Issue #140 | January – July 2017

ASTTBC-registered professionals are employed in a diverse mix of fields.

Maintaining Professionalism in an Ever-Changing Worldby Ron Hein, ROWP, Chief Compliance Officer, ASTTBC

THE TERM ‘PROFESSIONAL’ has become overused, and thus its meaning islargely diluted. I enjoy pizza, appreciate having my garbage picked up and haveno argument with these being worthy occupations. However, I’m having some

trouble making the leap that such folks are professionals. This dilution of meaningand value is compounded when members of professional associations fail to live up tothe standards expected of them.What sets a professional apart is the requirement to demonstrate competencebefore peers, live up to a Code of Ethics, be held accountable for their actionsbeyond their supervisor and actively maintain their competency over their career.The work of a professional carries broad-ranging responsibility and accompanyingliability so when mistakes are made, repercussions do not normally end with thesimple firing of the professional.I have met some incredibly talented, competent members over my years withASTTBC. These members continually make the effort to improve and work hard todemonstrate best practices, even setting new benchmarks and exceeding currentstandards or guidelines. They don’t make excuses. Sadly, it only takes a few memberstravelling down a lesser road to grab negative public attention.One of the common themes discovered during complaint investigations is that somemembers have become disturbingly complacent with comment such as: “I admit, Ihaven’t read the practice standard since I became registered” or “No, I haven’t kept upwith changes in my industry” and “Why should the old policies or guidelines bechanged? They were fine 12 years ago!”These attitudes do not reflect professional practice and are unbecoming of membersof a professional association. It is particularly troubling given our Association’s tech-nological focus and the rapid pace of advancements. We can, and do, randomlyexamine a member’s work to ensure they substantially meet policy and guideline stan-dards, and members are required to keep themselves up to date to satisfy ContinuingProfessional Development requirements. This verification of continuing competencyis necessary and is becoming even more of a focus.Our ability to develop and maintain competency in complex technical fields anddemonstrate ethical behaviour in difficult circumstances is what makes us different frompizza makers and garbage collectors. This is the factor that canand will restore the public perception and confidence in thetitle of ‘professional’ as we chose to uphold it. �

Reigniting ASTTBC Building Designers

ASTTBC IS EXCITED to announce that ASTTBCBuilding Designers held a members meeting,

voting to dissolve the Building Designers Institute of BC(BDIBC) and rebrand themselves as ASTTBC BuildingDesigners (ASTTBC-BD). Serving on the ASTTBC-BDExecutive are the following registered ASTTBC members...Joe Rommel, AScT, CRD; Peter Jorgensen, AScT, RBD;Alan MacLeod, CTech, CRD; Pam Chilton, AScT, CRD;Michael Giroux, AScT, RBD; Ron McNeil, AScT; R. (Bob)S. Miller, CRD; Tony Giroux, RBD; John Larson, CRD;and Grant Montgomery, AScT, CRD. �

ASTTBC members interested in getting involved are invitedto send an email to Jacqueline de Raadt, Manager ofExecutive Initiatives, at jderaadt@asttbc.org or call604.585.2788 ext 260

Showcasing Technology Skills ofthe BC Workforce

ON MARCH 13th – 17th, the sec-ond annual Technology SkillsAppreciation Week (TSAW) cele-

brated workers who contribute valuabletechnology skills throughout theProvince. TSAW highlights how technol-ogy skills of BC’s workforce are vital tothe health, growth and vibrancy of ouroverall economy and ability to competein the world market. No matter whatindustry; tourism, manufacturing, con-struction, agriculture, high technology,forestry or mining, the technology skillsof our workforce are paramount.Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourismand Ski l l s Tra in ing and Mini s te rResponsible for Labour said, “Technologyin BC is a key driver of our diverse, strongand growing economy, and one of the sec-tors of our BC Jobs Plan. With almost onemillion job openings in our province by2024, we want to ensure Briti shColumbians have the skills they need to befirst in l ine for these opportunities ,including in the tech sector. TechnologySkills Appreciation Week is a great way toraise awareness of the many technologistand technician careers that are availableand the skills needed to succeed.”ASTTBC is committed to celebratingand showcasing the importance of build-ing technology skills for today and forour future. “It is important to recognizehow ASTTBC members effect our quali-ty of life every day, yet are not obvious tothe average British Columbian. The pub-lic does not think about technology skillswhen they are working in a building,travelling on roads, streets or bridges, orusing a healthcare facility,” added JohnLeech, ASTTBC CEO. �

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SERVING THE PUBLIC INTEREST

Established in 1958, ASTTBC regulatesstandards of training and practice of tech-nologists, technicians and technical special-ists, to protect the interests of the publicunder the ASTT Act.

for more info, please visit…

www.ASTTBC.org

This issue of ASTTBC CONNECT is printed on PEFC approved paper

using eco-friendly inks and processes

Annual Report 2016This issue contains ASTTBC’sAnnual Report. Check out 2016accomplishments, financial resultsand more… pages 5 to 8

Rush of the Community by Brandon Dahl

PTech UpdatePTech designation on hold as ASTTBCseeks to better align with Alberta

THE LAUNCH o f P Te c h i nJanuary 2016 set the stage for thero l l -ou t o f the Pro f e s s iona l

Technologist designation in BC. Whilethe criteria for certification was well-crafted and would have served the needsin BC, expressions of concern werereceived from the Association ofProfessional Engineers and Geoscientistsof Alberta (APEGA) and the Associationof Science and Engineering TechnologyProfessionals of Alberta (ASET).The issues covered two areas: the certi-fication criteria, while similar, were notidentical and could lead, they suggested,to transfers from BC not being accepted;and, the practice rights in BC are not thesame as in Alberta. ASTTBC Councilacknowledged the issues and pledged towork toward changes in the BC model tobetter align with Alberta. ASTTBCdetermined from the start that the BCmodel would be similar to Alberta to theextent possible under the current ASTTAct and Regulations.The ASTTBC Council and staff havebeen adapting the model and communi-cating possible changes to ASET.ASTTBC is again checking on formalportability requirements as defined bythe Agreement on Internal Trade. Thediscussions continue with the intentionthat applications for PTech will get backon track. ASTTBC regrets any inconven-ience this delay has caused, but remainsconfident PTech will be re-ignited in thenear term. ASTTBC will post updates asappropriate to the circumstances. �

Professionalismin Prac t i ce

Annual General Meeting & ConferenceFRIDAY | May 26th 2017S H E R A T O N G U I L D F O R D H O T E L | S U R R E Y , B C C A N A D A

P R O G R A M M E . . .

Make plans to attend!For more info, visit... www.ASTTBC.org/agm

• Continental Breakfast• AGM Business Session• ASTTBC Awards• Meet Council & Exhibitors

• Panel Presentation• Awards Luncheon• Keynote Speaker• Networking Reception

ASTTBC President Keith Trulson with KathyKinloch, President, BCIT

ASTTBC Welcomes KathyKinloch as Honorary Member

EACH YEAR, ASTTBC recognizesnon-members who have demon-strated exceptionally meritorious

service to the Association, their profes-sion and the community. At theASTTBC Technology Awards Recog-nition & Celebration on November19th, 2016, Honorary Membership forLeadership in Technology was awardedto Kathy Kinloch, President of BCIT.Kathy is recognized for leading organiza-tional renewal in complex environments.In a number of senior leadership andexecutive roles, she has led change initia-tives in post-secondary education, aswell as the government and healthcare sectors. In 2016, the YWCA MetroVancouver named Kathy a Woman ofDistinction in the category of PublicService. �

She was also recognized in 2015 by…• BC Business as one of the 50 mostinfluential women in BritishColumbia;

• By Vancouver Magazine on the top50 Power list;

• And by WXN as one of Canada’smost powerful women: top 100 inthe category of Public SectorLeaders.

Positive Attitudes and a Professional Approachto Practice Assessment Reviews

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT is something everyone should strive for tobe successful in their career and practice. In 2015, when ASTTBC beganimplementing the Practice Assessment Review (PAR) policy, the goal was to

improve member practice. The PAR policy describes how ASTTBC members are sub-ject to an assessment of their competencies and practice to determine compliancewith certification and registration standards as specified by the Board of Examiners orone of the many Technical Specialist Certification Boards.To fully implement the PAR policy requires experienced practitioners to conductthe peer reviews in a positive, non-threatening way. The Program Managers forCertified House Inspectors (CHI) and for Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioners(ROWP) led the way in recruiting respected practitioners and providing training ses-sions to prepare Quality Assurance Specialists (QAS) to conduct the PARs. As ofJanuary 2017, PARs were initiated on 70 ROWP and 5 CHI members.Approximately 60 percent of the PARs have been completed and the results areincreasingly positive.The process begins with a letter informing the member they have been selected for aPAR and requesting them to submit a short list of work they have done. ASTTBCstaff identifies a QAS with expertise in the specialty under review. In cooperation withthe member, the QAS selects examples typical of the work done by the member. Thework is reviewed and a report describing the strengths and weaknesses is written andshared with the member. If the PAR report indicates weakness in some competenciesthe member is required to prepare a Professional Development Plan (CPD) explain-ing what they will do to improve competencies that are below standard.A review of the CPD plans submitted to the Registrar shows a very positive and pro-fessional attitude by ASTTBC members. As one ROWP stated, “I would like to saythat before this PAR, I was quite confident in my ability to select, design and con-struct a properly functioning septic system for any of our clients. Still confident in ourability to do so, this PAR review with Jim Andersen, which was quite educational,revealed to me that I do have some areas where improvement is necessary. I am look-ing forward to enhancing my skills in this industry to better serve our clients. I amgrateful to have been a participant in this PAR – it would have been advantageousearlier in my career.” �

In the News...

CFJC Midday hosted John Leech, ASTTBCCEO, and Gord Stewart, BLSC ExecutiveDirector.

Kamloops Media Shows Excitement forASTTBC’s Donation to the BIG Little ScienceCentreOn J a n u a r y 1 0 t h , J o h n L e e c h ,ASTTBC CEO and Gord Stewart,BLSC Executive Director talked withthree media outlets about the impor-tance of STEM learning and the greatcareer opportunities in applied technolo-gy. ASTTBC also presented a $2,500donation, bringing ASTTBC’s totaldonations to the BIG Little ScienceCentre to $40,000.

Columbia Trust Basin Announces NewPresident & CEOASTTBC extends congratulations toJohnny Strilaeff as the new President andCEO of Columbia Basin Trust. Johnnyhas been with CBT since 2005, mostrecently as the Vice-President and ChiefOperating Officer, Johnny’s appointmentis effective immediately.

ASTTBC a Stakeholder in BCWWA/EOCPLabour Market StudyThe BCWWA and EOCP have beenleading a labour market study focused onthe BC water and wastewater industry.ASTTBC, a project stakeholder, alongwith many key industry leaders havebeen working to identify challenges andbarriers experienced by the water andwastewater industry when it comes torecruiting and retaining workers. Theresults of this study will be used to devel-op practical workforce strategies andplans to help organizations overcome keyhuman resource challenges. For moreinformation, we encourage you to visitthe BCWWA and EOCP websites. Asmore information becomes available, wewill publish it through ASTTBC’s mediaoutlets. Stay tuned!

In the News… cont’d on page 4

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— INDUSTRY LEADERS FOR A COMPLEX WORLD.BCIT is pleased to announce that Dave Rutherford has been appointed Associate Dean, Natural Resources and Engineering within the School of Construction and the Environment. Dave has worked in the BCIT Geomatics department for 18 years, both as an instructor and Program Head. He has served as President, Vice-President and Board Member of the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia.

ViewPOINT...by Cynthia Johansen, BA, MA, MScRegistrar/CEO, College of RegisteredNurses of British Columbia

CRNBC’S HISTORY stretches back over a century: itsroots lie in a group of forward-thinking nurses who metin a church basement in New Westminster in 1916,

looking to improve the profession. The introduction of theHealth Professions Act in 2005 shifted our focus from bothregulation and advocacy to pure regulation, changing our dualmandate to single. This was not an easy transition: we are con-tinually challenged with ensuring our board, leadership, regis-trants, stakeholders and the pubic understand our mandate,and how they can interact with the College.I have outlined three critical factors helping us successfullynavigate these waters: articulating a clear regulatory philoso-phy; leading collaboration in all we do; and always looking forways to improve.

Relational RegulationIn 2012, we began to examine self-regulation as a concept moreintentionally: were we really serving the public or the self-inter-ests of the profession? Enter relational regulation. As a relation-al regulator, we believe it’s possible to build genuine relation-ships with nurses and other stakeholders, while at the sametime, regulate effectively in the public interest. Public protec-tion and safety is our utmost concern, and we believe we canbest achieve this through collaborative approaches with nursesand the health care community. The five principles are:

• Just Culture: We accept that mistakes happen and believethat open conversations with nurses and the health carecommunity assists us in finding ways to promote safetyand reduce risks.

• Right-touch Regulation: We use the right amount ofregulation needed and only use it when necessary.

• Collaborative Self-regulation: Nurses are partners inregulation.

• Principle-based Approach: We use principles, rather thanrules, to guide nursing regulation.

• Continuing Professional Development: In addition toongoing professional development, nurses as professionalsshould understand their role and responsibilities within alarger system.

This philosophy has been a powerful guide enabling us to con-tinue articulating our unique role, but also collaborate as a fullpartner in the delivery of safe, high-quality healthcare.

CollaborationIn 2015, we began discussions with the two other nursing col-leges in BC (College of Licensed Practical Nurses, College ofRegistered Psychiatric Nurses) on the possibility of becomingone college. By creating a single regulator for all nurses in BC,we predict increased operational efficiencies, a more coordinat-ed approach to public protection and a unified single point ofcontact for the public, nurses and other stakeholders. We con-tinue to work towards the goal of one nursing regulator forBritish Columbia.CRNBC was also instrumental in establishing the BC HealthRegulators group in 2014: with 22 colleges regulated under theHealth Professions Act, there are numerous areas where we seevalue in harmonizing our processes and standards, as well as ina coordinated approach to systems-level challenges such as theopioid overdose crisis and our aging population. Again, ourcollaborative spirit has paved the way for incredible progress.

Continuous ImprovementWe also see value in adopting best practices, national and inter-national standards, and measuring ourselves against establishedstandards: in 2013, we received Bronze Accreditation level fromExcellence Canada, reflecting our commitment to organization-al excellence. We then, in 2014, invited the UK’s ProfessionalStandards Authority to review our organization, benchmark usand help us identify areas we’re doing well, and where we canimprove. This objective feedback is a key part of our ongoingdiscussions about the evolving state of self-regulation.

Looking to the FutureAs we look to the future, we will continue to be leaders in regu-lation, adopting best practices, measuring how well we aredoing, continuing to model inter-professional and collaborativebehaviour, and examining ourselves as servants of the public. �

Legaleseby Greg Miller, PEng, LLBProfessional Law CorporationPartner, Lindsay Kenney LLP& ASTTBC Legal Counsel

IN 1985 THE BC LEGISLATURE enacted the AppliedScience Technologists and Technicians Act to provide astatutory home for technologists and technicians. Since then

the Council of ASTTBC, pursuant to its statutory mandate,has enlarged that home to include technical specialists.

There is something special about those who belong toASTTBC. What is it?

The Act specifies the objects of ASTTBC as including:

(a) to maintain, improve and increase the knowledge, abilityand competence of the members of the association;

(b) to regulate standards of training and practice of and for itsmembers and to protect the interests of the public;

(c) to establish, maintain and develop standards of ethicsamong its members…

The first object could apply to any fraternal society of skilledpersons. That would not set members of ASTTBC apart.However, the remaining objects make it clear that theLegislature intended ASTTBC to be more than a fraternal soci-ety bent on looking after its member’s interests. It intendedASTTBC to be a home for professionals.Originally, the professions were limited to theology, law andmedicine. Then, members of these groups were considered bysociety to have been called to a higher purpose and were nearlyuniversally respected for their:

(a) particular knowledge and skill not possessed byordinary persons;

(b) trustworthiness and ethical behaviour; and(c) commitment to the betterment of humanity.

Times have changed and the term ‘professional’ has becomeubiquitous. In today’s world, seemingly everyone – from doctorto plumber to athlete – is referred to as a professional. Perhapsthe term has become synonymous with remuneration. Perhapsit is meant to signify competence or respect and is, therefore,no more than the product of excessive civility. More likely, it isjust a dumbing-down of the concept of a professional and theabandonment of the old indicia of professionalism.Notwithstanding this trend, there is still value to being a trueprofessional – one who embodies the attributes of the originalprofessions. A true professional is one who is knowledgeableand skilled and who complies with a code of conduct whichputs the public interest ahead of his/her own.Thanks to the Act, and the efforts of Council through the cre-ation and enforcement of the Code of Ethics, members ofASTTBC embody these attributes and are justifiably true ‘pro-fessionals’. The public are assured that members of ASTTBCare not in it for themselves. Their calling is to protect andadvance the interests of society and they can be safely reliedupon to do so. The Legislature expects no less. �

Technology AccreditationCanada Update

IN JANUARY, Technology Accredita-tion Canada (TAC) presented the fac-ulty at Kwantlen Polytechnic Univer-

sity (KPU) with a certificate recognizingnational program accreditation for theinstitution’s Environmental ProtectionTechnology program – the first TACAccredited program in BC.As a national accrediting body for theengineering technology and applied scienceprofession, TAC accreditation involved aqualified, trained audit team evaluatingKPU’s program against the profession’snational standards. Achieving accreditationprovides students, parents and the institu-tion’s administration confidence that theprogram has met the standards.Paul Richard, Program Chair and histeam did an exemplary job presenting theprogram to the audit team, consisting oflead auditor Gary Closson, C.E.T., PEng,and auditors Geoff Sale, AScT, and ArielEstrada, AScT, PEng, both based inBritish Columbia. The auditors noted anumber of best practices including theinstitution’s Early Alert System thatenables instructors to initiate support forstudents experiencing challenges, a rigor-ous internal program review, which wasintegrated with the TAC accreditation,and unique opportunities for the EPTstudents, such as the Cuba ResearchInternship, which provides students withinternational work experience.“We are very proud to collaborate withKPU on this important initiative, whichsupports students receiving an educationthe engineering technology professionrequires,” says Richard Stamper, TACExecutive Director. “Being the first TACaccredited program in British Columbiademonstrates KPU’s strong leadershipand commitment to its students.”“We were very happy with the auditprocess and are very pleased with theresults,” said Paul Richard. “The accredi-tation is a form of quality control, whichgives us confidence that the program pre-pares the students well for the demandsof the workplace. The pleasant surprisewas the ability of the auditors to makepractical suggestions to improve the pro-gram, some of which have already beenimplemented. There is nothing like anew set of eyes to point out opportunities,and we really value that.”The process of accreditation is recog-nized worldwide as an objective methodof assessment, and an important tool toidentify program strengths and chal-lenges. It also provides faculty an excel-lent team-building opportunity. Thisindependent seal of approval representsexcellence in education and the highstandards of the profession graduates willbe joining. �

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Moved?New Email Address?STAY CONNECTED to important career-related news and ASTTBC events. If you move,change your email or take a new job,remember to log into the ASTTBC website toupdate your information!

www.ASTTBC.org

Joyce Murray, MP for Vancouver–Quadra delivers a message from the PrimeMinister at ASTTBC TARC 2016.

Keeping Government Informed

CONNECT is the operative word here as ASTTBC strivesto make sure elected officials at all levels of Governmentare aware of the important role of engineering and

applied science technologists, technicians and technical special-ists, and the professional regulatory role of ASTTBC.

Prime Minister Pays Tribute to BC’s Technology ProfessionalsThe Prime Minister said, “…ASTTBC has established a com-munity of Technology Professionals dedicated to excellence intheir fields with a commitment to professionalism and sustain-ability. Members are integral in the maintenance and develop-ment of Canada’s infrastructure, which forms the backbone ofour economy.” Mr. Trudeau talked about the importance ofgrowing our knowledge base, “It is through the free exchange ofideas and diversity of experiences that this organization(ASTTBC) will continue to grow.”

Sam Sullivan, MLA, Met With ASTTBC CEO to Talk About ASTTBC’sRole in Engaging ‘DiversAbilities’Sam Sullivan, MLA (Vancouver–False Creek) met ASTTBCCEO John Leech to talk about ASTTBC’s role in engagingpeople with DiversAbilities. “Sam has a solid understanding ofASTTBC’s role as a professional regulator and, in this capacity,as a lead organization promoting and supporting technologycareers and those who wish to pursue a career in these fields,”said Leech. Sam Sullivan is an Honorary Member of ASTTBC.

MLA Darryl Plecas Drops in on ASTTBC to Talk ‘TechWORKS BC’The concept of a Technology Workforce Resource Centre wasthe focus of a discussion between MLA Darryl Plecas(Abbotsford South) and ASTTBC CEO John Leech. “The con-cept being advanced by ASTTBC is a hub from which to pro-vide services to specific groups that are under-represented in theworkforce,” said Leech. “ASTTBC continues to expand thefoundational services already offered for First Nations, women,newcomers with foreign credentials and youth. We also seeengaging people with disabilities, single parents and others whomight benefit from a career in engineering and applied sciencetechnology.” The CEO is exploring a possible new ‘centre’ fromwhich these services would be offered. “I am still at the start-ing gate on the idea; it will take time, more research and even-tually, should we decide to proceed, a full business developmentplan to make sure the concept is fully viable. To date we havereceived very strong support for the concept.” �

Sam Sullivan, MLA, Vancouver–False Creek (l), and ASTTBC CEOJohn Leech.

Darryl Plecas, MLA, Abbotsford South (l), and ASTTBC CEO John Leechexchange thoughts on Technology Professionals’ contribution to BC.

In the News… cont’d from page 2

ASTTBC Student Technologist Members EvanPaike (l) and Kyubin Han showcase their projectsat Camosun College.

Camosun College Electronic & ComputerEngineering Students Capstone ProjectShowcaseThe ASTTBC-sponsored event show-cased a number of projects ranging froman Automated Gardener using a fogponicsystem to a smartphone application andretrofit tool to transform a manual ther-mostat controller for electric baseboardheaters into a remotely controlled, pro-grammable thermostat.One project in particular called the ‘P-eye’ presented a prototype solution toassist with visual impairment issues.Utilizing image capture technology andan open source Computer Visionlibrary, the ‘P-eye’, relays informationback to the user in an audio format toimprove the user’s interaction with theirenvironment.

In the News… cont’d on page 11

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Professionalism in PracticeAnnual General Meeting & Conference 2017

CPD = Enhanced practiceand accountability in your

professional career!

Learn it… Track it!

Friday, May 26th 2017

for more…

www.ASTTBC.org/agm

Panel PresentationProfessionalism in Practice

Panel Presenters:

• Greg Miller, PEngLindsay Kenney LLP

• Allan Russell, PEngMcElhanney Consulting

• Mark Zacharias, PhDBC Government

Keynote SpeakerProfessionalism under Pressure

• Tim Smith, PGeo, EngL, FGC

This symbol highlights ASTTBC’s role inProfessional Regulation

Message from the President & Chief Executive Officer

2016 SAW ASTTBC MAKE PROGRESS in professional recognition bylaunching Professional Technologist (PTech) within the currentASTT Act and Regulations. The ASTTBC Council certified the

AScT Technologists who would be appointed to the PTech Certification Board andlaunched the Board that went on to accept applications and certify a number ofPTechs. Due to expressions of concern about the BC model from the Alberta engi-neer and technologist professional associations, ASTTBC Council decided to ‘pause’the certification of PTechs until ASTTBC resolved the certification differences to thebest of its ability. That work continues.

2016ASTTBC also continued to pursue Qualified Professional recogni-tion in several areas. The ASTTBC website lists all QualifiedProfessional recognition. ASTTBC continued work on practice

guides to frame the scope of practice usual to ASTTBC members’ competencies. Thisinitiative changed course a bit as the ASTTBC – APEGBC Joint Board met onlyonce in 2016 with little progress in convening other meetings.

2016ASTTBC continued to enhance professional accountability with ini-tial work on risk management case studies and framing of a newwebsite, Practice Assessment Reviews focused on House and

Property Inspection, and Onsite Wastewater, the establishment of competency-basedcertification standards for technical specialist programs and the development of anexam management system. The CPD reporting website was updated, a new point sys-tem was applied and the number of postings of CPD offerings was increased by12.5% to 973 postings.

2016 brought the completion of a labour market study in partnership withAPEGBC and ACEC-BC. Phase Two of the study implementedengagement with employers and a separate project collecting key

information around hiring practices for people with DiversAbilities in the engineeringand technology sectors.

2016 saw ASTTBC continue the effort to assist Internationally TrainedTechnology Professionals (ITTP) by developing competencies andan e-Portfolio option for AScT, CTech and Technical Specialists

applicants with little or no Canadian work experience. This included a Fire ProtectionLanguage Training Program to engage 60 ITTPs to be work-ready and prepared towrite the Fire Protection Technician exam.

2016 saw ASTTBC launch the new Underground Utilities Locators(UUL) Technical Specialist program. Appointment of the UULCertification Board is complete and registrations are being accepted.

The Public Works Technician pilot program is being delivered in Mackenzie withkeen interest and support from the Federal Government.

2016 saw ASTTBC continue to work in partnership with TechnologyProfessionals Canada (TPC) and Technology Accreditation Canada(TAC). ASTTBC participated in a national study on professional

certification and registration. TAC adopted the Canadian Technology AccreditationCriteria, supported by ASTTBC. This activity prompted a further study of new andemerging technologies to be considered for certification and registration.

2016 saw ASTTBC continue to proudly promote and advocate the contri-bution ASTTBC members make, each and every day. In 2016, theBC Legislature announced the first Technology Skills Appreciation

Week to recognize the valuable skill set that the technical workforce supplies to theProvince of British Columbia. ASTTBC signed a partner agreement with ScienceWorld to deliver a STEM program tied to Canada 150. Member services andemployer engagement were enhanced with a new website for TechJOBS. Social mediause increased with 12% increase in member engagement on LinkedIn, 26% onFacebook and continuing growth in member engagement on Twitter. ASTTBC ledmany initiatives to showcase STEM and the work our members do on a daily basisthat enhances the quality of life in BC.

ASTTBC appreciates the responsibility of the members to serve the public by a com-mitment to a safe, healthy and sustainable society and environment.

On behalf of the ASTTBC Council and staff, we thank all members, partners, gov-ernments, volunteers and regulatory bodies for your support and assistance asASTTBC continues to serve provincially and nationally, as the 9th largest profession-al regulatory body in BC. �

Keith Trulson, AScT, EngL John Leech, AScT, CAEPresident Chief Executive Officer

Executive & Council 2016 – 2017O F F I C E R SPresidentKeith Trulson, AScT, EngLVice PresidentTrent Reid, CTechSecretary TreasurerSarah Campden, CTech, RTMgrPast PresidentDave Rutherford, AScT, BCLS, CLS

C O U N C I L D I R E C T O R SHeather Robertson, AScTTodd Blackstock, AScTRachel Butler, AScTJeff Collins, AScTRussell Dobie, AScT, PMPEdzel Escala, AScTKai Hui, AScTCraig Spears, AScT, MBADavid Sparanese, AScT, CPWI 3

P U B L I C R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (appointed)Rob Campbell, PEngBrian Carr, PhDJames Coble, MA

Promoting the ASTTBC BrandASTTBC marketing and communicationsreflect our Brand Promise:

ASTTBC TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS…Qualified. Registered. In Demand.

ASTTBC advertisements, sponsor-ships, print and electronic publica-tions, media releases and our websiteare designed to inform and engage awide range of audiences… the public;members and potential members;employers, employer associations andunions; professional associations andregulatory bodies; technical, trade andbusiness associations; and science andtechnology councils and educators.

www.ASTTBC.orgwww.linkedin.com/company/asttbc

www.twitter.com/ASTTBC

www.facebook.com/ASTTBC

www.instagram.com/ASTTBC

www.youtube.com/ASTTBC

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A S T T B C A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 2 O 16

Keith Trulson, AScT, EngLPresident

John Leech, AScT, CAEChief Executive Officer

V I S I O N

ASTTBC is the model association for technology professionals.

M I S S I O N

To serve the public by regulating and supporting technology professionals’ commitment to a safe,healthy and sustainable society and environment.

Find Out WHAT’s NEWHere is a quick and easy way to keeptabs on recent developments within yourprofessional association and importantcareer information… visit WHAT’sNEW in the Communications & Servicessection of the ASTTBC website!www.asttbc.org/services/whatsnew.php

Moved?New Email Address?STAY CONNECTED to important career-related news and ASTTBC events. If youmove, change your email or take a newjob, remember to log into the ASTTBCwebsite to update your information!

www.ASTTBC.org

ASTTBC Group Plans &Services… adding value toyour registration!

For more info aboutthe Association’s GroupPlans and Services…

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Highlights of ASTTBC Accomplishments in 2016Covering January 1st to December 31st. For more details, visit… www.ASTTBC.org

Goal #1 – Professional Legislation & RegulationUnderground Utility LocatorsThe Underground Utility Locator program was launched in2016 and accepted applications. Promotional efforts are evolv-ing, with the expectation that enhanced awareness will result inapplication growth.

House Inspection Licensing – Consumer Protection BC (CPBC)Effective September 1, 2016, there was a much greater role forConsumer Protection BC and a lesser role for ASTTBC and otherassociations. Membership and registration with ASTTBC is nolonger required to secure licensing through CPBC, however,ASTTBC continued as an active participant in the overall process.Ongoing membership with ASTTBC will change somewhat asinspectors seek licensing and as they access services such as Errors& Omissions Insurance. The Provincial Government workinggroup continues to tackle big issues such as the scope and stan-dards of practice/inspection. ASTTBC also continued to investheavily as a legislated professional regulating body in BC responsi-ble for certifying House and Property Inspectors.

Professional Technologist (PTech)The PTech certification process was put on hold as ASTTBCCouncil addressed the issue of possible changes to theASTTBC certification requirements to fully align with theAlberta model and assure portability.

Goal #2 – Rights to PracticeASTTBC – APEGBC Joint BoardThe Joint Board convened one meeting in 2016, largely to hearfrom the Presidents of APEGBC and ASTTBC following theirjoint meeting with Minister Andrew Wilkinson, the MinisterResponsible for the APEGBC and ASTT Acts. ASTTBC istracking an APEGBC pilot project to consider EngL applica-tions for PEng registration.

Electrical Work Practitioner (EWP)ASTTBC and BC Safety Authority have submitted appeals tothe BC Supreme Court regarding the InternationalBrotherhood of Electrical Workers. In March 2016, the BCSupreme Court issued its decision and Reasons for Judgmentthat was not in favour of ASTTBC and BCSA. ASTTBCCouncil decided ASTTBC will appeal (BCSA decided similar-ly) the ruling and the appeal documentation was filed inDecember 2016.

Fire ProtectionASTTBC continued to encourage local governments to intro-duce a requirement in their Fire Bylaw for ASTTBC certifica-tion and registration. The City of Kelowna announced theywill introduce a Bylaw in 2017. ASTTBC expects other localgovernments in the Okanagan region will follow suit.

Goal #3 – Professional Standards & RegulationImplementing recent policy changes has resulted in theappointment of Ron Hein as the Chief Compliance Officerand the planned creation of networks of Quality AssuranceSpecialists (QAS). The multiple roles of the QAS include fieldtraining, field assessment and conducing Practice AssessmentReviews (PAR). The QAS may also be requested to participatein complaint investigations. Administrative processes have beendeveloped and implemented as of December 2016.

Goal #4 – Professional RecognitionASTTBC staff began development of an Employer LiaisonProgram to more fully engage employers. Services such as:TechJOBS is being updated and upgraded, a newEmployerPRO program will be launched in 2017, and strate-gies to approach and secure added support of employers forASTTBC certification is nearing completion.

ASTTBC continued to foster working relationships with manygroups, notably: Association of BC Forest Professionals,Association of Consulting Engineers – BC, Association ofProfessional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC, BCConstruction Association, BC Economic DevelopmentAssociation, BC Housing, Business Council of BC, College ofApplied Biology, College of Registered Nurses of BC,Independent Contractors and Business Association, NotariesPublic BC, Public Works Association of BC, Society ofInternationally Trained Engineers of BC, Surrey Board ofTrade, Technology Accreditation Canada, Western CanadaOnsite Wastewater Management Association of BC, WestbankFirst Nations, Science World BC and various post-secondaryinstitutions delivering technology education in BC.

ASTTBC’s marketing and communications plan continued topromote professional regulation and membership throughmedia advertising, event sponsorship, community outreach,stakeholder relations and government liaison.

Premier Clark with CEOs (l – r): John Leech, ASTTBC; Keith Sashaw,ACEC-BC; and Neil Moody, CHBA BC.

Practice Review BoardProtects StandardsInvestigation and discipline summary as of Dec 31st 2016

COMPLAINTS STATISTICS 2016 2015 2014 2013

Technologist & Technician ComplaintsUnauthorized use of title 1 1 1Ethics, logo, procedural, etc. 1 2 2 1

Technical Specialist ComplaintsProperty Inspection title, logo 1Property Inspection ethics or other 5 3 5 5Fire Protection title, logoFire Protection ethics or other 12 5 9 14Onsite Wastewater title, logoOnsite Wastewater ethics or other 14 11 17 14All other TS groups – title, logo 1 2 2All other TS groups – ethics or other

Files Closed to Date 34 23 36 36Cases closed to the last PRB meeting in 2016, with complaints received by ASTTBCto Dec 31st 2016; other years are to year-end.

COMPLAINT OUTCOMES 2016 2015 2014 2013

Ethics Complaint – censure applied 21 13 21 23Ethics Complaint – stipulated order applied 1Ethics Complaint – no breach found 10 6 9 6Title or logo enforcement 2 2 3 2Membership cancelled or resigned 1 2 5

Total Complaints 33 23 35 36

TYPE OF ACTION INVOLVED 2016 2015 2014 2013

Disciplinary Hearing heldStipulated Order applied 1PRB recommendation applied 21 14 21 23

‘Type of Action’ is included in totals of ‘Complaint Outcomes’.

NOTE: Complaint Statistics and Complaint Outcomes may not necessarily balance due to amember having more than one complaint against them at the time their membership is cancelledor resigned. Cancelled/resigned members’ complaints do not appear as part of ‘censure applied’as the censure has not been completed at the time of cancellation/resignation. A member maybe cancelled/resigned as part of censure by the PRB; or for non-payment of annual dues in whichcase, if there is a PRB complaint against the member, the PRB will close the file and flag thedatabase indicating that prior to reinstatement, PRB conditions must be completed.

above: Minister Shirley Bond was ‘hands on’with children who were in attendance at the offi-cial launch of Technology Skills Appreciation Weekin March 2016.

right: Surrey MLAs, Hon. Stephanie Cadieux(front) and Marvin Hunt (back), celebratedt h e p r o c l ama t i on o f Te c hno l o g y Sk i l l sAppreciation Week last March, along withASTTBC CEO John Leech (right) and City ofSurrey staff and guests.

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Goal #5 – Member ServicesTargeted member communication and engagement was a focusof 2016.

A new format for the ASTTBC eNews was launched and theresponse has been positive with increasing open and click-through rates. In 2016, the social media presence grew by 18%overall, demonstrating that ASTTBC is creating a reputation asa credible source of industry information.

ASTTBC continued to work with various organizations to pro-vide quality continuing CPD courses, workshops and confer-ences to our membership at preferred rates.

A new stand-alone website for the TechJOBS job search servicewas completed and is in its final stages. The website will ‘golive’ in 2017 and enhance services for employers including newjob indexing capabilities and featuring employer profiles.

ASTTBC’s Member Benefits Program, TechCLUB, contin-ued to generate value-added products and services for themembership.

Goal #6 – Technology Careers & EducationASTTBC planned participation in Canada 150 and partneredwith Science World BC to deliver a two-pronged communityoutreach and schools STEM education initiative across theProvince.

ASTTBC produced a video highlighting female member tech-nologists in time for a special WeForShe conference inOctober. This video will continue to be utilized in ASTTBC’smarketing efforts to promote career opportunities for womenin technology.

ASTTBC celebrated National Engineering & Geoscience inMarch and Technology Skills Appreciation Week March 13th –17th, both providing an opportunity to share the contributionthat the technology workforce makes to the people of BritishColumbia. ASTTBC participated with contests, event sponsor-ships, member engagement and community outreach.

In 2016, ASTTBC also embarked on three government-fundedprograms to address the technology skills gap and under-repre-sented potential employee groups: DiverseAbilities LabourMarket Partnership – Creating Access to Tech Jobs for PeopleWith DiversAbilities, Village Public Works Technicians –Project-Based Labour Market Training and the Fire ProtectionTechnician Program.

Hon. Stephanie Cadieux (l) and Randy Lewis spoke about engaging peoplewith diversabilities at the ASTTBC AGM & Conference 2016.

above: ASTTBC Mentor Program ManagerGeoff Sale, AScT (l), received an IEC-BCLeadership Award from Kelly Pollack, CEO,IEC-BC.

top left: One of many photos submitted byASTTBC members at work during NationalEngineering & Geoscience Month in March.

bottom left: (l to r) Advanced EducationMinister Andrew Wilkinson, Indigenous Adultand Higher Learning Association Chair VernaBil ly-Minnabarriet , and Fir s t NationsEducation Steer ing Committee Pre s identTyrone McNeil signed protocol agreement withrespect to First Nations Education in BC.

A S T T B C A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 2 O 16

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Stepping Upfor BC Technology

ASTTBCCERTIFIES AND REGISTERSapplied science and engineering

technologists, technicians and technical specialists inBritish Columbia. The 10,000 Technology Professionals

registered with ASTTBC take pride in serving andprotecting their communities.

Technology Professionals are an integral part of theteams that design, construct, inspect, test, maintain and

manage much of our built and natural environment.ASTTBC registration is recognized as best practice and

provides professional reliance on the part of theseTechnology Professionals.

ASTTBC certification and registration ensureTechnology Professionals are competent and can

be held professionally accountable. ASTTBCregulates and supports the commitment of

Technology Professionals to a safe, healthy andsustainable society and environment.

John Leech, AScT, CAEChief Executive Officer, ASTTBC

www.ASTTBC.org

For more info:

Applied Science Technologists& Technicians of British Columbia10767 – 148th Street, Surrey, BC V3R 0S4T 604.585.2788 F 604.585.2790techinfo@asttbc.org

Employers… CALL for ASTTBC registration in your career ads as a prerequisite for prospective team members.

Page 1

ASTTBC full page ad promoting Technology Professionals as placed in The Right Course, a Business in Vancouver publication.

Goal #7 – Public PolicyIn 2016, ASTTBC actively engaged with many key stakeholders and governmentofficials in service to technology professionals and the public interest.

ASTTBC participated in a LMP led by the BC Technology Association (BCTA) andthe Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC). This Technology Sector LabourMarket Partnership project will help the government and project partners gain a bet-ter understanding of the current and future labour needs in this fast-growing sector.

ASTTBC is also continuing to follow up on a meeting with Coralee Oakes, Ministerof Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. ASTTBC canvased members for feedbackon cutting red tape and making enterprise more effective. Information gathered isbeing prepared for presentation to the Ministry.

The Technology Education & Careers Council (TECC) has prepared a report on itsfirst 10 years, to be published in 2017.

The First Nations Technology Council (FNCC) have moved forward with a number ofactivities including: career fairs, bursaries, and joint opportunities with other stakeholders.

BC Women in Technology (BCWiT) continued to work diligently in promoting womenin technology and creating opportunities for women in technology to connect.

TECC members with Opposition MLAs (l to r): Sid Siddiqui, PEng, Chair, TECC and GeneralManager & Partner, MMM Group LTD; Kathy Corrigan, MLA (Burnaby – Deer Lake),Spokesperson for Advanced Education; Steve Cardwell, Director, Executive EducationalLeadership, UBC; Rob Fleming, MLA (Victoria – Swan Lake), Spokesperson for Education;Carole James, MLA (Victoria – Beacon Hill), Spokesperson for Finance; MJ Whitemarsh, SeniorConsultant, Whitemarsh Enterprises Inc.; Roslyn Kunin, Principal, Roslyn Kunin and AssociatesInc.; Shane Simpson, MLA (Vancouver – Hastings), Spokesperson for Economic Development,Jobs, Labour and Skills; George Heyman, MLA (Vancouver – Fairview), Spokesperson for GreenEconomy, Technology, Film/TV and Translink; and John Leech, ASTTBC CEO.

ASTTBC met directly and informallywith many of the BC MLAs and severalCabinet Ministers.

Cabinet Ministers included…

• Bill Bennett• Mike Bernier• Shirley Bond• Stephanie Cadieux• Terry Lake• Norm Letnick• Mike Morris• Coralee Oakes• Linda Reid (Speaker)• John Rustad• Michelle Stilwell• Steve Thomson• Amrik Virk• Andrew Wilkinson• Naomi Yamamoto

MLAs included…

• Harry Bains• Raj Chouhan• Kathy Corrigan• Marc Dalton• Adrian Dix• Rob Fleming• Simon Gibson• Sue Hammell• George Heyman• Marvin Hunt• Carole James• Leonard Krog• Greg Kyllo• Richard Lee• Dr. Darryl Plecas• Bruce Ralston• Linda Reimer• Shane Simpson• Jordan Sturdy• Sam Sullivan• Ralph Sultan• Jackie Tegart• Jane Thornthwaite• Laurie Throness• John Yap

Goal #8 – Governance & ManagementASTTBC held a complimentary mem-ber networking reception in PrinceGeorge to kick-off a new memberengagement initiative. Several moreevents were scheduled to connectmembers, business leaders and educa-tional associates.

The 2016 Annual General Meeting &Conference (AGM) and the 2016Technology Awards & RecognitionCelebration (TARC) were well attended,with 200 participants at the AGM and350 at TARC. Both events were support-ed by generous partners and sponsors.

In 2016, the ASTTBC Foundation pro-vided $27,000 in bursaries and awards totechnology students across the province.The Board confirmed Dan Mooney,AScT, CPWI 1, as the new Chair of theFoundation Board and explored a visionfor future fundraising.

As of December 31st, 2016, ASTTBCmembership stood at 10,601, including8,452 technologists and technicians in alldisciplines and 2,149 registrants in theTechnical Specialists groups. The Boardof Examiners approved 1,023 applica-tions for AScT and CTech of which 804were for student membership. �

SU P PORT I N G T E CHNO LOGY P RO F E S S I ON A L S

OF TODAY AND TOMORROW

Foundation Financial HighlightsThe ASTTBC FOUNDATION is the char-itable foundation of ASTTBC. Taxdeductible donations from ASTTBCmembers and others allow the Foundationto provide student bursaries, and to sup-port science and technology events. �

2016 2015

Revenue $ 60,475 $ 58,400

Charitable Activities $ 46,000 $ 47,000Expenses & FundRaising Costs 3,109 2,878

Excess RevenueOver Expenses $ 11,366 $ 8,522

Net Assets $ 653,112 $ 624,661

Contributionsto ASTTBCFoundation Fund $ 17,085 $ 20,518

— 8 —

A S T T B C A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 2 O 16TDI Technology Bursary

Registration Demographics10,601 Registrants as of Dec 31st 2016

Technologists & TechniciansIncluding AScT, CTech, Provisional, Associate, GradTech and Student Members

Discipline TOTAL %Biological Sciences 316 3.7Biomedical Engineering 102 1.2Building 933 11.0Chemical 149 1.8Civil 2,622 31.0Electrical 807 9.5Electronics 1,099 13.0Environmental 244 2.9Forest Engineering 14 0.2Gas & Petroleum 97 1.1Geomatics (Survey) 329 3.9Industrial 73 0.9Information 73 0.9Instrumentation 37 0.4Marine Engineering 4 0.0Mechanical 1,385 16.4Metallurgical 39 0.5Mineral Resources (Mining) 129 1.5

Total 8,452 100.0Excludes 36 RTMgr and 80 Honorary Members

Technical Specialist Certification TOTAL %Building Design 69 3.2Construction Safety 383 17.8Fire Protection 877 40.8House & Property Inspection 159 7.4Onsite Wastewater 523 24.3Public Works Inspection 96 4.5Site Improvements Surveys 22 1.0Steel Detailing 17 0.8Underground Utility Locator 3 0.1

Total 2,149 100.0

2016 Revenue & Expenses

ASTTBCCONTINUED TO MEET its obligations under the ASTT Act andprovided an increasing variety of valuable services to the public andmembers. This was accomplished with a modest deficit of $19,722 which, whencombined with expenses of $41,858 from funds set aside as ‘Reserves’, netted an over-all deficit of $61,580. The Financial Statements will be posted to the ASTTBC web-site before the AGM and will fully outline the Reserve Accounts from which fundsare drawn as needed to address specific initiatives. The Association remains in ahealthy financial position. �

Full audited statements are available at… www.ASTTBC.org

REVENUE 2016 2015

Membership Dues $ 2,562,840 $ 2,490,747Registration Fees 198,753 223,998Professional Affairs 624,152 773,551Education & Seminars – 750Publications & Member Services 92,232 82,278Institutes 6,497 15,368Interest 37,044 26,834

Total Revenue $ 3,521,518 $ 3,613,526

EXPENSES 2016 2015

Administration & Interest $ 175,578 $ 167,463Wages & Benefits 2,160,539 2,021,097Office & Equipment (includes amortization) 233,265 238,051Bad Debts – 60,000Governance 179,186 187,648Professional Affairs & Practice 494,636 516,596National Association Dues & Expenses 72,879 84,583Public Affairs & Recruitment 112,772 104,675Education & Training 32,028 35,301Publications & Member Services 73,831 77,520Institutes 6,526 8,655

Total Expenses $ 3,541,240 $ 3,501,589

Excess (Deficiency) of Revenue over Expenses $ (19,722) $ 111,937Expenditures from Reserves $ (41,858)Total Excess (Deficiency) of Revenue over Expenses $ (61,580)

This financial information is an excerpt from the financial statements provided by the ASTTBC auditor. The official version will be presented to the ASTTBC Counciland tabled at the ASTTBC AGM. Following the AGM the financial statements will be posted to the ASTTBC website.

Moved?New Email Address?STAY CONNECTED to important career-related news and ASTTBC events. If you move,change your email or take a new job,remember to log into the ASTTBC website toupdate your information!

www.ASTTBC.org

Are YOU Online?If you have not yet posted YOURcareer story on TechPRO, please doit today!

www.TechPROfile.ca

Technology Awards & Recognition CelebrationIndustry Leaders Gather to Celebrate Achievements

ASTTBCHOSTED MORE THAN 325 industry profes-sionals on Saturday, November 19 at the 28th

Technology Awards & Recognition Celebration (TARC). Theannual gala is ASTTBC’s opportunity to recognize BC’sTechnology Professionals who have demonstrated outstandingachievements, and to say thank you to the many volunteers andpartners who have contributed to the growth and developmentof the Association.BC Premier Christy Clark, and Minister of AdvancedEducation and Minister Responsible for the ASTT Act, theHonourable Andrew Wilkinson, opened the event with videogreetings. The greetings highlighted the importance of ourthriving, innovative technology sector and the key roleASTTBC will play in developing the talent pool for the 1 mil-lion job openings by 2025.Joyce Murray, Member of Parliament for VancouverQuadra, and Parliamentary Secretary to the President of theTreasury Board, brought greetings from Parliament Hill andpresented ASTTBC with a letter of greeting from PrimeMinister Justin Trudeau.One of the highlights of the evening was the Canada 150Science World BC partnership announcement. This initiativecommitted to deliver hands-on STEM educational resourcesand community outreach activities across the province.ASTTBC and the ASTTBC Foundation, together, donated$20,000 to Science World BC. This donation was matched byScience World, for a total of $40,000 in funding.The ASTTBC Foundation Silent Auction raised over$10,000 to provide bursaries and awards for technology stu-dents, and support science and technology education andawareness in BC. Thanks to all the donors and bidders whomade this year’s Silent Auction such a great fundraiser. TheASTTBC Foundation is helping the youth of today becomethe techs of tomorrow! �

Congratulations to TARC 2016 Award RecipientsThese Technology Professionals and their organizations havecontributed to the growth and development of our economy,our environment and our communities.

Honorary Membership for Leadership in Technology• Kathy Kinloch, President, British Columbia Instituteof Technology

Advanced Technology Award• Philip Rankine, AScT, CTO and Co-Founder ofECOFIT Networks Inc.

Employer Award for the Enhancement of Career Success ofTechnology Professionals• Harry Watson, CTech, President, CCMET Group• Kevin Jones, PEng, President, Primary Engineering andConstruction Corporation

Professional Achievement Award• Mike Battistel, AScT, President, Cascadia Windows Ltd.• Brian Reardon, AScT, Chief Administrative Officer,Regional District of Central Okanagan

TechGREEN Award• Mazza Innovation, presented to Dr. Joe Mazza, Founder,and Ben Lightburn, President

R. Littledale Memorial Award• Kenneth Lee, AScT, Senior Traffic Technologist,City of Surrey

Life Membership• Martin Mac Gregor, AScT, CPI

Thanks to our TARC 2016Event Partners & Sponsors…

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— 9 —

ASTTBC’s Technology Awards & Recognition Celebration recognizes individuals and organizations who make outstanding contributions to the tech communityand the Association.

above: Several MLAs attended this year’s celebration (l - r): John Leech,ASTTBC CEO; Dr. Darryl Plecas, MLA from Abbotsford South; RajChouhan, MLA from Burnaby – Edmonds; Keith Trulson, ASTTBCPresident; George Heyman, MLA from Vancouver – Fairview; ShaneSimpson, MLA from Vancouver – Hastings; Joyce Murray, Member ofParliament for Vancouver Quadra, and Parliamentary Secretary to thePresident of the Treasury Board; and Richard Lee, MLA from BurnabyNorth and Deputy Speaker.

right: Scott Sampson, President and CEO of Science World, speaks about theCanada 150 partnership between ASTTBC, the ASTTBC Foundation andScience World BC.

TechPROfileJeffrey Collins, AScT

JEFFREY COLLINS is an Applied ScienceTechnologist (AScT) under the IndustrialDiscipline and currently working for Secure-

Rite Mobile Container Modification as a ProjectManager & Estimator.Since graduating from college Jeff has assumedroles in QC, Engineering Design and ProjectManagement. The businesses he has supportedhave included large and small manufacturers,and a Chinese/Canadian company whom heworked for overseas. Communications and man-aging the technical details of manufacturingprojects is his specialty.

Jeffrey was the first graduate of a Woodworking Manufacturing Technology programin Canada to achieve Certified Engineering Technologist certification, the Manitobaequivalent of AScT. His career highlights include: designing a ready-to-assemble fur-niture collection which was on sale and display at every Canadian Home Depot, cre-ating wiring designs that have been installed in transit buses that can be found innearly every major city in North America, and working closely with factory owner-ship, management and production staff on high-dollar-value metal fabrication proj-ects in Guangzhou and Jiangdu, China.Jeffrey has been a Director on the ASTTBC Council since 2015. He is activelyinvolved with the Okanagan Section of the Alpine Club of Canada, as an organizer offamily-friendly events, and volunteers in different capacities for the Canadian MentalHealth Association.

Why did Jeffrey become a Technology Professional?“The road towards becoming a technology professional began early in my life. In thelate 70s and early 80s video games, personal computers and electronic toys had becomea common part of the lives of children and I embraced the technologies with greatcuriosity. This began a lifelong interest in technology.” �

Technology Professionals contribute to the BC infrastructure in many ways.

Engineering Team CelebratesNational Engineering & Geoscience Month (NEGM)

MARCH WAS AN EXCITING MONTH for all members of the EngineeringTeam. NEGM is an annual celebration of engineering and geoscience acrossCanada. ASTTBC technologists, technicians and technical specialists are a

vital part of BC’s engineering teams. Each year, ASTTBC and our members join ourengineering partners across the province to showcase the application of engineeringtechnology and its invaluable contribution to BC's economy.This month-long event promoted awareness of the engineering, geoscience andtechnology professions, highlighted career choices in these fields, and reminded thepublic of the many ways in which engineering and geoscience touch everyday life.ASTTBC celebrated NEGM by actively engaging in a wide variety of activities suchas: the Spaghetti Bridge Contest at Okanagan College and the Science OutreachWorkshop being held at Science World. ASTTBC and APEGBC also partnered tohost the annual drawing contest to encourage kids to consider how engineering andgeoscience is used in their everyday lives. The drawing contest encourages children tothink creatively about science and science-based jobs. �

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

MANDATORY REPORTING of Continuing Professional Development(CPD) was introduced in January 2015. ASTTBC members are requiredto achieve an average of 20 points per year over any 5-year period. In

January 2017, changes in the point-scoring schedule were introduced to improveclarity and reduce confusion experienced with the previous schedule. The newpoint system consists of 6 categories or types of activity for which you may earnCPD points. Employed or self-employed members continue to earn 1 point permonth. Four categories require 10 hours of activity to equal 1 CPD point.Attending ASTTBC Annual General Meeting (AGM), a CPD event in May andthe Technology Awards & Recognition Celebration (TARC) in November contin-ue to equal 1 CPD point per event. �

For more information on the CPD point systemand to record your CPD activity, please go to theASTTBC website... www.ASTTBC.org ...andclick on the CPD tab.

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ASTTBC Technical Specialists UpdateConstruction SafetyMembership continues to grow, now to over 400. The newwebsite is open and in use. A CSO information and promo-tional video is underway with planned completion by end ofMarch. CSOs will have access to a series of four CSO-specificCPD events in April, June, September and November. Three ofthese events will be also webcast.

Fire ProtectionFire Protection Technicians (RFPTs) are the largest TechnicalSpecialist group with over 800 members. Unfortunately, theRFPTs have also become the technical specialist group withmany complaints filed. The complaints have focused on Codeof Ethics violations related to competency and practice issues.To address this, ASTTBC is working on updating FP policiesand guidelines, making very clear that best practices are easy tounderstand and being applied. Beyond this, ASTTBC hasdeveloped an audit program called the Practice AssessmentReview (PAR) process which applies to all ASTTBC members.The process has already been initiated with several otherTechnical Specialist programs and due to the large number ofcomplaints, RFPTs are the next focus.

House & Property InspectionThe BC Government continues developing and implementingnew regulations for licensing house inspectors. The new modelputs responsibility for all aspects of licensing in the hands ofConsumer Protection BC (CPBC). The Order in Council forthe new licensing regulation was signed in March 2016 and themain provisions related to takeover by CPBC of responsibilitiesfor evaluating licensees took effect September 1, 2016.Inspectors are no longer required to be members of a recog-nized association to be licensed. However, under our Act andRegulations, ASTTBC will continue to certify and regulate theprofessional house inspectors who are members of theAssociation.

Onsite WastewaterThe Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) pro-gram currently has 525 certified members. New applicationsfor initial certification continue at a steady pace; ASTTBC typ-ically receives 4 – 6 new applications per month. We have seenan increase in applications for Maintenance Provider andPrivate Inspection certification, but there remains a shortage inthose categories in some areas of the Province.A revision to the Onsite Wastewater Certification BoardPolicy was approved in January 2017. ROWPs and potentialapplicants are encouraged to review the new Policy and associ-ated ROWP Practice Guidelines at... owrp.asttbc.org

Underground Utility LocatorThe UL Certification Board has been enhanced with nonvot-ing, but fully engaged, members from our partners BCMunicipal Safety Association, BC Common Ground Allianceand Kwantlen Polytechnic University. An additional two sit-ting members are being presented to Council for appointment.RULT members are now eligible for professional liabilityinsurance via ASTTBC which shows clearly, the confidencethat our insurers have in ASTTBC certifications. RULTProgram Manager, Bruce Stevens, AScT, has been invited tospeak to the BC Municipal Public Works Managers Groupmeeting in March. �

ASTTBC PartnershipsASTTBC DiverseAbilities Labour Market Partnership – Creating Accessto Tech Jobs for People With DiversAbilities

IN PARTNERSHIP with the Ministry of Social Develop-ment and Social Innovation (MSDSI), the DiversAbilitiesstudy included surveys of employers who hire tech-related

employees, employer workshops and focus groups for peoplewith disabilities.The study, along with the Employer Sessions and SectorSurvey exceeded expectations. The final report was submittedto the Government on January 20th and some preliminaryfindings are as follows:

• More than 45% of respondents indicated they werecurrently hiring PwD

• More than 56% of respondents express concern aboutfuture workforce shortages

• More than 60% of respondents admitted they could bedoing more to recruit PwD

ASTTBC & Science World BC Canada 150 PartnershipASTTBC, the ASTTBC Foundation and Science World BChave launched the Canada 150 partnership, committing to pro-vide hands-on learning in STEM subjects. This two-prongedinitiative is delivering educational resources and outreach activ-ities province-wide.One activity is the ASTTBC Blocks for Building Our FutureCompetition using the KEVA planks kits. Sixteen kits havebeen placed in public libraries and schools are signing themout, like books. “KEVA planks will help learners experience thefun of STEM. We might even inspire a future architect, engi-neer or technologist!” said John Leech, ASTTBC CEO.The second activation involves ASTTBC’s participation inthe Community Science Celebrations. These celebrationsinclude eye-popping demonstrations and an opportunity tomeet people with STEM-related careers. “2017 is a year wherethe entire country is coming together as a community to cele-brate Canada’s 150th anniversary,” said Scott Sampson,President and CEO of Science World BC. “Science World isvery excited and honoured to contribute to these communitycelebrations by partnering with ASTTBC and the ASTTBCFoundation in bringing these engaging STEM activities acrossthe province.”This initiative is a valuable contribution to ASTTBC’s goalsof enhancing technology professional careers and ensuring thattechnology education is valued.

Village Public Works TechniciansASTTBC created the Public Works Technician model afterstudying a number of small, medium and larger First Nationscommunities throughout BC. Minister of Public Safety andSolicitor General, and MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie,Mike Morris announced $300,000 in funding to support thetraining of eight individuals, half of whom are First Nations.Launched by the College of New Caledonia, the project willdeliver much-needed training in water and sewage systems,buildings, fire protection and other municipal services.

Fire Protection Technician ProgramUnder the Canada–BC Job Fund Agreement, ASTTBC hasdelivered the Fire Protection Technician Program –training participants for jobs in the industry. Theprogram includes five weeks of classroom train-ing, safety training and endorsements in keyareas, followed by two weeks of job shadowing,and supports BC’s regional labour marketdemands to provide training opportunities tounder-represented groups, as well as industry-recognized certificates or credentials. �

In the News… cont’d from page 4

TechNOVA & ASTTBC Link on ProfessionalAssessment ResourcesInvesting in the tools needed to enhancethe assessment of foreign credentials isthe focus of a new agreement betweenASTTBC and TechNOVA, with the ben-eficiaries being foreign professionalslooking to immigrate to one of the twoprovinces. Nova Scotia and BC associa-tion leaders and NS government repre-sentation gathered in Halifax to framethe implementation plan between thetwo provincial associations.

College of Applied Biology AnnouncesNew CEOThe College of Applied Biology (CAB) ispleased to announce that ChristineHoughton has joined the College asExecutive Director. Christine brings tothe College extensive experience as anadvisor on strategic policy, governance,legislation, intergovernmental relationsand communications. Her work includesthe successful delivery of critical environ-mental programs, complex policy andlegislative packages, and effective man-agement of resources.

BC Film Industry Contributes $4Bto the EconomyThe BC Film Industry now rivals miningand forestry as key enterprises driving theBC economy. ASTTBC commented thatregistered technologists and techniciansare ideally qualified to provide their serv-ices to the film industry. It is the respon-sibility of ASTTBC to ensure the techprofessionals are fully qualified and thatthe industry can rely on their expertisewhen providing technical and profession-al services and assuring worker and pub-lic safety.

Public Works Association of BC AnnouncesNew Executive Director ASTTBC congratulates Ashifa Dhananias the new PWABC Executive Directorin January 2017. Ashifa was formerly theEOCP Executive Director and will con-tinue to lead the Workforce Strategy cur-rently underway. �

members logonemployersconnect

SKILLED KNOWLEDGEABLE WORKERS are at the core of realizing sustainable,responsible development in British Columbia. The success of your enterprisein a dynamic global market will depend on the professionals on your team.

Add value to your team by employing technology professionals registeredwith ASTTBC… highly qualified technical personnel who are job-ready witheducation and experience.

Employers… ask for our Employer Liaison package to learnhow technology professionals can benefit your enterprise.

Shaping BC’s Future

For more information…

www.cten.ca

FNCC was a proud sponsor of the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship CenterSociety’s Science Fair on October 13, 2016.

First Nations Career Council Update

JUNE 21, 2016 marked the 20th Anniversary of NationalAboriginal Day, an official day of celebration to recognizethe valuable contributions to society by Canada’s First

Nations, Innuit and Métis peoples.In honour of this significant day, ASTTBC and the FirstNations Careers Council (FNCC) took time to reflect and cele-brate the efforts made this past year to help advance technologyeducation, careers and their application in aboriginal commu-nities. During the BC Science Outreach Workshop Bill Baglot,FNCC Chair, as well as three other elders from the aboriginalcommunity participated in the STEM in the Aboriginal con-text breakout session to explore and exchange knowledge abouthow organizations can more effectively share science, technolo-gy, engineering and math with BC aboriginal communities.First Nation Construction Industry Education (FNCIE)Project, Williams Lake, BC FNCC Vice-Chair, DawnMcGrath, AScT, ROWP, and ASTTBC Manager, ProfessionalPractice & Development, Jason Jung, AScT, showed support tothe Yunesit’in Nation and David Nairn & Associates’ FNCIEProject by providing exposure and information on technician/technologist type occupations and career pathways at theircareer fair. The FNCIE Project engages First Nation membersto expand knowledge of career opportunities in the design andconstruction. �

Heather Robertson, AScTChair, BC Women in Technology

BC Women in TechnologyUpdate

THE PAST YEAR has been a busy one for this committeeand we are fully engaged in planning upcoming events in2017. This core group of ASTTBC women members

represents a variety of disciplines in the applied technologyfield. Our mission is: To provide support, be an informationresource, and promote awareness to women in technologycareers and to women seeking new career opportunities.ASTTBC Registrar, Charles Joyner, has recently reported aslight increase in female representation amongst the member-ship. As of December 31, 2016, there are a total of 10,601members in the Association, and over the past five years thenumber of female members has increased from 8.9% to 12.8%.With the ongoing awareness and information being circulatedabout pursuing a rewarding career choice in technology, morewomen are choosing to explore this opportunity. BCWiTexpects this increase to continue.In addition to recruiting committee members and providingnetworking opportunities, the committee continues to activelypromote, sponsor and volunteer with a number of partners andtheir events. �

As a volunteer group we are always looking for members. If youare interested in being a part of this committee, please contactus at... asttbcwit@gmail.com

for more info… www.BCWiT.com

ASTTBC Group Plans & Services addvalue to your registration!

• Auto Sales & Leasing – Quinella Auto• Car Rentals – Local Hospitality, Zipcar• Clothing Discounts – Mark’s Commercial• Continuing Professional Development –

CSA Group, EPIC Educational Program• Disability, Accidental, Health & Dental

Insurance, Group Term Life Insurance –Manulife Financial

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I S S U E 1 4 0 • J A N U A RY – J U LY 2 0 1 7ISSN 1198–7758 • Printed in Canada

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PUBLISHER’S INFORMATIONEditor: Kimberly Kelly (editor@asttbc.org)Art Direction: Richard Mayer, AScT (rmayer@asttbc.org)

The opinions expressed in ASTTBC CONNECT are not necessarily

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Empowering First Nations, Metis and Innuit to achieverewarding careers in applied science technology