Kathi Hemphill Camilleri, Master of Arts in Leadership, Cultural Safety Consultant and Facilitator of Village
Land Acknowledgement
Headquartered in Surrey, BC, ASTTBC acknowledges the traditional Lands of the Semiahmoo, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Kwantlen, Qayqayt and Tsawwassen Peoples.
We thank our hosts for their graciousness in welcoming us to carry out our work on their Land.
In so doing, we recognize their inherent Indigenous rights and title, the implementation without qualification of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and our support for the 94 calls to action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Disclaimer: ASTTBC makes no endorsement or guarantee as to the quality or suitability of any activity, professional, product, or service advertised with ASTTBC.
Chair & CEO message
2025-2027 Strategic Plan
ASTTBC by the numbers
Record your 2025 CPD
Volunteer with ASTTBC as a committee member or file reviewer
Registrant profile: Ben Lubberts
ASET names Damon Mayes as new CEO
Ministry update
ASTTBC in the community
Registrant update
Registrant services and job board
Purpose Statement
ASTTBC is committed to protecting British Columbians and the environment by regulating applied science and engineering technologists, technicians, and technical specialists.
Through our code of ethics and practice standards, our registrants are qualified, competent, and accountable. ASTTBC monitors compliance with these standards and investigates breaches when necessary.
ISSUE 168
Jan-March 2025
ASTTBCONNECT is published by the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC.
EDITOR: Cara Christopherson 604-585-2788 ext. 501 cchristopherson@asttbc.org
The opinions expressed in ASTTBCONNECT 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.
The Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) regulates approximately 7,000 applied science and engineering technology professionals in British Columbia under the Professional Governance Act (PGA).
For more information, please visit asttbc.org
Chair & CEO Message
Since ASTTBC came under the Professional Governance Act (PGA) we’ve taken time to reflect and made important changes in our governance and operations, so that we are better aligned as a regulator. Part of this process was to take a closer look at the language that has shaped and guided our organization. After careful consideration we made the decision to replace our mission and vision statements with a purpose statement. This new statement clarifies our role as a regulator, capturing who we are, what we do, how we do it, and why.
We are pleased to share with you ASTTBC’s new purpose statement:
ASTTBC is committed to protecting British Columbians and the environment by regulating applied science and engineering technologists, technicians, and technical specialists.
Through our code of ethics and practice standards, our registrants are qualified, competent, and accountable. ASTTBC monitors compliance with these standards and investigates breaches when necessary.
We are committed to this statement and believe it focuses our efforts on what matters most. Timing for this could not be more perfect as we look ahead to what we have planned for 2025.
ASTTBC’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan was recently approved by the Board of Directors and as promised, we are now sharing it with you. It includes three goals, which are supported by 12 strategies. More details can be found on page 8 of this ASTTBConnect, and on our website.
Schmoozapalooza 2025 is coming up, and if you haven’t already, this is a reminder to purchase your tickets! The event
ASTTBC Chair
Ken Zeleschuk, AScT, PTech, RTMgr, MBA, Dipl.T
includes a presentation and workshop by Kathi Hemphill Camilleri, Master of Arts in Leadership, Cultural Safety Consultant and Facilitator of Village Workshop© Series. ASTTBC registrants attending can earn two continuing professional development (CPD) hours towards their annual Indigenous awareness and reconciliation requirement. Join us after for drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a delicious dinner buffet! We look forward to seeing you there.
2025 is shaping up to be a formative year for ASTTBC and registrants, and as always, we will ensure you are informed of what’s to come.
ASTTBC CEO Theresa McCurry, BSc, PMP
You are invited ASTTBC Empower Tomorrow –Schmoozapalooza 2025 event! DATE & TIME 2:30PM-7:30PM 10 APRIL 2025
ASTTBC BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025
Under the Professional Governance Act, ‘council’ is referred to as ‘Board of Directors’, ‘president’ is ‘chair’ and ‘vice-president is ‘vice chair.’
Chair, Ken Zeleschuk, AScT, PTech, RTMgr, MBA, Dipl.T
Vice chair, Brian F. Davies, CTech, RSIS, CGM
Past chair, David Sparanese, AScT, PTech, CPWI 3
Registrant directors:
Dana Graves, AScT, CSO
Carlo Vijandre, AScT, PMP, FMP, SFP, CSSBB
Prakash Joshi, AScT, PTech, PLEng
Randy Meszaros, AScT, PMP, CET
Kerry Barth, AScT
Lay directors:
Mary O’Callaghan, MBA, FCMC
Oluwatobi (Tobi) Abisoye, LLB, LLM
Terry W. Hawes, LLM, MBA, CPA, CGA, CFE, C.Dir.
Natasha Dookie, BA, CPHR, JD
Registrants are required to notify ASTTBC of any change of name, address, email, place of employment, or other contact information previously provided, within two weeks of any change.
Please update your information to ensure it is current.
2025-2027 Strategic Plan
ASTTBC is pleased to share our 2025-2027 strategic plan! We are confident it will serve as a roadmap to guide us over the next three years.
This plan includes three goals that are supported by 12 strategies.
GOAL 1
Finalize and implement a reserved scope of practice for technologists and technicians.
ASTTBC is proud to share its statistics for 2024. These insights have an important role in guiding informed decisions, identifying areas that may need greater attention, and also helping us to better understand overall demographics of our registrants.
ASTTBC by the numbers 2024
By gender
By age female registrants male registrants
Number of registration applications received 452*
Required review and decision by the credentials committee 132*
* The numbers above do not include reclassifications other registrants
New registrants approved by the credentials committee 384*
New ITTP registrants by
Registrants can now record their 2025 CPD! As an ASTTBC registrant, you have the responsibility of safeguarding public health and environmental well-being within your profession. Earning CPD not only fulfills this responsibility but also positions you to provide enhanced advice and services.
RECORD YOUR 2025 CPD!
CPD supports individuals, organizations, and entire industries in sustaining and advancing knowledge. By pursuing CPD opportunities, you take control of your career development, ensuring ongoing skills enhancement, and that your knowledge is up-to-date.
To assist registrants in fulfilling their CPD requirements, ASTTBC offers a comprehensive CPD learning resources webpage, including FAQs, instructions on CPD activity recording, and more.
Throughout the year, ASTTBC will host webinars addressing questions related to the CPD program. ASTTBC’s professional practice department is ready to address any queries and provide support to registrants in completing their CPD.
2024 was the first full year ASTTBC registrants recorded their continuing professional development (CPD) hours through their ASTTBC account. You’ll notice in the table below that CPD-related enquires show a 60% decrease from the previous year. This decrease in CPD-related enquiries is attributed to registrants becoming more familiar with their ASTTBC account and online CPD recording system.
If you have any questions, please contact us at, cpd@asttbc.org.
StrongerBC Future Skills Grant
The StrongerBC Future Skills Grant is open to British Columbians aged 19 years or older regardless of financial need and covers up to $3,500 per person for eligible short-term skills training at public postsecondary institutions.
LEARN MORE
VOLUNTEER WITH ASTTBC
as a committee member or file reviewer
ASTTBC is inviting practising and retired registrants in good standing to volunteer as either a committee member and/or file reviewer.
ASTTBC has several statutory committees that need volunteers:
Credentials committee: oversees the application process for new and reinstating registrants of ASTTBC. This committee meets virtually in the evenings monthly.
Investigation committee: oversees the investigation of allegations of professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming and/or incompetent practice against registrants and makes disposition decisions. This committee meets virtually in the evening approximately five times per year.
Audit and practice review committee: oversees the development of practice standards, the annual CPD audit and the practice review process. This committee meets virtually in the evening approximately five times per year.
Discipline committee: conducts disciplinary hearings to determine if allegations of professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming or incompetent practice have occurred. This committee meets on an asneeded basis and may be in person or virtual.
ASTTBC file reviewers
ASTTBC file reviewers assist the credentials committee in reviewing applications for new registration (file reviewers may indicate their availability/workload). ASTTBC needs AScTs and CTechs in all disciplines, and could especially use assistance with the following disciplines:
Architectural and Building Construction
Biomedical
Civil
Electrical
Electronics
Environmental
Instrumentation
Mechanical
Survey/Geomatics
Time spent volunteering on a committee or as a file reviewer is eligible for CPD hours
ELIGIBILITY
A registrant is not eligible for a position on a statutory committee if they:
are not a resident of British Columbia,
are the subject of a citation for a discipline hearing which is to be scheduled or which is in process in British Columbia, another province, or a foreign jurisdiction that could result in the registrant’s entitlement to practice in the applicable jurisdiction being cancelled, revoked, suspended or subject to restrictions, terms or conditions for any reason other than late payment or non-payment of fees,
are the subject of an ongoing investigation as a result of a complaint or a duty to report,
have been found by any court, inside or outside of Canada, to be incapable of managing their own affairs,
are an undischarged bankrupt, or hold the position of a director, officer or employee of a professional association and/or advocacy body of engineers, applied science and/or engineering technologists or technicians, or a technical specialist subclass or group of subclasses, or have held such a position in the previous six months.
TO APPLY
To apply, please submit an application expressing your interest in volunteering at ASTTBC:
Log into your ASTTBC account https://Registrants.Asttbc.org/web
One third down the page, select Resources tab
3 4 5
Click Training videos, group benefits and other resources
In portal, click tab in right column Volunteer Opportunities, Expression of Interest
Complete the form then submit
ASTTBC will identify and reach out to volunteers. Volunteering is an excellent way to serve the public interest in the practice of applied science technology. We encourage all who are interested to learn more about this opportunity.
ASTTBC provides training on regulatory processes and related administrative law.
Questions regarding volunteering may be directed to the registrar and deputy registrar by email to registrar@asttbc.org.
Registrant profile: Ben Lubberts
Ben Lubberts, applied science technologist (AScT), loves music, but a one-off gig touring as a back up multi-instrumentalist to the then emerging Canadian pop star Carly Rae Jepson made him realize he wanted a career closer to home.
“It was a fantastic experience,” says Ben. “It gave me a lot of road smarts and stage smarts and I know what it’s like to perform at big venues with demanding schedules. But that experience also showed me that I didn’t want to be a professional musician, I desired something a little more stable.”
And that’s how Ben ended up as deputy director of engineering with the Town of View Royal, a community of approximately 12,000 people about seven kilometres north of Victoria on Vancouver Island.
“I more or less stumbled across civil engineering,” says Ben. “I started my adulthood working as an audio video installer for home theatre systems and was aspiring to music as a full-time career, which is how I ended up on the Carly Jepsen tour. I had no inkling that civil engineering would be something that interested me.”
It wasn’t until he met his wife-to-be that he decided to switch careers and get a bit more education. Searching online, he came across a six-month engineering graphic design certificate course at Camosun College in Victoria and enrolled.
After graduating he worked for a woodworking company, but business was slow, and he kept thinking back to a comment by one of his instructors at Camosun who asked if he had ever considered a career in mechanical engineering.
“So, I ended up looking at Camosun’s offerings and I got familiar with both their mechanical and civil engineering programs and civil engineering really spoke to me,” says Ben.
He was accepted into the two-year program – which actually took him three years because he and his wife welcomed their first baby during his first year and he worked a full year as a co-op student before resuming the engineering course.
“I’ve just loved working in civil engineering ever since, and I’ve done very well at it,” he says.
After graduating, Ben worked for the District of Saanich on Vancouver Island for five years, starting out as a junior technologist in the transport design section and ending up in the land development office.
Then a position doing the same work opened up at View Royal. He applied and was hired, but instead of being one of a team of five or six people at Saanich, he would be a team of one in the engineering department doing land development.
Only a year later, both the director and deputy director of engineering left View Royal to take up positions elsewhere and Ben was promoted to deputy director.
Being part of a small team means Ben’s job is diverse.
“We are responsible for providing all of the same municipal services as any other municipality, so we get to wear many hats,” he says.
The hats include not just land development and urban planning. Ben is also View Royal’s asset management program coordinator which has become a big part of his work portfolio, an interest he has expanded to the wider municipal sector where he is a champion of asset management.
In addition, Ben and his team are also responsible for a range of non-engineering tasks such as purchasing and procurement, contract negotiations, intergovernmental relations with View Royal’s neighbouring municipalities and the Province, risk management and communications.
“That’s what I love about my work and specifically working for a small municipality; its that wide range of activities I get to be involved in,” says Ben.
His main challenges are time and task management.
“Our time and attention is so in demand that we are pulled in every direction. On the one hand there are the operational day-to-day tasks of keeping the system running. You have to be nimble and responsive,” says Ben. “On the other side is the planning and strategizing for the longer term. Those are two very different thought processes and time demands.”
On any given day Ben and his team may be responding to anything from a sinkhole and a utility company suddenly taking up a lane of traffic that wasn’t anticipated, to a damagecausing storm event. At the same time, they are also expected to keep track of the longterm tasks set out in five-year plans and, large capital projects that run to multiple years.
Ben says his AScT accreditation has helped him tremendously in every job he’s had.
“I’m fairly certain that the credential behind my name and the ethics and the skills that it entails has helped me get to where I am today,” he says.
With a full-time job and two kids, Ben doesn’t have too much spare time. But what he does have is taken up in part by his ongoing love for music. He and his wife still perform together at weddings, parties and conferences.
ASET names Damon Mayes as new CEO
The Council of the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) announced the appointment of Damon Mayes, MSc., BSc., C.Stat (FRSS), P.Stat, as the new Chief Executive Officer effective January 6, 2025. Damon steps into his position as ASET’s CEO with close to 30 years’ experience as a senior leader in the healthcare, postsecondary and private industry sectors.
Congratulations, Damon!
The full announcement can be found here.
Ministry update
ANNE KANG
Anne Kang is the Minister of PostSecondary Education and Future Skills.
SUNITA DHIR
Sunita Dhir was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials in November 2024.
In January, ASTTBC staff had the opportunity to meet with Parliamentary Secretary Dhir, engaging in a productive and meaningful discussion.
ASTTBC in the community
ASTTBC actively participates in industry events each quarter, engaging both as a presenter and/or as an attendee.
Here is a list of events and engagements ASTTBC took part in from January 1, 2025 to February 28, 2025.
Online presentation to the Immigrant Services Society of BC
Online presentation to the SDECB (Francophone society)
Presented at the Onsite Wastewater Management Association (WCOWMA) Convention and Tradeshow
Attended SpeatBC gala
REGISTRANT UPDATE
New AScT New CTech
Gurhasanpreet Singh
Carl Albarda
Maninderpal Bhangu
Justin Bradley
Santiago Castro Joya
Herson Chicas Guirola
Irish Cortez
Bryan Da Silva
Stuart Doyle
Sascha Epple
Colby Friesen
Harish Gautam
Kyle Halvorson
Dustin Hampe
David Hodgson
Eivin Hoy
Eajin Jeong
Yi Jiao
Benjamin Jolie
Vyacheslav Katalevskiy
Christopher Laberge
Brandon Masschelein
Mitchell McTaggart
Maurice Pauly
Melanie Reece
Derek Roetman
Micko Sadinmaa
Bilawaldeep Singh Samra
Mandeep Sandhu
Yongwon Song
Riley Sziklai
Gregory Talbot
Michelle Topham
Warren David Trumpour
Emanuel Valerio
Colin Wilson
Kaiyi Zeng
Manminderjit Singh
Satnam Singh
Abhilash Abnave
Joseph Attara
Graham Baker
Donatien Bazinet
Noah Bloom
Josue Canales
Adam Cappon
Taylor Chung
Godfred Adu
Mathew Heard
Matthew Jackson
Cynthia Johnston Gyungtae Koo
Abdul Saboor Meherzad
Brieann Ventura
Retired New RTS
Jesdeep Dhaliwal
Leo Dioquino
Jessa Gabriel
Jason Gauthier
Lucien Graham
Jacob Hilgartner
Cameron Jeffery
Jeffrey Johnson
Abdulkhalil Gulam Kamal
Gene Kopp
Kirk McHugh
Patrick McKinney
Dong Jun Oh
Gleford Opolentisima
Brendan Patterson
Eric Pearson
John Reid
Timothy Reuser
Laen Savage
Nathan Sawada
Matthew Schellenberg
Felipe Terrientes
Mitchell Ungurain
Sean Urquhart
Jeffrey Young
Paul Craig
Ian Daniel
Kelly Grebliunas
Paul Harrison
Pekka Kauppi
John Loveless
Grant Loyer
Steven Mjoen
Jeffrey Rendek
REGISTRANT SERVICES JOB BOARD
Our partners offer exclusive rates on their products and services.
Follow the links below to learn more:
» Willis Towers Watson
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» Manulife
To access insurance and other ASTTBC group benefits including discounts to the PNE/Playland, Mark’s Work Wearhouse and more, please log into your ASTTBC account. Once logged on, click the ‘Resources’ tab for more information.
Engineering Project Coordinator
City of Surrey
Surrey, BC
Closing date: 03-14-2025
Engineering Technologist II
City of Dawson Creek
Dawson Creek, BC
Open until filled
Distribution Design Technician
BC Hydro Burnaby, BC
Closing Date: 03-06-2025
Senior Fire Technician
Escape Fire Protection
Abbotsford, BC
Open until filled
Project Coordinator, Facilities
District of Central Saanich
Saanich, BC
Closing date: 03-06-2025
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