Innovation Winter 2024.25

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.

Innovation Winter 2024/25

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