December 2007

Engineers Canada Chairs Global Environment Committee

Engineers Canada has assumed the position of chair of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations' (WFEO) Committee on Engineering and the Environment for the next four-year term. The position provides Canada's engineering profession with a significant opportunity to showcase its expertise on the world stage.

Founded in 1968, the WFEO is a non-governmental international organization that brings together national engineering organizations from over 90 nations and represents some 15 million engineers around the world. It co-operates with national and other international professional institutions in developing and applying engineering to the benefit of humanity. One of six standing committees, the WFEO's Committee on Engineering and the Environment aims at developing, through appropriate activities and education, a worldwide understanding and commitment to sustainable development.

"During our four-year term, we plan to address the environmental challenges facing our societies," said Committee chairman and Engineers Canada Past-President Darrel John Danyluk, P.Eng. "Working in international teams, we will identify and enhance themes such as the causes of climate change and the need to mitigate through better technologies; adaptation measures to ensure the proper operation of vital infrastructure; air pollution in third world countries; and sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure in the developing world."

While the committee has the opportunity to positively influence international practices, it also benefits Canada. "Climate change is a global issue, and chairing the Committee puts Engineers Canada in a strong position to provide its constituent members with information on how environmental issues are being addressed in countries around the world," said Engineers Canada President Tony Dawe, P.Eng. "This will help our members in their ongoing discussions with provincial and territorial legislators."

For more information, visit www.engineerscanada.ca

© Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador