techniques for increased control and successful delivery of projects. Rediscover Concrete – Moving Towards More Energy-E cient, Greener Buildings November 1, 2012 – Victoria, BC This seminar will discuss advances in concrete’s contribution to energy e ciency and sustainability as well as recent industry innovations to reduce our environmental footprint. Designing a Sustainable World October 11, 2012 – Vancouver, BC
Developments in Green Design and other Provincial Green Initiatives November 8, 2012 – Vancouver, BC or via Webcast This seminar will review the“green”amendments to the Building Code, the BC Energy Plan and other green provincial initiatives, LEED®, strategies for achieving green objectives as consultants and potential liability issues aris- ing from green construction. Understanding Creek Restoration Using the Adaptive Management Process of the Natural Channel Design Guidelines November 13 & 14, 2012 – Richmond, BC To convey the concept of the iteration process involved in understanding and creating sustainable stream restora- tion designs for implementation. The seminar is intended to outline a methodology for stream restoration that can be applied to varying conditions and in uencing factors based on science. Pro ting from Diversity: Doing Business with Multicultural Communities November 14, 2012 – Vancouver, BC As the multicultural population in the Lower Mainland explodes, so does the market potential and multicultural workforce. Stop losing your share of the huge multicul- tural market! Stormwater Detention Facility Design November 15, 2012 – Richmond, BC The focus will be on the analysis and design of stormwater detention facilities, using both event-based infrastructure sizing methods as well as long-term continuous simulation. It is expected that participants will be able to understand the design strategies and modeling methodologies for sizing stormwater ponds that encompass a range of design functions and objectives. Call for Presenters Are you an expert in your eld who would like to contribute to the future of engineering and geoscience? APEGBC is actively seeking members to present on a variety of topics. For more information, please visit www.apeg.bc.ca/prodev/events.html. APEGBC Online Learning Centre The Online Learning Centre features audio recordings of previously held APEGBC seminars, synchronized with presentation slides. New sessions will be added throughout the year. Visit www.apeg.bc.ca/cpdonlinelearning/ for a complete listing of sessions available.
It will explore the potential for reducing energy use and GHGs from buildings by utilizing concrete’s thermal mass in conjunction with innovative yet proven energy reduction strategies; concrete’s performance in lifecycle assessment studies; and real-life examples of energy savings achieved. Rediscover Concrete – Moving Towards a More Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure November 1, 2012 – Victoria, BC This seminar will discuss advances in concrete’s contribu- tions to a more sustainable transportation infrastructure, as well as recent industry innovations to reduce our environmental footprint. It will discuss broader life cycle assessment methodologies to better understand a project’s cumulative environmental impact, concrete’s durability and the contribution of concrete pavements to lowering vehicle fuel consumption, reducing energy requirements and improving stormwater management, illustrated by real-world examples and recent research results from the US EPA, NRC and MIT. Sustainable Structures: Where are we heading? November 2, 2012 – Victoria, BC This workshop will provide designers with the tools, ideas, and strategies to design sustainable structures.We will engage and inspire your business to integrate sustainable concepts into your designs. Hydraulic Modeling of Water Distribution Systems November 6, 2012 – Kamloops, BC Are you making million-dollar decisions based on inaccurate hydraulic models?The seminar begins with the basics of hydraulic theory as it applies to water distribution model- ing, then takes participants through more advanced topics such as working with multiple scenarios, model calibration, pump selection, energy cost studies, extended period simulation, re ow analysis and water quality. Leadership, Problem Solving and Decision Making November 6 & 7, 2012 – Vancouver, BC This course presents a leadership approach that combines individual strengths with team processes to make timely, e ective decisions.The result is a leadership culture that continually improves its decision making and problem solving, and its ability to prevent or resolve issues before they become crises. Advanced Stormwater Management and Modeling November 7, 2012 – Prince George, BC November 22, 2012 – Kelowna, BC December 4, 2012 – Victoria, BC This seminar will provide a view of the details of advanced analytical techniques and computer models along with their data requirements. It will provide a detailed introduction to model calculation, potential accuracy and model veri cation.
For a complete listing of events or for more information, visit www.apeg.bc.ca/prodev/events.html or contact APEGBC Professional Development at 604.430.8035 or 1.888.430.8035.
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e t h i c s
Getting it Right: Ethics in Practice Dr Alison L Dempsey
However, the risk and reality that some mistakes will be made is unavoidable. There is always the possibility of human error—or worse—and there are circumstances and forces that are and will remain beyond hu- man control. By its very nature, the practice of professional engineering and geoscience inherently poses, or involves, risks to the public and the natural environment. Even a seemingly simple engineering decision can raise deep questions about the environment, safety, and public welfare. That said, there are lapses, mistakes and errors in judgment that can be reduced or avoided altogether through a combination of effective risk management and ethical conduct. Part of the process of identifying and managing operational and professional risk is to adopt strategies and put in place systems and processes that recognize and take steps to minimize the incidence of these avoidable or “preventable risks” as they are referred to in a recent article in the Harvard Business Review, “Managing Risks: A New Frame- work” by Robert S Kaplan and Anette Mikes (June 2010). According to Kaplan and Mikes, “preventable risks” are “internal risks…that are controllable and ought to be eliminated or avoided.” These include the risks from
In a competitive world, where scrutiny of the actions and decisions of individuals and organizations is becoming ever more intense, the consequences of getting it wrong are becoming ever more serious. The growth of communications technology and social media has made more transparent the adverse conse- quences of unethical and even illegal decision making. This in turn has led to greater aware- ness of the implications and consequences of unethical as well as illegal activity that has fuelled rising public expectations that behav- iour should meet ethical standards of conduct and calls for more demanding standards by which decisions and actions are judged. At the same time, the costs associated with getting things wrong are ever increasing, not only in economic, but also reputational, social and environmental terms. “[The failure of administrative controls]can be due to an organizational culture and incen- tives that encourage cost-cutting and cutting of corners—that reward workers for doing it faster and cheaper, but not better.” -Progress Report 2 − Deepwater Horizon Study Group, Centre for Catastrophic Risk Management, University of California, Berkeley, July 15, 2010
“unauthorized, illegal, unethical, incorrect, or inappropriate actions and the risks from breakdowns in routine operational processes.” Many of these actions and breakdowns arise from activities that occur within the general outlines of legal activity, but are not the subject of specific laws, regulations or other mandatory requirements. From a purely practical standpoint, laws and rules do not and cannot anticipate and address every circumstance requiring decision and action. While they establish the absolute boundar- ies as to what is and is not permissible, those limits do not necessarily describe or provide useful guidance on the proper course of action in all conceivable situations nor the better choice between competing, but equally legal, alternatives. It will always be the case that there are infi- nitely more situations than there are laws and rules dictating right and wrong choices and regulations prescribing the correct course of action. Everyday life presents countless such situations each requiring decisions and ac- tions that may have far-reaching implications and consequences. The situations faced by professionals in the context of practice are at their roots the same as those faced in all are- nas of life. They present the same challenges
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This can be achieved through principled leadership, effective communication and ac- tions that put ethics in practice. v Alison L Dempsey PhD is a legal profes- sional specialising in the area of gover- nance, ethics, and accountability. She is working with APEGBC to deliver the Ethics in Practice project.
rather than trying to force behaviour by imposing rigid rules. The key to providing effective guidance is combining ongoing reinforcement of the stan- dards that are expected of people with develop- ing and providing a range of accessible and practical tools and resources that can be readily integrated into everyday professional practice. It is the same whether the standards relate to the application of scientific principles and technical criteria or the observance of prin- ciples of good conduct and ethics. In this regard, as with the technical knowledge and skills required for profes- sional practice, APEGBC is committed to providing its members and licensees with training, support and practical resources relating to ethical conduct and the be- haviour and standards that are expected both generally, and in the context of the practice of professional engineering and geoscience and compliance with the APEGBC Code of Ethics, specifically. The new Ethics in Practice initiative starting this fall and being rolled out over the next 12 months will include enhanced eth- ics resources to supplement the current Guidelines to the Code of Ethics, tools for integrating best practices, and continuing professional development opportunities specifically focusing on ethical issues and strategies for dealing with ethical chal- lenges that arise in professional practice. APEGBC respects the fact that its members and licensees are diverse and apply their engineering and geoscience knowledge, skills and experience in a range of different contexts. That being said, the standards of professional conduct, integrity and ethical practice set out in the APEGBC Code of Ethics establish fundamental principles of conduct that every profes- sional must adhere to and strive to uphold regardless of where, for whom or on what manner of engagement they are working. Maintaining and observing the higher standards of ethical conduct is critical to the engineering and geoscience profes- sions—enhancing their reputation for tech- nical skill and expertise, and protecting the trust placed in their integrity. It is true that there will always be a few people who, knowing full well what they should be do- ing, bend or break the rules or compromise the standards of professional practice. It is the responsibility of the professions and their individual members and licensees to see that these few do not damage or taint the hard-earned reputation of the many.
of conflicting expectations and competing priorities, the pressures of time and cost, the balancing of short term over longer term con- siderations and, ultimately, their resolution relies on an exercise of judgment. However, when it comes to matters affect- ing the physical environment, that exercise of judgment is often entrusted to profession- ally qualified engineers and geoscientists, on whom clients, customers, fellow profes- sionals and members of the public rely to behave straightforwardly, honestly, with the requisite scientific and technical knowledge and the demonstrated experience, integrity and judgment needed to place human health and safety and the protection of the natural environment above all else. 14(a) … Members and licensees shall act at all times with fairness, courtesy and good faith to their associates, employers, employees and clients, and with fidelity to the public needs. They shall uphold the values of truth, honesty and trustworthiness and safeguard human life and welfare and the environment. -APEGBC Code of Ethics More often than not, people want to get it right and to do what is expected of them. The difference between whether they are successful or not may be a matter of the type of guidance available on what is, and is not, appropriate and acceptable. The danger of an over-focus on control and imposing strict rules is that it can lead to individuals being ill equipped to deal with complex, unfamiliar situations for which no current rules exist, or unable or unwilling to take individual responsibility, or in the ex- treme mistakenly assuming that the absence of specific rules equates to an unfettered licence to operate. Furthermore, the qualities critical to ethical conduct—fairness, good conscience, integrity, trustworthiness—cannot be legislat- ed or imposed. With proper guidance, however, individu- als are better equipped to make decisions and to choose to behave in alignment with standards and expectations and to have con- fidence in their choices and their understand- ing of what they should be doing. These in turn strengthen confidence and resolve to “do the right thing” in the face of pressure to do something that they know is inappropriate, unethical or worse. Professional bodies therefore require their members to observe the highest stan- dards of professional conduct and ethical behaviour in all their activities by establish- ing codes of conduct and ethics that state principles intended to guide behaviour
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President’s Awards Recipients 2012
pres i den t ’s award s
Our annual President’s Awards recognize excellence in professional, technical and community service by APEGBC members. This year we honour eight recipients in the following categories: the R A McLachlan Memorial Award, the C J Westerman Memorial Award, the Meritorious Achievement Award, the D C Lambert Professional Service Award, the Community Service Award, the Young Professional Award and the Award for Teaching Excellence.
C J Westerman Memorial Award • Dr David Wilford Pgeo
During much of the past 35 years, Dr David Wilford has been focusing on innovative research to help forestry professionals manage BC’s forests. Serving as the Forest Hydrologist for the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations in the northwest portion of the province, Dr Wilford’s research has been to integrate forestry and geoscience to reduce the impact of forest management on alluvial fans—saving habitat, water, property and even lives. Well respected in the industry, Dr Wilford received the Distinguished Forest Professional Award in 2010 from the Association of BC Forest Professionals. An engaged and dedicated professional, Dr Wilford shares his knowledge by serving on numerous committees and divisions, and has initiated and supported ventures such as the Forestry Continuing Studies Network and the Bulkley Valley Centre for Natural Resources Research and Management. An invaluable asset to the town of Smithers, BC, Dr Wilford is a tireless supporter of volun- teer organizations including the Bulkley Valley Hospice Society and Critical Incident Stress Management Program. For his prolific contributions to forest hydrology, and dedicated professional and community service, APEGBC is honoured to present Dr Wilford with the premier award for a geoscientist, the C J Westerman Memorial Award. At the forefront of many of the innovations at BC Hydro for the past 30 years, Harry Lee has excelled in his career. Currently a Specialist Engineer, Mr Lee has held numerous roles at BC Hydro that have contributed to the development of power line fault location, precise time distribution, power system dynamics monitoring and phasor measurements systems to better control the electrical system as a whole. His expertise also encompasses power quality measurement and the detection of power theft. As a member of the Western Electricity Coordinating Council’s Joint Synchronized Information Subcommittee, Mr Lee continues to expand the boundaries of GPS-based innovations to improve energy stability for the entire west coast of North America. A well-rounded professional, Mr Lee also finds time to give back to his community as chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees at Stratford Hall, an International Baccalaureate School in East Vancouver which he helped co-found in 1999. With a drive to achieve success for the purpose of building a more reliable power system for the people of British Columbia, APEGBC is pleased to present Mr Lee with its premier award for an engineer, the R A McLachlan Memorial Award.
R A McLachlan Memorial Award • Harry Lee Peng
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