ASTTBConnect Issue No. 145, April – June 2019

ISSUE 145

APRIL - JUNE 2019

Farnaz Shivaei, Registered Fire Protection Technician Photo credit: Jay Fox

IN THIS ISSUE

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & AUTOMATION P. 4

ESSENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS IN ENGINEERING

P. 5

REGIONAL NEWS

P. 6-9

2018 ANNUAL REPORT P. 13-15

Dr. Michael Wrinch, P.Eng, Ph.D, PMP, CEM, FS Eng (TÃœV Rheinland)

ASTTBC.ORG

PRESIDENT & CEO MESSAGE

ISSUE 145 April - June 2019 ASTTBC CONNECT is published by the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia.

PUBLISHER’S INFO EDITOR: Kimberly Kelly 604.585.2788 x235 kkelly@asttbc.org ADVERTISING: Cheryl Blachuras 604.585.2788 x221 techinfo@asttbc.org The opinions expressed in ASTTBC CONNECT 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. Circulation is more than 10,000.

PRESIDENT & CEO MESSAGE 2018 was an eventful and positive year for Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC). A new CEO, renewal of standards, improved services and a strengthening of the ASTTBC brand, to name a few. Please see the highlights on page 13-15.

Last year, ASTTBC along with the other provinces which belong to Technology Professionals Canada, committed to supporting diversity by adhering to the principles of equality and inclusion, which we celebrate in our membership, volunteer practice, employment and human resource practices. We were awarded new funding from both the Federal and Provincial Governments for projects looking at suitable jobs for people Trent Reid, CTech who have diverse abilities, working with new immigrants and ASTTBC President retaining women in engineering technology. The activities highlight the fact the ASTTBC is a leader in our profession and a respected organization across Canada.

A pledge to safety and quality is demonstrated day in and day out by ASTTBC members. ASTTBC members uphold high technical and ethical standards while volunteering to be regulated. This past year we approved several new and updated practice guides, including a new Registered Fire Protection Technician Standard of Practice.

While there are many successes in 2018 including our advancements with the discussions about rights to practice, what will remain unwavering is serving the public which is the core element of ASTTBC’s mission. Protecting the interests of the public is included in the ASTT Act and as a professional regulatory body, ASTTBC commits to acting responsibly for the best interests of the general public.

Risk management Construction contract disputes Construction tort claims Builders’ liens Professional liability Insurance on products liability

On behalf of the ASTTBC Council and staff, we thank all members, volunteers, partners, governments and regulatory bodies for your support and collaborations. ASTTBC continues to serve the British Columbia as the regulatory body of applied science and engineer technology professionals.

Trent Reid, CTech

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Theresa McCurry, BSc, PMP ASTTBC Chief Executive Officer

Theresa McCurry, BSc, PMP

ASTTBC CONNECT • ISSUE 145

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SPOTLIGHT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & AUTOMATION What does it mean for Engineering Technology?

P. 4

ESSENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS IN ENGINEERING

Established in 1958, ASTTBC regulates standards of training and practice of technologists, technicians and technical specialists, to protect the interests of the public under the ASTT Act. For more information, please visit

ASTTBC.ORG

P. 5

ASTTBC 2018 ANNUAL REPORT P. 13 - 15

REGULAR FEATURES INTERIOR............................................................................................................ P. 6 LOWER MAINLAND........................................................................................P. 7 NORTHERN BC................................................................................................. P. 8 VANCOUVER ISLAND.................................................................................... P. 9 UPCOMING EVENTS.....................................................................................P. 10 NEW MEMBERS...............................................................................................P. 11 MEMBER SERVICES...................................................................................... P. 12

EXECUTIVE & COUNCIL 2018 – 2019 OFFICERS President Trent Reid, CTech Vice President Sarah Campden, CTech, RTMgr Secretary Treasurer David Sparanese, AScT, CPWI 3 Past President Keith Trulson, AScT, EngL

COUNCIL DIRECTORS Todd Blackstock, AScT Rachel Butler, AScT Brian Davies, CTech, RSIS Edzel Escala, AScT Randy Meszaros, AScT, PMP, CET Heather Robertson, AScT Paul Sawyer, CTech Paul Tomei, AScT

ASTTBC Foundation Bursary for High School Student One $1,000 bursary is offered directly from the ASTTBC Foundation each year to a Grade 12 student who is a child or a grandchild of an ASTTBC member.

High school students can find bursary application criteria and instructions on how to apply at asttbc.org/about/foundation/ The bursary application deadline is August 1, 2019.

APRIL - JUNE 2019

Ken Zeleschuk, AScT, PTech, RTMgr, MBA

PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES (APPOINTED) Rob Campbell, BSc, PEng James Coble, MA Roslyn Kunin, PhD

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SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & AUTOMATION - WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY?

By: Jason Jung, Manager, Professional Practice, ASTTBC

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STTBC members carry out a wide range of complex work either independently or under general direction in fields such as engineering, building technology, surveying,

forestry, biosciences, allied health, and resource or systems management. Activities they take on such as design, production, testing, quality control, inspection, and diagnostic evaluation are all areas where AI will have an impact as the technology continues to develop and evolve.

In computer science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), sometimes called Machine Intelligence, is intelligence demonstrated by machines, in contrast to the natural intelligence displayed by humans and animals. Colloquially, the term “artificial intelligence” is used to describe machines that mimic cognitive functions that humans associate with other human minds, such as learning and problem solving. (Source: Wikipedia) “In this new age of AI we’re beginning to observe humans and At the core of this is the question of consequence ethics. How is the integration of AI going to impact not only our privacy, but tasks technology professionals and others are ultimately responsible for, especially when the prime objective is public protection and safety?

Chris Hobbs, President of TTT Studios shared, “Ethics around AI is always a concern. Automation will lead to job elimination and facial recognition will erode our personal privacy. One concern I have is around responsibility. If the technology professional has a task to perform but the underlying work is done by an algorithm and a party is hurt as a result who is responsible? Is it the tech professional or is it the writer of the algorithm? I am confident this will become a big legal question moving forward.”

The ASTTBC Code of Ethics states that Members of ASTTBC shall: •

Undertake and accept responsibility for professional assignments only when qualified by training and experience;

•

Provide an opinion on a professional subject only when it is

machines working together to produce astounding results not previously attainable by either of the two working alone, “ explained Kyle Hounslow, Machine Learning Engineer and the AI Tech Lead for Digitalist North America. “That being said, we need to beware of confirmation bias and not take machine predictions at face value. It is of greatest importance that we think critically about what the predictions are telling us and keep humans in the loop whenever necessary.

“In its current state, AI and Machine Learning is simply a tool which we use to automate monotonous tasks and free up the human mind to focus on more creative tasks. In human/ machine hybrid systems the user should be held accountable for all decisions made regardless of whether AI was involved in the process. In my opinion, it is the AI developer’s responsibility to rigidly define the limits of the algorithm and it is the user’s responsibility to keep its usage within these limits.”

Learn more at the upcoming ASTTBC AGM & Conference, June 13th at the Pacific Gateway Hotel in Richmond. Three panelists will provide expert commentary on AI’s challenges, opportunities, and impacts on society.

founded upon adequate knowledge.

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ASTTBC CONNECT • ISSUE 145

SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT: POWER PLAYERS: THE SUPER SKILLS OF OUR “SUPER-TECHS”

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t’s been nine straight months of

critical skills combo give Super-Tech’s the ability to help us

calculations, design, and drawings

seamlessly bridge a project from the Engineering back office

to complete the concept for

and out into the real world where our exceptional designs get

a first-of-a-kind entertainment

converted into functional machinery.

ride system. The design team poured their hearts into meeting the deadline and making sure Article by: Dr. Michael Wrinch, P.Eng, Ph.D, PMP, CEM, FS Eng (TÜV Rheinland)

everything is right. This ride twists and turns in every direction with guests having the time of their lives while tucked safely into their

seats. As long as our calculations are right it will be amazing, but with the “first of anything” there’s always a few hiccups.

Our next step in the process is to build a prototype and prove the subsystems are in fact safe, functional and fun. The Technologists leading the prototyping team are ready to get down to the real work: it’s time to make this thing!

Since much of our work is the first of its kind, we regularly use prototyping to help us refine designs, resolve bugs, improve robustness, and simplify manufacturing. Which means we need people who can fully consider the impact of design changes at both the technical and project level, and then immediately implement them safely.

So, who does this kind of work? Hedgehog Technologies

Jarred Richter, ASTTBC GradTech and Vadim Bredis are two

Inc. does. We’re a home grown in BC premier electrical and

of our finest Super-Techs. After years of experience these two

controls engineering company who provides a full suite of

have handled everything our projects have thrown at them.

technical services for our customers including design, build,

“Not enough power? …no problem, we’ll connect a service for

commissioning, and support. We also pride ourselves on being

you!”, “Wrong software program? …no problem, we can fix

there when the lights turn on. That means our team members

that!”, “You want a 600VDC braking system? …no problem, that’s

need to both think creatively through a design and then actually get out there and build it with their own hands.

a great idea!” They plan the assembly, build the systems, and upload programs. The outcome are these amazing first-of-a-kind machines.

Our unique combination of design theory and practical skills sets us apart, and is the key reason our clients keep presenting us with some of the most complex projects on the planet.

Anything from electric submarines, to solar farms in isolated communities, to first of a kind amusement rides. Through these successes, challenges and hard-earned experiences we’ve come to recognize, and deeply value a key role on our team which we affectionately call the “Super-Tech”.

For the ride project in particular, they consistently delivered on time and delighted our Client with how well everything worked.

For us, a Super-Tech is anyone who has an Electrical or Controls Diploma, RedSeal Industrial Electrician Certification and is a capable Project Manager. This APRIL - JUNE 2019

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INTERIOR

REGION: INTERIOR Todd Blackstock, AScT, Research & Development Manager at AEM said of this recent product, “It’s very exciting to see the hard work put into developing our technology is paying off and being installed in aircraft. We have a great team with our 100+ employees and we are looking at high growth for the Structural Health Monitoring portion of our business.”

AEM ENHANCES AIR PASSENGER SAFETY WITH NEW LEADING-EDGE PRODUCT

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ince 2009, AEM has designed, manufactured, certified, and built communication equipment for a broad range of aircraft. AEM also provides troubleshooting, repair, and refurbishment services for their products, and offer manufacturing services to emerging companies who need a quick go-to-market solution for their electronics.

AEM is an approved OEM supplier of aircraft components to several aircraft OEMs including Boeing, Bombardier, Airbus, Sikorsky, and Embraer along with providing contract electronics manufacturing. With over 500 dealers worldwide, they are an industry leader in contract manufacturing for the avionics industry.

AEM recently introduced leading-edge technology to the Aerospace Industry that provides identification of metal fatigue on aircraft structures versus the countless hours and days it would normally take to undergo such inspections. All this saves considerable down time for the airlines thus more airtime for the aircraft, while enhancing safety of the airframe and travelling public.

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AEM also provides comprehensive electronics manufacturing services for emerging companies with STEM products, addressing solutions for the unique challenges of lower volume, high-mix product configurations, and accelerating the go-to-market process.

CPD OPPORTUNITY: Technical Safety BC Tech Talk – Generator Systems Salmon Arm, May 28 For more information, please click here.

CPD OPPORTUNITY: Technical Safety BC Tech Talk – Common Gas Non-Compliance & Understanding Enforcement Kamloops, May 29 For more information, please click here.

TECHJOB: Building Official I & III City of Kamloops For job details, please click here.

For more TECHJOB postings throughout the province, please visit this page.

ASTTBC CONNECT • ISSUE 145

LOWER MAINLAND

REGION: LOWER MAINLAND FIRE PROTECTION – IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR

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20, Arian is 18, and they are the youngest employees at FirePro. “Arian and Arvin joined the Fire-Pro family with incredible enthusiasm to start their careers in fire protection. They have excelled at working and training alongside senior and

arnaz Shivaei,

experienced technicians and have a bright future ahead”, said

Registered

Patrick Oboril, RFPT, Service Manager, Fire-Pro.

Fire Protection

Technician (RFPT), immigrated family from Iran in 2014 through a skilled worker program as a midwife, seeking a better life for her family in Canada.

After a settlement period, Farnaz came to realize that the time and money to upgrade her midwife certifications were not affordable. As with all her professional pursuits, Farnaz sought out an opportunity to continue a career in community service.

Farnaz has taken on an unexpected role of breaking down gender barriers in the field of Fire Protection. She explained that on some job sites, there is surprise and sometimes concern over the fact that a woman is preforming the job of testing and inspecting fire and life safety equipment in a building. At ASTTBC, currently female RFPTs account for only 2% of all registered RFPTs. Farnaz shared, “I have worked in different fields; however I was always looking for a job that serves the beautiful community that welcomed me and my family. Through

Through a friend, Farnaz was introduced to the ASTTBC’s

research I came to this

government funded 7-week Fire Protection Technician Training

knowledge that an RFPT

Program. Karen McDiarmid, Manager of the ASTTBC Fire

career requires all the items

Protection Technician Program commented, “From the get-go,

I’d ever wished for. I’m truly

Farnaz was enthusiastic about working in the fire protection

happy to say I feel more

industry and after graduating from the training program, she

determined every single day

was hired immediately. A year later she continues to add more

of my decision.”

fire protection endorsements to her list of accomplishments.”

As a Fire Protection Technician, Farnaz tests and inspects commercial and residential buildings, in accordance with applicable codes and standards. Mo Hashemi, RFPT, Technical Trainer at Vancouver Fire said, “Farnaz is a symbol of determination and resiliency. She is highly ethical, has a great eye for detail and is a real pleasure to work with. Farnaz is smart and passionate about what she does and thereupon, a great asset to our team.”

Photo credit: Jay Fox

CPD OPPORTUNITY: Technical Safety BC Tech Talk - Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing Sechelt, May 28 For more information, please click here.

TECHJOB: Planning & Design Technologist, Fortis BC Surrey For job details, please click here.

Farnaz’s sons, Arian and Arvin, were intrigued by her career pursuit and participated in the final cohort of the ASTTBC Fire

For more TECHJOB postings throughout the province, please

Protection Training Program. They have since graduated and

visit this page.

work together in the same company, Fire-Pro. Both are gaining work experience to apply towards RFPT registration. Arvin is APRIL - JUNE 2019

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NORTHERN BC

REGION: NORTHERN BC LORI ACKERMAN, MAYOR OF FORT ST. JOHN NAMED CANADIAN ENERGY PERSON OF THE YEAR

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s a 30-year resident of Fort St. John, BC and the community’s first female mayor, Lori Ackerman is one of Canada’s top energy advocates.

She is admired for her leadership of a resource-driven municipality, striking a balance between energy development, community representation, and First Nations partnerships.

Mindful of the challenges and opportunities that energy resource municipalities manage, Mayor Ackerman consistently advocates for economic and community development, technological innovation, and Canadian competitiveness. Her

Jacob Irving, President, Energy Council of Canada said, “Canadian communities that grow alongside energy development, manage unique development opportunities.

Balancing economic highs and lows, while moving toward a sustainable future for both the community and the energy industry requires vision, tenacity, and strong leadership.

Canada is fortunate to have a leader like Lori Ackerman who sees the big picture and the local reality, and fit the two together for mutual benefit. There is a lot we can learn from Mayor Ackerman, which is why we’re so pleased she is the 2019 Canadian Energy Person of the Year.”

CPD OPPORTUNITY: EGBC Peace River Mentoring Mix and Mingle Fort St. John , May 30 For more information, please click here.

TECHJOB: Area Manager, Roads BC Public Service Fort St. John For job details, please click here.

For more CPD postings throughout the province, please visit this page.

willingness to share lessons learned, and to engage in dialogue regarding the relationship between local communities and Canada’s energy sector marks her as a leader not only in her own community but across Canada.

Mayor Ackerman thinks globally and acts locally. Together with Fort St. John City Council, she successfully aligned the City’s Strategic Plan with UN Global Sustainable Development

TechAbility

goals, toured local resource projects with mayors from across

Making DiverseAbilities Work!

BC and received one of only two Leadership in Energy and

TechAbility is a research project to

Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum and Certified Passive

increase diversity in the engineering and

House designations in Canada for Fort St. John’s demonstration

applied sciences sectors. Your company

house. Fort St. John, under Mayor Ackerman’s leadership, was

has the opportunity to be a leader

presented Clean Energy BC’s Community of the Year Award

and benefit from innovative inclusion.

and installed an in-line turbine on the City’s gravity-fed effluent

For more information on how to get

outfall line generating 780 MWh of energy each year. Mayor

involved, please click here.

Ackerman was recognized as one of the Top 35 Most Influential Women in BC and was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

Medal in 2012.

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ASTTBC CONNECT • ISSUE 145

VANCOUVER ISLAND

REGION: VANCOUVER ISLAND intake and treatment facility at the John Hart spillway dam.

Decommissioning work to remove the old facility will run until summer 2019.

“The local economy has definitely benefitted from this project,” said Andy Adams, Mayor of Campbell River. “At the peak of construction, 500 people were working on-site, and more than 100 Vancouver Island companies provided goods and services for the project.”

BC HYDRO ENERGIZES NEW JOHN HART GENERATING STATION FACILITY

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Additionally, the project is delivering significant environmental benefits. The new water bypass facility within the powerhouse will ensure that if one or all three of the new generators shut down for any reason, downstream river flow can be maintained for fish and fish habitat.

he $1.093 billion John Hart Generating Station Replacement project is now operationally in service – on time and on budget – improving seismic safety and reliability, and better protecting the downstream Campbell River fish habitat. The water flow through the new turbines officially started in November 2018. Final project completion is August 2019.

“Over the past few years, we’ve made some significant investments to our electric system and important progress on our capital plan,” said Chris O’Riley, President and Chief Operations Officer, BC Hydro. “The John Hart project is a good example of an investment in our system to ensure we can continue to deliver clean, reliable power to our customers while meeting the growing demand for electricity.”

“Originally built in 1947, the John Hart Generating Station Replacement project was a necessary upgrade and expansion to ensure BC Hydro can continue to deliver clean, reliable power for decades to come,” said Hon. Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “The new underground facility is built in rock and meets today’s seismic safety guidelines, allowing the facility to better withstand an earthquake.”

BC Hydro is spending more than $2 billion annually over the next decade to upgrade its existing assets and build new infrastructure.

In partnership with contractor and designer InPower BC, construction work began in July 2014. The main project components include construction of a new underground generating station and water bypass facility; replacement of three 1.8 kilometre pipelines with a 2.1 kilometre tunnel; and, construction of a new water APRIL - JUNE 2019

CPD OPPORTUNITY: EGBC Technical Writing: Solutions for Effective Written Communications Victoria, May 28 For more information, please click here.

TECHJOB: Engineering Technologist I City of Campbell River For job details, please click here.

For more TECHJOB postings throughout the province, please visit this page.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

COMMUNITY EVENTS MAY 23 & 24 ACEC-BC Young Professionals Conference

MAY 26 STEMCELL Technologies Science Fair Fun Run

MAY 28 - 31 Building Officials’ Association of BC (BOABC) 2019 Education Conference, Tradeshow & AGM

MAY 30 Technical Safety BC Core Connections & Annual Public Meeting

JUNE 16 SPEATBC Annual Picnic

JULY 21 – JULY 25 Pacific Northwest Economic Region Annual Summit

—

LEADERS

FOR A COMPLEX WORLD. BCIT is pleased to announce that Steven Kuan Ph.D., P.Eng., FEC, has been appointed Associate Dean, Natural Resources and Engineering within the School of Construction and the Environment. Steven brings over 25 years of experience in academia, government, consulting, and research. His leadership goes beyond his role as a professional structural engineer and his contributions to the development of seismic design provisions in the BC Building Code. He has also served on many technical and professional committees, boards of directors, review panels, and has volunteered for Engineers and Geoscientists of BC and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

ASTTBC CONNECT • ISSUE 145

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Info:

NEW MEMBERS

Anthony Adamson

Gonul Guvenc

Bruce Mavor

Jimmy Andersen

Meryl Heinz

Zahra Mosharzadeh Mehrabi

Nathan Babichuk

Rochelle Hill

Vijaykumar Patel

John Baxendale

Bobby Ho

Gracelyn Shannon

Eleonora Broder

Rui Shan Huang

Ravinder Sidhu

Ravinder Mohan Chiount

James Hutchison

Allison Vink

Arik Clayton

Khush Dil Hydri

Dennis Siu Kei Wong

Raymond Cloutier

Sham Kaweesi

Collin Cole

Simon Kirkland

Christopher Connor

Donald Kristensen

Provisional

Rhuella Demegillo

Jeffery Lacquement

Rinku Bhatia

Jamie deVries

Bita Maleki

Dibin Kallarakkal Jacob

Bimal Dhiman

Jatinder Malhi

Sherene Kurien

Gavin Geist

Hermenegildo II Mandanas

Farshad Jafari

Iqbal Grewal

Daljit Mander

Bassem Mahmoud Farra

NEW MEMBERS

Applied Science Technologist (AScT)

Certified Technician (CTech) Royce Bailey

Nilushan Fernando

Yuchen Sun

Sean Conroy

Joshua Fita

Nicole Swanson

Donald Fenton

Daniel Hauptman

Technical Specialist Jared Cooper

Dylan McNeilly

Linden Davenport

Kevin Mortenson

Peter De Wolf

John Newton

Provisional

Fredrick Fisk

Konstantine Revkovskiy

John Samuel McKenzie

Joseph Goss

Orlando Schiaroli

Dimitrios Samaras

Jeremy Gryko

Chantelle Sedore

Eua Na Chiangmai

Andrew Legros

Minwoo Shin

Christopher Adams

APRIL - JUNE 2019

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MEMBER SERVICES

MEMBER SERVICES ASTTBC has carefully selected value-add service providers who offer special rates to our members in areas that matter most to technology professionals and their families.

Our Affinity Partners Program offers exclusive rates on products and services with trusted providers, such as: • Willis Towers Watson • TD Insurance Meloche Monnex • Manulife • Dreyer Group Mortgage Brokers • Olympia Benefits TechCLUB provides member discounts on travel, training, and more. Access these savings by logging into TechClub!

Hotel discounts Accent Inns Hotel Grand Pacific – Victoria Sandman Hotel Group Car rentals Hertz Car Rental Zipcar Travel discount service Collette Local Hospitality Training programs CSA Group Epic Education Fiore Training Group The Art of Leadership Entertainment BC Lions Broadway Across Canada PNE Playland Vancouver Whitecaps Additional Products and Services ATI Insurance Endless Savings & More Mark’s Commercial Quinella Auto

ASTTBC’s 2060 Technical Specialist statistics will be featured in the next issue. Stay tuned!

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ASTTBC CONNECT • ISSUE 145

ASTTBC 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Mission: To serve the public by regulating and supporting technology professionals’ commitment to a safe, healthy and sustainable society and environment.

I

n 2018, ASTTBC completed its CEO transition. This created the opportunity for Council and the ASTTBC Senior Leadership Team to review ASTTBC’s Strategic Priorities and Goals for greater focus, strategic alignment and transparency. The achievements listed below are the

result of the effort of ASTTBC members, partners, staff, Council and volunteers. Thank you for your support as ASTTBC continues to serve the public interest by sustaining consistent high standards and regulations, while preserving the integrity of technology professions whose

Trent Reid, CTech President

critical work impacts British Columbians every day.

Theresa McCurry, BSc, PMP Chief Executive Officer

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 1

PROFESSIONAL LEGISLATION & REGULATION GOAL: Self-governing professional legislation and

regulation that protects the public interest.

ACHIEVEMENTS: ASTTBC gained agreement to work strategically with the four associations named in the Professional Reliance Review. The Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP), BC Institute of Agrology (BCIA), College of Applied Biology (CAB) and Engineers & Geosciences BC (EGBC) agreed to advance negotiations and pursue common goals related to the proposed Professional Governance Act.

2

RIGHTS TO PRACTICE

GOAL: Assured rights to practice and utilization of qualifications within the scope of the Technology Professionals’ education, training and experience.

APRIL - JUNE 2019

ACHIEVEMENTS: ASTTBC developed and submitted an ASTTBC member positions paper for the Intentions Paper Consequent to the Professional Governance Act. The BC Government agreed to examine independent rights to practice for ASTTBC members and define Qualified Professionals. A first for ASTTBC! An alliance with CAB & the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) was established for negotiating rights to practice.

ASTTBC staff, Board and Council updated five of seven existing ASTTBC Practice Guides. Six new guides were drafted, three approved and three put on hold due to Professional Governance Act.

3

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS & REGULATIONS

GOAL: Professional standards and regulation for certification, accreditation, ethics and accountability that reflect contemporary social expectations.

ACHIEVEMENTS: ASTTBC gained agreement with Alberta Society of Engineering Technologists (ASET) and Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) on harmonization of designations.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2018 PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

4

GOAL: Consistent and universal recognition of Technology Professionals by employers, governments, other professionals and regulatory bodies.

6

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION & CAREERS GOAL: Technology education and careers are valued

and supported.

ACHIEVEMENTS: ASTTBC participated in over 100 STEM

ACHIEVEMENTS: ASTTBC submitted budget recommendations that were included in the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services – Report on the Budget 2019. A first for ASTTBC!

education and technology careers events, including

Technology Professionals Canada (TPC) CEO’s collaborated to create a rights to practice statement and diversity statement.

facilitators and elementary classes across the province.

sponsorship of programs and providing Foundation bursary awards. Presentations the value of technology careers were made at post-secondary institutions, to high school career

ASTTBC launched and presented the TechEmployer incentive

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program to key industry partners.

GOAL: The Association and its members are involved

as key stakeholders and contributors to public policy in areas

MEMBER SERVICES

5

PUBLIC POLICY

in which Technology Professionals have a demonstrated

GOAL: Member services that enhance professional,

career, business and personal interests.

interest and expertise.

ACHIEVEMENTS: In Late 2018, ASTTBC signed multi-year

ACHIEVEMENTS: Participation in ASTTBC’s 2018 Member Survey doubled from 2016, to 1,300 member submissions that will direct the Association’s future. In response to the survey, five new training partners were added to the ASTTBC CPD program, creating an increase of 27% in CPD and a 25%

funding agreements for a total of $1.55M. This opportunity to work with key stakeholders will provide technology career support and integration to women, foreign-trained professionals, and people who have diverse abilities.

increase in ASTTBC member-preferred rates.

PRACTICE REVIEW BOARD INVESTIGATION & DISCIPLINE SUMMARY Report on complaints as of December 31, 2018 COMPLAINTS STATISTICS

2018

COMPLAINT OUTCOMES Ethics Complaint - censure applied

Ethics/logo/procedural etc.

2017

11

11

8

5

Ethics Complaint – Stipulated Order applied Ethics Complaint - no breach of code found

2017

Ethics Complaint withdrawn Title/logo enforcement

Technologist/Technician complaints Unauthorized use of AScT, CTech, CET; Certified Technician etc.

2018

1

1

Membership cancelled or resigned**

2

4

TOTAL OUTCOMES

22

20

2018

2017

19

11

4

TYPE OF ACTION INVOLVED

Inquiry – no action

Disciplinary Hearing held Special Certification Complaints

Disciplinary Hearing censure finding

Property Insp. Title/logo Property Insp. Ethics/other

1

6

Fire Prot. Title/logo Fire Prot. Ethics/other

10

6

Onsite Waste. Ethics/other

6

7

All other Spec. Cert .groups – Title/logo

1

Onsite Waste. Title/logo

22

PRB recommendation applied Appeal to ASTTBC Council upheld Appeal to ASTTBC Council denied Note: ‘Type of Action’ - included in totals of ‘Complaint Outcomes’

COMPLAINTS IN PROGRESS

All other Spec. Cert. groups - Ethics/other FILES CLOSED TO-DATE

Stipulated Order applied

20

2018

2017

Ethics Investigation in progress

13

22

Cease & Desist order in progress (all – incl. ethics/title/ logo/stamp/misc. inquiry)

3

2

**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 satisfactorily completed.

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ASTTBC CONNECT • ISSUE 145

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

8

GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT GOAL: Sustained excellence in governance and management of the association.

ACHIEVEMENTS: A three-month hand-over plan with former CEO, staff, and contract staff was executed in the second quarter of 2018. Several internal processes were reviewed with the outcome of increased transparency, improved financial and auditing policies, elimination of operational silos, and coherent brand identity.

ASTTBC prepared for changes in Council composition to be compliant with the Professional Governance Act. The ASTTBC Foundation had a banner year for donations, totaling $66,500 to fund post-secondary technology student awards and bursaries, and STEM education activities in British Columbia.

Professional Governance Legislation Changes: In June 2018, the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy released the Professional Reliance Review report containing 121 recommendations to improve governance of ASTTBC and 4 other regulatory entities.

The Government acted rapidly to implement the first two recommendations and by November 30, 2018 Bill 49, Professional Governance Act (PGA) was proclaimed as law. The second recommendation is the establishment of an Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance within the Ministry of the Attorney General. Full implementation of the PGA over the next two years will result in significant changes to increase public awareness of the important role regulators have in protecting the public interest by setting standards for the registration and practice of the professional registrants.

2018 REVENUE & EXPENSES REVENUE Membership Dues

F O U N D ATI O N

$2,520,712

$2,541,959

148,709

176,855

Professional Affairs

507,160

610,240

Publications & Member Services

142,590

109,267

30,551

31,550

$3,349,722

$3,469,871

Administration & Interest

$190,839

$188,531

Wages & Benefits

1,978,161

2,126,788

Office & Equipment (includes amortization)

224,078

234,469

161,419

215,365

387,621

455,732

National Association Dues & Expenses

63,252

74,591

Public Affairs & Recruitment

70,181

95,658

Education & Training

15,198

34,407

Publications & Member Services

61,281

62,822

-

746

$3,152,030

$3,489,109

$197,692

$(19,238)

TOTAL REVENUE

Revenue

2018

2017

$51,830

$69,145

$36,000

$42,500

Charitable Activities Expenses & Fund Raising Costs

$4,005

$3,614

Excess Revenue Over Expenses Net Assets

$11,825

$23,031

$831,627

$767,466

Contributions to Funds

EXPENSES

Governance Professional Affairs & Practice

Institutes TOTAL EXPENSES

Endowment $52,336

$91,323

2017

Registration Fees

Interest

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

2018

Excess (Deficiency) of Receipts over expenses from operations Loss from Impairment of Assets

$(202,681)

-

-

$(250,000)

Expenditures from Reserves

$(6,837)

$(66,781)

Total Excess (Deficiency) of Revenue over Expenses

$(11,826)

$(336,019)

Termination Benefit

The financial information is an excerpt from the 2018 audited financial statements (FS).

APRIL - JUNE 2019

- 15 -

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