Engineers Nova Scotia Annual Report 2023/24

Annual Report

Stronger Together

This year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” builds on the spirit of community we are establishing as an engineering profession. It highlights the idea that people, groups, or communities can achieve more, be more resilient, and experience greater well-being when they work together or support one another.

As we find ourselves facing increasing complex problems at the local, national and international levels, public expectations for solutions to support their daily lives and their longer-term well-being will rise. To meet these new engineering challenges in keeping with our high standards of technical skill and professionalism, we will rely on each other more and more.

When we work together, we:

• Find strength in numbers, pooling our resources, our skills and our knowledge. This collective strength allows us to find solutions to problems that can overwhelm a single engineer.

• Broaden our perspectives and expand our ideas as we bring together people with varying backgrounds and viewpoints to contribute their insights.

• Support each other, providing a safety net and emotional support, as we can rely on each other during challenging times and receive encouragement, which can improve overall well-being and resilience.

• Learn and grow through interaction with each other, acquiring new skills and broadening our horizons.

• Improve our sense of belonging, building connections with others, whether through friendships, or professional relationships.

• Create resilience by sharing resources, information and support, making it easier to navigate difficult circumstances.

The idea “Stronger Together” emphasizes the numerous benefits of collaboration, cooperation and community. Whether in personal relationships, work, society, or addressing global challenges, collective effort and support yields more positive outcomes and a stronger sense of unity and purpose. As we apply our knowledge and skill to make life better for all Nova Scotians, remember that we are all here to help each other to be better engineers.

Reports

GUIDED BY OUR LEGISLATION, WE CONTINUE TO WORK FOR A SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE NOVA SCOTIA PROTECTED BY ACCESSIBLE, PROGRESSIVE AND TRUSTED REGULATION OF THE ENGINEERING PROFESSION.

President’s Report

Another year has passed, and I can’t believe how quickly time has flown by.

As we shared at the 2022 Annual Business Meeting, the strategic focus for Engineers Nova Scotia over the next five years is to strengthen the foundation of the Association and provide a modernized legislative framework.

Denise L. Pothier, MBA FEC P. Eng.

Over the past year, we have continued our work to build and strengthen the organizational structure needed to achieve our vision of “keeping Nova Scotians safe by being a progressive, accessible and trusted regulator for the engineering profession.”

During the first year of the 2022-27 Strategic Plan, we have accomplished the following:

Organizational Excellence:

• We continued our internal policy review, specifically related to HR and organizational structure, audit policies and procurement, executive evaluation and compensation, budgeting process,

and governance tempo including Council meetings,

• We welcomed the following new staff members:

• Shanice Bryce, Director of Registration

• Charity Harrington, Professional Practice Officer

• Pavel Diaz Ramirez, Event Planner

• Grace Castillo, Senior Accountant

• Emma Forbes, Volunteer Coordinator

• Lauren Medeiros, Communications Coordinator

• Aaron Harpell, Multimedia/Graphic Designer

We look forward to getting to know our new staff members, hearing their perspectives and sharing ideas on how to strengthen our organizational excellence.

I am also pleased to note after a suggestion at last year’s annual business meeting, that Council approved a policy to publish summaries of each Council meeting to keep registrants informed of the Council discussions and deliberations.

It has been a busy year. A summary of our actions in several areas follows:

2023/24 Major Initiatives:

• Striking a task force to examining our accommodation needs and the implications and costs of ownership of a heritage property.

• Initiating projects to update our registrant database and our website.

• Finalizing our Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Accessibility toolkit for volunteers, staff and registrants.

Regulatory Excellence:

• Reviewed and updated terms of reference for several of our committees

• Finalized our guideline and processes regarding limited licenses.

• Worked with Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL), Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists New Brunswick (APEGNB), and Engineers

PEI to develop principles for

a coordinated Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program for the four Atlantic engineering regulators.

• Improved our complaints, discipline and appeals processes.

Over the next year we will develop an implementation and change management plan to introduce Competency Based Assessments for work experience to replace our current mentorship model. This change is required to meet the aims of fair registration practices and to align with the policies and processes in effect with other Canadian engineering regulators.

Legislative Framework and Modernizing our Engineering Act:

CEO Pal Mann, P. Eng., COO Kris Dove, P. Eng., and I met with Associate Deputy Minister M. Higgins, KC and policy staff of the Department of Justice. During this meeting, we discussed the four issues that may have a significant impact on engineering regulation across the nation:

• Changes in Provincial legislation related to regulated professions in British Columbia and proposed changed in Alberta.

• Challenges to legislation that restricts use of the title “engineer” by non-licensed individuals in the software industry.

• Introduction of policies in other jurisdictions that are designed to meet provincial fair registration practice legislation but that might actually disadvantage certain applicants.

• The efforts to expand the activities that do not require the supervision of a professional engineer.

While Engineers Nova Scotia continues its effective regulation of the profession to protect the public, several advancements in regulatory legislation in other provinces, and policies to improve transparency and accountability, are now being seen as regulatory best practices. These regulatory practices, which we will consider in future amendments to our legislation, include:

• Defining the appropriate balance between regulation and advocacy.

• Establishing credible deterrents to unauthorized, unsafe or unethical practice.

• Implementing best practices for Board/Council governance including:

• Elections

• More layperson participation Boards/Council

• Increasing accountability of engineering corporate entities to create an environment for the ethical and competent practice of engineering.

As noted in last year’s report, a fulsome review of the Engineering Profession Act (the Act). will take time, and will require the engagement of third-party policy and legal expertise. The review would also require a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process and include a review of practices across Canada. Council continues to be supportive of a future review and modernization of the Act as time and resources permit.

Partner and Stakeholder Relationships:

Lastly, Engineers Nova Scotia has strengthened our existing partnership relationships, including:

• Strengthening our partnership and cooperation with our Atlantic regulating partners, particularly the other three provincial engineering regulators, and with Nova Scotia’s Geoscientists, Land Surveyors, Architects, Interior Designers, and Consulting Engineers.

• Participating on the Board of the Atlantic Science Links Association, geared towards promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) partnerships in school curriculum.

• Opening dialogue with the Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative to provide mutual professional development opportunities.

We have developed good ties with the Corporation of the Seven Wardens, the custodians of the Iron Ring and the Iron Ring Ceremony. On behalf of Council, I sent a letter to the Corporation of the Seven Wardens seeking transparency and broad stakeholder engagement as they consider changes to the Iron Ring ceremony. Recently, the CEO and I sent a joint letter to the Royal Canadian Mint in support of the Corporation of the Seven Wardens’ proposal for a coin commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Canadian engineering Iron Ring in 2025.

Finally, we continue to take an active role in Engineers Canada, with volunteers and staff providing leadership to the Presidents’ Group,

the CEO Group, the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board, the National Practice Officials’ Group, and the National Discipline and Enforcement Officials’ Group. We continue to advocate for stronger and better governance and policies to permit Engineers Canada to fulfill its role of supporting the provincial and territorial regulators.

We were very pleased to host the Spring Engineers Canada meeting in Kjipuktuk Halifax. We had an incredibly successful 30 by 30 conference, with meaningful and thoughtful exchanges of best practices. I had the honor of being part of an employer panel discussion on diversity and inclusion best practices during the conference. As the hosting President, I also chaired the Presidents’ Group meeting and emceed the Associations’ Presentations meeting, where we learned of the challenges and opportunities facing the regulators across the Nation. Additionally, our East Coast hospitality shone brightly and was appreciated by all who attended the various meetings and events.

It is always an honor to be included in discussions at the national level, and I have very much enjoyed sharing and exchanging thoughts, concerns, and insights with other association Presidents, CEOs, and Engineers Canada leaders at various meetings throughout the year. I am pleased to report that Crysta Cumming, our Engineers Canada Director, is taking an active leadership role in the Engineers Canada National consultation on collaboration and harmonization.

As engineers we are always looking forward, assessing how we can make things better, but as I look back at the year that has passed, it is important that we take the opportunity to celebrate all we have achieved. All the work we have completed has not happened in isolation – it takes a dedicated team of volunteers. It is with heartfelt gratitude that I extend my thanks to Council, Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs, Committee Members, Mentors and all of our registrants and partners who commit their own time to support Engineers Nova Scotia and our engineering community.

To our dedicated Engineers Nova Scotia employees – thank you for your work, dedication, and contributions throughout the year. Some long-serving employees have retired this past year, and we wish them much health and happiness in their retirement. Engineers Nova Scotia has welcomed several new team members this year and we looking forward to getting to know them and working with them.

To the 2022/23 Council – I could not have asked for a more thoughtful group at the Council table. I thank you for your insights, work ethic and collaborative nature. A huge congratulations to the incoming Council members, Vice President and President elect. Your time and efforts are critical to developing the plans and policies needed to protect the public and sustain our profession. We will miss Past-President Darrin McLean at the Council table – his guidance and support this past year has been invaluable.

Lastly, yet most importantly – thank you to my family and friends for supporting the time I needed to fulfil this role. Your love and support mean the world to me.

With the greatest appreciation,

Denise L. Pothier, MBA FEC P. Eng.

Operating Officer (COO Kris Dove,

A Message from Engineers Canada

Dear Colleagues,

As the Engineers Canada Board Director for Nova Scotia, I am pleased to wish you a productive and interesting 2023 Annual General Meeting in Halifax. Years slip by quickly and we must make the most of opportunities to enjoy the company of our friends and colleagues and learn to face new horizons together.

Engineers Canada has been busy over the past year on a few critical fronts.

The importance of defining our professional federation in terms of our willingness to collaborate and harmonize is top of mind. I am fortunate to have been selected as a member of the National Collaboration and Harmonization Task Force. We have been busy conducting consultations across the country to explore how we can work together across jurisdictions to provide for public safety through the practice of professional engineering. The task force is look forward to presenting a formal commitment to the 12 engineering regulators at the Annual Meeting of Members in Manitoba, in May 2024.

There is significant work being conducted by Engineers Canada to evaluate the current system of accreditation of Canadian undergraduate engineering education programs. Accreditation of engineering programs is a dominant function of Engineers Canada through their Canadian

Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) which is made possible by hundreds of dedicated, caring and uniquely knowledgeable volunteers. Evaluating the purpose and value of engineering accreditation in Canada is both a benchmarking and exploratory exercise that will inform the future interfacing of engineering education and licensure in our country.

After five years as Chief Executive Officer of Engineers Canada, Gerard McDonald, MBA, P.Eng., ICD.D, announced that he will be retiring as of June 28, 2024. Over the course of the coming months, the Board will be sending Gerard off with thanks and best wishes and will begin the search to find an incumbent.

Engineers Canada develops many helpful resources that are available online, and should not be missed, including:

Equity Diversity and Inclusion in Engineering: Diversity in engineering means engaging the best minds of the profession, which includes women, Indigenous peoples and internationally educated professionals. Resources including guidelines for reconciliation in engineering, information on our national 30 by 30 goal, EngineerHere.ca for newcoming engineers, and guidance on managing workplace leave transitions can be accessed here: engineerscanada.ca/diversity/aboutdiversity-in-engineering

National Position Statements: engineerscanada.ca/public-policy/ national-position-statements

Engineering licensure reports and statistics: engineerscanada.ca/reports

Information on the 12 Canadian engineering regulators: engineerscanada.ca/regulatoryexcellence

If your homepage is still defaulting to MSN, or you find yourself stuck doom-scrolling social media, why not take a moment to reset your focus on engineerscanada.ca/news and tune in to the interesting updates on engineering in Canada?

Yours truly, Crysta Cumming, FEC, P.Eng

PS. Nominations are currently open for the Engineers Canada Awards. Applications will be received until January 12, 2024 in a range of categories. It might be time for you give a shout out to that colleague who inspires you, or who has been humbly pushing limits and silently advancing excellence in engineering.

A Message from Cape Breton University

The Engineering Department at Cape Breton University (CBU) has grown significantly in recent years, with 12 new faculty joining over the past five years for a total complement of 22. The majority of our faculty have considerable industry experience in the areas of mechanical, process, electrical, and environmental engineering. Many of our faculty also conduct research in areas such as water treatment and oil and gas production and processing. Our Engineering Student Society is also quite active in planning events such as trivia nights, guest speakers, and study sessions, attending regional and national conferences, and recently forming a separate Women in Engineering student society.

In 2018, we celebrated 50 years as a Department, having formed six years prior to the institutional amalgamation that would eventually become CBU. Thus, CBU will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024 with many opportunities to celebrate planned throughout the year. In addition to the Bachelor of Engineering transfer program, which we offer as an Associate University (AU) with Dalhousie University, the Engineering Department at CBU also offers Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering

Technology in the areas of Electronics & Controls, Petroleum Engineering, and Environmental Studies. Drawing on the expertise of our faculty, the guidance of our academic partners, and the recommendations of our quality assurance reviews we ensure that all of our programs remain current and responsive to the needs of industry today.

To meet the growing needs of our campus community, CBU recently tabled to its Board of Governors the most significant capital plan in the University’s history. This plan includes an expanded Canada Games Complex, which will become Canada’s Home of Female Hockey, empowering girls and women to thrive in sport. The campus plan also includes the Centre for Discovery and Innovation which will house state-of-the-art research and instructional facilities that will propel scientific inquiry, advance discovery, and expedite local solutions for global problems. We are also looking forward to the addition of the Cape Breton Medical Campus as part of the campus expansion plan, a transformational initiative which will open no later than the fall of 2025. The Medical Campus will train up to 30 students each year with a focus

on the health priorities of Cape Breton and will create opportunities in education and research. New facilities are also being planned at this time to house the Engineering programs.

Allison Mackie, Ph.D., P.Eng. Assistant Professor, Engineering

Cape Breton University

Rick Pierrynowski, P.Eng. Dean, School of Science and Technology

Cape Breton University

Lenore Parsley

Director of Strategic Communications

Cape Breton University

A Message from Dalhousie University Engineering

With the roll out of our new five-year Strategic Plan, Dalhousie Engineering has placed a strong focus on supporting modern engineers and creating a learning environment that is responsive to their needs and interests. Thanks to our donors and partners, we have the state-of-the-art facilities in place to inspire innovation. Now we’re investing in new programs and faculty members who will continue to enhance student learning and advance our research capabilities in areas such as sustainability, wastewater treatment, and healthcare.

This summer we announced a new partnership with Ulnooweg Education Centre which will pave the way for the Indigenous stream of our Inclusive Pathways to Engineering Careers Program. The initiative is designed to remove barriers and increase access to an engineering education for individuals of equity deserving groups. The program offers tailored supports, resources, and opportunities to underrepresented youth and has garnered support from Faculty of Engineering donors and partners CBCL Limited and Everwind Fuels.

Over the past year, our faculty members have pursued some of the top leadingedge research projects in Canada. In July, Dalhousie Engineering and Nova Scotia Health were awarded a $1.4 million Mitacs grant for industrial engineering students to develop innovative and efficient ways of delivering healthcare to Nova Scotians. This is the largest Mitacs hospital project in Canada.

The Faculty of Engineering is also leading the way in Additive Manufacturing. Last Spring, researchers from our Advanced Manufacturing Hub secured the largest Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) based funding award ever received within the Faculty. The $3.7 million grant, funded by NSERC, the Canadian Foundation of Innovation, Defense Research and Development Canada, and a multitude of industry partners, will help advance additive manufacturing technologies for many alloys critical to Canada’s marine sector. They’ll do so utilizing a chain of highly advanced infrastructures recently installed within the Faculty’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub. Focal items include a Gas Atomizer for the production of customized powder feedstocks, multiple systems for printing metallic materials, and a broad suite of equipment for material characterization. The Faculty of Engineering has also installed two new Lithoz ceramic printers - the first of their kind in Canada. Collectively, these exciting developments have securely positioned Dalhousie Engineering as one of the leading Additive Manufacturing research groups in North America.

Our engineering student teams also continue to push the boundaries of success. Last December, students from the Dalhousie Space Systems Lab (DSS) designed and built a satellite that was launched into space by National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Canadian Space

Agency (CSA). This was the first time a satellite designed in Atlantic Canada was launched into orbit. DSS was recently awarded $350,000 by the CSA to design, build and launch another CubeSat satellite. Students will begin work on the satellite this Fall with a launch date set for 2025. Space tech company MDA, an international space mission partner on robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence, also stepped onboard recently to provide a three-year sponsorship to DSS.

Our Engineering students are also the first to design and build a solar car in Atlantic Canada. Members of the Dalhousie Solar Car team began working on the vehicle last year and competed last June at the Formula Sun Grand Prix in Topeka, Kansas. We are very proud to announce that the students placed fourth at the competition.

As we continue to enhance and strengthen our teaching and research on the Sexton Campus, we are positioning Dalhousie Engineering among the top engineering schools in Canada. We have built a strong program, with the facilities, resources, and hands-on learning opportunities to make an impact in our community, and we are excited to continue our work to make Dalhousie the schoolof-choice for students, researchers and industry partners.

Dr. Yi Liu Acting Dean, Faculty of Engineering Dalhousie University

Director Updates

Professional Affairs and Operations Update

The past year has been one of change and adaptation for the Professional Affairs and Operations team.

Kris Dove, FEC, MBA, P.Eng. Chief Operating Officer & Treasurer

Our Professional Practice Officer, Charity Harrington, started in January 2023. Charity joined our Association with previous experience with another Nova Scotian regulatory body, and has brought a wealth of experience to this role, including a passion for regulatory policy. Since her arrival, Charity has worked closely with registrants and Committees to create and update a number of Guidelines and Policies in support of engineering practice.

After 26 years with Engineers Nova Scotia, Virginia MacQuarrie, FEC (Hon), Director of Finance and Administration, retired in late August 2023. Virginia led our financial management for more than two decades, and was a passionate supporter of students and aspiring engineers, providing support to both the Student

Affairs Committee and National Engineering Month Committee. We wish Virgina well in her retirement and thank her for her dedication to the profession.

Our newest team member, Grace Castillo, was hired in August 2023 in the role of Senior Accountant. Grace previously managed the financial business for a number of companies in Nova Scotia, and has experience working for a regulatory body with financial requirements very similar to Engineers Nova Scotia. Since her arrival, Grace has worked to modernize some of our financial functions, and she will continue to lead this work over the upcoming year.

Committee members are thanked for their continued support and commitment over the past year. It is great to be able to work with such a knowledgeable and competent group, who are always available to provide their support to the association.

Committees were integral to the review of various Engineers Canada papers, guidelines and national position statements, as well as documentation developed by Engineers Nova Scotia staff to facilitate compliance and establish

regulatory best practices, such as guidelines, policy, updated Continuing Professional Development program requirements, frequently asked questions and consultation planning procedures.

The Committees that Professional Affairs and Operations staff supports include:

• Complaints Committee

• Continuing Professional Development Committee

• Discipline Committee

• Professional Practice Committee

• Public Safety Committee

• Scrutineers Committee

• Sustainability Committee

A summary of some highlights over the past year are included below.

Professional Practice Guidelines

The Professional Practice Committee actively assessed a number of published guidelines from other engineering regulators across Canada to determine their relevancy for adaptation or adoption by Engineers Nova Scotia. The Committee completed an adaptation of the “Guideline for Preparation of Engineering Drawings and Technical Specifications,” based on a document originally created by PEGNL.

This Guideline will be circulated for consultation following adoption of defined consultation planning procedures.

A sub-committee formed to review definitions from other jurisdictions completed a review of the definitions of “As-Built” and “Record Drawings” and made recommendations for updates at the Committee level. The new definitions will be included in a forthcoming update to the “Guideline for Use of the Professional Stamp.”

Bilingual Engineering Work Products for Federal Procurement

In 2022, the federal government released Policy Notification (PN-48R1) to update the obligations for individuals involved in procurement with respect to the Official Languages Act. Public Works and Procurement Canada (PSPC) may require submission of engineering work products in both official languages—French and English— each being of equal quality and published at the same time.

Since PN-48R1 was released, we have heard from PSPC that as part of their process, they are verifying if interested service providers require translated documents and deliverables in both official languages.

PSPC wants to ensure that designers (engineers) of record are not being put into conflict with their various association regulations/bylaws or codes of ethics. In most cases in Nova Scotia, designs are continuing to be procured in English, with one

set of stamped original design drawings. If translation is required, PSPC does not require the translated work product to be stamped, and the engineer should specify on the translated work product that it is intended for procurement only and not for construction.

Engineers are reminded to only stamp work products that they have prepared directly, that were prepared under their Direct Supervision and Control, or that were prepared by others but thoroughly reviewed by the engineer.

It is understood that PSPC will be updating policy PN-48R1, and will be consulting with all of the engineering regulatory bodies on updating the policy before the end of the calendar year. Additional updates on this issue will be provided as they are available.

Coastal Protection Act

The Coastal Protection Act (CPA) was established by the Nova Scotia government to help protect natural ecosystems. Over the past several years, Engineers Nova Scotia has provided feedback to the Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC), outlining areas of concern and other information as part of the consultation process.

As of the end of July 2023, the government has indicated they will be commencing an additional consultation with property owners and other stakeholders before the CPA comes into force. The Regulations and other supporting tools and processes must also be finalized.

Engineers Nova Scotia will continue to provide feedback to ECC as part of the consultation process. The most updated information on the Coastal Protection Act can be found on our website.

Engineers Nova Scotia has received numerous emails and phone calls from both engineers and members of the public, asking about completing a CPA assessment on a property. Until the CPA comes into effect, there is no formal assessment that can be completed. However, some municipalities may have by-law requirements for an assessment or review of properties with regard to coastal flooding potential.

Complaints and Discipline

Over the past fiscal year, the Complaints Committee met regularly and was actively engaged in the investigation of an increased number of new complaints. Additional information can be found in the Complaints and Discipline Committee report, found later in the Annual Report.

Not all potential complaints progress to becoming formal complaints. Some inquiries may relate to business contract issues, payment issues or communication challenges between the registrant and client, all of which are outside the jurisdiction of Engineers Nova Scotia.

This table summarizes our complaints activity over the past six calendar years:

Complaint Case Summary By Year

I wish to acknowledge and thank members of the Complaints Committee who worked diligently to administer complaints in accordance with Section 17 of the Act, and to investigate allegations and take appropriate action in a timely and efficient manner over the past year.

Enforcement Activities

Compliance with, and enforcement of, the Act and By-Laws is an important area of focus. These activities include ensuring that in Nova Scotia only registrants of Engineers Nova Scotia are practicing engineering and using the title professional engineer, and that non-engineering companies are not using protected terms, such as engineering. This work often results in those who are practicing without a license to reinstate or register with Engineers Nova Scotia.

Job boards are routinely reviewed to ensure that reserved titles are not used for non-engineering jobs, and that engineering job advertisements include appropriate licensure

requirements. Non-compliant companies are contacted with information related to reserved title and unauthorized practice, and given an opportunity to amend their postings. Staff also follow-up on any reserved title and unauthorized practice issues reported by registrants and the public. Additional information is available on our website.

As reported last year, we were made aware of an individual who was misleading the public to believe they were a professional engineer. Mark B. Connors was not registered with Engineers Nova Scotia, and was fraudulently providing engineering services using a forged engineering stamp. Mr. Connors signed a Cease-and-Desist Order, agreeing to discontinue this unauthorized practice, and because of the serious nature of this issue, it was brought to the attention of the RCMP. After a lengthy investigation, the RCMP laid multiple fraud and forgery charges against Mr. Connors in early 2023. Mr. Connors pled guilty to the fraud charges and the other charges remain before the court at the time of the writing of this report. More updates on the outcome of the court proceedings, including the sentencing of Mr. Connors, will be provided to registrants and the public when they are concluded.

As a general reminder, if you become aware of, or suspect that someone may not be a professional engineer, you can access a list of all of our registrants through the “Member and Company Directory,” located on our website. You can also call the Association and we can provide additional clarification, as needed.

Another area of focus is to provide clarification and support to registrants, and the companies they work for, regarding job titles used by Engineers-in-Training (EITs), where the title they are using in email, business cards, or on LinkedIn, may be not in compliance with our legislation. EITs are reminded that they cannot use terms that mislead the public regarding their licensure status, such as Project Engineer, Junior Engineer or Graduate Engineer. Any registrants or companies who would like clarification on the proper use of job titles is encouraged to contact the Association, and we will work with you to provide clarity and guidance.

Staff continues to work with individuals and companies to ensure that violations of the Act and By-Laws are administered accordingly. We continue to be involved in enforcement issues at the national level, and are in continuous communication with the other provincial engineering regulators.

In closing, I would like to thank all of the volunteers that help support the Professional Affairs and Operations work of the association. We would not be able to engage and support members without the dedication of those that offer their time and expertise. It is very much appreciated and I look forward to working with you all again during the upcoming year.

Kris Dove, FEC, MBA, P.Eng. Chief Operating Officer & Treasurer

Communications and Information Technology Update

Leveraging information and communications technology increases the value of engagement, broadens opportunities for accessibility and fosters community-building within our engineering family in Nova Scotia and beyond.

Christine Laroque Director, Communications and Information Technology

I am pleased to present the 2022/23 Annual Report of the Communications and Information Technology Team of Engineers Nova Scotia. As the Director of Communications and Information Technology, I value the impact of effective communications and its critical role in connecting our Registrants and all Nova Scotians with Engineers Nova Scotia.

It is my privilege to serve our registrants and to work with your Council and CEO, Pal Mann, P.Eng., to continue to strengthen our community.

Building and Fostering Community Connections

Over the past year, Engineers Nova Scotia, along with all sibling regulators, has been involved in a number of national initiatives that bring recognition to the engineering profession, as well as a professional engineer’s role in public safety. Engineers Canada’s “Building Tomorrow’s” campaign, for example, serves to bring engineers and the profession of engineering to the forefront of public view, showcasing the work that engineers do on a daily basis in their diverse teams and environments.

“Building Tomorrow’s” would not be possible without fostering strong engineering community connections with our talented and licensed engineering network of 8,600 registrants. Strength in numbers, is certainly “Stronger Together”!

In support of Engineers Nova Scotia’s strategic objectives, the Communications and Media Team makes concentrated efforts to ensure that the engineering community is provided opportunities to be represented during organizational events such as the Spotlight on Local Innovation, and the Celebration

of Engineering in Nova Scotia event. Engineers Nova Scotia encourages firms, and the engineers who work with them, to celebrate their pride in the profession—an essential key to professional sustainment.

The fusion of communications and technology has reshaped the ways in which we connect, from text messages to social media interactions. In recent months, as a result of evolving digital communications, there have been some impactful decisions made surrounding how readers receive messaging through social media platforms in Canada. You will have heard of the recent decision by Meta (Facebook and Instagram) through Bill C-18, to restrict all news sharing over those platforms. That move does not affect our current strategy in using these platforms to remain forward-facing and accessible to our registrants, partners and the engineering community at large. Engineers Nova Scotia retains a strong connection and hopes to increase our reach and engagement moving forward.

Engineers Nova Scotia staff monitor our many social media platforms and have noted that this past year has seen numerous posts from our registrants highlighting

their professional achievements in acquiring their Professional Engineer designation, beginning a new position within an engineering firm, or continuing their journey with professional development and certifications that can assist them to reach their desired goals within the profession.

More about our digital communications successes later in this report.

Having an opportunity to see yourself represented is a very impactful part of your journey towards becoming a professional engineer. It is our goal to tell your stories, highlight your engineering projects in Nova Scotia and share your triumphs and pride in the profession!

2023/24 Objectives

Communications Plan - It is our aim to continue our Building and Fostering Community Connections Initiative within our engineering family. Over the next year, Engineers Nova Scotia will draft a Communications Plan that will focus on creative ideas for connection, representation, storytelling, valued experiences and great memories.

Registrant Survey – In order to define a successful communications strategy that is quantifiable, we must first have a greater understanding of our registrant’s priorities and expectations from Engineers Nova Scotia as the licensing body within the province. How can we assist in your professional development, your engagement and active role within the community? To accomplish this goal, Engineers Nova Scotia will conduct its first registrant

survey to gather information and valued input and ideas from you, our registrants! Watch for this initiative in the first quarter of 2024.

Communications Platforms

Accessibility Review – With guidance from Council and CEO and Registrar, Pal Mann, P.Eng., it is the goal of the Communications Team to produce aesthetically pleasing visuals, messaging and event experiences for registrants, while being mindful of accessibility requirements. Due to the large scale of this endeavor, these changes will take some time to implement across our communications platforms, but rest assured we are working diligently.

Story Telling –

The journey towards becoming a professional engineer in Nova Scotia may look different for many registrants, the barriers and challenges faced are not necessarily everyone’s experience. We want to hear your stories! As an engineering community, your struggle is our struggle, your success, is our success. We are always “Stronger Together.”

Digital Communications movement

– Given the upward trend of digital communications and how readers receive and process information, Engineers Nova Scotia has moved many resources towards those platforms, expanding initiatives and ideas for engagement and building community networks. Competing for time and readership has taken a toll on printed publications. Time constraints, along with product sourcing and rising costs, have resulted in the decision to cease printing our quarterly magazine as a hard-copy edition. A scan of regulators across Canada confirms that many

have already moved in this direction. The final printed issue will be the Winter 2023 edition, with the hope of scanning our archives to highlight project submissions received as well as to include new ideas that are impacting the future of the engineering industry. If you would like to discuss contributions, please email publications@engineersnovascotia.ca. The first digital only version of The Engineer will be available as the Spring 2024 edition. For this issue and all of the others going forward, contributions and ideas can be submitted to the email included above.

Website and Database Project –

As your CEO and Registrar, Pal Mann, P.Eng. briefly touched upon in his report, a subject matter expert will be hired to assess our current website and database, and will conduct a comprehensive review of sibling regulator website and databases, while keeping in mind the potential move towards Competency Based Assessment processes and the potential requirements for that program within a new platform.

Information Technology – The past several years have taught us how the use of technology has advanced our communications opportunities and increased visibility.

As the Director of Information Technology, my ultimate responsibility is to oversee the application of technology within the organization.

In the past year, Engineers Nova Scotia staff numbers have increased, and although not at pre-pandemic levels, committees resumed in-person

The Engineer: Our quarterly magazine is moving to digital-only in 2024.

New P.Eng. are given the opportunity to introduce themselves to the community in this digital feature.

Engineering Bytes: Our bi-monthly e-newsletter, advising registrants of news, events and opportunities.

meetings when necessary. Our Office365 and Sharepoint environment continues to be the primary platform for collaborative work amongst our growing Staff and our volunteer network base. It is my role to ensure that sourced technologies are being utilized to their best possible advantage and that staff and volunteers are able to perform their respective duties with ease.

The Director also holds oversight responsibilities for Engineers Nova Scotia’s outsourced Help Desk Service provider. The provision of daily Cloud backups to a physical Cloud server hosted in Montreal for all Office365 licensed accounts is included within our Help Desk Service, and includes mailboxes as well as filing structure.

Cybersecurity – Our services provider also works to ensure that our systems are updated with the latest antivirus protection. Both the service provider and Director of Communications and Information Technology strive to educate staff and volunteers regarding best practices for protection of systems and accounts. Engineers Nova Scotia participated in the national Cyber Insurance Program. Within this program, the Director of Communications and Information Technology schedules monthly phishing campaigns to various staff in order to test the knowledge and success of the ongoing education that is being done. To date, the campaigns have resulted in a zero-success rate, a direct reflection on how Engineers Nova Scotia staff remain ever vigilant in their efforts to keep Engineers Nova Scotia’s systems safe.

Additional Internal and Volunteer Support – In addition to Help Desk Services, the Director of Communications and Information Technology provides emergency internal IT support to staff and volunteers.

In closing, On behalf of the communications team, it has been our pleasure to support and collaborate with your Council, Staff and our many volunteers. We look forward to another exciting year!

Respectfully submitted,

Christine Larocque, Director, Communications and Information Technology

Top LinkedIn posts

First edition of 2023 New P.Eng Feature (posted on August 23rd)

Impressions: 9052

Reactions: 82

Comments: 17

(take a look, they are very thoughtful and lengthy)

2023 Lieutenant Governor’s Award Announcement (posted on April 13th)

Impressions: 7757

Reactions: 152

Comments: 4

Congratulations to the 2023 Dalhousie Eng. Class (posted on March 13th)

Impressions: 12344

Reactions: 357

Comments: 1

Impressions, Reach and Age on Meta platforms

Social Media analytics over most platforms are only available on a quarterly basis. The numbers included below are reflective of the last quarter only ( July – Sept 2023)

2022-23 Events in Review

In 2022, we welcomed the arrival of our Event Planner, Pavel Diaz Ramirez. With Pavel’s background and experience in planning special events, he has played a key role in bringing fresh ideas with inviting and engaging formats. As our registrants have become more comfortable with in-person programming, Engineers Nova Scotia has successfully organized multiple events and networking opportunities over the last year. If you have not participated in any of our events as highlighted below, we highly encourage you to do so.

HRM Holiday Reception

Our HRM Holiday Reception has been reinvigorated with a multitude of interactive activities—all of which have received positive feedback from attendees. Registration is now open on our website for the 2023 Reception.

Spotlight on Local Innovation 2023

Spotlight on Local innovation is planned each year by the Women in Engineering Committee and is supported by Engineers Nova Scotia staff. Despite poor weather conditions, record numbers were in attendance this March, specifically from the wider community with engineering firms supporting women in the profession by purchasing their own branded tables.

New P.Eng.

The New P.Eng. event is held yearly and is an initiative planned by the Emerging Professionals Committee and supported by Engineers Nova

Scotia Staff. In 2023, the recognition event was held at the Loft on Grafton Street in Halifax. Attendees were excited to get the opportunity to share their accomplishments with fellow P.Eng. recipients, family and friends.

Annual NEM Curling Event

Curling remains a very popular event during National Engineering Month and typically sees a full slate of 8 teams.

National Engineering Month –Public Engineering Day

Public Engineering Day is a community event held during National Engineering Month and planned by the National Engineering Month committee, supported by staff. The day is open to everyone and includes lighthearted competitions as well as engineering display booths from partners and STEM organizations. This year, there was even a special screening of the movie “Dream Big.” Egg Drop Competitions during National Engineering Month attracts approximately 1000 students each year.

Networking Events Trivia (T-Room)

As a part of National Engineering month efforts, Trivia has become an increasingly popular event. So much so, that there is interest in extending the game night to other areas of the province. Trivia night is a way to network with students as well as the engineering community in a fun, natural setting.

National Engineering Month

Spotlight on Local Innovation

New P.Eng.

Dal Community Day

Outreach and Partnerships Update

Heidi McKnight-Whitford, P.Eng. Director, Outreach and Partnerships

Volunteering

Emma Forbes, Volunteer Coordinator joined the team recently, with the aim of developing a volunteer management system, and coordinating the volunteer program’s day-to-day operations. Emma’s efforts will help create a more streamlined process for registrants to volunteer with Engineers Nova Scotia, including recruitment, onboarding, training and recognition.

Youth Outreach

Engineers Nova Scotia continues to work with Engineers Canada, and other engineering regulators across the country, to collaborate on National outreach initiatives. Locally, we have developed a

partnership with the Atlantic Science Links Association. Through this partnership, we support STEM outreach programs aligned with Nova Scotia curriculum for students in grades primary to twelve.

Engineers Nova Scotia’s Youth Engagement Subcommittee was formerly part of our Women in Engineering Committee, and focused mainly on engaging young girls and women. With a broadened aim to support engagement of all youth in Nova Scotia, the Subcommittee has transitioned to our Student Affairs Committee. The Youth Engagement Subcommittee will primarily focus on supporting engagement efforts for grades 7 to 12, and will also support the National Engineering Month Committee in March, with youth outreach initiatives.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, or to be added to a list of volunteers interested in engaging with youth, and post-secondary students, please reach out to volunteer@engineersnovascotia.ca.

Professional Development

We continue to make progress towards reintroducing our popular Lunch and Learn series, which has been

on hold since 2022. With the aim to add a Professional Development Coordinator to the Engineers Nova Scotia team by the end of 2023, we anticipate the return of the Lunch and Learn series in 2024. We look forward to providing sessions with technical, professional skills and regulatory content to support registrants with their continuing professional development program requirements.

We are regularly looking for professionals who are interested in presenting on technical and professional skills topics. Speaking opportunities extend beyond Lunch and Learn sessions, to our signature Spotlight on Local Innovation event each March, as well as our Annual Professional Development Conference each October. For more information on speaking opportunities, please reach out to outreach@engineersnovascotia.ca.

Respectfully submitted,

Heidi McKnight-Whitford, P.Eng. Director, Outreach and Partnerships

Deceased Members

We have been advised the following registrants passed away this year. Our thoughts are with their families and friends.

Adams, James

Williamson, John

Scriven, James

MacDonald, Corinne

Gillespie, Corinne

Ingalls, Wendell

Mollon, Reginald

Roy, William

Sweet, Charles

MacRae, Roderick

Sweett, Leonard

Ghothani, Amr

Allen, David

Alexander, Peter

Parker, John

Braybrooke, Geoffrey

Viau, Omer

Burnett, David

Klinger, Rudy

Leahey, Robert

Schofield, Lloyd

Rogers, J. Wayne

Stonehouse, Brian

Cashin, Patrick

Duncan, Donald

Fulton, F. Albert

Thornham, Harold

Campbell, D. H. Brian

Bennett, Barry

Swaine, Rednael

Committee Reports

Board of Examiners

Board Policy Issues

In addition to the Board’s normal work load which includes assessing the academic and experience qualifications of internationally educated applicants, assessing the experience of EITs without an assigned mentor, and assessing Post Graduate Degree experience of EITs, the Board has held policy meetings to address the following issues:

• Limited License Guide related to experience requirements

• Working practices developed for recruitment of new Board of Examiners (BOE) members

• Confirmatory exams number of attempts based on national scan of requirements

• The policy on the attempts on Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) or Technical Confirmatory subject exams

• Duration of time granted to applicants to successfully complete their assigned exam program

• Thresholds of academic deficiencies for assigning different exam programs

• Expanding the definition of acceptable academic documentation beyond the World Education Services

International Credential Advantage Package assessment for international academic assessments

• Updating Registration Guidelines and Board of Examiner resources

The following is a list of topics provided to the Board for information and comment to assist regulation:

• Accountability in Accreditation Committee 2022 Report

• Accountability in Accreditation Committee 2023 Report

• Draft Feasibility Study on Alternative Methods of Academic Assessment for Non-Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board Applicants

• Draft Electrical Engineering Examination Syllabi

• Draft General Direction for a Guideline on Duty to Report – Wrongdoing

• National Position Statement: Immigration and Foreign Qualifications Recognition

• National Position Statement: Licensing Requirements for Engineering Positions in the Federal Public Service

• Draft Industrial Engineering Syllabi

• Engineers Canada Guideline on Conflict of Interest

• Engineers Canada Guideline on Code of Ethics

• General Direction for a Fitness to Practice Guideline

Welcome to new Board Member, Jim Brown, P.Eng. (Mechanical).

Board of Examiners Activity

Stats from August 2022 to September 2023:

Board Academic Assessments Completed: 102

Board Academic Assessments Pending: 21

Board Experience Reviews Completed: 45

Board Experience Reviews Pending: 15

Assessments by the Board of Examiners increased by 28.1% and experience reviews increased by 42.6%. The volume of internationally educated applicants and the increasing complexity of their files significantly impacts the workload for staff and the Board of Examiners.

Technical Exams

There were 14 technical exam candidates who wrote 24 technical exams in the last year with a success rate of 87.5%.

The National Technical Exams are held online by virtual proctor. The cost of an exam is $485. Applicants that are assigned confirmatory exams have the option to take the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Online Fundamentals of Engineering Exam in lieu of confirmatory exams. 2 of the 6 candidates who wrote the FE in the last year were successful.

Submitted by:

Craig Lake, Ph. D., P.Eng. Chair, Board of Examiners

Shanice Bryce Director of Registration

The mandate of the Awards Committee is to recognize excellence in engineering and support to the engineering community and the public, that will foster pride in the profession. The committee reviews the nominations of registrants of Engineers Nova Scotia to verify they meet the criteria for awards related to the practice of engineering, and other service awards. If satisfied with the nominations, the committee recommends award winners to Engineers Nova Scotia Council. Nominees approved by Council are publicly recognized at appropriate ceremonies and using applicable digital and print media.

The Awards Committee was involved in the organization and preparation of the presentation of the 2023 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering to Harbourside Engineering Group in collaboration with Englobe Corp., for the Peggy’s Cove Infrastructure Design Project. The award was presented by the Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, ONS, KC, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, during a closed ceremony held at Government House on 18 May, 2023.

The 2023 Award recipients, being recognized at a Celebration of Engineering in Nova Scotia Dinner on 25 October, 2023 are:

F.H. Sexton Gold Medal Award

David Lea, FEC, P.Eng.

Engineering Award

Kelsey Green, P.Eng. & Huu Nghia Nguyen, Ph.D., P.Eng.

L.A. White Young Engineer Award

Stuart King, P.Eng. & Meggie Letman, P.Eng.

S.L. Devereaux Award for the Advancement of Women in Engineering

Dr. Jennie Rand, P.Eng.

J.D. Fraser Service Award

Kent Lane, FEC, P.Eng.

Citizenship Award

Dr. Pemberton Cyrus, FEC, P.Eng.

Submitted by:

Kulvinder Dhillon, FEC, P.Eng.

Committee Chair

The Complaints Committee was busy over the past year, and met frequently to discuss ongoing and new complaints. There were two (2) existing cases carried over from the previous fiscal year, and seven (7) new cases were opened in 2022/23. The existing cases, and four (4) of the new cases, were dismissed by the Complaints Committee. Three (3) of the dismissed cases were appealed by the complainant, and were ultimately dismissed by a review officer. None of the open cases have been referred to the Discipline Committee. At the end of September, there are three (3) complaints that continue to be reviewed by the Complaints Committee.

Complaints and Discipline

There continues to be an increase in the number of complaints and their complexity over the past several years. Conducting interviews as part of the complaint investigation has become more common and has been very useful in gathering additional complaint information. The committee will continue to focus on improving their processes to ensure a fair, consistent, and timely approach to managing complaint cases.

The Discipline Committee had a quiet year, with no new cases brought forward to them by the Complaints Committee.

Submitted by:

Debra McLellan, P.Eng., Chair, Complaints Committee

George Goad, P.Eng., Chair, Discipline Committee

Continuing Professional Development

The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Committee is a CEO Advisory Committee which assists, reviews, and oversees the association’s CPD program, policies, and guidelines. The Committee is responsible for keeping CPD program requirements current, with guidance from Engineers Canada and following best practices of other provincial engineering regulator programs across the country.

To align Engineers Nova Scotia’s CPD program with those of its sibling regulators, there is a need for changes to our current CPD program. Recent CPD program trends at engineering regulators across Canada include:

• Removal of Professional Practice hours (50 Professional Development Hour (PDH)/year)

• Reduction in overall PDH’s (generally from 80 PDH/year to 30 PDH/year)

• Removal of complicated PDH conversions (i.e. one hour of CPD is equal to 1 PDH )

• Mandatory CPD categories and organized webinars, such as ethics and regulatory knowledge

• Mandatory reporting and auditing of CPD activities

To assist registrants in meeting the obligations of the engineering profession to maintain their competencies and keep their knowledge and skills current, and to reduce the CPD reporting burden, four of the Atlantic Canadian regulators of engineering and geoscience have agreed to conform to common requirements in their CPD Programs. A draft CPD program requirements document, outlining the common CPD program requirements has been developed, and reviewed several times by the Atlantic regulatory CEO’s and staff. PEGNL has already implemented their updated CPD program, and APEGNB intends to implement theirs over the next year.

Engineers Nova Scotia is taking a deliberate approach to assessing potential CPD program changes, and consulting with registrants prior to making any changes. The Engineers Nova Scotia CPD Committee has reviewed the draft requirements document, and provided extensive feedback that helped guide the work to customize the initial draft version of the requirements document to be better aligned with Engineers Nova Scotia terminology and practices. Council is in the process of reviewing and assessing the proposed changes.

The process to continue to refine the CPD requirements prior to a broad consultation with registrants is being planned for early 2024.

The Emerging Professionals (EP) Committee has continued to foster pride and participation for new and emerging professionals over the last year. As public appetite for in-person events became possible again, the EP Committee rose to the occasion to offer a number of safe, in-person events, including some outdoor fun in the warm summer months. Each year we try to provide opportunities for volunteering, professional development, and networking. Easing restrictions made gathering for volunteer events easier this year, as in previous years, Committee members were able to gather to prepare lunches for Out of the Cold. We were glad to see smiling faces in person at some of our social, sport, and networking events, including boxing at Rebel Studio.

Emerging Professionals

This year we hosted a well-attended “Support to International Educated Engineers” event in downtown Halifax featuring speakers and senior leaders from the Nova Scotia Engineering community meeting with internationally educated engineers and job seekers.

We have enjoyed continuing to support local businesses through these events. Our 10th annual Golf Scramble was well attended. We were glad to see members in high spirits again this year. We were thrilled to be able to offer our New P.Eng. Event again this year. This event is meant to celebrate those who achieved the designation of Professional Engineer in that year, which in our opinion is always something to celebrate.

As always, we are extremely grateful for the members who participated in our events and supported us by encouraging coworkers to join them. The Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Engineers Nova Scotia staff, who turn our ideas into real events.

Submitted by:

Matthew Glynn, P.Eng., Emerging Professionals Committee

The Finance Committee met on a monthly basis throughout the fiscal year August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023. At each meeting, the Committee reviewed investments, cheques issued by Engineers Nova Scotia, and monthly financial statements as prepared by Engineers Nova Scotia staff. A summary was issued to and reviewed by Council at each of their regular meetings.

The 2023-2024 budget was prepared by staff based on historical and projected requirements for the next operating year and considering any lingering special circumstances created by the COVID pandemic. Engineers Nova Scotia operated, this year, with normal and other revenues of over $2.7 Million, expenses of approximately $2.4 million, and a surplus of $343,140 for the year. This compares very favourably to an excess of $6,400 that had been projected in the original budget.

Membership growth and associated revenues remained very positive, and expenses were well managed by Engineers Nova Scotia staff. Current projections from staff indicate that the association’s finances will remain positive over the next few years and that we will be able to continue to build on these initiatives.

Finance and Audit Committee

Equity investments have historically continued to provide decent returns. Overall, our equity investments have had a positive impact on equity returns in general. Overall, 2022-23 saw a significant unrealized gain of $40,264, and a 25.6% gain in market to book value since inception on an equity investment portfolio of $373,094.

As part of the overall governance review work being completed in 2022/23, the Committee reviewed the status of our investment reserves against our current Financial Policy and worked with staff to review and adjust financial reserves, as appropriate. The Committee will also continue to provide feedback on other specific policies, as appropriate (e.g., Capital Expenditures, Investment Policy, Cash Management, Spending Limits, etc.) in the coming months.

In 2021/22, the Committee participated in the process of reviewing our Auditor services, providing a recommendation to Council regarding the selection of the Auditor, Grant Thornton. In 2022/23, the Committee has implemented a closer working relationship with the Auditors, holding two in-camera meetings – one during the lead up to the audit, and one after the completion of the audit – to ensure unbiased oversight, feedback, and review and endorsement of the

annual financial statements by the Committee. Annual audited financial statements have been reviewed, and the format adjusted slightly to reflect a more accurate reporting and representation of our accounting information.

In addition to our normal duties, the Committee has also continued to closely monitor progress on the recommended changes made in 2019-20 by the Committee around financial controls and reporting, various changes to financial governance policies, the Committee’s Terms of Reference, and improving financial transparency. The Committee, Council and staff are committed to further progressing and implementing all the Committee’s earlier recommendations in the years ahead.

The finances of your association continue to be very well managed by Engineers Nova Scotia staff. Our Treasurer, Kris Dove, our outgoing Director of Finance, Virginia MacQuarrie (now retired), and our new Senior Accountant, Grace Castillo, have and will ensure that the best interests of Engineers Nova Scotia and its membership have been looked after in all financial matters. The Committee thanks Virginia, Kris, Grace and our CEO Pal Mann for their dedication in providing the information which

we needed to perform our function and deliver on the duties outlined in the Terms of Reference for the Committee.

Additionally, and on behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank Virginia MacQuarrie for her 26+ years of service to the Association, most recently as Director of Finance. Virginia’s knowledge, experience, guidance, and support to the Committee over the years has been invaluable and appreciated by all Committee members, both past and present. Virginia, we congratulate you on your many years of service to Engineers Nova Scotia, and wish you all the best for a long, healthy, and happy retirement!

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank all the members of the Committee. Their hard work, devotion to transparency and the betterment of the association has enabled us to fulfill our mandate once again on behalf of the membership of Engineers Nova Scotia. Your dedication and service to the Association is very much appreciated.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jeff Knapp, FEC, P.Eng., Chair

National Engineering Month

March is National Engineering Month (NEM), a month to promote and celebrate Engineering, as well as highlight activities designed for outreach to students, the public and Engineers Nova Scotia registrants. This years theme is “There’s a Place For You in Engineering.”

The NEM Committee consists of volunteers and Engineers Nova Scotia staff who meet, virtually, from October to April, this year to plan, organize, run and promote events to celebrate Engineering. This year our dedicated team of Engineers Nova Scotia staff and volunteers, with assistance from the National Engagement Committee for Outreach, and partnerships with other Engineers Nova Scotia Committees, provided outstanding virtual, hybrid and in-person experiences for outreach and professional development.

Thank you to the Engineers Nova Scotia staff, the NEM, Emerging Professionals and Women in Engineering (WIE) Committees for filling the calendar with inspiring and educational events, especially during another challenging year.

For our registrants:

• Spotlight on Local Innovation; a signature event from the Women in Engineering Committee (WIE), highlighting interesting projects and research led by engineers in Nova Scotia.

• Virtual Town Hall meetings

• Curling Event – 6th Annual Curling Bonspiel where eight teams competed in friendly competition

• In person Trivia Night; presented by the NEM Committee, members participated from the comfort of their own homes. The Trivia was hosted by our very own Stan Selig, P.Eng. & Ben Schulman, P.Eng. The Trivia questions were pop-culture & general knowledge-based, with an engineering slant.

For our students:

• Student / Professional events held at various universities in Nova Scotia.

• Several schools participated in “Egg Drop” competitions.

• Grades Primary-12 NEM opportunities were made available through the website “Explore Engineering” (www.exploreengineering.ca).

For the public

• The National Engineering Month annual Public Display and Competitions returned to the Halifax Central Library, it was a great success. There were interactive STEM based display tables, a Pasta Bridge competition and the presentation of the movie “Dream Big: Engineering

our World”; a film that “celebrates the human ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small, and reveals the creativity and compassion that drive engineers to create better lives for people around the world.”

NEM is a time to celebrate Engineering and look to the future via outreach and encouraging students in STEM. Our success depends, not only on Engineers Nova Scotia and the volunteers on this and other committees; but with the support of the members. I encourage you to reach out to your communities, share your knowledge and experiences with others to help grow the profession in Nova Scotia.

On behalf of the NEM Committee, I want to thank those who helped with the events and outreach this year; whether it was through sponsorship, volunteering for Committees and participating in outreach events, thank you. I’m looking forward to NEM 2024 where, with the help of our volunteers and Engineers Nova Scotia staff, we will find greater opportunities for outreach and participation. The NEM Committee is also looking for more volunteers, please consider reaching out to us, we’d love to have you, remember “There’s a place for you in Engineering”!

Submitted by:

Darrell Marsh, P.Eng

The Professional Practice Committee acts as a resource to members and external groups in areas of engineering practice. This includes assisting the CEO in identifying possible contraventions to the Act by non-registrants, provide advice and/or recommendations for achieving suitable resolutions to any possible contraventions, assist Engineers Nova Scotia with developing and maintaining relevant engineering practice guidelines, and assist Engineers Nova Scotia in providing feedback to Engineers Canada on developing and maintaining relevant research and guidelines for professional practice in Canada.

Seven meetings were held throughout the year and the Committee reviewed several issues. The major undertaking for the Committee in 2022/23 was to continue the work on a ‘Guideline for Drawings and Specifications’, including the development of an “As-Built” and “Record Drawings” Sub-committee. The goal of this Sub-committee is to review how the two terms and their associated definitions are used by other engineering regulators and make recommendations for the Committee to review and incorporate into the Guideline document. This document is still under development and will be circulated for member consultation once it is completed.

Professional Practice

The Committee provided updates to the ‘Guideline Regarding Field Review of Construction Certificates’ to ensure that the document is consistent with the changes to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations that came into effect on 01/10/2022, and provided feedback on the ‘Use of Title’ guidance documents developed by Engineers Nova Scotia staff.

Finally, the Committee reviewed and provided feedback on a significant number of draft documents and legislative issues. The Committee provided their thoughts and concerns to Engineers Nova Scotia on the requirements for translating federal engineering documents in both official languages and who might be competent to complete those translations. From Engineers Canada, the Committee reviewed and provided feedback on the national position statements on ‘Ventilation Control and Building Management in Reducing the Transmission of Airborne Pathogens leading to Diseases such as COVID-19,’ ‘Licensing Requirements for Engineering Positions in the Federal Public Service,’ and ‘Building Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure: The Critical Role of Engineers in Addressing Canada’s Infrastructure Challenges.’ The Committee reviewed draft general direction documents for guidelines on the ‘Duty to Report’ and

‘Fitness to Practice.’ The Committee also provided feedback on the revised ‘Guideline on Conflict of Interest,’ revised ‘Guideline on Code of Ethics,’ and provided feedback on the ‘Draft Research Paper on Energy Engineering’ from Engineers Canada.

Submitted by: Browren Allard, P.Eng., Chair

The Public Safety Committee is a standing committee, which reports to the CEO of Engineers Nova Scotia, to advise the executive on public safety issues as they relate to the engineering practice and the work completed by members in Nova Scotia.

The Committee has met four times since the 2022 Annual General Meeting. Outcomes and topics of discussion have included:

• Trench Cage Guideline (drafted)

• Road Plate Practice Advisory (drafted)

• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act definitions related to “constructor” and “contractor”

• Asbestos code of practice

Public Safety

Early work has started on a safety page within the Engineers Nova Scotia website. Using this resource, registrants will be able to find important content and linked information related to OHS, including their responsibilities for the same.

The Committee continues to enjoy a great working relationship with the Safety Branch, OHS Division of the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration, as two of the committee’s members are from that organization.

Members are encouraged to submit ideas, suggestions, and concerns related to public safety connected to the practice of engineering.

Submitted by:

James Beck, P.Eng

The Engineers Nova Scotia Student Affairs Committee’s (SAC) core function is to promote the engineering profession and Engineers Nova Scotia to students at all levels. The SAC continues to meet this mandate by raising the awareness level of the engineering profession to students throughout the province.

This year, the SAC was happy to welcome the Youth Engagement Committee to be a Sub-Committee. Their important work helps the SAC further achieve their mandate.

At each monthly meeting, the SAC reviews funding requests from students attending events, competitions and conferences and nonprofit organizations who focus on engineering associated activities and information for students. This year the SAC approved funding requests totaling over $6,000. This funding helped over 15,000 students from the elementary to university levels.

The number of requests and the SAC supported events increased this year. This past year the SAC was very pleased to support student related activities and events such as SuperNova, Dalhousie’s Formula SAE Design Team, St. Francis Xavier and Acadia Universities’ orientation events, student attendance at the Atlantic

Student Affairs

Engineering Competition, Canada Engineer Competition, Leadership Conference, and ENGage in ENGineering.

Associate Universities are invited to have representatives on the SAC. Acadia University, Saint Mary’s University and St. Francis Xavier University had representatives participate on the SAC this past year. These representatives provide valued support to the SAC and I thank them for their continued involvement this past year.

Another important responsibility of the SAC is administering the Engineers Nova Scotia Student Awards and Scholarships. Details about these awards are available on the Engineers Nova Scotia website.

At each meeting throughout the 2022/2023 fiscal year, the SAC reviewed all of its Awards and Scholarships to ensure they are current and relevant. The SAC’s report with its recommendations will be submitted to Council for consideration.

One of the best parts of The SAC’s role is awarding students with awards and scholarships every year. Engineers Nova Scotia, through the SAC, awarded over $20,000 worth of scholarships and awards.

The following is a summary of the Engineers Nova Scotia Student Awards and Scholarships awarded during the 2022/2023 academic year:

Engineers Nova Scotia Entrance Scholarships and Awards: awarded September 2022

Acadia University

• Josh Perry

• Omar Hammond

Cape Breton University

• Janna MacLean

• Sandeep Singh

Dalhousie University

• Emma Gu

• Cameron Archibald

Dalhousie Agricultural Campus

• Jayden Cameron

• Georgie Gunn

Saint Mary’s University

• Michael MacNeil

• Peter Oldrieve

St. Francis Xavier University

• Max MacNeil

• Sam Hickey

Engineers Nova Scotia Senior Project Award Winners: (awarded May 2023)

Dalhousie Faculty of Engineering

Chemical Engineering

• Jarod Mannette

• David Luong

• Louise Bao

• Owen Pollock

Civil Engineering

• Carson MacKay

• Luke MacMillan

• Yasmine Salem

• Abdul Wahdan

Environmental Engineering

• Abi Bonnington

• Binta Goodridge

• Thomas Tzagarakis

Electrical & Computer Engineering (Tie)

• Seamus MacInnes

• Evan Merrick

• Kevin Schwarzer

• Julian Oxner

• Jalal Nashita

• Kyle Ross

• Douah Shakshuki

Industrial Engineering

• Katrina Bagnell

• Olivia Murray

• Emma Holle

Mechanical Engineering

• Evan Howatt

• Logan Ward

• Emily Dyer

• Megan Perrodou

Mineral Resource Engineering

• Christian Hodder

• Flavie Belanger-Jones

• Meenaxshee Sunassee

• Nicolas Wong

• Can Boyacilar Engineers Nova Scotia Convocation Award: The 2023 Engineers Nova Scotia Convocation Award was awarded to Zoe Smith, a 2023 graduate in Chemical Engineering.

Marc Garneau, P.Eng Scholarships: (selected November 2022)

• Sara Murrin, graduated May 2023

• Douah Shakshuki, graduated May 2023

Winners of 2022 Scholarships available to Children of Engineers

Nova Scotia Members: (selected September 2022)

• Simon Allen, son of Gregory Allen, P.Eng.

• James Blake, son of John Blake, P.Eng.

• Hannah Bryant, daughter of Aaron Bryant, P.Eng.

• Samuel Colton, son of Paul Colton, P.Eng.

• Ryan Farrow, son of Greg Farrow, P.Eng.

• Willem Fraser, son of Terri Faser, P. Eng. and Neil Fraser, P.Eng.

• Nicholas Fudge, son of Lori Fudge, P.Eng.

• Holly Legere, daughter of Andre Legere, P.Eng.

• Grace MacDonald, daughter of David MacDonald, P.Eng,

• Isaac Murray, son of Peter Murray, P.Eng.

• Finley Nakatsu, son of Blair Nakatsu, P.Eng.

Grade 11 Award for Excellence in Math & Sciences: (schools that have advised Engineers Nova Scotia of their 2023 winner as of time of printing)

Auburn Drive High School

• Keira Hanlon

Avon View High School

• Julia Burgher

Baddeck Academy

• Maya Pinnington

Bay View High School

• Jun Park

Cobequid Educational Centre

• Piper Sampson

Dalbrae Academy

• Ronin Austin

Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional School

• Jaden Hawboldt

École Beau-Port

• Sophie Samson/Amber Olsen

École Secondaire Du Sommet

• Sami Alameddine

Forest Heights Community School

• Kasey Zinck

Halifax Grammar School

• Andrew Ni

Halifax West High School

• Ruichen Song

Hants North Rural High School

• Max MacDougall

Horton High School

• Thomas Murimboh

Island View Eastern Passage

• Luke Bennett

Middleton Regional High School

• Aiyana Barrieau

Millwood High School

• Sophia Sollows

Musquodoboit Rural High School

• Jessa Rushton

New Germany Rural High School

• Parker Richards

Oxford Regional Education Centre

• Brandi Lynn Beaumont

Park View Education Centre

• Jessie Beals

Shelburne Regional High School

• Brayden Labrador

Strait Area EducationRecreation Centre

• Abbey Erin Keeping

West Kings District High School

• Topper McGinty/

Isaac Morse

Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High

• Ivy Cushing

Virginia MacQuarrie retired from Engineers Nova Scotia in August 2023. Virginia has been the long-standing Engineers Nova Scotia employee assigned to the SAC. Her dedication and hard work with SAC greatly lead to the success of the Committee over the many years. We thank her for her important contributions and wish her the best in her retirement!

Volunteers are essential to making sure SAC events happen and that students are engaged and informed. SAC is always looking for volunteers to join the Committee, to speak to student groups and schools, to judge science fairs and to participate in other student related events. If you are interested in taking part, please contact: volunteer@engineersnovascotia.ca.

Submitted by: Christine Bonnell-Eisnor, FEC, P. Eng. Chair, Student Affairs Committee

The Sustainability Committee is a CEO Advisory Committee. We met 11 times this past year to discuss key issues related to energy and the environment. As a Committee, we strive to be conscientious and practical in developing our understanding of key issues related to sustainability in order to:

• Assist Council and staff in providing input on regulatory or policy developments and

• Allow us to increase member and public awareness of significant and emerging topics

This year, our key areas of focus included:

• Climate resilient design considerations

• Green hydrogen industry development

• Upcoming renewable energy projects and their influence on grid modernization

• Coastal Protection Act

• Sustainable mobility

• Global sustainable development goals

• Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG)

Sustainability

We hosted three informative lunch and learn sessions by guest speakers including:

• ESG by Melanie McGrath

• Circular Economy by Dawne Skinner

• Halifax Regional Municipality

Active Transportation Update by David MacIsaac

Sustainability Committee member, Laura White, submitted two articles for the Engineer – “Barriers to Public Electric Vehicle Charging” and “Game Changing Technology: Electric Bicycles.”

The Sustainability Committee regularly updates the committee webpage (www.engineersnovascotia. ca/professional-practice/sustain/) to provide registrants with easy access to past articles published by committee members, links to information related to guest speaker sessions, and links to relevant industry and media articles.

In the next year, the Sustainability Committee expects to continue to focus on issues related to:

• Climate resilient design, maintenance, and upgrades for Nova Scotia infrastructure

• Innovate and practical ways to reduce our own environmental impacts

• The opportunities and impacts related to decarbonizing the Nova Scotia grid

• The opportunities and impacts related to the green hydrogen and offshore wind industry developments in Nova Scotia and

• The Coastal Protection Act

We are interested in welcoming enthusiastic new members from all backgrounds to the Sustainability Committee. If you are interested in joining the Sustainability Committee, send an email to info@engineersnovascotia.ca.

Laurie Murphy, P. Eng Chair, Sustainability Committee

The Engineers Nova Scotia Women in Engineering (WIE) Committee, an advisory committee to the Engineers Nova Scotia CEO and Registrar, Pal Mann, works to foster an engineering profession reflective of the society it serves, and one that supports professional engineers, engineers-in-training, and engineering students who are women. The Committee promotes the increased participation and advancement of women in the engineering profession by fostering welcoming workplaces where all clients, colleagues and coworkers who are women are treated equitably and their perspectives and contributions are recognized, welcomed, and valued. The Committee also coordinates and runs the networking and mentoring program for engineers who are women and is supporting other equity-deserving groups with creating their network and mentoring programs.

The WIE Committee strives to support Engineers Nova Scotia’s vision of being an accessible, progressive, and trusted regulator of the engineering profession, and supports their work and programming by promoting accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The WIE executive and its two active subcommittees is made up of over 30 volunteers. The aims of the Committee can be found at

Women in Engineering

www.engineersnovascotia.ca/about-us/ committee-information/wie/.

WIE has made many meaningful contributions in the last year towards supporting the mandates of Engineers Nova Scotia’s Council, and Engineers Canada’s 30 by 30 goal of raising the percentage of newly licensed engineers who are women to 30 per cent by the year 2030. A highlight was supporting Engineers Nova Scotia in co-hosting the Annual 30 by 30 Conference in partnership with Engineers Canada in Halifax this past May. The conference welcomed numerous engineering professionals, employers, and students to engage in workshops and lectures with a themed focus of ‘Championing Change in the Workplace.’ Another impactful WIE event was the Career Counseling Workshop organized by the Improving Working Conditions Sub-Committee last fall. The workshop was so meaningful for attendees that it will be offered again this year under the title ‘Navigating your Career Journey’ – keep an eye out for registration.

The Network and Mentoring (N&M) Sub-Committee was very busy wrapping up the first and rolling into the second year of LINKS (Learning through Interacting, Networking and Knowledge Sharing). The program brings more than 100 women engineers across the province

together in small groups to help build community and engagement, with resources and discussion points offered to participants each month. The program has been a real success story through a lot of hard work and will certainly result in increased retention of women in the industry, while also hopefully serving as a model for other groups. N&M also partnered with Dalhousie Women in Engineering, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and others throughout the year to offer events to Engineers Nova Scotia registrants, such as speed networking and socials.

Once again this year, the Spotlight on Innovation Sub-Committee coordinated an amazing event attended by a large number of people, despite a significant snowstorm! I was pleased to be able to bring several students with me from Acadia, and they were very much inspired by the excellent speakers and by the turnout from our professional community. They also enjoyed skipping meal hall for the evening!

On a related note, the WIE Committee has adopted an agenda item for each meeting to hear from the Associate Universities by way of Karyn Hemsworth, who chairs a women’s faculty committee and is also a Member-at-Large of the WIE Committee. In addition to this new

link to students, volunteers from the WIE Committee wrote personal notes to all first-year women Engineering students at the Associated Universitiess to provide some encouragement during exams and to invite them to the Engineers Nova Scotia community. I was able to see first-hand the impact this had on our students and am pleased to say cards will be distributed to students again this fall. The WIE Chair, in partnership with our CEO, also wrote letters to each newly registered woman engineer to welcome them to Engineers Nova Scotia and let them know about the WIE Committee and its work.

In consultation with the CEO, the WIE Committee underwent some reorganization by shifting the Youth Engagement (YE) Sub-Committee to the SAC while maintaining a position for the YE Chairperson on the WIE Committee. In light of these changes and with a shift to bi-monthly meetings, as well as a desire to renew the Committee’s mandate, a review and update of the WIE Terms of Reference was completed last fall. Finally, to help in planning and prioritizing annual WIE goals, a strategic planning session was held in May 2023 with contributions from all WIE Committee and SubCommittee members.

Through these WIE initiatives, it is our hope that women and all Engineers Nova Scotia registrants experience success and fulfillment in a fair work environment. I have been grateful to witness the passion and

drive for meaningful action on behalf of, and for, our current and future members through WIE. I would like to thank all WIE Committee and Sub-Committee members for your time, knowledge, and dedication. Thank you to the WIE Executive and to Engineers Nova Scotia staff, especially Pal Mann, Heidi McKnight-Whitford, Christine Laroque and Pavel Diaz-Ramirez, for making sure WIE business is taken care of. And finally, thank you to all members and supporters of Engineers Nova Scotia for promoting women in the engineering profession.

Submitted by: Jennie Rand, P.Eng.

Zone Reports

Cape Breton/Victoria

In December 2022, an Engineers Nova Scotia Holiday Reception was held at Cape Breton University (CBU). It was great to receive President Denise Pothier and CEO Pal Mann who spoke at the event, which was attended by a number of registrants in the zone as well as students in the engineering program at CBU. The day after the reception zone registrants were provided with a tour of the construction of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Sydney Waterfront Campus and a luncheon after the tour. The tour and luncheon was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

We are looking forward to more professional and social events in the Zone in the upcoming year and we are particularly interested in resurrecting the annual CBU Engineering Scholarship Lobster Supper fundraiser, which has not been held since 2019. We will be looking for support from local registrants in planning and holding that event.

Submitted by: Darrin McLean, P.Eng.

Colchester

The Colchester Zone has enjoyed another year of activities and networking events. Zone events provide an opportunity for members to meet and get to know each other in a social environment and build cohesion amongst local Engineers Nova Scotia registrants.

Colchester Zone Luncheon

A luncheon was held in the Colchester Zone on May 2 where CEO Pal Mann, P.Eng. and COO Kris Dove, P.Eng. conducted a “State of the Union” presentation detailing the exciting developments of Engineers Nova Scotia that have been taking place over the past couple of years. The event was well attended and saw more than 20 engineers from the Colchester Zone attend.

Dal AC Community Day

Heidi McKnight-Whitford, P.Eng., Director of Outreach & Partnership of Engineers Nova Scotia, and I participated in the Community Day at the Dalhousie Agriculture Campus on July 20 where we had set up a booth within the Dal AC Engineering Department campus building. The event was really well attended and we had the opportunity to speak with visitors young and old to discuss the engineering profession

The Colchester Zone, together with Kris Dove, P.Eng., COO for Engineers Nova Scotia, will begin conducting Continuing Professional Development information sessions again with members in the Zone next year and will combining these events with technical sessions and luncheons in an effort to provide members in the Zone with a professional development and networking opportunities. We also welcome and encourage anyone within the Colchester Zone who wishes to present a lunch & learn session to Zone registrants.

I wish to thank all of the engineers of the Colchester Zone for their interest and participation in the events and activities this part year within the Zone. Participation in the annual Colchester Zone Events is a great opportunity to meet and socialize with other engineers in the community and to continue to be engaged in the profession. Engineering is a great profession, and it’s the engineers who continue to make it great!

Submitted by: D. Oliver Browning, PMP, FEC, P.Eng.

Cumberland

There was a lunch meeting with Engineers Nova Scotia CEO and Registrar, Pal Mann, CD, FCSSE, P.Eng, discussing Engineering in Nova Scotia with Professional Practice messages from COO and Treasurer, Kris Dove, FEC, MBA, P.Eng. on May 9th in Amherst, NS.

There is also a Zone meeting/session planned on the replacement of the Rainbow Bridge (renamed Roger Bacon Bridge) on Highway 2 in Cumberland County. This is the largest three lane wooden bridge in Canada. On Oct 10, Dan Tingley, PhD, P,Eng. of Wood Research and Development will lead a presentation on timber bridge structures at the Community Credit Union Business Innovation Centre in Amherst.

Zone members are encouraged to follow and take part in Engineers Nova Scotia lunch and learn sessions for professional development.

Submitted by: Andrew Polegato, FEC, P.Eng.

Kings-Annapolis

The year 2023 saw the Kings Annapolis Zone return to a more normal level after the pandemic eased a bit.

The Zone Representative delivered a Hazard Assessment presentation to the engineering students at Dalhousie University’s Sexton Campus in early February. This talk has been given to Dalhousie University students for the last five to six years. It is part of the profession’s mentoring of future engineers.

The Zone Representative attended the Acadia University Student Engineering banquet in early March and once again participated as a judge at the Annapolis Valley Regional Science fair, held in Windsor in late March. The Engineers Nova Scotia prize was awarded to William Larder, a grade 9 student at King’s Edgehill school, for his project “Culvert Remediation for Fish Passage in Barkhouse Brook.” The prize included a $100 cheque and an engraved keeper plaque.

In early April the Kings-Annapolis Zone held the CEO meet-and greet gathering in Kentville. There was a total of 21 engineers in attendance. Local engineers were appreciative of the CEO’s visit and the association update were provided.

Submitted by: Conrad LeLièvre, FEC P.Eng. CRSP

2022 Minutes

Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia (Engineers Nova Scotia)

2022 ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

September 16, 2022

Business Meeting Minutes

The 2022 Annual Business Meeting was a hybrid event, with in-person attendees and a virtual broadcast via Chime, from the Halifax Room of the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, Halifax, Nova Scotia on September 16, 2022.

1.0 CALL TO ORDER

Engineers Nova Scotia President and Chair, Darrin McLean, P.Eng., called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. Darrin acknowledged that meeting was being held on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq.

Following the land acknowledgement, the CEO, Pal Mann, P.Eng., provided details and instructions regarding the conduct of the hybrid business meeting.

Pal noted that all meeting documents were posted on the Engineers Nova Scotia website one week prior to the Annual Business Meeting, and that they are also available through the resources section of the virtual meeting portal for those online.

Darrin McLean confirmed quorum, with 58 in-person registrants in attendance at the start of the meeting, and 11 registrants virtually attending. Darrin welcomed members and guests including virtual attendees from our sibling regulators from across Canada.

Darrin then introduced the members of Council and ex-Officio members, and he acknowledged the PastPresidents who were in attendance.

2.0 APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Darrin McLean directed attendees to the meeting agenda, available on the screen and also included in the Annual Report package. Members were asked to submit any changes to the agenda. No changes were proposed.

Moved by Crysta Cumming, P.Eng., and Seconded by Denis Pellichero that the membership approves the 2022 Annual Business Meeting Agenda as presented. Carried

3.0 MOMENT OF SILENCE

A moment of silence was held for members who passed away in the last year. These members are listed on page 41 of the 2022 Annual Report.

Leo Brooks, P.Eng., raised an objection on the format of the remembrance that was noted by the President.

4.0 APPROVAL OF THE 2021 ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES

Darrin McLean directed attendees to the 2021 Annual Business Meeting Minutes. Members were asked to submit any suggested changes. No changes were proposed.

Moved by Bruce Wornell, P.Eng., and Seconded by Wayne MacCulloch, P.Eng., that the membership approves the 2021 Annual Business Meeting Minutes as presented. Carried

5.0 BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE 2021 MINUTES

There was no business arising from the 2021 Annual Business Meeting Minutes.

6.0 ANNUAL REPORTS AND INTRODUCTION OF CHAIRS

President Darrin moved the Officers’ Reports, and asked Vice-President, Denise Pothier, P.Eng., to assume the Chair for the President’s Report, found on page 13 of the Annual Report package.

President’s Report

Darrin noted that the 2021-2022 Fiscal Year was a busy one for Council and Staff, and he summarized a number of key items in his report, which included:

• Finalizing and adopting the 5-Year Strategic Plan

• A focus on initiatives related to Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity and Accessibility

• Continued efforts to address the issue of Board size reduction at Engineers Canada

• Discussions initiated with the provincial government regarding modernizing the Engineering Profession Act

• Strengthening policies and processes related to CEO performance and compensation

Darrin concluded his report by thanking all those he worked closely with over the past year for their dedication to our profession, and for their service

and hard work. He wished incoming president Denise good luck with her Presidency, and thanked Chris Zinck for his service, dedication, and enthusiasm in his role as Engineers Canada Director. He wished the new Director, Crysta Cumming, well in the role.

Denise Pothier then welcomed questions for Darrin.

Paul Amyotte, P.Eng., thanked Past-President Sarah Devereaux, and Past-Engineers Canada Board Member, Chris Zinck, for their work on the issue of Engineers Canada governance, specifically the Board size. Paul thanked President Darrin and Council for their continued work on this issue.

There were no additional questions and President Darrin re-assumed the Chair.

Engineers Canada Director’s Report

Crysta Cumming provided her report, found on page 15 of the Annual Report Package.

Crysta provided an overview of the structure and history of Engineers Canada and highlights of some recent initiatives by Engineers Canada, including:

• Reduction in per capita fees from $10.21 in 2023, to $8 in 2024.

• Accreditation and licensure support for the Competency Based Assessment (CBA) tool.

• Development of a draft guideline for Indigenous consultation and engagement.

• Creation of free Equity,

Diversity, and Inclusion online training for engineers.

• Creation of a new Strategic Plan for 2022-2024

Bryan Darrell, P.Eng., noted that Engineers Canada funded many Women in Engineering related activities. Bryan asked about other Engineers Canada initiatives related to visible minorities. Crysta responded that there continue to be opportunities at Engineers Canada to increase initiatives regarding EDIA, and not just Women in Engineering. These include the recent Guideline on Indigenous Consultation and work on Truth and Reconciliation initiatives. Engineers Canada also signed a recent agreement with the Black Engineers of Canada, and has recently committed to a new initiative to commit to gender parity at the Engineers Canada Leadership level, with 30% representation by visible minority groups at the Engineers Canada Board.

There were no further questions from the in-person or virtual attendees

Chief Executive Officer’s Report

Pal Mann spoke to his report found on page 18 of the Annual Report Package.

Working with Council and registrants, some of the issues Engineers Nova Scotia focused on over the past year included:

• Approving the 5-year Strategic Plan from 2022-2027, including a new Mission and Vision for the Association.

• Hiring a third-party Human Resources firm to formalize processes and policies and job descriptions and accountabilities.

• Hiring a new Event Planner.

• Increasing Social Media interactions resulting in growing registrant engagement.

• Strengthening relationships with government departments.

• Providing feedback to Public Services and Procurement Canada regarding bilingual document requirements.

• Returning to in-person events.

• Hiring an EDIA consultant.

Pal thanked all of the staff of Engineers Nova Scotia and for continuing to “punch above their weight,” and for those in attendance both in-person and virtually for their continued involvement in self-regulation.

Leo Brooks, P.Eng. offered openended comments about organizational transparency and rebranding to Engineers Nova Scotia from the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia (APENS).

Denise Trim, P.Eng., asked about the prioritization of EDIA the work and resourcing; Pal replied that upcoming EDIA work will be captured under consultant fees as CCDI Consulting will be engaged to develop an EDIA toolkit.

Pal provided an update on discussions with Engineers Geoscientists British Columbia and that a better understanding of the resources and change management plan is required. There are reserve funds allocated for this work.

There were no additional questions posed.

Committee and Zone Reports

President Darrin noted that Committee Reports, as well as Zone Reports, are included in the Annual Report Package, starting on page 68. Darrin thanked all of the Committee volunteers and Zone Representatives for their continued dedication to the profession.

7.0 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OPERATIONAL BUDGET REPORT

Jeff Knapp, P.Eng., Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee referred to the financial reports, which were posted on the association website and the resources section of the virtual meeting portal; printed copies were distributed to in-person attendees. Jeff acknowledged that the firm Grant Thornton conducted the audit this year in August 2022. Jeff then presented further details regarding the audited financial statements and budget.

overall investment portfolio has grown by 28.5% since 2015.

• We increased all reserve funds using year-end surplus; Expenditures against reserve funds will need to follow policies and approvals.

• Finance related polices were endorsed by the Finance and Audit Committee and approved by Council. In the future the Finance and Audit Committee will review other policies, e.g., capital expenditures policy, investment policy, cash management policy, and spending limits policy in the future.

• We continue to improve financial controls, transparency, and reporting as recommended by the Committee to Council in 2020.

Jeff concluded by acknowledging the efforts of Kris Dove, and Virginia MacQuarrie, and thanked CEO Pal Mann, for providing the information needed to help the Finance and Audit Committee fulfill their mandate. Jeff thanked the Finance and Audit Committee for their devotion, and diligence as part of their role with the Committee.

Darrin McLean welcomed questions related to the Audited Financial Statements.

Denise Trim, P.Eng., asked about the status of the proposed transition to CBA for assessing experience.

• We enjoyed a surplus of $537,000 (as per page 4 of the audited financial statements).

• We experienced a small unrealized investment loss of $7,000, but the

Leo Brooks, P.Eng. asked about the staff salary increases budgeted for the upcoming year. Pal Mann noted that the overall salary increase is up to 7.0%, at the discretion of the CEO, which includes a 4.1% cost of living (CPI) increase.

Leo Brooks, P.Eng. asked why the Finance and Audit Committee does not review and approve the CEO compensation. Jeff Knapp reviewed the process that is in place; CEO Compensation increases are approved by Council in alignment with the CEO Evaluation and Compensation policy.

Bob King, P.Eng., asked about the difference in the actual staff salary versus the amount budgeted for 2021/2022. Jeff replied the difference was due to unfilled staff positions during the past year.

There were no further questions regarding the audited financial statements. Darrin asked Jeff Knapp to provide details regarding the 2022-2023 Budget.

Jeff provided an overview of the 2022-2023 budget. Key points are included below:

Revenues

• Member dues and Corporate fees were increased by 4.1% in line with the average Nova Scotia consumer price index for the previous year.

• The same growth rate for affinity revenue is assumed in 2022/23 due to the continued success of the home and auto insurance program.

• 2022 AGM revenues and expenses are expected to remain near 2021 levels.

Expenses

• Significant changes include increased expense for the development of an Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity and Accessibility (EDIA) toolkit, development of the scope of work for the Member Database project, completion of a salary study for ENS employees, an executive search for the pending retirement of our Director of Registration, staff professional development, and a return to in-person Council and Committee meetings.

The 2022-23 Budget includes staff complement increases that were approved in 2021-22 but not filled, including:

• Administrative Assistant to handle reception, committee meeting logistics and document management, and staff travel planning.

• Professional Practice Officer to backfill the retired Compliance Officer.

• Term Project Manager (2-year) to manage the Member Database, Website Modernization and Competency-Based Assessment projects.

• Volunteer Manager to develop and operate a volunteer management system.

Overall, the budget for 2022-23 is conservative, showing a small operating surplus of $6,400.

Darrin McLean asked if there were any questions or discussion related to the 2022-2023 budget.

Paul Amyotte, P.Eng., asked if Council considered not raising dues for the next year, given the surplus recognized from the past fiscal year. Darrin McLean noted that Council did consider this, but in light of the increasing inflation numbers, and based on the recommendation of the Finance and Audit Committee, the decision was made to increase the dues.

Bob King, P.Eng., asked what weight the yearly budget forecasts after the 2022/23-year play in the next year’s budget. (2023/23 and 2024/25 projections). Jeff noted that the additional yearly forecasts are provided for information only, and do not play a significant role in the budgeting for the upcoming year.

Darrin then asked for a Motion to receive the audit report and 20222023 budget report.

Moved by Jeff Knapp, P.Eng., and Seconded by Paul Amyotte, P.Eng that the membership acknowledges receiving the 2022 Audit Report and the 2023-2024 Budget report as presented by the Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. Carried

8.0 ENGINEERS NOVA SCOTIA SCHOLARSHIPS

The intent of these $500 scholarships for children of registrants and staff is to encourage and promote the study of engineering.

The 2022 Scholarship for Children of Engineers Nova Scotia recipients are:

• Simon Allen, son of Gregory Allen, P.Eng.

• James Blake, son of John Blake, P.Eng.

• Hannah Bryant, daughter of Aaron Bryant, P.Eng.

• Samuel Colton, son of Paul Colton, P.Eng.

• Ryan Farrow, son of Greg Farrow, P.Eng.

• Willem Fraser, son of Terri Faser, P. Eng. and Neil Fraser, P.Eng.

• Nicholas Fudge, son of Lori Fudge, P.Eng.

• Holly Legere, daughter of Andre Legere, P.Eng.

• Grace MacDonald, daughter of David MacDonald, P.Eng.

• Isaac Murray, son of Peter Murray, P.Eng.

• Finley Nakatsu, son of Blair Nakatsu, P.Eng.

Darrin congratulated the scholarship recipients, and wished them the best of luck in their future studies.

9.0 ELECTION OF 2022-2023 COUNCIL

Darrin McLean thanked the outgoing members of Council for their support over this past 2 years, and acknowledged the time and dedication that they have given to their association.

The outgoing Council members, who were asked to stand to be recognized, and had their pictures shown on screen, include:

• Outgoing Past-President: Crysta Cumming, FEC, P.Eng. (who remains as an Engineers Canada Director)

• Outgoing Councillors: Oliver Browning, P.Eng.

Adam Donaldson, FEC, P.Eng.

Melanie Nadeau, P.Eng.

Eva Parada, P.Eng.

Darrin also acknowledged Chris Zinck, FEC, P.Eng., for his outstanding leadership and service to the association in his role on Council and as an Engineers Canada Director after his 3-year term which ended on May 2022.

President Darrin then called upon Kris Dove, P.Eng., to present the Scrutineers’ Report. The Scrutineers’ Committee reviewed the 2022 Council Election results and attested the results were accurate.

On behalf of Council and registrants, Darrin expressed appreciation to all the candidates who showed their commitment to self-regulation by offering their names in the Council elections. He also expressed thanks to all those

who supported the Council Election process.

Darrin then asked that the newly elected members of Council to stand and be recognized:

• For President: Denise Pothier, P.Eng.

• For Vice-President: Adam Donaldson, FEC, P.Eng.

• For Councillors Resident in Halifax: Roxanne Tate, P.Eng., and Laura White, P.Eng.

• For Councillors Resident Outside Halifax: Allison Mackie, P.Eng., and Leon MacLellan, P.Eng.

Darrin extended a warm welcome to the new members of Council.

Installation of the President

Darrin McLean then introduced incoming President Denise Pothier, and asked outgoing Past-President Crysta Cumming to present the Past-President and President’s medals.

Past-President Darrin then passed the Chair over to newly elected President Denise for the remainder of the meeting.

President Denise thanked Darrin for his many contributions over the past year, and she welcomed a recorded greeting from Kathy Baig, President of Engineers Canada.

GREETINGS FROM ENGINEERS CANADA

Due to technical challenges, the video from the Engineers Canada President was not available. This message will be made available to registrants on the Engineers Nova Scotia website after the meeting.

11.0 PRESIDENT’S REMARKS (2022-2023 FOCUS)

President Denise provided comments on being elected as the new President, and noted that she does so with great pride and humility.

Denise discussed the upcoming Council areas of focus, which includes extensive work to communicate and adopt the 5-Year Strategic Plan and work on the four lines of effort, including:

• Working with partners to understand best practices for CBA, and start the development of plan to transition to CBA.

• Evaluating and strengthening our current CPD program.

• Developing an EDIA toolkit.

• Strengthening collaborative relationships with other Atlantic regulators.

• Continuing collaboration with Engineers Canada on the 30x30 initiative and the and Trust and Value of licensure project.

• Commencing a scan of legislation at other regulatory bodies across Canada, to assess the strength and weaknesses of other legislation.

Denise expressed gratitude and recognition of the steadfast work ethic, leadership and professionalism demonstrated by Darrin McLean and Crysta Cumming over the past year. Denise also acknowledged the many friends and mentors who have shared their lived experiences with her, and she thanked them for their influence and presence in her life. Denise noted that she looks forward to working with Council and others in the upcoming year.

OTHER BUSINESS

Chris Davis, P.Eng., had presubmitted a request to Council prior to the Business Meeting:

“That Engineers Nova Scotia Council, in the interest of transparency and for the general benefit of our membership, direct Staff to develop a policy regarding the posting of all Council Meeting minutes in the members’ section the Association’s website.”

As Chris Davis was not present at the business meeting, Pal Mann suggested a discussion with Chris to gather additional information, bringing a report to Council for discussion at a later date.

13.0 ADJOURNMENT

On a Motion by Wayne MacCulloch, P.Eng., it was resolved to adjourn the 2022 Annual Business Meeting at 11:58am. Carried

ENGINEERS NOVA SCOTIA OPERATIONAL BUDGET 2023 - 2024

APPROVED BY COUNCIL 20 JULY 2023

2023-2024 Budget

Financial Statements

Engineers Nova Scotia

July 31, 2023

Independent Auditor’s Report

To the Members of Engineers Nova Scotia Opinion

T +1 902 421 1734

F +1 902 420 1068 www.GrantThornton.ca

We have audited the financial statements of Engineers Nova Scotia (the “Association”), which comprise the statement of financial position as at July 31, 2023, and the statements of operations, changes in members’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Engineers Nova Scotia as at July 31, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Association in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Canada, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Responsibilities of management and those charged with governance for the financial statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Association’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to a going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Association or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative to do so.

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Association’s financial reporting process.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

 Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

 Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Association’s internal control.

 Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.

 Conclude on the appropriateness of management's use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Association’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Association to cease to continue as a going concern.

 Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Halifax, Canada

September 21, 2023

Chartered Professional Accountants

Engineers Nova Scotia Statement of Operations Year

See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

Engineers Nova Scotia Statement of Changes in Members’ Equity

Year ended July 31, 2023 Member database Legislative and website Reserve for Investment Heritage review modernization legal in capital building (strategic /automation Operational expenses assets maintenance initiative) (capital

Transfers To utilize reserve for legal expenses

To replenish and build up reserve for legal expenses

See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

Engineers Nova Scotia Statement of Cash Flows

See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

Engineers Nova Scotia

Notes to the Financial Statements

July 31, 2023

1. Nature of operations

Engineers Nova Scotia (the “Association”) is incorporated under the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia to administer the Nova Scotia Engineering Profession Act.

The Association is a not-for-profit organization and is exempt from income tax under the Income Tax Act.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

Basis of accounting

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations (“ASNPO”) and include the following significant accounting policies.

Fund accounting

The Association uses fund accounting and, accordingly, resources are classified for accounting purposes into funds based on specific activities or objectives. This method recognizes the limitations and restrictions placed on the use of resources available to the Association by classifying all transactions according to their nature. The following funds are being utilized:

Operational fund

The operational fund is the accumulation of unspent and unallocated revenue that is available to meet the day-to-day operational costs of the Association.

Reserve for legal expenses fund

The reserve for legal expenses fund has been established as an internally restricted fund for enforcement of the Engineering Profession Act.

Investment in capital assets fund

The investment in capital assets fund is the equity used to fund the capital assets of the Association.

Heritage building maintenance fund

The Heritage building maintenance fund has been established as an internally restricted fund for infrastructure improvements and crisis contingencies other than routine operations and maintenance.

Legislative review (strategic initiative) fund

The legislative review (strategic initiative) fund has been established as an internally restricted fund for modernization of the Act and Bylaws.

Member database and website modernization/automation (capital project) fund

The member database and website modernization/automation (capital project) fund has been established as an internally restricted fund for a new registrant database and member management system.

Engineers Nova Scotia

Notes to the Financial Statements

July 31, 2023

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Revenue recognition

The Association follows the deferral method of accounting for contributions. Restricted contributions are recognized as revenue in the year in which the related expenses are incurred. Unspent restricted contributions are deferred until the funds are spent on their designated purpose. Unrestricted contributions are recognized as revenue when received or receivable if the amount can be reasonably estimated and collection is reasonably assured.

Association dues are billed on a calendar year basis and recognized in revenue over a 12-month period. Association dues relating to the period subsequent to year end are recorded as deferred revenues.

Revenue on investments is recognized as it is earned and collection is reasonably assured. Gains or losses on the sale of investments are recognized as investment income in the year of disposal.

Affinity income is recognized when earned and measurement and collection are reasonably assured.

Other income, including miscellaneous revenue, professional engineers’ stamps, annual meeting and publication committee is recognized as it is earned.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, balances with banks and term deposits with maturity dates within one year.

Capital assets

Capital assets are recorded at cost. Rates and bases of depreciation applied to write-off the cost of property and equipment over their estimated useful lives are as follows:

Building

Computer equipment and software

Equipment

Website and database

5%, declining balance

30%, declining balance

20%, declining balance

30%, declining balance

When a capital asset no longer has any long-term service potential to the Association, the excess of its net carrying amount over any residual value is recognized as an expense in the statement of operations. Any write-downs recognized are not reversed.

Investments

The Association has investments in equities quoted in an active market and investments in GICs with maturity greater than one year. These are accounted for at fair market value with any changes in fair value recorded in net income during the period of change.

Engineers Nova Scotia

Notes to the Financial Statements

July 31, 2023

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Use of estimates

Management reviews the carrying amounts of items in the financial statements at each statement of financial position date to assess the need for revision or any possibility of impairment. Many items in the preparation of these financial statements require management’s best estimate. Management determines these estimates based on assumptions that reflect the most probable set of economic conditions and planned courses of action. These estimates are reviewed periodically and adjustments are made to net income as appropriate in the year they become known. Items subject to significant management estimates include the useful lives of capital assets.

Financial instruments

The Association considers any contract creating a financial asset, liability or equity instrument as a financial instrument, except in limited circumstances. The Association accounts for the following as financial instruments:

 Cash and cash equivalents

 Receivables

 HST receivable

 Payables and accruals

 Investments

A financial asset or liability is recognized when the Association becomes party to contractual provisions of the instrument.

The Association initially measures its financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value.

The Association subsequently measures its financial assets and financial liabilities at amortized cost, except for investments, which are measured at fair value. All changes in fair value of the Association’s investments are recorded in the statement of operations. The Association removes financial liabilities, or a portion of, when the obligation is discharged, cancelled or expires.

Financial assets measured at cost are tested for impairment when there are indicators of impairment. Previously recognized impairment losses are reversed to the extent of the improvement provided the asset is not carried at an amount, at the date of the reversal, greater than the amount that would have been the carrying amount had no impairment loss been recognized previously. The amounts of any write-downs or reversals are recognized in net income.

Unless otherwise noted, it is management’s opinion that the Association is not exposed to significant credit, interest, currency, or liquidity risks arising from these financial instruments, except for investments. The Association is exposed to interest risk in relation to its investments.

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. Investments are managed by professional investment managers in accordance with the Association’s Investment Policy developed and monitored by management, which mitigates exposure to these risks.

Engineers Nova Scotia

Notes to the Financial Statements

July 31, 2023

Engineers Nova Scotia

Notes to the Financial Statements July 31, 2023

6. Operating (Unaudited)

Engineers Nova Scotia

Notes to the Financial Statements

Engineers Nova Scotia

Notes to the Financial Statements

Annual Business Meeting and Professional Development Conference Partners