May 2010

Engineers are behind Canadians

Profession comes together to further serve society

While 33 million Canadians rely on the skills of pilots when flying through our skies, or the steady hands of the surgeon, they may not be aware that these routine acts are enhanced and made possible due to the innovative minds of professional engineers.

“Canadians see and benefit from the end results of the work of engineers; and that is how it should be – they should not worry about the quality of the water in their glass,” said Chantal Guay, ing., P.Eng., M.Env., chief executive officer, Engineers Canada.

“Engineers have the education and the ability to support Canada to ensure safety and security, which impact our quality of life.”

In May 2009, leaders of the engineering profession in Canada pledged, as members of the Canadian Engineering Leadership Forum, to continue to harmonize their efforts to contribute to Canadians lives by focusing on areas of health, environment, global competitiveness, safety and security, and quality of life.

“The engineering profession is working to further linkages between engineers, governments and NGOs to offer their expertise,” said John Gamble, CET, P.Eng., president of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies-Canada.

“Human and financial resources are limited. Engineering advice in decision-making, particularly public policy development, is an investment in our future.”

The aftermath of man-made or natural disasters, such as the recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, can be lessened through proper planning and adhering to strict standards.

Engineers are educated to take risk factors into consideration when designing their plans to reduce both physical and financial losses.

Every year, the engineering profession organizes National Engineering Month to celebrate the contributions of engineering to society.

The celebration focuses on providing opportunities to youth aged eight to 14 by putting their math, science and technology skills to work in designing engineering prototypes, and provides insight into a profession that is dedicated to maintaining a high-quality of life for all.

This article was issued by the Canadian Engineering Leadership Forum, composed of: Engineers Canada; Association of Consulting Engineering Companies-Canada; Canadian Academy of Engineering; Engineering Institute of Canada; Canadian Federation of Engineering Students; National Council of Deans of Engineering and Applied Science.

© Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador