2010 Nominees For Council
Tom Greenwood-Madsen holds a B.Sc. and an M.Eng. in electrical engineering from the University of Alberta.
Following graduation in 1987, Tom accepted a position as a sessional lecturer at the University of Alberta. In 1998, Tom joined ATCO Electric where he is currently Supervising Engineer, Transmission Development and Operations Planning. Tom was born and raised in Alberta and currently resides in Edmonton.
Tom has been an active APEGGA volunteer since 1996 and has been involved in the APEGGA Mentoring Program since its inception in 2004. Tom received the inaugural Outstanding Mentor Summit Award® in 2008 and a recognition award at the 2007 APEGGA mentoring conference. He has mentored numerous people throughout his involvement in the program and has also dedicated time to mentor and protege coaching sessions, information sessions, mentoring circles and the annual mentoring conference. In addition, he has participated in several APEGGA committees and in the Vermilion Branch. He received an APEGGA Voluntary Service Award in 2003 and an Engineers Canada Fellowship in 2009. Tom regularly participates in Iron Ring workshops, Life Member and New Member induction ceremonies and workshops for internationally educated graduates. Tom has also served on the Northern Canada Section executive and the power industry chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He was elevated to senior member of the IEEE in 1997.
Tom and his wife Carlene have been married for 28 years. Tom’s interests include playing bass guitar, Shelby American automobiles, motorcycles and hiking in the woods with his two Border Collies.
APEGGA Activities
Member, Investigative Committee (2006-present)
Volunteer, Mentoring Program (2004-present)
Chair and Member, Honours and Awards Committee (2004-2007)
Member, Staff Benefits Committee (2003-2006)
Member, Nominating Committee (2003-2004)
Volunteer, Iron Ring, Mentoring and Foreign Trained Professionals Workshops (2001-present)
Chair and Member, Professional Development Committee (1999-2003)
Executive and Chair, Vermilion River Branch (1996-2000)
Member (1983-present)
Affiliations, Corporate or Community Service
Executive, IEEE Northern Canada Section (1989-1992, Chair 1991)
Member, City of Edmonton Terwillegar Park Advisory Committee (2007-2009)
Member, Terwillegar Riverbend Advisory Council (2005-2009)
Area Captain and Canvasser, Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation (2003-2007)
Is the concept of professional self-regulation of engineering and geoscience an outdated concept or an efficient and effective means of protecting public safety and well-being and the environment?
I do not believe that the concept of self-regulation is outdated at all. With respect to efficiency and effectiveness, I believe that the Association is doing a good job, especially in light of the fact that our current model is largely based on volunteer effort. That said, I also believe that to remain relevant and effective, the Association must be open to input from all stakeholders and following legitimate debate be willing to initiate appropriate change.
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 education and experience of internationally educated applicants for professional licenses?
No. While I recognize the need for mobility, it cannot circumvent the safety of the public, which is the paramount objective of self-regulating professions. As I understand it, one of the most significant hurdles to international mobility of professionals is the assessment of foreign educational programs and curriculum. Perhaps governments and industry in the developed world could initiate and fund accreditation programs similar to what is employed in Canada for our universities, thereby removing barriers to qualified foreign trained professionals.