ASTTBC :: ASTT News #128

Annual Report 2010

Issue #128 January–June 2011

This issue contains

ASTTBC’s Annual Report Check out 2010 accomplishments, financial results and more… see pages 5 to 8

ASTTBC

EST. 1958

...THE VOICE OF TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

ASTTBC : GOING GREEN

Marv Woolley, AScT, received the PETER ALLAN LEADERSHIP AWARD for his exceptional leadership in promoting careers in technology.

Jim Hamilton, President of Okanagan College (3rd from left) holds his college’s TechGREEN Award. He was joined by Trevor Williams, Dean of Energy, BCIT (TechGREEN Award Presenting Sponsor); John Yap, then-Minister of State for Climate Action; Donna Lomas, Regional Dean, and Andrew Hay, Vice President Education, both from Okanagan College, and Doug Carter, CTech, President, ASTTBC.

ASTTBC Recognizes Environmental Initiatives

T Dr. Granger Avery and Peter Barratt accept a TechGREEN Award on behalf of West Coast Helicopters.

Joyce Murray, MP for Vancouver Quadra, brings greetings from the federal government.

HE FIRST-EVER ‘TechGREEN Awards’ were presented at ASTTBC’s Technology Awards & Recognition Celebration in November 2010. More than 270 guests were on hand.

The high-profile evening was dedicated to ASTTBC’s many volunteers, the heart of the Association. The celebration, staged during National Technology Week, was also an opportunity to thank those who share common interests, such as ASTTBC’s role as a professional regulator, and promoting technology education and careers. Both members and non-members received a variety of awards recognizing their contributions to the science and technology community. The evening was a wrap up of the 25th Anniversary of the ASTT Act and at the same time was the launch of the TechGREEN initiative.

The Honourable John Yap, Minister of State for Climate Action, helped launch TechGREEN. Other dignitaries included Honourable Ida Chong, the new Minister of Science and Universities; Joyce Murray, MP for Vancouver Quadra; and MLAs Dave Hayer, Doug Horne and Bruce Ralston. A video message from Premier Gordon Campbell was played, congratulating the award recipients and thanking members of ASTTBC for their contribution.

Honorary Membership went to Bruce Sutherland, Chair of the Board at the College of New Caledonia and CEO of Wolfteck Industries. Advanced Technology Awards were presented to Michael Kennedy; Dr. Norman Streat, PhD, PEng; and Globalstar Canada Satellite Company. Frank Blues, AScT; Howard Peng, AScT, PEng; Frank Rizzardo, AScT; Kevin Simoes, RBD; Gordon Verrall, AScT; and Kelly Wickham, AScT, were presented with Professional Achievement Awards. Marv Woolley, AScT, received the prestigious Peter Allan Leadership Award for his exceptional leadership in promoting careers in technology.

“It is clear from the breadth and spectrum of awards that were handed out that ASTTBC is engaged in a wide variety of exciting projects,” said Dave Baspaly, CMC, Executive Director, BC Common Ground Alliance.

FEAT bursaries were presented to several students. A silent auction at the event raised more than $10,000 for FEAT’s Technology Legacy Fund. ■

ASTTBC thanks our Partners & Sponsors…

Te c h G R E E N AWA R D PRESENTING SPONSOR

TechGREEN Launched ASTTBC launched the TechGREEN program at its Awards Celebration on November 6th. President Doug Carter, CTech, was joined by Minister of State for Climate Action, John Yap and by Kerri Trace, AScT, who headed up the planning committee, for the countdown.

“Many technologists, technicians and technical specialists are involved in green technologies so it was appropriate that we launched TechGREEN to celebrate these efforts and to encourage more of them,” said John Leech, AScT, CAE. “TechGREEN will showcase ASTTBC members, promote green technology education and careers, and engage youth in green activities.”

The first TechGREEN Awards were presented at the launch. Because of the number and quality of the submissions, the judges selected three awards and several honourable mentions. Plaques for TechGREEN Awards are handcrafted from pine-beetle-killed trees salvaged from BC’s Okanagan Valley.

A web site – www.TechGREEN.ca – will help promote the program. A new banner will be used at career shows and exhibitions. Advertising will be part of the TechGREEN plan. The first ad featured ASTTBC President Doug Carter, CTech, who is the manager of an awardwinning bio-energy project at the University of Northern BC.

Annual General Meeting 2011

GOLD SPONSORS

Friday | May 27th P • • •

ROGRAMME… Continental Breakfast AGM Business Meeting Meet Council & Exhibitors Coffee Break • Breakout Sessions

SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS

THE ASSOCIATION FOR TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

BC CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION BC HOUSING CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION OF BC

LINDSAY KENNEY LLP OKANAGAN COLLEGE PACIFIC NORTHWEST ECONOMIC REGION

SHERATON GUILDFORD HOTEL, Surrey, BC

• • • •

Lunch First Nations MOU Keynote: Dr. Mark DeVolder TOP IN TECHNOLOGY Awards

RSVP… by May 19th

keynote speaker:

This issue of ASTT News is printed on PEFC approved paper using eco-friendly inks and processes

Dr. Mark DeVolder The Change Specialist

EVENT PARTNERS

For more information, see enclosed insert or visit...

www.asttbc.org/agm —1—

Ida Chong, then-Minister of Regional Economic and Skills Development, and, Science and Universities, highlights ‘Year of Science’ initiative at ASTTBC’s Technology Awards & Recognition Celebration.

BCIT students had an awesome time at a pool tournament sponsored by ASTTBC.

Year of Science

Y = Youth

Job Shadowing & Work Experience Opportunity

Skilled technology professionals are in demand. Yet careers in technology are often not on the radar for students.

ASTTBC and its members regularly participate in events to get the message out.

BC

Recent examples include…

The Kootenay Association for Science and Technology staged two events this past fall. ASTTBC was a sponsor of both. “What do you want to do when you finish high school?” was the question that more than 100 Kootenay high school students were asked at Y-Tech at Selkirk College. Interactive workshops, panel discussions, laboratory experiences and connections with professionals from a variety of disciplines helped provide the answers. The Kootenay Contraption Contest asked Grade 3 to 12 students: “If you looked into the future at 2050 what new, unique innovations in science and technology would you see?”

ASTTBC members Enid Bailey, AScT; Miles Erandio, AScT; Charene Monk, AScT; and, Lynda Wilson, AScT, participated in ‘FrankenScience 2010’, the BIG Little Science Centre open house in Kamloops, on October 30th. This was another great opportunity to speak with kids, parents and counsellors.

Okanagan College annually organizes ‘RoboCup’, an event where youth learn about science and technology by competing with robots. ASTTBC was the lead sponsor. The event was featured in the Kelowna Courier newspaper.

“I wish this kind of event was around when I was in school,” said Bruce Stevens, AScT, Regional Manager for ASTTBC. “We support RoboCup and other challenges like Spaghetti Bridge because they generate interest in science and engineering, and we know some of the students here will become technology professionals.” ■

’S TECHNOLOGY-RICH employers, both private and public, are invited to welcome grade 11 and 12 students in a ‘job shadowing’ experience. Members are invited to meet students in their community. ASTTBC has been awarded a grant by the BC Ministry of Science and Universities to provide job shadowing and work experience information events for students from high schools across the province as part of the Year of Science initiative.

The Association’s members and their employers are key to attracting math-and-science-minded secondary students to a huge array of applied science careers. “Our job shadowing experiences let interested students spend a day visiting workplaces to explore their own career futures,” explains John Leech, AScT, CAE, Executive Director. “What are the coming opportunities, training requirements, the day-to-day work, and the pay and benefits of technology and science careers right where they live?”

Allnorth Consultants is one eager participant. Allnorth employs 300 staff in 14 locations. “We now have 40 technicians and technologists in this area alone, and will add more through the coming decade,” says Glen Wonders, RPF, MBA, Prince George Division Manager. “We face retirements biting into the workforce, and offer plenty of career opportunity ahead – and we’re far from alone in the field!”

Companies and government offices considering hosting daylong ‘job shadow’ experiences can find information, and list their opportunity, online.

ASTTBC members can participate in a ‘meet a technician, a scientist, or a technologist’ event in their local community.

These events will take place across BC until June 30 with a focus on areas centered on Kelowna, Kamloops, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Castlegar/Trail, Nanaimo, Campbell River, Fort St. John, Metro Vancouver and Victoria. Members will receive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits for the direct mentoring of students (two hours minimum to one halfday of direct mentoring: 1 credit; one full day of direct mentoring: 3 credits). ■

Participate today!

Members and employers are urged to visit… www.asttbc.org/careers/yos

Deadline – July 31st 2011 ARE YOU A STUDENT in an accredited technology program in BC? Are you about to graduate from high school and enroll in technology studies? You could be eligible for a $1,000 bursary.

The goal of FEAT’s ‘Ignite the Spark!’ campaign is to increase the Technology Legacy Fund to $500,000.

To make a donation online visit…

www.asttbc.org/donate

The Foundation for Education & Advancement in Technology (FEAT) offers bursaries to first or second year students in electrical, mechanical, civil and structural, environmental technology and other accredited technology programs at BCIT and BC colleges. FEAT also offers a $1,000 bursary for a child/grandchild of an ASTTBC member and who is graduating from high school and is planning to attend an accredited technology program at BCIT or a college in BC. Another bursary is earmarked for students who are overcoming any significant or extraordinary obstacle to pursue an education in technology, with priority being given to students with physical challenges. ■

For criteria and details visit… www.asttbc.org/about/foundation/howtoappy.php Note: Additional FEAT bursaries are provided through BCIT and the colleges; check with your college awards office.

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Reaching Out to the Science & Technology Community MEMBERS in Prince George are taking an ASTTBC active role in promoting technology and engineering education in northern BC. The members are volunteering for the newly-formed ‘Northern Technology and Engineering Society of BC’. With the theme of ‘in the North for the North’, the group is working to enhance awareness of technology and engineering careers, and to get new programs up and running at the local colleges and UNBC. For the past five years ASTTBC has been building partnerships with regional science and technology councils in BC. On November 3rd in Nanaimo, ASTTBC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mid-Island Science, Technology and Innovation Council, one of the nine regional councils.

ASTTBC and MISTIC have partnered in various programs including First Nations Science Celebrations, career fairs and continuing professional development programs. ASTTBC is a Platinum Sponsor of the annual MISTIC Awards and sponsors the ‘Technology Leadership Award’. Sci-Tech, the regional science council for the northeast, hosts the ‘Excellence in Innovation Awards’ and ASTTBC is sponsor of the ‘Technology Leadership Award’ for that event. ASTTBC has also signed a MOU with the Kootenay Association for Science and Technology.

Science World, Okanagan College and ASTTBC came together in a ‘Celebration of Science’ event to raise awareness among youngsters of the opportunities in science and technology careers. At the same time, ASTTBC participated in the annual Okanagan College Career Fair and helped put on technical workshops attended by more than forty ASTTBC members and College technology students.

For 2011, ASTTBC has agreed to contribute toward the cost of a volunteer coordinator in Prince George for the Tetra Society. Tetra recruits skilled volunteer engineers, technologists and technicians to create assistive devices for people with disabilities. ASTTBC is in its second year of being a sponsor for the annual Tetra Gizmo Awards.

Other outreach initiatives so far in 2011 include…

$1,000 Bursaries Available

Have You Donated?

ASTTBC Executive Director, John Leech, AScT, CAE, discusses technology and engineering education in northern BC with (l to r) Keith Meldrum, AScT, RTMgr; Frank Blues, AScT; Kristy Brown, CTech; and, Heather Andreychuck, AScT.

• BC Natural Resource Forum and Economic Summit ‘8th Northern BC Business and Technology Awards’, January 12th; ‘Technology Provider of the Year Award’ Sponsor • Canadian Home Builders’ Association BC ‘Georgie Awards’, March 5th; Enhanced Bronze Sponsor • Canadian Wood Council ‘7th Annual BC Wood Design Awards’, March 14th; Gold Sponsor

The Association of British Columbia Land Surveyors

Attention

Geomatics Technologists and Technicians The Association of British Columbia Land Surveyors invites you to consider a career as a commissioned professional land surveyor.

If you are working in the field of cadastral land surveying and are not currently registered as a Survey Student please contact the Registrar at the Association office in Sidney (250) 655-7222 to sign up today.

For more information check out our web site at…

www.abcls.ca

CEBC and ASTTBC Executives meet. (left to right): Dave Rutherford, AScT, BCLS, CLS, Secretary Treasurer, ASTTBC; Mike Currie, PEng, Past President, CEBC; Darrin Heisler, AScT, Past President ASTTBC; Jack Lee, PEng, President, CEBC; Bill MacPherson, AScT, Vice President, ASTTBC; John Leech, AScT, CAE, Executive Director, ASTTBC; Glenn Martin, CAE, Executive Director, CEBC; Doug Carter, CTech, President, ASTTBC; and, Steve Fleck, PEng, Executive Member, CEBC. Missing in photo, but at the meeting: Doug Hinton, PEng, Vice President, CEBC.

ViewPOINT...

by Jack Lee, PEng President, Consulting Engineers of British Columbia

T

HE CONSULTING ENGINEERS of British Columbia is the business voice for consulting engineering in the province. CEBC represents over 90 consulting engineering firms with offices in BC. Our member firms employ over 7,500 professional engineers and technical staff, including many who are registered with ASTTBC.

CEBC recognizes the importance of our relationship with ASTTBC and the important contribution of technologists and technicians as part of the engineering team. The construction future of BC is dependent on the consulting engineering/technology team to generate new ideas and to develop innovative design to maintain our economic growth. Without the support of our ASTTBC technologists and technicians, CEBC firms would not be able to provide the high level of service within the budget and schedule that is expected by our clients. The 2010 Olympic projects, the Canada Line, the Gateway Project, and the Sea-to-Sky Highway are examples of high profile projects that would not have been possible without the design and construction services by CEBC member firms with their engineers and technologists/technicians.

CEBC and ASTTBC have similar objectives such as ensuring a sustainable engineering and technology workforce, enhancing awareness of the role of engineering and technology to the public and various levels of government, and promoting careers in engineering and technology. CEBC and ASTTBC also participate together in other events and functions. Bill MacPherson, AScT, Vice President of ASTTBC, was one of the judges for CEBC’s Annual Engineering Awards of Excellence. We are grateful that ASTTBC is a Platinum Sponsor of CEBC’s 2011 Annual Engineering Awards Gala and a Gold Sponsor of our Roads to Change Conference. We understand that ASTTBC will also be participating in National Engineering & Geoscience Month to create awareness of career opportunities.

We look forward to continuing our strong relationship and in working with ASTTBC. ■

Professional Development Sessions Held Across BC MORE THAN 240 ASTTBC members in total attended eleven seminars staged during the third week of October in Castlegar, Coquitlam, Kelowna, Nanaimo and Surrey.

Topics included…

• Contract components and pitfalls for onsite wastewater practitioners • Semi-conductor technology for biomedical engineering technology registrants • ASTTBC’s liability insurance program for the BC Institute of Property Inspectors (and open to all members) • Net-positive architectural building design • Biological nutrient technology for wastewater plants • Multi-generational perspectives in the workplace • True colours workshop • Financial planning

Connecting with the Consulting Engineers of BC

T

HE EXECUTIVES of the Consulting Engineers of BC and ASTTBC met in December. Topics ranged from ASTTBC’s sponsorship of the CEBC Awards and ASTTBC representation on the CEBC Awards judging panel to CEBC programs like the Young Professionals Group. The representatives discussed submissions by both groups on the government’s review of the Limitation Act. The ASTTBC delegates updated their CEBC counterparts on the two joint task forces being undertaken by ASTTBC and APEGBC. ASTTBC was a Gold Sponsor of the CEBC ‘Roads to Change Transportation Conference’ in January 2011.

“As an employee of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, it was a pleasure to attend and celebrate the success of a number of CEBC’s member companies on our transportation projects,” says Grant Lachmuth, AScT, RTMgr, Project Director, Okanagan Valley Corridor. “Another special highlight for me was to see that ASTTBC was a sponsor and have it prominently displayed. As a member for quite a number of years, I was proud to see our Association’s close relationship with consulting engineers. It was a great opportunity to celebrate together the successes that we collectively achieve in the engineering environment.”

ASTTBC was once again a Platinum Sponsor of the CEBC Awards Gala in March. ■

ASTTBC Proposes 10 Years as Ultimate Limitation Period THE LIMITATION ACT sets out the time periods or deadlines people have to sue one another in civil court. The limitation periods apply to a broad range of civil lawsuits, including those for negligence, breach of contract, recovery of a debt and wrongful dismissal.

As the association for technology professionals in BC, ASTTBC has an interest in how the Limitation Act protects the public and how any changes to it might impact members.

ASTTBC made a submission in response to the ‘White Paper on Limitation Act Reform: Finding the Balance’ as it applies to professional services. ASTTBC agreed with the recommendation in the white paper that the Ultimate Limitation Period be reduced from 30 years. ASTTBC suggested ten years, a recommendation which is consistent with that of APEGBC and with the Consulting Engineers of BC. Previously, in March 2009, ASTTBC had issued a ‘Statement on the Ultimate Limitation Period’ which also recommended ten years. The key points made by ASTTBC at that time were:

Oksana Exell, Executive Director, APGST (l) meets with John Leech, AScT, CAE, and Manley McLachlan, CEO of the BC Construction Association and Chair, APGST.

ASTTBC Plays Role in Asia Pacific Gateway BY 2020 ASIA PACIFIC container traffic to North America could generate $76 billion for BC and $230 billion for Canada, according to provincial announcements. Even a 1% increase in container traffic through BC ports could translate into $250 million per year and 4,000 new jobs for the provincial economy.

The Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table was created as a result of the worker shortage anticipated in the construction, expansion and operation of the Asia Pacific Gateway trade corridor. APGST brings business, labour and educational institutions together to develop solutions to meet employers’ human resource needs. ASTTBC Executive Director John Leech, AScT, CAE, is a recently appointed member of the Table.

“Being invited to participate is recognition of the important role of technology professionals in the BC economy and their link with the Asia Pacific,” says Leech. “It also acknowledges ASTTBC’s role as a professional regulator, our contributions to public policy on technology skills and our work with internationally trained professionals.”

One initiative already up and running is HRwire.ca. This web site supports employers’ efforts to recruit and maintain a highly skilled, flexible and innovative workforce. HRwire.ca is also a tool for information sharing among Gateway stakeholders and industries.

The Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table has received funding support from the Sector Council Program, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and the Asia Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative led by Transport Canada. ■

15 Gore Avenue Vancouver, BC V6A 2Y8 604.684.1471 www.apgst.ca

• current 30 year Ultimate Limitation Period does not strike a fair balance between interests of a plaintiff to bring forward a claim and the defendant’s ability to defend itself.

• changing to a ULP of ten years would align with Alberta’s legislation which meets the objectives of TILMA calling for an integrated regulatory framework and economy between BC and Alberta.

ASTTBC’s 2010 submission can be found at… www.asttbc.org/docs/ulp.pdf

TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS… “Human capital has and will become the ultimate scarce resource.

Technologists and technicians are a precious commodity because they not only know what needs to be done, but also know how to do it with the right tools and equipment.”

Dr. Roslyn Kunin, Economist

Qualified. Registered. Accountable.

Larry Gardner, AScT —3—

ASTTBC Executive Director, John Leech, AScT, CAE, (l) with the Hon. Pat Bell, then-Minister of Forests and Range.

ASTTBC Registrar, John Shortreid, AScT, CLS, (r) chats with the Hon. Rich Coleman, thenMinister of Public Safety, Solicitor General and Minister Responsible for Housing.

Jim Blake, MBA, CA, (l) presents Minister Stockwell Day with a copy of the ASTTBC Public Representatives Report for 2009.

Government Liaison

ASTTBC ASTTBC Executive Director, John Leech, AScT, CAE, (l) and Bill Baglot, Chair of the First Nations Careers Council, (r) meet with thenMinister of Aboriginal Relations & Reconciliation, George Abbott.

Fire Chiefs Support Certification Program THE FIRE CHIEFS’ Association of BC supported a resolution in favour of ASTTBC certification and has asked the Office of the Fire Commissioner and UBCM to support that all municipalities and regional districts require ASTTBCcertified technicians. The resolution read, “The Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC requests that the Office of Fire Commissioner and UBCM support that all municipalities and regional districts within British Columbia require certified ASTTBC technicians conduct inspections, testing and maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment within their jurisdiction.”

Brian Stegavig, ASTTBC Manager, Fire Protection Registrations, was at the FCABC AGM & Conference in the Spring of 2010 and spoke with many Chiefs about the ASTTBC certification program. “I am confident that with the support of the FCABC, we will see greater uptake of the ASTTBC fire protection certification program,” he said. “This will ensure greater safety to the public.” ■

MEETS WITH ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES frequently to stay current on matters pertaining to professional regulation.

As Minister Responsible for the ASTT Act at the time, the Hon. Ida Chong met with ASTTBC’s Executive Director, John Leech, AScT, CAE, in January. The two spoke about regulatory roles and some of the issues regarding practice rights. John mentioned the agreement between ASTTBC and APEGBC to form two task forces, one dealing with the APEGBC Limited Licence and the second for PTech registration.

The ‘Year of Science’ program was also high on the list of topics covered. ASTTBC has been selected as one of the recognized partners in the Year of Science initiative and was fortunate to receive a grant to cover the costs of securing work experience placements for high schools students throughout BC (see separate article on page 2).

ASTTBC’s Executive Director also had separate meetings with Pat Bell, Minister of Forests and Range, and with John Les, MLA for Chilliwack. The discussion with Minister Bell revolved around recognition of ASTTBC members in forestry legislation and issues regarding onsite wastewater systems. In his meeting with John Les, John Leech focused on ASTTBC’s technical specialist programs, including house inspection, onsite wastewater and fire protection.

Former Minister of Aboriginal Relations & Reconciliation, George Abbott, joined Bill Baglot, Chair of the First Nations Careers Council and ASTTBC Executive Director, John Leech, AScT, CAE, in a talk about the work of the FNCC. Bill noted the strong support for the efforts of FNCC by BC Hydro, Terasen and ASTTBC’s charitable foundation, FEAT. ASTTBC’s Registrar, John Shortreid, AScT, CLS, connected with the Hon. Rich Coleman, Minister of Public Safety, Solicitor General and Minister Responsible for Housing, and Dave Hayer, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism at a charity event in November.

On the federal scene, Stockwell Day, Minister for the Asia Pacific Gateway and President of the Treasury Board, spoke in Ottawa with Jim Blake, CA, who serves as a Public Representative on the ASTTBC Council. Jim was meeting the Minister on other business and took the opportunity to chat about the role of ASTTBC’s Public Representatives and the issues that serving in this role has brought to his attention. ■

Brief Submitted on House Inspection Licensing THE HOUSE INSPECTION Licensing Regulation has been in force for more than two years. At the time, British Columbia was the first province to introduce a licensing regime for those offering house inspection services to help protect consumers.

ASTTBC and the BC Institute of Property Inspectors (BCIPI), an Institute within ASTTBC, have been working with the Regulation. They are in an ideal position to recommend changes to some of the elements of the Regulation to ensure a more effective program.

The major concern is that, with three designated associations or organizations offering certification leading to licensing, there is no common standard. The three do not have the same standard for certification, Code of Ethics, or complaints and disciplinary policies and processes.

ASTTBC has been in regular contact with Consumer Protection BC, the agency responsible for administering the Regulation and licensing, as the industry has matured. Now with this brief, ASTTBC has formalized eight recommendations to enhance the Regulation and better protect the public. ■ For a copy of the ASTTBC–BCIPI brief ‘Toward Common Standards’ go to… www.asttbc.org/docs/bcipibrief.pdf

NEWS FLASH – Christy Clark was sworn in as British Columbia’s 35th Premier on March 14th 2011, resulting in a cabinet shuffle. MLAs mentioned in the above article now have the following portfolios: • • • •

CHI CPI

Hon. George Abbott, Minister of Education Hon. Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Hon. Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Hon. Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines (minister responsible for housing)

YOUR INSPECTORS OF CHOICE

About Dr. Mark DeVolder Audiences around the globe give our keynote speaker full marks…

AGM & Professional Development Day Friday | May 27th 2011

“Remarkable energy” “Thought-provoking and dynamic” “On target, humorous, sincere and true to life” “Inspiring, kept audience charged” Dr. DeVolder received the prestigious TOP 5 S PEAKER AWARD in 2010 and 2011. He will help you be ‘change ready’!

Dr. Mark DeVolder THE CHANGE SPECIALIST

ASTTBC recognizes and thanks our AGM 2011 Event Partner and Sponsors…

E V E N T

P A R T N E R

G O L D

S P O N S O R S

S I L V E R

B R O N Z E

S P O N S O R S

S P O N S O R S

HORSESHOE PRESS

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MANULIFE FINANCIAL

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OKANAGAN COLLEGE

ASTTBC ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2O10 VISION ASTTBC is the model association for technology professionals.

MISSION To serve the public by regulating and supporting technology professionals’ commitment to a safe, healthy and sustainable society and environment.

Message from the

President & Executive Director

2010 Doug Carter, CTech President

John Leech, AScT, CAE Executive Director

COULD BE SUMMED UP by the work of the Association in maintaining professional standards to protect the public interest and by the enhanced profile that we achieved for technologists, technicians and technical specialists.

Professional regulation, external relations and member engagement and services continued to be top priorities throughout the year. We reached into communities around BC with information about Technology Professionals, ASTTBC and careers in technology. During the last quarter we put an added focus on enhancements to professional certification and accountability; professional regulation; outreach to the science and technology community, to youth and to other associations; government liaison; the TECHNOLOGY AWARDS & RECOGNITION CELEBRATION; and the launch of our new TechGREEN program and awards.

Complaints handled by the Practice Review Board were at an all time high with 100 files closed. The work of the PRB is a cornerstone in ASTTBC’s role as a self-regulating professional association. Another cornerstone in helping members maintain high standards is continuing professional development. In 2010, ‘CPD WEEK’ was implemented at five locations around the province. It was open to all Association members at no charge.

We were pleased to have considerable dialogue with the Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC, agreeing generally that we must find ways to work together to better serve the public interest. The two associations formed joint task forces on PTech certification and on the Limited Licence. We also met with many other associations and continued our excellent relationship with the Consulting Engineers of BC. Government liaison continued unabated with numerous meetings with cabinet ministers and MLAs. We appreciate the on-going support of deans and instructors at BCIT and the colleges. For the second year in a row the number of new student members reached an all-time high. Once again we participated in, or sponsored, many technology-related events and student events around the province.

You will recall that in 2009 ASTTBC increased its media campaign. That was maintained in 2010. We are making great strides in public awareness.

Our First Nations Careers Council continued bringing the message of technology careers to First Nations youth. The BC Women in Technology group made steady progress toward supporting our female members and encouraging girls to ‘think science and technology’. We are entering 2011 with a government grant that will help us to provide work experience placements for high school students as part of the ‘Year of Science’.

2010 was the 25th anniversary of the ASTT Act. We again want to recognize the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and the on-going support of members and others as ASTTBC has become increasingly well respected.

2010 was truly… an outstanding year!

Doug Carter, CTech

John Leech, AScT, CAE

President

Executive Director

Executive & Council 2010 – 2011 OFFICERS President

Doug Carter, CTech Vice President

Bill MacPherson, AScT Secretary Treasurer

Dave Rutherford, AScT, BCLS, CLS Past President

Darrin Heisler, AScT COUNCIL DIRECTORS

Clarissa Brennan, AScT Richard Cave, AScT Russell Dobie, AScT Ken McNames, CTech, CPI John Meldrum, AScT, RSD Bob Prasad, AScT, RTMgr Trent Reid, CTech Keith Trulson, AScT, EngL PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES

Jim Blake, MBA, CA John Murphy

l to r… Charlie Cornfield, Mayor of Campbell River; Tim Duerden, AScT, Chair, FNCC; Jan Lindsay, President, North Island College; Paris Gaudet, Manager, Mid-Island Science, Technology & Innovation Council; Tom Longridge, Superintendent of Schools, Campbell River School District; and, John Leech, AScT, CAE, ASTTBC Executive Director, attending a Science Celebration in 2010.

FNCC… promoting careers in technology to First Nations youth

TOP in TECHNOLOGY award recipients at the Association’s Annual General Meeting in 2010… recognizing the ‘best of the best’.

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Highlights of ASTTBC Accomplishments in 2010 Covering January 1 to December 31. For more details, visit… www.asttbc.org

Goal #1 – Professional Legislation & Regulation Council issued a statement on professional legislation, regulation and practice to guide our strategies and approaches to government and stakeholders.

For the future introduction of the Professional Technologist designation, ASTTBC Council decided to align ASTTBC legislation, regulation, policies and processes with those of Alberta as it pertains to the PTech. ASTTBC also agreed to work with APEGBC through the formation of a PTech Joint Task Force. Concurrently, a Limited Licence Renewal Task Force was formed to advise the ASTTBC and APEGBC Councils on an improved Limited Licence system.

ASTTBC continued to ask Government to enact changes to the Architects Act that would provide an exemption for technologists and technicians. ASTTBC also expressed interest in, and some concerns about, the Building Officials’ Association of BC’s proposal for restricted practice for persons offering building inspection services for local government.

Changes to the Onsite Wastewater Regulation clarified ASTTBC’s role as a professional regulator in the onsite wastewater industry. ASTTBC and BCIPI, an institute within ASTTBC, submitted a brief on the House Inspection Licensing Regulation.

ASTTBC also submitted a brief to Government on the Ultimate Limitation Period as it applies to professional services.

Goal #2 – Rights to Practice APEGBC and ASTTBC Executives during one of several meetings that took place in 2010.

Practice Review Board Protects Standards Investigation and discipline summary as of Dec 31st 2010 COMPLAINTS STATISTICS

2010

2009

2008

2007

6 3

6 1

7 1

1

2 16

11 11 1 8

2 2

6 5 2 9

51 1

22 7 1

18 1

90

45

42

Technologist & Technician Complaints Unauthorized use of title Ethics, logo, procedural, etc.

Inquiry – no action

Technical Specialist Complaints Property Inspection title, logo Property Inspection ethics, other Fire Protection title, logo Fire Protection ethics, other Onsite Wastewater title, logo Onsite Wastewater ethics, other All other TS groups – title, logo All other TS groups – ethics, other

23 49

3

1

Files Closed to Date

100

Cases closed to the last PRB meeting on Dec 8th 2010, with complaints received

by ASTTBC to Dec 31st 2010; other years are to year-end.

COMPLAINT OUTCOMES

2010

2009

2008

2007

12 39 29

22 55 9

15 14 13

1 14

3

1 2

11 12 14 1 1 3

Cease & Desist – ethics, logo, title, – complied Ethics Complaint – censure applied Ethics Complaint – no breach found Ethics Complaint withdrawn Title or logo inquiry – no action by PRB Membership cancelled or resigned Total Complaints TYPE OF ACTION INVOLVED

95

89

45

42

2010

2009

2008

2007

Disciplinary Hearing held Special Investigative Meeting held Stipulated Order accepted Stipulated Order rejected Appeal to PRB upheld Appeal to PRB denied Appeal to ASTTBC Council upheld Appeal to ASTTBC Council denied Title, logo, stamp, inquiry – no action by PRB

1 1

4

4 1

1

1 2

‘Type of Action’ is included in totals of ‘Complaint Outcomes’.

NOTE: Complaint Statistics and Complaint Outcomes may not necessarily balance due to a member having more than one complaint against them at the time their membership is cancelled or resigned. Cancelled/resigned members’ complaints do not appear as part of ‘censure applied’ as the censure has not been completed at the time of cancellation / resignation. A member may be cancelled/resigned as part of censure by the PRB; or for non-payment of annual dues in which case, if there is a PRB complaint against the member, the PRB will close the file and flag the database indicating that prior to reinstatement, PRB conditions must be completed.

Executives of APEGBC and ASTTBC met a number of times and agreed generally that the associations must find ways to work together to better serve the public interest.

ASTTBC representatives met with officials from both WorkSafeBC and the BC Safety Authority regarding enhanced professional recognition of ASTTBC registrants. ASTTBC also expressed concern to Government about changes to Part 9 of the Building Code that could adversely impact the practice of ASTTBC members.

At the 2010 Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC conference, a resolution was passed supporting more municipalities adopting bylaws calling for ASTTBC Registered Fire Protection Technicians.

Goal #3 – Professional Standards & Regulation The new Registered Technology Manager certification was fully in place in 2010 with 14 members being granted the RTMgr designation and more applications pending at year-end.

Progress was made on trying to harmonize Professional Practice & Ethics Examinations across the country and the academic credentials self-assessment module of the Technology Registrations Canada web site went live.

The ASTTBC Professional Liability Insurance Program was moved to underwriter ENCON. This resulted in competitive pricing and an agreement for increased coverage in many areas.

Steps were begun to reactivate the Accreditation Board to be the overview body for all accreditation activities within the province. Its responsibilities will not only cover AScT/CTech national accreditation, but also provincial training programs that are designed to meet Technical Specialist certification/registration.

Complaints handled by the Practice Review Board were at an all time high in 2010 with 100 files closed and 36 investigations active at year-end. The majority involved onsite wastewater followed by house and property inspection, and fire protection.

The Professional Assessment Program was quite successful in improving practitioner practice within the Onsite Wastewater technical specialist group. It also proved an effective tool for the Practice Review Board in complaint cases. The mentoring and practice assessments implemented in the House & Property Inspection certification program are also considered to be a form of professional assessment.

As part of determining education accreditation standards under the Sewerage System Regulation, occupational competency profiles were developed specific to the ROWP’s function and expected duties. Numerous presentations about the industry were made around the province.

Goal #4 – Professional Recognition Professional recognition of technologists, technicians and technical specialists continued to be a key goal in 2010. ASTTBC invested approximately $75,000 advertising in such publications as Business In Vancouver’s BC Tech 2010, YouThink Magazine, the BCIT Alumni Ambassador and community newspapers across BC to boost awareness about the role of technologists, technicians and technical specialists. The Association also sponsored key events of allied professional associations and other organizations. In the fourth quarter, ASTTBC created a public information campaign to raise the profile of members. News releases were sent to all regions of BC profiling recipients of our TOP in TECHNOLOGY awards and the new ASTTBC TechGREEN award.

ASTTBC met with several Cabinet Ministers at the national and provincial levels: National

• Stockwell Day, MP, Minister of International Trade

Provincial government ministers and MLAs, special guests and colleagues from other associations join ASTTBC representatives at the annual Technology Awards & Recognition Celebration.

Provincial

TechGREEN awards introduced in 2010 are part of ASTTBC’s professional recognition efforts.

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In addition, we enjoyed conversations with a number of BC MLAs including: Ron Cantelon, Dave Hayer, Lenoard Krog, Richard Lee, John Les, Norm Letnick, Pat Pimm, Bruce Ralston, Linda Reid, John Rustad and John van Dongen; and with BC MPs: Ujjahl Dosanjh, Dr. James Lunney and Dr. Keith Martin.

During 2010, representatives from ASTTBC met with their counterparts at many associations and organizations. A representative went to each meeting of APEGBC Council; with APEGBC reciprocating. The two associations also struck an arrangement for sponsorships, with ASTTBC being a sponsor of the APEGBC AGM & Conference in October and APEGBC sponsoring our Technology Awards & Recognition Celebration. ASTTBC was again a Platinum sponsor of the Consulting Engineers of BC Awards Gala and the ASTTBC President served on the judging panel. We attended the AGM of the Association of BC Forest Professionals. A meeting with the Health Sciences Association provided information on the role of biomedical engineering technologists and technicians with respect to scope of work. This year we also met with the Association of BC Land Surveyors and with the BC Common Ground Alliance. The latter meeting dealt with a possible technical specialist registration program for underground utility locators.

Connecting with employers continued to be an important activity. For example, ASTTBC hosted a ‘Lunch & Learn’ session for 30 people at Hatch Engineering in Vancouver. Preliminary discussions were held with Terasen Gas about determining technologist certification requirements to be built into job descriptions.

Goal #5 – Member Services Communications with members scored the highest rating in the biennial Member Survey that was posted to our web site in Dr. James Lunney (l), MP for Nanaimo-Alberni, 2010. The full color ASTT News is published twice a year and circulation exceeds 10,000. Inserts with ASTT News provided during a meeting in Ottawa with John Leech, members with the annual ASTTBC Member Services brochure as well as discount cards and special offers from suppliers. ASTT AScT, CAE, Executive Director for ASTTBC. e-News continued to be broadcast monthly.

ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING BUILDING DESIGN CHEMICAL CIVIL CONSTRUCTION SAFETY ELECTRICAL Visits to the ASTTBC web site were in the range of 6,500 unique visitors per ELECTRONICS ENVIRONMENTAL FIRE PROTECTION FOREST ENGINEERING GAS & PETROLEUM GEOMATICS HOUSE INSPECTION INDUSTRIAL INFORMATION month. The TechCLUB section added a number of new member services. ASTTBC’s M E TA L L U R G I C A L MINING O N S I T E WA S T E WAT E R PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTION SITE IMPROVEMENTS SURVEYS S T E E L D E TA I L I N G MECHANICAL new career web site went live. It assists members at different stages of their careers including job search tips, resume writing, information interviews and other useful career information. The web site for BCIPI was revamped with more information for consumers being added, plus webinars in the members only section.

CPD Week was held from October 18th to 22nd, just prior to National Technology Week. CPD Week consisted of eleven workshops in five cities in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Okanagan and the Kootenays. Attendance totaled more than 244 ASTTBC members.

This year the BC Institute of Property Inspectors delivered their seminar by webinar, enabling participation by the membership within the entire province. The theme was risk management with topics covering contracts, professional liability insurance and complaints to the Practice Review Board. An information survey was conducted BCIPI and a new tradeshow booth was developed.

Initiatives were undertaken to increase the profile of Construction Safety Officer members and to raise understanding of the CSO designation.

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Think Ahead. Think Career.

Think

TECHNOLOGY!

Goal #6 – Technology Education & Careers On-campus activity at BCIT and the colleges included a career fair at Camosun in February, the BCIT ‘Eco-Fair’ in March, a job fair hosted by Thompson Rivers University, and presentations to students in several of the province’s technology programs. ASTTBC sponsored the ‘Spaghetti Bridge’ event and was the lead sponsor for ‘RoboCup’ at Okanagan College.

ASTTBC representatives continued on the Regional Dean’s Advisory Committee and the Civil Engineering Program Advisory Board at Okanagan College as well as working directly with officials in the Technology Management programs at both BCIT and TRU. As a platinum sponsor of the BCIT Student Association, ASTTBC was able to participate in a number of student events and be featured around campus. ASTTBC ran a full-page colour advertisement in the student handbook. ASTTBC also took out an ad in Business in Vancouver congratulating BCIT graduate award recipients.

ASTTBC continued to provide financial assistance to the BIG Little Science Centre in Kamloops and this year stepped up as a sponsor for the BLSC ‘Frankenscience’ Halloween event for kids.

Regional science councils and organizations provide an excellent way to keep in touch with the technology community at the local level. ASTTBC staff and volunteers worked with the following during 2010:

Meagan Herrington, AScT

Pej Namshirin, AScT Biomedical Engineering Technologist

Michelle Bast, AScT

Building Technologist Stantec Architecture

Vancouver General Hospital

District of Maple Ridge

Planning Technician

CELEBRATING NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY WEEK… THERE’S NO BETTER TIME TO TAP INTO A TECHNOLOGY CAREER! THANKS to our partners + sponsors...

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For more information on technology careers, visit:

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• BC Science Teachers’ Association – ‘Catalyst 2010’ conference sponsor, Kelowna ASTTBC … THE ASSOCIATION FOR TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA • Central Interior BC Science Exhibition – event participant, Prince George • Community Science Celebration – both ASTTBC and the First Nations Careers Full page, full colour ad in YouThink magazine promoted careers in technology, encouraging students in BC’s secondary schools to… Think Ahead. Think Career. Think Technology!

Council were participants, Port Alberni • Kootenay Association for Science and Technology – joint CPD event, Castlegar • Mid-Island Science, Technology and Innovation Council – platinum sponsor of the MISTIC Awards, Nanaimo • Northern BC A Healthier You Awards – ‘Technology in Health Care Award’ sponsor, Prince George • Northern BC Business & Technology Awards – ‘Technology Provider of the Year Award’ sponsor, Prince George • Northern BC Today’s Woman Awards – ‘Technology Leadership Award’ sponsor, Prince George • Sci-Tech – ‘Technology Leadership’ award sponsor, Fort St. John • Skills Canada BC – provincial competition sponsor, Abbotsford • Tetra Society – ‘Sam Sullivan Award’ sponsor, Vancouver National Technology Week occurred during the first week of November. ASTTBC promoted it to members through ASTT e-News and periodic broadcast emails. Our Association ran a major public awareness campaign in YouThink magazine with the goal of technology career awareness aimed at Grades 8 to 12. The ASTTBC Executive Director was interviewed about technology careers on CFJC-TV in Kamloops. The Association broadcast ads on CKPG-TV in Prince George.

In the area of outreach for immigrants, ASTTBC and APEGBC continue to participate frequently in joint Internationally Educated Professionals information sessions through a variety of agencies. ASTTBC representatives manned our booth at the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society ‘Mega Job Fair 2010’, an event that drew 5,500 people; participated in the second annual ‘Immigrant Professionals Conference’ organized by the Association of Service Providers for Employability and HEALTH & DENTAL INSURANCE

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ASTTBC is presently exploring new group programs and services that will be added to the Association’s Member Services line-up.

Watch ASTT News or visit the ASTTBC web site for updates!

www.asttbc.org

ASTTBC’s newest addition to our Member Services lineup… open for biz! for more info visit…

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FEAT Financial Highlights The FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION & A DVANCEMENT IN T ECHNOLOGY is ASTTBC’s charitable foundation. Tax deductible donations from ASTTBC members and others allow FEAT to provide student bursaries, and to support science and technology events.

2010

2009

Revenue

$ 39,704

$ 43,832

Charitable Activities Expenses & Fund Raising Costs

$ 26,500

$ 21,600

6,749

10,063

Excess Revenue Over Expenses

$

6,455

$ 12,169

Assets

$ 477,683

$ 461,100

Contributions to Technology Legacy Fund

$

$ 58,589

9,628

Registration Demographics Technologists & Technicians Including RTMgr, Provisional, Associate, GradTech, Student and Honorary Members

Discipline Biological Sciences Biomedical Engineering Building Chemical Civil Electrical Electronics Environmental Forest Engineering Gas & Petroleum Geomatics (Survey) Industrial Information Mechanical Metallurgical Mining

204 94 910 198 2,387 588 1,409 188 14 97 389 76 144 1,395 48 95

% 2.5 1.1 11.0 2.4 29.0 7.0 17.1 2.3 0.2 1.2 4.7 0.9 1.7 17.0 0.6 1.1

Total

8,236

100.0

TOTAL

73 166 723 172 545 78 23 50

% 4.0 9.1 39.4 9.4 29.8 4.3 1.3 2.7

1,830

100.0

Technical Specialist Certification Building Design Construction Safety Fire Protection House & Property Inspection Onsite Wastewater Public Works Inspection Site Improvements Surveys Steel Detailing Total Includes 12 RTMgr

Goal #7 – Public Policy ASTTBC public policy work in 2010 supported economic development, employment, community services and sustainability. The Association was a sponsor of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region annual summit in July. ASTTBC Executive Director, John Leech, AScT, CAE, was appointed to the Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table.

ASTTBC launched our new TechGREEN Awards Program at this year’s Technology Awards & Recognition Celebration. The first TechGREEN Awards were presented by John Yap, Minister of State for Climate Action. ASTTBC President, Doug Carter, CTech, was featured in advertisements promoting ASTTBC’s work to enhance sustainability.

The BC Women in Technology group issued ‘TechPROfile Challenge’ to encourage female members to share their professional stories with future female applicants and to get greater exposure. Sarah Campden, CTech, Chair of BCWiT, was a panelist at the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology conference in Winnipeg.

The First Nations Careers Council continued building profile by attending events, science celebrations and career fairs.

Bill MacPherson, AScT, Vice President of ASTTBC, served an advisory group developing proposals for energy performance standards for Part 9 housing that will be equivalent to EnerGuide 80.

The 2010 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY on May 28th had our highest attendance to date for an AGM. Government officials, academic and business partners joined in as we celebrated 25 years under the ASTT Act. During the year, ASTTBC member meetings were hosted in Fort St. John, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, Nanaimo, Victoria and Prince George. The year wrapped up with 270 special guests and volunteers attending our Technology Awards & Recognition Celebration in November.

The Public Representatives on ASTTBC Council presented their second annual report at the AGM. The report was subsequently sent to the Minister Responsible for the ASTT Act and to all MLAs and BC MPs.

2010 Revenue & Expenses CONTINUED TO MEET its obligations under the ASTT Act in ASTTBC 2010 and to provide an increasing variety of services to the public and members. This was done within the budget approved by Council and the Association remained in a healthy financial position. For 2010, revenues were $2,371,980 and expenses were $2,337,733 for a surplus of $34,247.

Full audited statements are available at… www.asttbc.org

REVENUE

2010

2009

Membership Dues Registration Fees Professional Affairs Education & Seminars Publications & Member Services Institutes Investment Income Other

$ 1,977,782 136,422 172,511 – 44,388 13,263 23,364 4,250

$ 1,893,667 147,501 454,672 44,466 24,829 16,168 33,358 4,200

Total Revenue

$

2,371,980

$

2,618,861

Administration & Interest Wages & Benefits Office & Equipment (includes amortization) Governance Professional Affairs & Practice National Association Dues & Expenses Public Affairs & Recruitment Education & Training Publications & Member Services Institutes Reserve Expenditures

$

174,044 1,505,550 177,004 126,130 151,657 26,260 91,282 12,609 55,043 18,154 0

$

157,228 1,502,005 172,187 114.574 257,740 121,110 107,441 104,917 58,405 19,002 0

Total Expenses

$

2,337,733

$

2,614,609

Excess (Deficiency)…

$

34,247

$

4,252

EXPENSES

2009 financial numbers reclassified to be comparative to 2010

—8—

Hon. John Yap, then-Minister of State for Climate Action, making his opening remarks at ASTTBC’s TechGREEN Awards Program.

Goal #8– Governance & Management

10,136 Registrants as of Dec 31st 2010

TOTAL

Career Training; made presentations at Vancouver Community College and liaised with members of the Society of Punjabi Engineers and Technologists and SITEBC. ASTTBC provides input into VCC’s ESL program through their Advisory Committee, and actively assists with the development of new programs and courses for immigrant professionals in this field.

ASTTBC’s charitable foundation, the Foundation for Education & Advancement in Technology, provided some $23,000 in bursaries and a further $3,500 for student activities. FEAT’s ‘Ignite the Spark’ campaign passed the $477,000 mark on its way to raising the Technology Legacy Fund to half a MLAs and members of the TECC Board at information exchange on technology education and careers. million dollars.

ASTTBC remained active in the TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION & CAREERS COUNCIL during 2010. TECC hosted 30 MLAs at lunch meeting in Victoria. Meetings were also arranged with Cabinet Ministers and MLAs. The TECC Board met with representatives from the Business Council of BC and the BC Technology Industry Association.

ASTTBC’s membership in the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists ended in September. ASTTBC and the technology associations of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario are working to create ‘TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS C ANADA ’ to serve the needs of our associations.

As of December 31st 2010 the total registrants in ASTTBC in all disciplines and technical specialist groups was 10,136. Net membership growth was 2.5%. This was reasonable in light of challenges in the economy and was close to average annual growth rates since 2004. Technical Specialist membership numbers had a significant growth of 6.8%. A positive indicator for future membership is the 1,216 new student members in 2010, the largest in our history.

ASTTBC finished the year with a surplus of $34,247. ■

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APEGBC & ASTTBC Form Joint Task Forces

T

HE ASSOCIATION of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC and ASTTBC have formed two joint task forces: The Limited Licence Renewal Task Force and the Professional Technologists (PTech) Task Force.

The Limited Licence Renewal Task Force will advise the Councils of APEGBC and ASTTBC on an improved and more effective Limited Licence system. It is expected to make recommendations to the two Councils during the Spring of 2011.

The Limited Licence and its associated designations of Engineering Licensee (Eng.L.) and Geoscience Licensee (Geo.L.) has been offered by APEGBC since 1995. This designation allows those who hold the designation to practise professional engineering or professional geoscience within a clearly defined scope. It is intended to recognize the fact that certain individuals can be permitted to carry out certain specific functions normally within the definition of professional engineering or professional geoscience. Examples of typical applicants are Applied Science Technologists or other practitioners whose work extends into the field of professional engineering or professional geoscience. The licence is designed for those who do not possess the academic training and experience for full professional registration as a PEng or PGeo, but who are qualified to perform a scope of professional engineering or professional geoscience.

The PTech Task Force held its first meeting on January 13. The group expects by this Spring to advise the ASTTBC and APEGBC Councils on the implementation of the designation PTech in BC. A PTech is defined in the ASTT Regulations as a certified member of ASTTBC who has a minimum of four years of progressive technical experience in addition to the experience required for certification as an Applied Science Technologist or Certified Technician and has acquired the competencies commensurate with a Professional Technologist as recognized by the Council. ASTTBC intends to implement PTech in 2011. The PTech Task Force will take into account the Alberta model where the Professional Technologist designation is regulated under the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act through a series of Joint Boards of the Association for Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) and the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA). ■ Watch ASTT e-News and www.asttbc.org for updates.

TechPRO Boosts Your Profile The TechPRO section of ASTTBC’s web site provides great career information for aspiring technologists, technicians and technical specialists. TechPRO listings allow you to ‘catch up’ with former colleagues and find out who is working in your community. Posting your profile provides another way for self-employed practitioners to get their names in front of visitors to the ASTTBC web site.

To load your information go to… www.TechPROfile.ca

The first ASTTBC members to complete the SAFERhome exam and assessment. (left to right, front) Jeong Ok Kim; Patrick Simpson, SAFERhome; (rear) Noel Murphy, CPI; Marko Langerholz, CHI; Sean Wiens, CHI; Glenn Duxbury, CHI; Ken Mayo, CHI; Ken McNames, CTech, CPI; Don Tuck, CHI; Steve Banfield, CTech, CPI; Saied Fazelipour, CTech (Provisional), CPI.

Webinar a First for House & Property Inspectors

T

HROUGH THE BC Institute of Property Inspectors, ASTTBC-registered house and property inspectors organized a webinar. BCIPI has been improving the content of educational seminars in the past year, with increased attendance as a result. However, members outside the Lower Mainland faced added travel time and cost.

“Webinars will revolutionize communication within BCIPI and they will certainly improve our Continuing Professional Development program,” says Dennis Gall, CTech, CPI. “ASTTBC and BCIPI should be congratulated, not only for the improved communication and education potential, and elimination of so much travel, but also for the added bonus of being green.”

ASTTBC staff Peter Link, CTech, CPI, and Meg Janecki, AScT, recently assisted BCIPI in updating its web site… www.bcipi.com …which contains much more information and is designed for the consumer. ASTTBC’s House and Property Inspectors can refer potential clients to the web site, providing a central information source and resulting in one more tool to expand business.

The Institute is also actively promoting that all BCIPI members become certified by SAFERhome. All new residences built to the SAFERhome standards require an inspection by a SAFERhome-approved inspector, who are now authorized to complete the SAFERhome inspections within the province. ASTTBC worked with SAFERhome two years ago on a special arrangement for ASTTBC inspectors to complete training and examination, enabling them to carry out SAFERhome inspections.

Need to Hire a House Inspector?

ASTTBC members are encouraged to consider engaging the services of an ASTTBCregistered House or Property Inspector when doing a pre-purchase house inspection.

ASTTBC members can be identified by their Certified House Inspector (CHI) or Certified Property Inspector (CPI) titles.

To find an inspector… www.bcipi.com/findinspector.php

Technology Professionals Canada Moves Ahead

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ECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS CANADA was launched in Calgary at the beginning of April 2011. ASTTBC and our sister associations in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario have been working together to form this new alliance to facilitate the work of the four associations in coordinating common issues and our national interests as professional regulatory bodies. TPC will address issues such as harmonization of standards, national accreditation, government relations and public affairs.

ASTTBC has made a commitment to our institutes, colleges and universities, and the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board that ASTTBC will continue to support national accreditation activities through CTAB. ASTTBC is revitalizing its Accreditation Board to ensure our fullest participation in the delivery of accreditation in BC. The professional associations allied through TPC will underwrite a national review of accreditation in 2011. It will include recommendations for consideration by TPC and all other interested parties as we work collectively to define the future of technology accreditation in Canada.

Inter-provincial mobility is secured as we maintain our commitment to the federally-legislated Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) and to the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) between the governments of Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan. ■ Watch ASTT e-News and www.asttbc.org for updates.

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Practice Review Board Investigates Complaints Self-Assessment Web Site Nears Full Implementation

T

ECHNOLOGY REGISTRATIONS Canada is a new online site allowing individuals from Canada or any part of the world to self-assess their education and work experience against Canada’s standards for technicians and technologists, the National Technology Benchmarks. They can then apply for registration to the provincial association of their choice.

“More and more applicants who are challenged with respect to formal academic credentials are already being referred to the web site to complete the self-assessment process as part of their application to ASTTBC,” says John Shortreid, AScT, CLS, Registrar.

Meanwhile enhancements continue to be made. Phase II will result in the following upgrades: • Online contact management interface that will allow each association to track applications at every stage and to readily communicate with applicants • Full online functionality for professional references and file reviews • Applicants will be able to see the status of their application • Translation of the site into French • Online Professional Practice and Ethics study manual and examination Phase II is expected to be completed by September 2011. At that point TRC will become ASTTBC’s primary vehicle for submission by applicants for AScT / CTech certification.

The project is being managed by ASTTBC on behalf the other technology associations across Canada and has been funded by Human Resources Skills Development Canada. ■

THE ASTTBC Practice Review Board is charged with the responsibility of the enforcement of the ASTTBC Code of Ethics, development of practice standards and adherence to ‘best’ practices by the members. The following is an example of a complaint brought before the PRB and the outcome: When a fire inspector inspected a restaurant, he noted that the kitchen exhaust hood had been tagged as being cleaned the previous day, however, there was still an excessive amount of grease build-up. Photos submitted by the fire inspector verified that the ASTTBC Registered Fire Protection Technician (RFPT) had not completed the commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning in an ethical and professional manner. The Practice Review Board required the RFPT to for ward to the AST TBC Registrar copies of five previous cleaning jobs that he had done in the past four months for review and inspection. The RFPT sent written confirmation that he would adhere to the PRB conditions and that he understood the practice guidelines related to commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning and how he would ensure compliance in the future. ■

ASTTBC Members Meet ASTTBC MEMBERS gathered for breakfast in Fort St. John to get an update from ASTTBC Executive Director, John Leech, AScT, CAE. The meeting was organized by Community Representative Dean Zimmer, AScT, RTMgr. “It was great to have John come up,” commented Dean. “While our numbers are not large, we are a dedicated group of members in the north and it’s good to hear first-hand what is happening within ASTTBC.” Also joining the meeting was Lori Ackerman, Executive Director with Sci-Tech, the regional science and technology council.

Check out the TRC web site at… staging.technologyregistrationscanada.ca

Errata Issue #127 of ASTT News incorrectly identified the employer for Keith Fransson, AScT. It should have read Urban Systems Ltd.

Reporting Conditions that Affect the Public Interest

M

EMBERS HAVE A DUTY to hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public; the protection of the environment; and to promote health and safety within the work place. This is Principle 1 of the Code of Ethics.

The challenge for members is when and to whom do they report to fulfill the duty expected of them. Quite often the reporting of such a situation could put the member in conflict with their employer and with Principle 4 of the Code related to maintaining employer confidentialities.

As to when to report it is highly recommended that this be immediate, depending on risk factors, as there are liabilities that can be assigned to a professional who is aware of potential issues that may unduly and negatively impact work and services.

This includes health and safety issues in addition to any technical issues, especially if a serious incident could occur.

There is an implied hierarchy in reporting and whether an increased level of reporting is required depends on the actions taken by the parties involved. The first step should be to report the concern to the appropriate level with the employer.

Should the employer fail to rectify the situation and the member is aware of this, the member should inform their employer that their professional Code requires the reporting of the matter directly to the client or authority having jurisdiction, depending on the situation.

Hopefully this will get the desired result, but if not, the next step is clear. The challenge is that the next step may result in irreparable harm between the member and their employer. This is an understandable moral dilemma for members, but is the price of professionalism.

What to do if the issue is with the practice of another member? Principle 7 of the Code of Ethics requires that members will not, except in cases where review is usual and anticipated, evaluate the work of a fellow member without the knowledge of, and after communication with, that member where practicable. Should a difference of professional opinion occur that is not resolvable, then there is a role for the Association. The matter should be reported to ASTTBC’s Practice Review Board for resolution. In addition, if the risk is considered immediate to public health and safety, then the employer and authority having jurisdiction should also be informed.

It should be noted, however, that Principle 9 requires ASTTBC-registered members to file a complaint against another ASTTBC-registered professional when the member believes there has been a breach of the Code of Ethics. ■ For the ASTTBC guideline on filing a complaint, go to… www.asttbc.org/practice/complaints/filing.php

Registrar Key ASTTBC Staff Position Opening The ASTTBC Registrar, John Shortreid, AScT, CLS, will retire in 2012. As we expect the next Registrar to be with us for 10 or more years, during 2011 we will work through a selection process that will identify the best fit for both the Association and for the successful candidate. This process includes opportunities for those who might be interested to learn more without necessarily making a commitment in the early stages: Spring 2011

In November, ASTTBC’s Jason Jung, AScT, Manager, Technology Careers, met with members in the Kamloops area.

Discussion ranged from an overview of the PTech legislation and model in Alberta, licensing of House Inspectors, ASTTBC’s new Registered Technology Manager certification, promoting technology education and careers, recent ASTTBC marketing and public relations initiatives, and updates on our Technical Specialist programs. A highlight of the meeting was presenting ‘TOP in TECHNOLOGY’ awards to Lyle Killough, AScT, and Jason Dorey, AScT, RPBio, recognizing them as ASTTBC members who represent a model technology professional. ■

June August Sept/Oct Dec

Here is a quick and easy way to keep tabs on recent developments within your professional association and important career information… visit WHAT’s NEW in the Communications & Services section of the ASTTBC web site! www.asttbc.org/services/whatsnew.php

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Information at member meetings around the province, plus by webinar Expressions of interest; webinar for those filing an EOI Applications Interviews Hire new Registrar

For updates, watch for broadcast emails from ASTTBC and announcements in ASTT e-News.

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STAY CONNECTED to important careerrelated news and ASTTBC events. If you move, change your email or take a new job, remember to log into the ASTTBC web site to update your contact information!

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In the News…

Ian Emery, RFT, AScT, PMP, became President of the Association of BC Forest Professionals in February 2011.

TechPROfile Technologist Maintains Dual Designation

I

AN EMERY, RFT, AScT, PMP, was an ASTTBC member who became a Registered Forest Technologist in 2004 when the two associations agreed that the Association of BC Forest Professionals would offer a new designation for technologists in conventional aspects of forestry. In 2006, Ian applied to have his ASTTBC membership reinstated, this time in the Forest Engineering discipline, to recognize the engineering-oriented position he holds in the forestry sector. He has maintained dual designation ever since.

In 2011 Ian Emery became the President of the Association of BC Forest Professionals. “RFTs are still fairly new to the ABCFP and there is still work to be done to fully capitalize on what RFTs can bring to the Association and the role they play in forestry,” Ian says. Today, RFTs make up a third of the 5,500 ABCFP members – the remainder is mostly Registered Professional Foresters.

One of his goals during his term is to promote forest technologist as a desirable career choice for students planning their postsecondary education.

Ian has been an active volunteer with the ABCFP for several years. His first committee was the Joint Practices Board that i n c l u d e d re p re s e n t a t i v e s f r o m t h e A B C F P a n d t h e Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC. The JPB deals with the issue of practice overlap between the Foresters Act and the Engineers and Geoscientists Act. In 2007 he received the ‘RFT of the Year Award’ in recognition of his volunteer efforts. “I had a really good experience volunteering, and wanted to learn and contribute more so I ran for Council,” he says.

In his professional occupation, Ian is an Area Engineer with International Forest Products Ltd. based in Campbell River. “A real perk of my job is getting my boots on the ground, breathing fresh air and hiking through the rugged beauty of our coastal mountains,” he says. “I am privileged to work with a diverse group of resource professionals like professional foresters, engineers, geoscientists, biologists and other technologists. Every day is unique and challenging.”

He started his forestry career as a chocker man on a 90 foot steel spar in Salmon Inlet in 1989. He soon realized that he wanted to know more about forestry and to be involved in the management of it, so he took the BCIT Renewable Resources program. In 1992 he joined International Forest Products as a timber cruiser and within a year had moved into the engineering office. He has been in the engineering side of the industry since then. ■

Are YOU Online?

If you have not yet posted your career story, please do it today!

www.TechPROfile.ca

Shauna Francis, AScT, travelled from the Fraser’s headwaters to the river’s mouth as part of the ‘Sustainable Living Leadership Program’.

Group Promotes First Nations Science & Technology THE FIRST NATIONS CAREERS COUNCIL was formed by ASTTBC to assist technologists and technicians in promoting technology careers within First Nations communities. FNCC volunteers attended the following events early in 2011: • ‘North Island Regional ICT Capacity Plan’ community engagement session, Campbell River • ‘Building a Healthy Future’ aboriginal employment and career fair, Chilliwack • ‘Community Science Celebration’, Port Alberni FNCC Board Member Shauna Francis, AScT, received funding from the Foundation for Education & Advancement in Technology to participate in the Rivershed Society of BC’s ‘Sustainable Living Leadership Program’ this past August. Seven participants spent three weeks travelling by raft, canoe and on foot along 1200 km of the historic Fraser River. They witnessed first hand the issues threatening the health of the mighty Fraser River and they saw the amazing sockeye salmon return.

“I learned so much about how to live a sustainable lifestyle and this experience has changed my perspective on my career goals and my personal values,” Shauna commented. “I have gained the leadership skills and confidence to come back and initiate my own community project.” ■

BC Women in Technology Update SARAH CAMPDEN, CTech, chairperson of ASTTBC’s women in technology group – BCWiT – was a speaker at the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology conference. Sarah traveled to Winnipeg in May 2010 to learn more and to share the BC experience.

Topics at the conference ranged from guidance for finding meaningful career paths to programs to help women get into trades and technology. Sarah was on a panel discussion on recruitment and retention. The main focus was reaching young girls early on in school and providing mentoring.

Getting through to the school councilors and parents was the general consensus. “We are not alone in our many issues and concerns,” says Sarah. “These women brought to the forefront the challenges that we, as women in technology careers, face every day.”

In the Fall BCWiT challenged the women of ASTTBC to post their career profiles on the TechPRO section of the ASTTBC web site.

At the same time, BCWiT challenged the men to post their profiles. A total of 32 profiles were posted during the challenge. The score? Women 18 : Men 14. ■

members logon employers connect Shaping BC’s Future

SKILLED KNOWLEDGEABLE WORKERS are at the core of realizing sustainable, responsible development in British Columbia. The success of your enterprise in a dynamic global market will depend on the professionals on your team.

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Bruce Sutherland, President of Wolfteck Industries and Chair of the Board at the College of New Caledonia, has been awarded Honorary Membership in ASTTBC. Doug Carter, CTech, 2009–11 President of ASTTBC, has been promoted to Assistant Director, Physical Plant, Sustainability and Capital Projects, at the University of Northern BC. Ken Christian, AScT, Health Protection Director, Interior Health Authority, and Chair of the Kamloops–Thompson School District, was profiled in The Daily News in Kamloops after receiving the ASTTBC TOP in TECHNOLOGY award.

Paul Butterfield, AScT, Traffic Engineering Technologist, District of Saanich, had his TOP in TECHNOLOGY award written up in the Saanich News.

Ron Green, AScT, an ASTTBC Past President, is the new Quality Assurance Manager for the International Qualifications Database.

Aron Laxton, Program Coordinator for the newly-established BC Construction Safety Alliance, has been appointed to the CSO Certification Panel by ASTTBC Council.

ASTTBC Staff donated a ‘Jeep’ full of food and $700 to the Surrey Food Bank in the lead-up to Christmas 2010; the project was coordinated by Pat Larsson, Assistant to the Registrar.

Garry Gaudet has been engaged as Manager, Media Relations, for ASTTBC. Catherine Roome, PEng, recently assumed responsibility as President and Chief Executive Officer for the BC Safety Authority. ■

ISSUE 128 • JANUARY–JUNE 2011 ISSN 1198–7758 • Printed in Canada ASTT NEWS is published by the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia.

PUBLISHER’S INFORMATION Editor: Ted Nodwell (editor@asttbc.org) Art Direction: Richard Mayer, AScT (rmayer@asttbc.org)

ASTTBC-registered Technology Professionals were front and center in a fourpage special feature in the Prince George Free Press.

ASTTBC Participates in National Engineering & Geoscience Month Paul LaBranche, AScT (second from right), receiving TechGREEN Award from Trevor Williams, Dean of Energy, BCIT (Award Presenting Sponsor); John Yap, then-Minister of State for Climate Action; and Doug Carter, CTech, President, ASTTBC.

TechGREEN 2010 Award Recipients

T

ECHGREEN AWARDS recognize the importance of technologists, technicians, technical specialists, companies and organizations in environmental solutions and sustainability. Twenty-four nominations were submitted for the inaugural 2010 awards. The recipients were:

TechGREEN Award: Company • West Coast Helicopters • Coast Mountain Bus Company – honorable mention TechGREEN Award: Organization • Okanagan College • Abbotsford/Mission Water & Sewer Commission and BC Housing Management – honorable mention TechGREEN Award: Individual • Paul LaBranche, AScT • Toby Barazzuol, Peter Roosen and Perry Feser, AScT – honorable mention “Thanks for the recognition received for the TechGREEN award,” said Paul LaBranche, AScT, Executive Vice President, BOMA BC. Paul was responsible for developing the BOMA BESt building environmental certification program launched in Vancouver in 1994. ‘BESt’ is the acronym for ‘Building Environmental Standards’, an initiative created to certify commercial buildings and facilities that have met the industry standard for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Years later, Paul directed the adaptation of the award winning program to the national level. ■

CONTRIBUTING TO A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY AND ENVIRONMENT

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ATIONAL ENGINEERING & GEOSCIENCE MONTH in March promoted public awareness of the professions by highlighting engineering projects and professionals throughout the province. ASTTBC threw its support behind the initiative.

ASTTBC produced a four-page supplement published in the Prince George Free Press on March 4th. The supplement included stories on ASTTBC member involvement in northern BC and how ASTTBC collaborates with other organizations to promote engineering technology professionals. Local recipients of ASTTBC’s ‘TOP in TECHNOLOGY’ award and the ‘TechGREEN’ award were profiled. Other articles described careers for women in technology and the need for technology programs at the local level at the College of New Caledonia.

ASTTBC also had a corporate ad in the supplement. Members can view the supplement on www.asttbc.org or obtain a copy from the ASTTBC office.

APEGBC arranged a special three part series in the Vancouver Sun during the first two weeks of March, highlighting National Engineering & Geoscience Month. ASTTBC booked ads promoting our technology professionals for all three issues. The Vancouver Sun reaches more than 460,000 readers.

ASTTBC secured a major ‘Year of Science’ grant from the government to arrange work experience placements for high school students (see separate article on page 2). This dovetails perfectly with the goal of National Engineering & Geoscience Month. Other ASTTBC initiatives for the month included: • Spaghetti Bridge Contest at Okanagan College, March 4th – major sponsor • Math Contest, first round in schools March 31st, final round in May – sponsor • CEBC ‘Awards for Engineering Excellence’, March 5th – platinum sponsor • CHBA BC ‘Georgie Awards’, March 5th – enhanced bronze sponsor • ABCLS 106th AGM, March 8th to 11th – silver sponsor • Canada Wood Council ‘BC Wood Design Awards’, March 14th – gold sponsor • First Nations Community Science Celebration in Nanaimo, April 16th – participant • TOP in TECHNOLOGY Awards – presentations around the province

The opinions expressed in ASTT NEWS are not necessarily those of ASTTBC or its directors. All rights reserved. This publication may be reproduced provided credit is given as to the source of such material. ASTT NEWS is available by registration in ASTTBC or paid subscription. Current circulation is more than 10,000.

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