Innovation Winter 2024.25

Annual Conference highlights | Two AGM motions | Demographic data report

INNOVATION ENGINEERS AND GEOSCIENTISTS BRITISH COLUMBIA WINTER 2024/25

NUCLEAR FUSION: THE JOURNEY TO HARNESS CLEAN ENERGY

MEET THE NEW BOARD CHAIR

EDI WORKS IN THE WORKPLACE

Innovation Winter 2024/25

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WINTER 2024/25 | Volume 28 Number 4 INNOVATION

COMMENT 4 Viewpoint 38 Letter NEWS 5 Two AGM motions 6 AGM in review

22 F usion: working through the challenges General Fusion uses a unique strategy as it develops nuclear fusion for the commercial market. P hoto : W endy D P hotography 12

7 September Board highlights 8 Meet the new Board Chair 11 2024/2025 Board 12 Annual Conference highlights 14 Annual Report available 14 Time to renew registration 15 Project highlights reminder 16 ASTTBC survey 19 One Water guideline recognized 37 Foundation awards 37 Affinity program changes 34 Demographic data update DEPARTMENTS 20 Professional Practice 38 In memoriam 39 Discipline and enforcement 43 Display Advertisers’ index 46 Continuing Education ON THE COVER General Fusion's prototype is used for liquid metal compression testing. P hoto : W endy D P hotography FEATURES 22 General Fusion 30 EDI at work

Highlights from the AGM and Annual Conference The AGM and Annual Conference welcomed registrants from around the province. P hoto : W endy D P hotography

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EDI works in the workplace Incorporating EDI in practice leads to more inclusive solutions. P hoto : L ightspring /S hutterstock

Digital version View the digital version by scanning the QR code or by going to egbc.ca/Innovation.

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V I EWPO INT

ENGINEERS AND GEOSCIENTISTS BRITISH COLUMBIA Suite 200 - 4010 Regent Street, Burnaby, BC Canada V5C 6N2 Tel: 604.430.8035 | Toll free: 1.888.430.8035 WINTER 2024/25 | volume 28 number 4 INNOVATION BOARD 2023/2024 Chair: Mark Porter, P.Eng., Struct.Eng. Vice Chair: Karen Ling, P.Eng. Immediate Past Chair: Michelle Mahovlich, MEng, P.Eng., P.Geo., FCSSE BOARD MEMBERS Bill Chan, CPA, CGA, MBA, ICD.D; Veronica Knott, P.Eng.; Cathy McIntyre, MBA, C.Dir; Matthew Salmon, P.Eng.; T.J. Schmaltz, JD, FCPHR, SHRM-SCP, ICD.D; Malcolm Shield, P.Eng.; Colette Trudeau, MA; Jens Weber, P.Eng.; Dr. Gordon Zhou, P.Eng. EXECUTIVE TEAM Heidi Yang, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.), Chief Executive Officer Liza Aboud, MBA, ABC, ICD.D, Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Cho, CPA, CGA, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer David Pavan, R.PH., Chief Regulatory Officer and Registrar EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Ryan Bird, P.Eng.; Roozbeh Nemati, PMP, P.Eng.; Ian Rodriguez, EIT; Raya Smertina, P.Eng.; Aman Tanvir, P.Eng.; Stefano Vitucci, P.Eng. Innovation is published quarterly by Engineers and Geoscientists BC. As the official publication of the organization, Innovation is circulated to all registrants of Engineers and Geoscientists BC as well as architects, contractors and industry executives. The views expressed in any article do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Board or Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Email: info@egbc.ca | Web: egbc.ca MANAGING EDITOR Shelley Nicholl

Recognizing the profound role

we professionals play As I step into the role of Board Chair and look ahead to the upcoming year at Engineers and Geoscientists BC, I see a need to focus on building relationships, fostering collaboration, and ensuring our organization is equipped to

meet the challenges of a changing world. Since the Professional Governance Act has been introduced, we have achieved a lot, have put in place a solid base and are respected as leaders in this regulatory environment. One of my main goals is to strengthen, and rebuild where necessary, connections with our registrants. The regulatory changes we’ve undergone can sometimes lead to disengagement, and it’s essential that we maintain open communication to reinforce trust and engagement within our professions. Transparency and mutual respect will be key to achieving this. Another priority is supporting the newly formed BC Society of Engineering and Geoscience (BCSEG). With its focus on advocacy, BCSEG represents an exciting opportunity to collaborate with our organization, ensuring that while we maintain our regulatory mandate, we also champion the interests of our professions and their role in society. Equally important is making sure Engineers and Geoscientists BC has the internal capacity — through its staff and volunteers — to continue delivering on its vision of modern regulation for a resilient world. With the ongoing demands of climate change and protecting the public, we must ensure our organization has the resources to lead effectively. Ultimately, I want us to serve the public interest as an inclusive, progressive, and future-focused regulator. As a structural engineer, I am proud of the impact I’ve had on projects and advisory groups not only across Canada and BC but also around the world. From sustainable structures in the UK to transportation structures in the Caribbean to community infrastructure here in BC, I’ve realized that the work we do as engineers and geoscientists touches the everyday lives of the public, with ripples that extend far and last for generations. This profound responsibility makes it vital that we preserve our ability to self-regulate, ensuring that we uphold the highest standards of professional practice in the public’s best interest. Ultimately, the engineering and geoscience professions play a profound role in shaping the future, and I’m excited to help guide Engineers and Geoscientists BC through this period of growth and change, ensuring we remain trusted, respected, and capable of meeting society’s needs. Mark Porter, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., FEC

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Sales Representative: Wing-Yee Kwong Tel: 604.681.1811 Email: advertising@egbc.ca For information see: www.egbc.ca/About/Publications/Innovation/How-to-Advertise

SUBMISSIONS Innovation does not accept unsolicited articles or photos, but we do welcome article proposals and ideas. Proposals should be of interest and relevant to our readers and recognize the regulatory role of Engineers and Geoscientists BC in ensuring public safety and environmental protection. They should not be a "sales pitch" for a company or organization. Send suggestions to: innovation@egbc.ca . LETTERS Innovation welcomes letters from our readers. All submitted letters may be subject to editing for length, clarity or accuracy. We reserve the right to reject unsuitable letters and we do not publish open letters to third parties. Send letters to: innovation@egbc.ca.

REPRINTS & COPIES All material is copyright. For reprint permission or extra copies, contact: innovation@egbc.ca.

SUBSCRIPTIONS All registrants with Engineers and Geoscientists BC receive Innovation in print or digital form. Registrants can update their communication preferences for Innovation in their accounts at egbc.ca/account. Send print or digital subscription requests to: innovation@egbc.ca.

WEBSITE & DIGITAL EDITION www.egbc.ca/About/Publications/Innovation

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ISSN 1206-3622 Publications Mail Agreement No 40065271. Registration No 09799. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Innovation , Suite 200 - 4010 Regent Street, Burnaby, BC V5C 6N2.

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BOARD NEWS

Registrants pass two AGM motions to support BCSEG Registrants discussed and voted on two motions at the AGM . P hoto : W endy D P hotography

Registrants voted in favour of two Annual General Meeting (AGM) motions aimed to support the BC Society of Engineering and Geoscience (BCSEG). At the Engineers and Geoscientists BC 105th AGM, October 16, registrants voted in-person and online in favour of the two motions submitted in advance: Motion 1: That the Board consider providing the new advocacy society, BC Society of Engineering and Geoscience, with suitable ongoing funding to support an effective transition period over the next three to five years. Motion carried. In favour: 292. Against: 57. Motion 2: That the Board consider maintaining ex isting programs identified for termination/transition to BCSEG, with adequate resourcing, until such a time as BCSEG is financially positioned to take on the role of delivering these programs. Motion carried. In favour: 305. Against: 47. The motions are non-binding and will be considered by the Board at a future meeting. Registrants speaking in favour of the motions wanted to see a suitable transition period with financial support to avoid pitfalls as BCSEG gets on its feet. Registrants spoke

to the value of BCSEG to attract new professionals, involve volunteers, provide opportunities for engagement and support public safety. Lianna Mah, P.Eng., who moved the first motion (seconded by Karen Savage, P.Eng.), explained that transition takes time and BCSEG needed more support and time to be successful. The second motion, moved by Geoffrey W. Hodgson, P.Eng., and seconded by Mah, concerned the programs that Engineers and Geoscientists BC is currently transitioning to BCSEG to operate, which includes the revenue-generating Affinity and Career Advertising programs as well as the Branch program. Mah pointed out that BCSEG is just at the point of hiring its first employee, an executive director, and believed Engineers and Geoscientists BC should run the programs until BCSEG was fully ready. The Engineers and Geoscientists BC Board decision to create a separate advocacy-oriented organization was made in June 2023 and BCSEG became official early in 2024. The Board provided initial funding of $250,000 and a subsequent addition in September of $500,000. BCSEG is expected to officially accept members in early 2025.

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BOARD NEWS

AGM highlights collaborative progress of organization Collaboration with 11 other regulators;

The 2023/24 Board Chair, Michelle Mahovlich, P.Eng., P.Geo., welcomed more than 750 attendees to the Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), October 16. Elder Larry Grant and Carl Point from the Musqueam Nation opened the meeting with a territorial greeting. Mahovlich introduced the incoming Board (see article page 7) before turning to CEO Heidi Yang, P.Eng., to

provide highlights of the collaborative accomplishments over the past year. These included: • Working with the newly formed BC Society of Engineering and Geoscience (BCSEG); • Supporting the proposed reserved practice for the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC, (ASTTBC); • Signing Engineers Canada’s National Statement of

• Publishing the Professional Practice Guidelines – Erosion and Sediment Control in collaboration with multiple regulators operating under the Professional Governance Act ( PGA ); and • Aligning with the International Credentials Recognition Act , introduced by the provincial government. “We are heartened by this progress and the benefit it will have to the public and environment,” said Yang, “and by the positive partnerships we’ve built over the last year with other regulators operating under the PGA , and with government.” Yang also congratulated registrants on their high completion rate for their Continuing Education requirements. A total of 91 percent of registrants completed their requirements on time. Financial statements The financial statements, included in the Annual Report, showed the total revenue for the organization, $32.2 million, increased by $2.9 million from the previous year due to more applications and exams as well as more participation in seminars and webinars. Registrant annual fees accounted for 53 percent of the total revenue stream and firms’ fees were 10 percent. During the question period, a registrant asked why the reserve fund amount, $17.6 million, needed to be so high. Engineers and Geoscientists BC Chief Financial and Administration Officer Jennifer Cho explained that the organization holds enough in the reserve fund as a contingency to operate for six to eight months. There are also reserve funds of $1 million for possible legal costs, and $2 million for the office building and equipment.

The 2023/24 Board Chair Michelle Mahovlich addresses registrants and guests at the AGM held in Vancouver. P hoto : W endy D P hotography

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BOARD NEWS

stressed the key focusses of the society are to promote, support and enhance the professions, advocate for the collective benefit of the members, and help members achieve professional excellence. She said the society hopes to include professional development as well as public outreach and awareness, enveloping events such as Science Games, which had been under the auspices of Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Attendees also hoped the annual award ceremony would return. • An update on the work of Geoscientists Canada, brought forward by Paul Hubley, P.Geo., CEO, and Antigone Dixon- Warren, P.Geo., Director. Appointments • Audit and Practice Review Committee: Kuan Ming (Gary) Chen, P.Eng. • Credentials Committee: Stephen O’Leary, P.Eng., FEC; Kevin Riederer, P.Eng., Struct.Eng. Board meeting information Board meeting dates, agendas and

have time to review financial information before motions are due. Questions also arose about the registration process and timelines. Chief Regulatory Officer David Pavan, R.Ph., explained that, while some applications take longer than others, the goal is to have applicants through the process in six months. BCSEG Katie Au, P.Eng., Vice Chair of BCSEG, gave an update on the society, noting the work of the volunteers over the past year. She

Registrant questions Almost 30 registrant questions were fielded by Engineers and Geoscientists BC staff pertaining to issues such as the organization’s relationship with safety authorities, support for sole proprietors and working on licensing provincial ministries as firms. A question was raised about the timeline between when the financial statements were made public and the deadline to submit motion requests. It was noted that registrants should

Board highlights: September 20, 2024 The following are the highlights from Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Board meeting September 20, 2024. Audited financial statements The Board received the report of the Finance, Audit and Risk Performance Indicators, which measure Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s progress in achieving the goals and

objectives of its Strategic Plan. A total of nine KPIs have been developed to date that measure 16 metrics. • The new Professional Practice Guidelines – Security Critical Software, version 1.0 , which will be slated for publication following editorial and legal review. • An updated Territorial Acknowledgement Policy, which will guide Engineers and Geoscientists BC staff, Board members, and volunteers in respectfully acknowledging a given First Nation at meetings.

Subcommittee and approved the organization’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. The complete audited financial statements are available in Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Annual Report (see page 14). Board and subcommittees The Board approved an update to the Board Composition Matrix and the Board Subcommittee Composition Matrices. These documents identify priorities and gaps for the Board and each of its subcommittees in terms of the relevant skills and experience it needs in prospective candidates to ensure a balanced view. The changes bring consistency to the matrices, include a more relevant mix of skills and attributes and communicate those more clearly, and incorporate the need for diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Other reports The Board received reports from staff and representatives on the following additional topics: • The organization’s Key

minutes can be viewed online.

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MEET THE BOARD CHAIR

2024/2025 BOARD CHAIR

Taking on the

MARK PORTER

Mark Porter P.Eng., Struct.Eng., FEC • Managing Director of Structural Engineering at StructureCraft • Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers and Engineers Canada • Founding Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Group to Engineers and Geoscientists BC • Member of the Wood First Advisory Committee for the

Forestry Innovation Investment Group

• Member of the CSA Code Development Committees

P hoto : W endy D P hotography

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challenge of leadership during significant change working on mitigation or adaptation, the decisions we make have a profound impact on society. Q. What do you see as the main goals for the Board in the year ahead? In the year ahead, I see three important goals for the Board to address.

We also have a duty, in the interest of public safety, to educate ourselves and design for the realities of a changing climate. Leading Engineers and Geoscientists BC to take a proactive stance on climate change, and now being recognized as a leader in the field as a regulator, is something I am immensely proud of. It underscores the vital role we play in building a sustainable and resilient future. Q. What has been the highlight of your engineering career? There have been so many highlights throughout my career, each meaningful in its own way. One of the early ones was designing a simple tied arch structure for a school project in the UK in the late ’90s, where I first applied a sustainable approach to engineering. Another was working on an all-wood water treatment plant for the Nisga’a First Nation in Gitwinksihlkw, BC – a project that combined engineering with cultural sensitivity and environmental stewardship. Seeing the effects of thawing permafrost and changing snow firsthand in the Northwest Territories was a stark reminder of the urgency of climate adaptation, which motivated me even more in leading our professions’ efforts on climate change. More recently, being part of StructureCraft, a world-leading company making beautiful wood buildings possible, is incredibly rewarding. I am immensely proud to be a structural engineer, and the variety of projects I’ve been involved in – each with its own challenges and impact – has made my journey more fulfilling. Q. If you could re-design an appliance of any size in your home – or create a new one – what would it be and why? If I could redesign an appliance, it would be the thermostat. While smart thermostats today are incredibly advanced, they’ve become overly complex in trying to do too much. Sometimes all you really want is a simple interface where you can set a temperature or turn it off and on without needing to grab your glasses or consult the instruction manual. The intelligence should work seamlessly in the background, but without overwhelming the user with options and settings. A more intuitive, user-friendly design would go a long way to make everyday tasks simpler without sacrificing the benefits of modern technology.

First, we recognize that with the changes in our regulatory environment, there has been and continues to be a risk of disengagement among registrants. Rebuilding and strengthening relationships are essential to ensuring their continued engagement and trust in the organization. Open communication and transparency will be key to achieving this. Second, with our mandate now clearly focused on regulation, we must realize how to best support the BC Society of Engineering and Geoscience (BCSEG) as it develops into a successful, independent body. A collaborative partnership between BCSEG and Engineers and Geoscientists BC will allow continued effective advocacy for the professions while maintaining our regulatory responsibilities. Finally, ensuring that our organization has the capacity to fulfill its vision of modern regulation for a resilient world is crucial. This means continuing to invest in our talented staff and dedicated volunteers so that we can meet the evolving demands of the professions and provide the leadership needed. Q. Why did you want to take a leadership position with the Board? I wanted to take on a leadership role with the Board because I am immensely proud of our professions and want to be part of ensuring they continue to be respected and trusted. The work that engineers and geoscientists do has a profound impact on society, and I believe it is crucial to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and accountability as we move forward. Additionally, I thrive on challenges, and this is a time of significant change for our organization. The opportunity to contribute to the professions during such a pivotal moment is something I feel deeply passionate about. Serving in this role allows me to give back to the engineering and geoscience community in a meaningful way, helping to guide the organization through these changes while maintaining our core values and commitment to public safety. Q. You are the founding Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Group to Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Why is this group important to you? The effects of our changing climate pose one of the greatest challenges of our generation, and as engineers and geoscientists, what we do truly matters. Whether we’re

Innovation Winter 2024/25

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BOARD NEWS

The 2024/25 Engineers and Geoscientists BC Board members are, from left: Cathy McIntyre, MBA, C.Dir.; Jens Weber, P.Eng.; TJ Schmaltz, JD, FCPHR, SHRM-SCP, ICD.D; Mark Porter, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., FEC; Colette Trudeau, MA; Malcolm Shield, P.Eng.; Bill Chan, CPA, CGA, ICD.D; Michelle Mahovlich, P.Eng., P.Geo., FCSSE; Veronica Knott, P.Eng.; Dr. Gordon Zhou, P.Eng.; Matthew Salmon, P.Eng.; and Karen Ling, P.Eng. P hoto : W endy D P hotography Mark Porter elected chair of the 2024/25 Board

At the Engineers and Geoscientists BC Board’s inaugural meeting for the 2024/25 term, October 17, the Board elected Mark Porter, P.Eng., Struct. Eng., FEC, as the new Chair. Karen Ling, P.Eng., was elected as Vice Chair. Porter is Managing Director of Structural Engineering at StructureCraft (see full profile page 8). He received a Fellowship with the Institution of Structural Engineers and Engineers Canada for his work in sustainability and climate change. Porter was the founding Chair of Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Climate Change Advisory Group and also serves on the Wood First Advisory Committee for the Forestry Innovation Investment Group, as well as CSA Code Development Committees. Ling is a senior leader in the construction industry, experienced in mentoring teams, assessing risk, and overseeing revenue and profitability of operations. Having held roles such

Benevolent Fund Society and continues to focus on public outreach. Scan the QR code for full bios of all Board members.

as Vice President of Operations and Project Director, she is skilled at strategic operations and change management, including development of succession plans and introduction of equity, diversity, and inclusion policies. Ling has served as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Engineers and Geoscientists BC

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2024 ANNUAL

At this year’s Annual Conference, registrant feedback was collected at the Engineers and Geoscientists BC booth and through an online survey for virtual attendees about how registrants want to engage with Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Registrants were asked to rate the topics they deemed most important. They were: • Climate change and sustainability (74 percent) • Governance and regulatory programs (46 percent) • Artificial intelligence (40 percent) • Engineering and technical knowledge (39 percent) • Practice guidance (31 percent) “One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the opportunity to speak directly with registrants.” said Tara Bushman, Manager, Communications. “Hearing registrants’ perspectives and ideas reinforced our shared commitment to protecting the public and the environment, and we are eager to explore collaborative Registrants weigh in Engineers and Geoscientists BC also wanted to understand how registrants wanted to provide their feedback. The preferred methods were: • Surveys (52 percent) • Virtual town hall meetings (28 percent) • In-person focus groups (25 percent) • In-person events (24 percent) This information will assist the organization in its registrant engagement strategy. Next Steps As the organization analyzes the feedback and develops an engagement strategy, registrants will be updated on the progress through eNews and Innovation . If you would like to be included in engagement initiatives, please email: feedback@egbc.ca. Enterprise or Falcon? For fun, registrants at the booth were asked who they thought would win the battle between Star Trek’s Enterprise and Star Wars’ Millenium Falcon. Star Trek’s Enterprise triumphed with 47 votes against the Falcon’s 39. opportunities that align with these goals.” Preferred methods for feedback

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CONFERENCE

THANK YOU ATTENDEES

This year’s Annual Conference, October 16-18, welcomed 475 attendees in person at the Vancouver Convention Centre and 405 attendees virtually. Engineering and geoscience professionals networked, attended the trade show, took Continuing Education courses and heard keynote speakers. Thanks is extended to all registrants, delegates, speakers, session presenters, exhibitors, and special guests for attending. Engineers and Geoscientists BC would like to thank the following sponsors for their valued contribution: Platinum • Park Insurance Northbridge Insurance • Marsh Insurance Berkley Insurance Gold • Canada Life • Manulife • FortisBC • New York Institute of Technology – Vancouver • UBC Master of Engineering Leadership • Aplin & Martin Consultants Silver • BBA Engineering • Axis Insurance Managers • BC Hydro • R.F. Binnie & Associates Bronze • Smukowich Law Corporation THANK YOU SPONSORS

Clockwise from top left: Keynote speaker Olympian Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser; performance coach and keynote speaker Alan Mallory, P.Eng.; sponsors and businesses active in the tradeshow; CEO Heidi Yang, P.Eng., meeting with attendees at the Engineers and Geoscientists BC booth; registrants at a Continuing Education course; and, centre, Engineers Canada President Dr. Mike Wrinch, P.Eng., FEC, with UBC engineering students. P hotos : W endy D P hotography

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REGULATORY NEWS

Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s 2023/2024 Annual Report provides a review of the financial statements and activities of the organization. The Annual Report, which covers the fiscal year from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, also summarizes the work of the Board, staff, and volunteers, in protecting the public and the environment. The report highlights Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s activities striving towards the vision outcomes of the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan: public confidence, Annual Report now available online

collaboration hub, future ready, and social responsibility. The report also includes the organization’s audited financial statements for 2023/2024. Scan the QR code to see the online version.

Annual registration renewal due by December 31

Stay up to date with BCSEG and Foundation As part of this year’s annual renewal process, registrants cann opt in to receive communications from and to share information with the BC Society of Engineering and Geoscience and the Engineers and Geoscientists BC Foundation. How to move to non-practising status To change their registration status to non-practising, registrants can go to their online account and select the “Request for Non-Practising Status” link and complete the declaration. Registrants may move from practising to non-practising status if they are not going to practise professional engineering or geoscience. Registrants who elect this status must sign an annual declaration not to engage in professional practice, and use one of two qualified titles: non-practising or retired. How to resign without late fees To resign their license with Engineers and Geoscientists BC, registrants must do so before December 31, 2024, to avoid late fees. Resignation can be completed by signing into registrants’ online account, or by contacting Engineers and Geoscientists BC directly. More information Information on renewing annual registration is available by scanning the QR code.

Individual registrants are reminded they must renew their annual registration by December 31, 2024. Individual registrants can renew their registration and pay their fees online by signing into their Engineers and Geoscientists BC account at egbc.ca/Account . Registrants who have not paid their annual fee by December 31 will be subject to late fees (15 percent of fee), and those who have not renewed by January 31, 2025, will be struck off the register. The December 31 renewal deadline also applies to registrants who submit their 2024 annual renewal invoice to their employers for payment. Please allow enough time for your employer to process your renewal.

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Project highlights submissions open January 2

registrants and licensees of Engineers and Geoscientists BC. The project entry must be accompanied by at least one high-quality, high-resolution digital photograph. The final decision about which projects are included in the edition rests with the Editorial Advisory Group. Registrants working for large companies are encouraged to coordinate their project submissions to avoid multiple or duplicate submissions. More information More submission details will be on the project webpage by January 2025. Last year’s project

Innovation ’s annual project highlights issue showcases registrant projects that reflect the regulatory mandate of Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Registrants are invited to submit project photos and brief descriptions of their projects from 2023/2024. Projects must be currently underway or have been completed by or after June 30, 2024. Submissions can be submitted online from January 2 to March 7, 2025. Registrants will be notified by email when the submission form is open. Project highlights are published in the summer issue of Innovation in mid-June. Criteria for submissions The project description should provide a basic description of the project, how the registrant(s) or registrant firm was involved and how the project meets (CPCQA) CANADIAN PRECAST CONCRETE QUALITY ASSURANCE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

highlights edition can be viewed in the 2024 Summer issue of Innovation , which is also available online.

the public safety and environmental stewardship requirement. The maximum length for submissions is 140 words and projects must involve and identify

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REGULATORY NEWS

P hoto : A ditya C hinchure /U nsplash

ASTTBC reserved practice

Registrants share feedback in survey

and questions about this work, and what information they would like to receive from Engineers and Geoscientists BC on this topic as it progresses. More than 2,300 registrants provided feedback. Awareness and understanding About 46 percent of respondents were aware of the pro posed change, with the same number indicating they were familiar with the concept of reserved practice. Reserved practice is work that may only be carried out by or under the supervision of an individual registered with the specific regulatory body that oversees the work – a

In August, Engineers and Geoscientists BC surveyed registrants about a proposed area of reserved practice for applied science professionals: engineering technologists and technicians registered with Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC). The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills confirmed the intention to develop this area of reserved practice in May, following many years of close collaboration between ASTTBC and Engineers and Geoscientists BC. The survey asked for registrants’ perceptions, experience,

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Information needs As this work progresses, registrants also had feedback for Engineers and Geoscientists BC on what they wanted more information about. The most common request was information about the details and scope of the reserved practice for ASTTBC registrants (74 percent), followed by the requirements and process for introducing it (17 percent), and the impact of this change (13 percent). Next steps Engineers and Geoscientists BC and ASTTBC are considering this feedback as they work to create descriptive materials to clarify the reserved practice. While a timeline for introducing this reserved practice is still to be determined, if Cabinet approves the regulation for reserved practice, the specifics of the reserved practice – which would take the form of a regulation under the PGA – would be published to BC Laws and be shared more broadly for input. Previous practice shows that it can be beneficial to delay the in-force date of the reserved practice to approximately one year after the publication date. This approach gives time for registrants, industry, and the public, to prepare for implementation and allow feedback to be gathered from a wider audience. As this work progresses, Engineers and Geoscientists BC will keep registrants up to date through regular communication in Innovation , eNews, and by email.

concept more commonly referred to as “practice rights” before the introduction of the Professional Governance Act ( PGA ). In the case of the proposed reserved practice for ASTTBC registrants, professional engineers and licensees would continue to supervise those performing work in the reserved practice of engineering and would also be able to practice and to supervise others in the future reserved practice of applied science technology. Benefits, concerns, and current practice Registrants noted several benefits associated with introducing reserved practice for ASTTBC registrants. The top-noted benefits included recognizing technologists and technicians as accountable professionals, providing oversight for work that is unregulated and preventing unqualified individuals from practicing, and providing more clarity about which professionals can engage in specific types of work. In terms of concerns, registrants mentioned potential confusion around the line between engineering and applied science technology, uncertainty around qualifications and competence to take on independent work, and encroachment into the reserved practice of engineering. Registrants also provided feedback about workflows between engineers, technologists and technicians in current practice. Items noted included clarity between roles, what type of work is carried out independently by technologists and technicians in their workplaces, and the criteria for assigning this work.

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Innovation Winter 2024/25

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Winter 2024/25

Innovation

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

One Water guidelines receive Water Canada Award

management issues in BC. The traditional regulatory approach for water management often overlooks enterprise-level risks, such as organizational, financial, and climate-related ones, leading to water system failures. This is particularly challenging in BC as it handles climate-related impacts, like the flooding in Grand Forks and Merritt as well as droughts province-wide, while shouldering a $12-billion infrastructure deficit. To address these gaps, Engineers and Geoscientists BC established the interim One Water system risk management professional practice guidelines with funding and support from the BC Ministry of Health. These guidelines intentionally apply the One Water lens to risk management work within the water sector, addressing technical and systemic risks. Guideline development Engineers and Geoscientists BC actively involved various partners, including provincial ministries, municipalities, health authorities, Indigenous organizations, and non-profits, to ensure alignment with diverse water supply systems and provincial water management. Its benefits in tackling water system risks and prioritizing critical infrastructure have been demonstrated in two pilot projects in BC communities. In the absence of regulatory levers or relevant demand-side legislation, these guidelines have been developed as interim professional

Water Canada, a leading platform for water sector professionals, has awarded Engineers and Geoscientists BC the prestigious Water Canada award for its regulatory leadership in environmental protection and climate resilience. The award specifically acknowledges the organization’s innovative aproach to water management in its professional practice guideline called Guidelines for the Preparation of One Water System Risk Management in BC , published in April. Work done by water industry associations, research organizations, academia, and leading local governments has provided support for the One Water concept, which promotes an integrated planning and implementation approach to managing finite water resources for long-term resilience and reliability, meeting community and ecosystem needs. wastewater, stormwater and water reuse systems as a single resource and presents a holistic approach to governance, operations and financing by responding to the fundamental need for a collaborative risk-informed approach to water management. Challenges to One Water approach There are, however, human resource, funding and policy gaps that limit the application of this approach to solve some of the complex water The approach considers the watershed, drinking water,

practice guidelines to promote the One Water approach and provide guidance to registrants of Engineers and Geoscientists BC in this space, while allowing the water sector to build capacity before finalization. While these guidelines provide a model for registrants to apply holistic risk management with local governments and Indigenous communities, they are not intended to speak to the water sector at large. To support broader adoption, a complementary planning guide has also been developed to support communities in adopting a One Water approach by providing strategies for consistent application in water system risk management. The guidelines are available at egbc.ca/Guidelines .

Sign up for One Water guidelines webinar

Professional Practice Guidelines: Preparation of One Water System Risk Management Plans in BC

To learn more about applying these guidelines to professional practice and to understand opportunities to integrate the One Water approach when addressing water management issues, sign up for the Engineers and Geoscientists BC Continuing Education webinar.

January 21, 2025 12-1:30 p.m. Scan the QR code to register.

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PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Newly published professional practice guidelines and advisories egbc.ca/Guidelines

Guideline Revision: Professional Services in the Forest Sector – Forest Roads

These professional practice guidelines were jointly revised by Engineers and Geoscientists BC and Forest Professionals BC to provide professional practice expectations and obligations in relation to the design, construction, maintenance, and deactivation of forest roads. This revision brings the guidelines into compliance with the Professional Governance Act , considers climate change implications, provides additional clarity on professional practice expectations over the life cycle of a forest road, includes guidance for crossing inspections, provides professional assurance statements for various activities, expands the guidance on required skill sets, and provides additional detail related to forest road retaining walls. Guideline Revision: Retaining Wall Design These professional practice guidelines provide the expectations and obligations for practice in relation to the design of retaining walls. This revision brings the guidelines into compliance with the Professional Governance Act ¸ adds clarity around independent review requirements and divides the assurance statement into two parts to account for pre- and post-field review stages.

Practice Advisory: Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Professional Practice

This advisory provides guidance to registrants on appropriately using AI in professional activities or work. It discusses items to consider when using AI or when incorporating AI into engineering and geoscience activities or work, including how to remain in compliance with quality management and professional responsibility requirements. This practice advisory does not discuss the appropriateness of using AI-based systems and tools in engineering and geoscience.

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Winter 2024/25

Innovation

Professional practice inquiries

How can I meet my obligations concerning field reviews? If requested, can I do field reviews remotely?

Engineers and geoscientists are indispensable for their technical knowledge and professional competence throughout project design, decision-making, and delivery stages. To maintain the quality of work and protect the public interest, periodic field reviews are required to be conducted by engineering and geoscience professionals at the site of construction or implementation of their work. While terminology related to field reviews varies across different areas of practice, the obligations of registrants to undertake field reviews remain the same when their work involves professional engineering and professional geoscience deliverables in any capacity. The requirement for field reviews is outlined in the Engineers and Geoscientists BC Bylaws. Field reviews are an important verification step to ascertain that the implementation or construction of work substantially complies in all material respects to the professional engineering or geoscience concepts or intent reflected in the documents prepared for such work. Through field reviews, registrants must identify nonconforming work, communicate the problem in writing to the party responsible for the implementation, request rectification, and confirm and record when the work is made to conform. The number and frequency of field reviews are at the discretion of the registrant responsible for the work and will vary based on considerations such as nature of work, risk, complexity, guidelines, the number of deficiencies found early in the work, and others. These considerations and more are found in the Guide to the Standard for

Documented Field Reviews During Implementation or Construction which provides additional guidance to help registrants meet their field review obligations. While remote technologies have advanced significantly, registrants must use their professional discretion to assess and determine the suitability of remote field reviews on a case-by-case basis, given the type of work and the project circumstances. If certain scopes of a field review are delegated, registrants are expected to follow the Guide to the Standard for Direct Supervision and demonstrate active involvement and continued interaction and input, and this must be documented. Registrants should consider the level of complexity, nature of the field review, and the ability of the delegate field reviewers to deliver the required level of quality and accuracy to appropriately complete the field review, or complete tasks related to the field review such as taking photos or videos. Registrants should also be mindful of potential conflicts of interest, whether real or perceived, with a contractor or client gathering data for a field review. Registrants have the obligation and responsibility to ascertain that field reviews are appropriately carried out for their work, regardless of whether in-person or remotely. Financial or scheduling constraints are not appropriate reasons to absolve this responsibility. For further inquiries and questions, please contact practiceadvisor@egbc.ca . Ryan Dai, EIT Junior Practice Advisor

at

Upcoming Webinars For a complete list of our upcoming technical webinars, please visit egbc.ca/Events

Mandatory Regulatory Learning Module for 2024-2025: Duty to Report Practising registrants must complete this mandatory one-hour Regulatory Learning Module in the current reporting year (July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025). The course is available on-demand through the Knowledge Centre at egbc.ca/Knowledge-Centre .

Innovation Winter 2024/25

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FEATURE

CHASING FUSION: The road to generating clean power

By Shereen Lee

Photos by Wendy D Photography A mong the companies pioneering innovative approaches in nuclear fusion, Richmond-based General Fusion is a notable player. While the company is still years from releasing a commercial product, its prototypes have demonstrated a series of promising advancements in their technology. The company’s unique strategy involves using liquid metal to stabilize and compress a plasma of hydrogen isotopes, a

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Innovation Innovation

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The US Energy Information Administration has forecasted that by 2050, the world will experience a staggering 50 percent increase in energy demand, making the search for sustainable energy solutions more urgent. Nuclear fusion emerges as a compelling, yet elusive, solution in this landscape. The engineering challenges of replicating the extreme conditions necessary for fusion on Earth, however, have proven more difficult than expected.

method designed to overcome some of the most persistent barriers in fusion engineering. Their prototypes have attracted the attention of necessary investors. Since its founding on Bowen Island in 2002, General Fusion has garnered more than $442 million in funding through 20 investment rounds, drawing interest from high-profile investors that include Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and the Canadian government.

Innovation Winter 2024/25 Innovation Winter 2024/25

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