2010 Nominees For Council
Chrys. is a graduate in chemical engineering from the University of Alberta and holds an MBA from the University of Western Ontario.
Chrys. worked for Celanese Canada Inc. managing the business plan for a number of product lines. As Executive Director and Senior Director, Alberta Economic Development Department, Chrys. was directly involved in the development of Alberta’s multi-billion dollar petrochemical industry. His industry development responsibilities included engineering services and most manufacturing industries. Chrys. also worked for APEGGA as Director of Communications and Public Affairs and editor of The PEGG. He is currently an independent consultant offering services in strategic planning, communications and government relations.
Chrys. will bring to Council his extensive experience and strong commitment to APEGGA as demonstrated by his involvement since 1982 on previous Councils and numerous volunteer committees. Engineers Canada recognized his contribution by granting him the designation of Engineers Canada Fellow (FEC).
APEGGA Activities
Council: (2006-2009; 2004-2006; 1986-1988) and committees: Public Interest Issues (2008-2009) Audit (2006-2008), Governance (2006-2007), Strategic Planning (2005-2006), Finance (2004-2005) and Enforcement Review (1987-1988). Chaired the APEGGA/Canadian Well Logging Society Liaison Committee (1987-1988).
Boards served on include: Alberta Computers for Schools Program (2000-2002), Alberta Excellence in Teaching Foundation (2000-2002) and the APEGGA Education Foundation (1998-2002).
Task forces served on: Strategic Planning (2004-2005), Advocacy (2000-2001), Millennium (2000) and Enforcement Review (1988-1989), and the Inclusivity Working Group (2005).
Member of advisory committees: Aboriginal Affairs (2005), Communications Coordinating (1997-1998), Publications and Editorial (1993-1996), Honours and Awards (1983-1985), Convention Resolution (1985) and Convention Planning (1982-1983). He has chaired the Communications Coordinating (1997), Publications and Editorial (1996-1997) and Honours and Awards (1985-1986).
Affiliations, Corporate or Community Service
Board Member, Canadian Diabetes Association Alberta
Advisor, Junior Achievement of Edmonton
Founding President, an Alberta provincial education society
President and Board Member, parent advisory committee in an Edmonton school district
President, national and local youth organization
Board Member, museum
Is the concept of professional self-governance of engineering and geoscience an outdated concept or an efficient and effective means of protecting public safety and well-being and the environment?
Self-governance is at the core of professionalism and must be maintained. It has been successful because practicing members, in concert with their professional organization like APEGGA, are in the best position to ensure that proper professional standards are set and maintained, the public is protected, public safety is advanced and that ethics are not compromised. This direct involvement ensures an effective and efficient system and one so recognized by the Alberta government whose act APEGGA administers.
Should the need to facilitate international mobility of skilled knowledge workers to ensure Canada’s continued well-being and prosperity outweigh the need for due-diligence in evaluating the educational and experience of internationally educated applicants for professional licenses?
Existing licensure systems require that members of our professions meet rigorous education and experience standards. This ensures that the work done is professional, reliable and the public is protected. No less should be expected from internationally educated applicants. Good systems are in place to assist and support them to achieve licensure expeditiously. Canada’s well-being will not be compromised by requiring internationally trained professionals to meet our standards. In fact the opposite would be true.