December 2006

President's Newsletter

Douglas N. Goodridge, P. Eng.

Public Interest Issues 

In December, PEGNL wrote the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works, regarding safety concerns with the condition of many sections of the Trans Canada Highway and other highways in Newfoundland and Labrador. In this letter, we encouraged the Minister to initiate a review into the cause(s) of the pavement deterioration and to undertake remedial action to resolve the problem, based on the review's findings. We are awaiting the Minster's response

In November, the National Transportation Safety Board issued its investigative report into the capsizing and loss of life of the fishing vessel Ryan's Commander in 2004, near Cape Bonavista. PEGNL is reviewing this report to determine whether or not any action or further follow-up is required that is relevant to our mandate.

2007 AGM 

Please be sure to read about the 2007 AGM and Conference elsewhere in this issue of Dialogue. The Conference will be held at Humber Valley Resort which is a spectacular venue, with luxurious accommodations. I strongly encourage you to mark your calendars and make an effort to attend in March 2007.

Council Nominations 

A reminder: we are still seeking a slate of candidates (Vice President and Councillors) for the upcoming election. If interested, please submit a nomination form by January 5, 2007.

Pending Act Changes 

We have been advised that in 2007 the NL Government is planning to introduce changes to the Engineers and Geoscientists Act and the Acts of several other self-regulated professions in the province. The last time that our Act was amended was 1989. A Committee of PEGNL has been established and is now meeting regularly to liaise with Government with respect to the proposed changes. We have not yet seen draft legislation but we anticipate some mandated changes to our current governance model. More information will follow on this issue.

Professional Development (PD) Program 

By now, all members will have received notice of the redesigned Professional Development Program which will become effective in January 2007. The new program has a more structured approach than the current program and requires practicing members (or members wishing to retain practicing status) to track their professional development hours (PDHs). Non-practicing members can choose to opt out of the program if they have no plans to resume their practicing status. Please be sure to read the literature provided recently so that you can plan and track your 2007 activities.

As always, I welcome your feedback or suggestions on any of the topics covered in this article.  Please email me at president@pegnl.ca

As 2006 closes, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our many volunteer members for their contributions to the operation and governance of our Association throughout 2006.

Finally, I would like wish all members of PEGNL and their families a Happy Christmas and good health and prosperity in 2007.

© Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador