Making a difference at home and around the world

This summer and fall ACEC has been actively strengthening the association’s image and position with the federal government and affiliate Consulting Engineers in North America and around the world. Through the cooperation of ACEC with member organizations in FIDIC we are able to influence the development of preferred global business platforms. Canada’s focus on the development of a Global Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) business model was clearly stated at the Beijing FIDIC conference in September. With the strong commitment of Consulting Engineers in Canada, the United States, China, India and many of the developing countries, a QBS-championed board of directors at FIDIC will now strive to deliver a common sense approach to the business of procuring engineering services worldwide.

At home we continue to inform and influence the decision makers who will ultimately lead the charge for policy change — a charge that will be fueled through trust, advocacy and the promotion of real-time success stories. Through the publication and distribution of articles in Concept and Perspectives, direct and targeted messages are consistently and regularly being placed at the door of our federal leaders. The three primary focuses continue to be the need to invest in our country’s highways, the promotion of a national policy or law requiring QBS such as exists in the United States, and the re-Canadianization of Canada’s Global Aid Program in a targeted and results-oriented model that delivers the goods to the world and a return on investment to Canadians.

We must take ownership and fuel our own intellectual future. Productivity improvement programs have significant potential for growth in the economy and lifestyle of Canadians. As these programs evolve, as I am confident they will, our industry must also build our intellectual infrastructure. ACEC continues to support the activities of Member Associations across Canada to educate graduating classes of the opportunities in consulting engineering. I encourage all of us to look for opportunities in our communities to make a difference.

NORM HUGGINS, P.ENG.

CHAIR, ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING ENGINEERS OF CANADA