Engineering Our Future
Engineers More Relevant than Ever as Canadians Face Increasingly Complex Challenges
Engineering touches nearly every aspect of our lives. Through engagement, partnerships, and events, Engineers Canada is raising public awareness of the role engineers play in solving the world’s most pressing challenges.
Anne Papmehl
Engineers are credited with playing a key role in Canada’s economic development. “One of the stories that often pops into people’s minds is the national railway, but that’s only part of engineers’ contribution,” says Danny Chui, President of Engineers Canada. “Our ability to travel and communicate with people around the world, live in large cities with access to clean water and sanitation are the results of engineers’ efforts and ingenuity, so they’ve had an impact not only on the economy but also on public health and safety,” says Chui. A more recent example of the latter was how engineers responded to the COVID-19 crisis, rapidly developing personal protective equipment (PPE) and air purification systems.
“Engineers are going to be even more relevant as we go forward because our country has these huge challenges,” says Chui. Addressing climate change, outdated infrastructure, and inequitable digital access — particularly in Indigenous and rural communities — requires the specialized expertise and perspectives that engineers, as systems thinkers, bring to the table.
Beyond solving technical and design problems, engineers also have a strong ethical obligation to protect the public. “Being ethical and responsible for their own design are key requirements of our licensure process,” says Chui.
Working to increase leadership and innovation in the field
Engineers Canada, the national association of the provincial and territorial engineering regulators that license the country’s more than 300,000 engineers, is working to increase leadership and innovation in the
field through various initiatives. One way is by leading National Engineering Month (NEM), occurring in March each year. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate the profession, spotlight our achievements and connect with our communities and the next generation through free engineering outreach events,” says Kim Bouffard, Manager of Outreach and Engagement at Engineers Canada. This year, there will be several events aimed at engaging youth from kindergarten to grade 12. “One of our mandates is to help people have a better understanding of the impact and value of an engineer’s way of thinking, especially among youth,” says Bouffard. “NEM is also a chance for members of the engineering community to get together to discuss issues, where the issues are going, and how we can all work together, she says.
Engineers are going to be even more relevant as we go forward.
Another way that Engineers Canada is leading is by creating communities of practice with key stakeholders to identify common challenges and objectives. “Issues like STEM education, climate change, new
types of engineering, and equity, diversity, and inclusion are complex so having these communities of practice is a way to move these issues forward together with the engineering regulators, higher education institutions, and our other partners in the engineering community,” says Bouffard.
Working to create a more equitable, diverse and inclusive profession
As the national voice of the engineering profession, Engineers Canada is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). “We can’t create solutions that work for society unless our profession reflects society, says Jeanette Southwood, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at Engineers Canada.
Among its many EDI initiatives is one called 30 by 30, which aims to raise the percentage of newly licensed female engineers to 30 percent by 2030 from the current 20.6 percent. “This initiative has been adopted by all 12 engineering regulators across the country and we’re working together to identify ways to remove barriers associated with women becoming engineers,” says Southwood.
Another focus area is increasing access to engineering to underrepresented groups such as Indigenous peoples. “Identifying what the issues and challenges are will help us move forward because they vary depending on which group is underrepresented,” says Southwood.
Curious to know how engineering touches our daily lives, shapes our world, and tackles some of Canada’s greatest challenges? Participate in one of the many events taking place across Canada as part of National Engineering Month by visiting exploreengineering.ca
Kim Bouffard, Manager of Outreach & Engagement, Engineers Canada
Jeanette Southwood Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Strategic Partnerships, Engineers Canada
Danny Chui President, Engineers Canada
Internationally Educated Professionals – Creating Pathways for Success
Diversity of
Ato Ontario’s growth – OACETT is providing the
to succeed for generations.
ccording to Industry Canada's 2016 labour market statistics, close to 600,000 immigrants residing in Ontario identified as professionals with a background in STEM. While the number of newcomers across the province has continued to increase, businesses across multiple industries have reported labour shortages that threaten Ontario's economic growth. Many stakeholders can play a role in reducing barriers for these newcomers.
As of December 2021, Ontario adopted amendments to Bill 27: Working for Workers Act which includes a provision prohibiting certain regulated professions from requiring Canadian work experience to obtain a license. For many years, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Tech-
nologists (OACETT) has focused on assisting internationally educated professionals along their career paths, including offering alternatives to Canadian work experience since 2016. Other OACETT supports include newcomer membership discounts, networking opportunities, and free educational resources. The more pathways international members are given to succeed, the better off we all are. Diversity of talent is a crucial driver of Ontario's economy that will help to fuel growth and prosperity for generations to come.
OACETT is a professional association and certifying body representing 23,000 engineering and applied science technicians and technologists across Ontario and confers the designations C.Tech (Certified Technician) and C.E.T. (Certified Engineering Technologist).
Qualifications-Based Selection Should Be the Law
ACEC-Ontario is advocating for selection by qualifications and competency over
Items of public infrastructure — bridges, water and wastewater facilities, hospitals, etc. — have lifespans measured in decades and lifecycle costs in the millions or billions of dollars, mainly related to operations and maintenance. Pre-construction design represents a miniscule portion of these costs, and yet provides the greatest opportunity to add value to a project. So why do governments so often procure engineering design services on the basis of lowest price?
ACEC-Ontario advocates for Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) — an approach to the procurement of professional services that emphasizes competency and qualifications, at prices that are fair and reasonable.
An Exciting New Members' Benefit for Ontario Professional Engineers
QBS is a competitive and transparent process that lowers risk, encourages innovation, and enables optimization of infrastructure life cycle costs.
Research has shown that projects using QBS have significantly lower cost increases, and fewer schedule slippages, during construction. QBS also allows designers to better focus on design for operability and design for maintainability.
QBS is the law for federal projects in the U.S. and state-level projects in most U.S. States. If the province and municipalities are serious about getting the greatest value for taxpayer dollars, they need to enshrine QBS as their procurement process. The lowest price doesn’t provide the best value.
The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) helps Ontario engineers constantly adapt to change as well as their
and professional growth.
as proof that they’ve done that,” says Powers.
The engineering industry is constantly changing and innovating in response to rapid technological advances. Whether it’s infrastructure, communications, medicine, or mining, engineers are the ones bringing these technologies forward. “That requires keeping ourselves very much upskilled, The Academy leverages the expertise of industry experts, OSPE members and professionals to curate programs that are learner-centric,” says Marilyn Powers, P.Eng., and Board Member & Vice Chair of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE).
To support that need, OSPE established the Ontario Engineering Academy (OEA), where members can access training, certification programs, and other resources to support their professional development. The OEA is also a response to the Professional Engineers of Ontario’s (PEO) pending regulatory requirement for continuing professional development (CPD). “The OEA CPD credits will be recognized
A place for all Ontario engineers to come together
OSPE offers a place for all Ontario engineers to come together to address issues and celebrate achievements in the engineering profession. OSPE is also committed to ensuring that all members of the profession are welcome and representative of the population it serves. “OSPE has been doing tremendous work in the field of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) as well as helping get through the PEO process and find employment,” says Powers. The voice of Ontario’s engineering community, OSPE incorporates its four core values — lead, care, unite, and grow — in educating the public on the role engineers play in making the world a better place and leading the profession in EDI. The Ontario Engineering Academy is a key component that provides a trusted resource to support Ontario engineers’ personal and professional growth.
Initiative Prioritizing Women in STEM Continues to Grow
Institutions like Algonquin College are dedicated to increasing the number of women in male-dominated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) industries.
Anne Papmehl
Despite decades of breaking down gender barriers in the workforce, women are still underrepresented in STEM fields. Post-secondary schools are taking a closer look at how they can help diversify future talent. The realization is this: women need to be engaged in STEM early on in their educational journeys.
Giving young women and girls the chance to develop interests in these fields increases the chances of them choosing STEM career paths. Oftentimes, high school students with strong math and science skills are encouraged to pursue university without contemplating other options.
There are many job opportunities in technology that women may not realize — jobs that are rewarding and vital to industries. Specifically, techni-
cians are sought after in various fields including powerlines, manufacturing engineering, motive power, water and wastewater, heating and refrigeration, electrical design, aircraft maintenance technicians, and much more.
Uplifting women students
Motivated by their signing of the Leadership Accord on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Electricity HR Canada, Algonquin College developed their initiative, We Saved You a Seat, to increase gender equality in STEM. They are reserving 30 percent of classroom seats for qualifying women in the Computer Systems Technician, Construction Engineering Technician, Electrical Engineering Technician, Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technician, Mechanical Engineering
Technology, and Powerline Technician programs.
“We’re offering women bursaries and entrance awards to help break down financial barriers,” says Kathryn Reilander, a faculty member of Electrical Engineering Technology. “Plus, we’re training our staff on how to establish inclusive learning environments.” In their final semester, students will be paired with industry or community mentors to help them smoothly transition into their professional working life — increasing their likelihood of staying in the field.
Algonquin is promoting inclusion and diversity through their programs and awards because they know their affirmative actions will trickle down industry pipelines. “We want women to know there’s a seat at the table for them in STEM,” Kathryn adds.
Cheryl Farrow MBA, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, OACETT
Cheryl Farrow
Bruce G. Matthews
Anne Papmehl
Marilyn Powers
Kathryn Reilander
Lessening of pandemic restrictions has brought a sense of renewal to many of Ontario’s postsecondary institutions.
Seneca, with campuses across the Greater Toronto Area, is no exception and continues to develop degree programs that combine rigorous academics with practical training across a range of professions.
Seneca’s new Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering) degree (BSA), with its focus on artificial intelligence (AI), is one of them. Offered through the School of Software Design & Data Science, this full-time program is delivered over eight semesters and includes two work terms.
“Our research showed that AI requirements for multiple industry sectors are increasing,” says Ranjan Bhattacharya,
Seneca's Unique New Engineering Degree Is Focused on AI Combining Technical and Ethical Elements
Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology at Seneca. “There is an urgent need for AI-trained professionals.”
Ability to help solve complex industry and societal challenges
In addition to acquiring the academic foundations, hands-on skills, and experience needed to build and maintain complex software solutions, students in Seneca’s Software Engineering degree program will develop leadership, critical thinking, and project management skills grounded in the ethics of AI.
“This is something that is unique to the program,” says Bhattacharya. “Theories and tools are foundational, but what those tools are being used for is also important. We want to ensure Seneca is producing graduates with technical skills and the ability to apply an ethical lens to their decision making.”
One of the sectors where this is especially relevant is municipal infrastructure and public utilities. “Everything is connected via the Cloud with a lot of associated software,” says Bhattacharya. “Along with being able to design systems that use AI for monitoring, troubleshooting and maintenance, our graduates need to understand the potential implications of their decisions and how they could impact the public.”
Industry challenges where ethical decisions are at the forefront also include the
Humber Engineering Graduates Will Be Prepared to Shape
the World
As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in our daily lives, software engineers will need grounding in ethical decision making. Bachelor of
development of technologies deployed in the operation of autonomous vehicles.
Another program differentiator is the hands-on focus.
“With many traditional university engineering classes, you’ll have 500 plus students in a large lecture theatre,” says Bhattacharya. “At Seneca, we pride ourselves on small class sizes led by faculty that are industry experts.
Flexible learning delivery mode offered
The courses in Seneca’s BSA program are offered through a number of delivery options. This includes in-person, remote, hybrid and also a new mode called flexible learning, in which students can choose to attend the class in person on campus, remotely online or a combination of the two.
“We know our students have busy lives and are balancing work and family obligations,” says Bhattacharya. “Over the past two years we’ve developed a lot of digital assets, and where it makes sense to keep things online or offer a flexible learning option to help students succeed, we will.”
Potential careers for Seneca’s BSA graduates range from software engineer, software developer and software programmer to AI specialist, AI engineer, AI developer and many more.
If you're looking for a career in an in-demand and evolving industry, check out Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering) degree.
students gain foundational knowledge and hands-on skills, preparing them to design solutions that will make the world safer and healthier.
Engineering is the application of science and math to solve problems. But Dr. Farzad Rayegani wants people to know that, at its heart, engineering is a caring profession. Engineers design and build products and processes to make the world safer, healthier, and more fun.
“In everything around you and through human history, engineering has driven the advancement of civilization and increased the quality of life, from health care and transportation, to your workplace and your home,” says Dr. Rayegani, senior dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at Humber College.
Dr. Rayegani says students studying in Humber’s four-year Bachelor of Engineering programs will go on to help shape a better future. After a common first year in any of these three degrees, students can specialize in Mechatronics, Information Systems or Built Environment.
Mechatronics integrates mechanical, electrical, electronics and computer engineering with applications in automation in areas including manufacturing, health care, consumer products, agriculture, and mining. Information Systems focuses on
cloud computing, smart devices, software, Internet of Things, and cyber security to design more secure and effective systems to generate, process, manage, store and communicate information. Built Environment focuses on civil, architectural, structural, and environmental engineering to develop a deep understanding of sustainability, building systems and infrastructure.
Learn through hands-on projects and industry experience
The programs blend classroom theory with
project-based learning in Humber’s advanced lab facilities, all taught by professors with industry experi ence and connections.
Students learn using stateof-the-art, advanced technology, and complete a co-op work program with an industry partner.
“Students learn the fundamental principles of engineering science while using industry tools and mirroring what engineers actually do in the workplace,” Dr. Rayegani says. “We bring industry to our students and bring our students to the industry so they have the engineering competencies needed for a changing world.”
Dr. Rayegani says that Humber graduates will be prepared to succeed in the future of engineering. “We need highly qualified individuals to solve the challenges society is facing, everything from clean water, to cyber security, to health care,” he says. “Humber graduates will be ready to define the prob
lems that the modern world is facing and work together to solves these challenges.”
Anne Papmehl
Anne Papmehl
Ranjan Bhattacharya Dean, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering Technology
Dr. Farzad Rayegani P.Eng, FEC., senior dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology, Humber College
For over 70 years, Fluor Canada has been delivering engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services to solve client challenges. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, with corporate offices in Irving, Texas, Fluor Canada focuses on three main service areas — mission solutions, urban solutions, and its core business, energy solutions.
Anne Papmehl
New level of stabilization and confidence — especially in energy sector
As with many service industry providers, Fluor Canada has faced challenges over the past few years, pandemic included. But now the market is showing signs of recovery. “I think things like ESG (environment, social, governance), carbon footprint, and decarbonization have re-started the economic machine,” says Mark Brown, Vice President and General Manager of Fluor Canada. “I’m not saying that out of blind optimism but, from an engineering perspective, we’re seeing a new level of stabilization and confidence in the industries we serve that we haven’t seen in years,” says Brown.
With that, Fluor Canada has already seen a heightened level of engagement from the energy sector. “They recognize the need to innovate and create new solutions to these new challenges and the need to come back to the service industry and get our help,” says Brown.
Given its primary concentration in energy solutions, Fluor Canada is highlighting that experience and its applicability to energy transition. “It’s exciting because when you think about engineering and the technical solutions that engineers provide, it’s a great opportunity to think about this industry in a different way,” says Brown. “Also, as a company that prides itself on having global reach but with a local face, energy transition lets us demonstrate that we’re not only a company that helps solve client challenges, we also have a deep connection to the communities we serve,” says Brown.
Changing attraction retention mechanism to draw innovative thinkers
To ensure a steady pipeline of new talent to
FLUOR BUILDS A BETTER WORLD
meet its new demands, Fluor has enhanced its engagement and collaborations with clients, industry, academia, and the greater community in Canada. “It’s very encouraging to see what the academic world is doing, what the owner operator side is doing, and what the industry side is doing and how we can become part of that equation,” says Mariki Mackenzie, Manager, Engineering at Fluor Canada.
The Oil Sands Pathways to Net Zero initiative is an example. “Six of Canada’s largest oil sands producers are working together with EPC companies and government entities to find solutions, so that kind of collaboration is a new and attractive way for us to bring more talent into our industry,” says Mackenzie.
Fluor is also challenging the status quo by the way it collaborates with external schools and organizations fostering this type of education in Canada. “We have close relationships with our universities and technical schools, especially the ones close by here in Alberta,” says Mackenzie.
One of the challenges to attracting new grads is the perception that the energy industry is dirty and polluting. “What they may not realize is that these energy companies are the ones best positioned for energy transition, so we make a point of showcasing how this sector is working to the greater good of society and the planet and highlight the opportunities for them in this space,” says Mackenzie, adding, “the need for engineers in this sector is huge and there’s never been a better time to be an engineer.”
Providing answers to client challenges Solving today’s complex energy problems requires innovative, market efficient solu-
tions. Fluor’s Canadian expertise in creating these solutions is already being seen through technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture, renewable fuels and small modular reactors (SMRs). “These are suitable technologies for companies wanting to demonstrate their net zero commitments,” says David Mercer, Head of Technology - Energy Solutions at Fluor Canada.
One specific area is developing hydrogen for use as a transportation fuel. “In addition to being carbon free, hydrogen is manufactured using natural gas — which is inexpensive, abundant, and the technology has been proven and de-risked over a number of decades,” says Mercer.
Another area of expertise is carbon capture and sequestration. “We’ve been in this business for over 30 years and have designed and constructed numerous plants that are operating with this proven technology,” says Mercer. “We continue to invest our technology smarts toward supporting new and emerging technologies to help companies get to net zero,” says Mercer.
With over 1,200 active patents and 15 licensed technologies, Fluor brings an extensive roster of ready-made solutions.
“We also have over 90 offices worldwide and more than 41,000 professionals so that’s a tremendous breadth and depth of personnel experience that can be brought to bear on any one of these projects,” says Mercer.
“Additionally, because we are a global company, we have a seat at the table on an international platform and can draw upon the expertise of other countries that have been early adopters of these technologies — and help Canadian companies bring them forward,” says Mercer.
Fluor is building a better future by applying world-class expertise to solve its clients’ greatest challenges. Fluor provides professional and technical solutions that deliver safe, well-executed, capital-efficient projects to clients around the world. With headquarters in Irving, Texas, Fluor has provided engineering, procurement, and construction services for more than 100 years.