Government Liaison Program (GLP) Weekly May 28, 2012

Transcription

1 Government Liaison Program (GLP) Weekly May 28, 2012 PEO PRESIDENT LEADS DELEGATION IN RECEPTION FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL AND PARLIAMENTARY ASSISTANT Lorenzo Berardinetti MPP (Scarborough Southwest), Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General with PEO President Denis Dixon, P.Eng., PEO Deputy Registrar Johnny Zuccon, P.Eng., PEO Lieutenant Governor Appointed Councillor Bill Kossta and Ontario Society of Professional Engineers Acting CEO Danny Young, P.Eng. More on page 2. Through the Professional Engineers Act, PEO governs over 80,000 licence and certificate holders and regulates professional engineering in Ontario to serve and protect the public. Professional engineering safeguards life, health, property, economic interests, the public welfare and the environment. If you would like to be added to or removed from the GLP Weekly distribution list please * Deadline for all submissions is the Monday of the week prior to publication. 1 P a g e

2 Table of Contents 1. Engineers express concern over soon to be released Ontario expert panel report on falling glass 2. Engineers in the news 3. Federal Immigration Minister outlines plan to link jobs 4. All party panel participate in public affairs debate 5. NDP Attorney General Critic fundraiser on June 6 6. PC Deputy Leader to host reception on June Breaking News ENGINEERS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER SOON TO BE RELEASED ONTARIO EXPERT PANEL REPORT ON FALLING GLASS At a PEO Government Liaison Committee meeting on May 31, PEO Director of Professional Practice Bernie Ennis, P.Eng. expressed concern over Ontario s expert panel s falling glass report recommendations. Mr. Ennis was one of four engineers on the panel but each engineer felt their advice and recommendations had been overridden by representatives from the business and development community also on the panel. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, under whose jurisdiction the Report was prepared, asked the engineers to present a minority report. A new vote to consider the engineers alternative recommendations has been scheduled for June 5. Barry Steinberg, P.Eng., Chair of the Government Liaison Committee offered to intervene with Minister Kathleen Wynne MPP (Don Valley West) and her opposition critics including PC Critic Steve Clark (Leeds- Grenville) and NDP Critic Cindy Forster MPP (Welland). Mr. Steinberg is also CEO of the Consulting Engineers of Ontario and a member of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers Advocacy Committee. PEO PRESIDENT LEADS DELEGATION IN RECEPTION FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL AND PARLIAMENTARY ASSISTANT A delegation of engineers was out in full force on May 28 th at a reception for the Lorenzo Berardinetti MPP (Scarborough-Southwest), Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General. Guest speaker was Attorney General John Gerretsen MPP (Kingston and the Islands) who spoke on the economic challenges the province is facing with its $16 Billion deficit. He also spoke with engineers who were participating in the event including PEO President Denis Dixon, P.Eng., in their first meeting since Mr. Dixon assumed the PEO Presidency on May 12 th. 2 P a g e

3 Others in attendance included PEO Deputy Registrar, Tribunals and Regulatory Affairs Johnny Zuccon, P.Eng., Lieutenant Governor Appointed Councillor Bill Kossta, Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) Acting CEO Danny Young, P.Eng., and PEO Government Relations Consultant Howard Brown. PEO President Denis Dixon, P.Eng. (left) with Attorney General John Gerretsen MPP (Kingston and the Islands) at a reception for the Minister s Parliamentary Assistant on May 28. ENGINEERS IN THE NEWS Two professional engineers have recently received coverage in the Toronto Star and Globe and Mail. Tim Weis, a professional engineer and director of renewable energy policy at the Pembina Institute was published in an opinion article called Rising electricity prices have little to do with renewable energy in the May 5 th Toronto Star. Mr. Weis is also lead author of Behind the Switch, a study that examines the price impact of future electricity generation scenarios in Ontario. Read the article here: Also in the news was Ontario professional engineer Hanny Hassan, chair of the Ontario Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee. Mr. Hassan is quoted as saying that the province has virtually eliminated patronage since it pioneered a system where the government must choose judges from a short, ranked list of candidates. According to the Globe and Mail article on April 28 th, Mr. Hassan, an engineer and former president of the Ontario Advisory Council on Multiculturalism and Citizenship said that potential candidates from aboriginal or visible-minority communities are deterred because they believe they will be unable to line up the powerful political connections. 3 P a g e

4 Read the article in full at: 2. Events Attended ENGINEERS PARTICIPATE IN MARKHAM EVENT FOR PARLIAMENTARY ASSISTANT TO MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT Helena Jaczek MPP (Oak Ridges-Markham), Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment, held a reception on May 28 with the Minister of Economic Development Brad Duguid MPP (Scarborough- Centre). Professional Engineers participating included PEO York Chapter Government Liaison Program (GLP) Chair Sadiq Pirani, P.Eng., former PEO Councillor Marta Ecsedi, P.Eng and PEO Government Relations Coordinator Kaitlynn Dodge. Ms. Jaczek was guest speaker April 21 st at the PEO GLP Academy and Congress at PEO Headquarters which was chaired by Mr. Pirani. Mr. Duguid was guest speaker at the Consulting Engineers of Ontario Annual Awards Dinner of April 28. Marta Escedi, P.Eng.(left) and Sadiq Pirani, P.Eng (right) with Brad Duguid MPP (Scarborough-Centre) and Helena Jaczek MPP (Oak Ridges- Markham) on May 28 in Markham. 4 P a g e

5 FEDERAL IMMIGRATION MINISTER OUTLINES PLAN TO LINK JOBS Federal Immigration Minister Jason Kenney MP (Calgary Southeast) was guest speaker at the Empire Club on May 25. Also attending the event were Ontario Fairness Commissioner Jean Augustine, John Carmichael MP (Don Valley West), Senator Vim Kochhar, former Davenport MP Mario Silva and PEO Government Relations Consultant Howard Brown. The Minister spoke of changes to immigration policy to closer link jobs and recruitment of new immigrants and specifically in linking engineers and medical practitioners with job opportunities. Afterwards, Ms. Augustine said she had concerns that the Minister s approach was more focused on the negatives than the positives of immigration. John Carmichael and Jean Augustine at the Jason Kenney speech at the Empire Club on May 25 in Toronto. ASTRONAUT MP ENGINEER PARTICIPATES IN TORONTO RECEPTION Federal Liberal House Leader Marc Garneau, P.Eng. MP (Westmount Ville-Marie) was guest speaker at a reception in Toronto for his colleague Carolyn Bennett MP (St. Paul s) on May 24. Also participating in the event was Minister of Children and Youth Services Eric Hoskins MPP (St. Paul s) and former Prime Minister John Turner who served as Honourary Chair. The event was celebrating the 15 th anniversary of Ms. Bennett s election to parliament in PEO Government Relations Consultant Howard Brown was the master of ceremonies. 5 P a g e

6 Mr. Garneau holds engineering licences in both Nova Scotia and Ontario and is one of four engineers in the House of Commons. At PEO s request, Mr. Garneau was guest speaker at a national student conference on industrial engineering in Windsor in Former Prime Minister John Turner, Carolyn Bennett MP (St. Paul s), Federal Liberal House Leader Marc Garneau, P.Eng. MP (Westmount Ville-Marie) and Minister of Children and Youth Services Eric Hoskins MPP (St. Paul s) at a reception in Toronto on May 24. ALL PARTY PANEL PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEBATE Three leading MPPs were guest speakers at the Public Affairs Association of Canada s annual conference on May 29 in Toronto. MPPs included Liberal Kevin Flynn (Oakville), NDP Rosario Marchese (Trinity- Spadina) and PC John O Toole (Durham). They looked at the functioning of the current legislature and current issues including a discussion on how to make legislature, and particularly a minority government, work better. There were over a dozen speakers including Lynn Morrison, Integrity Commissioner and Lobbyist Registrar of Ontario, Linda Gehrke, Lobbyist Registrar for the City of Toronto and Don Guy, Premier McGuinty s former Chief of Staff. PEO CEO and Registrar Kim Allen, P.Eng. was a PAAC Conference guest speaker in 2007 speaking on PEO s Government Liaison Program. 6 P a g e

7 MPPs Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina), Kevin Flynn (Oakville) and John O Toole (Durham) at the Public Affairs Association of Canada s Annual Conference on May 29 in Toronto. ENGINEER AND MPP ATTEND U.S. ELECTION EVENT Mississauga engineer Janice Peleshok, P.Eng., Senator Vim Kochar and Thornhill MPP Peter Shurman were attendees at a debate held in Toronto on May 29 looking at the issue of if the world is safer under President Obama. Panellists included leading American campaign spokespeople for the Republican and Democratic parties including former presidential candidate and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Democratic strategist James Carville, Carl Rove and Donna Brazile. The moderator was Gloria Borger, CNN Chief Political Analyst. Ms. Peleshok has shown interest in PEO s Government Liaison Program and PEO s goal to elect more engineers in the legislature. Mississauga engineer Janice Peleshok, P.Eng. with Kevin Field, President of Greenfield Ethanol and Thornhill MPP Peter Shurman and wife Carol Shurman at the U.S. President Obama event in Toronto. 7 P a g e

8 CHURCHILL SOCIETY HONOURS FORMER OPPOSITION LEADER Former federal Opposition Leader Michael Ignatieff was honoured by the Churchill Society for Parliamentary Democracy on May 25 th in Toronto. Participating in the event was Ontario Fairness Commissioner and former federal Minister of Women and Multiculturalism Jean Augustine, Senator David Smith, former federal Finance Minister and Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Wilson, former Finance Minister Donald McDonald, TVO Host Steve Paikin and PEO Government Relations Consultant Howard Brown. Mr. Ignatieff gave an extended address on the need for changes to bring back superiority of Parliament to government. Mr. Ignatieff was a guest speaker at a town hall meeting for PEO Mississauga and Oakville Chapters in Michael Ignatieff (second from right) was honoured by the Churchill Society last week in Toronto. With him in the photo are host of TVO s The Agenda Steve Paikin, Adrian McDonald, former finance Minister Donald McDonald and former Finance Minister Michael Wilson. 3. Work in Progress ENGINEER TO CO-CHAIR RECEPTION WITH TWO MINISTERS 8 P a g e Barry Steinberg, P. Eng, CEO of Consulting Engineers of Ontario (left) will co-chair a June 19 th reception with Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli MPP (Ottawa West-Nepean) (right) for Children & Youth Services Minister Eric

9 Hoskins MPP (St. Paul's) (centre) at the Proof (Intercontinental Hotel), 220 Bloor Street West, Toronto from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mr. Steinberg is also the Chair of the PEO Government Liaison Committee. Tickets are $500. To RSVP or for more information call: (416) or EAST TORONTO GROUP LAUNCHES COMMUNITY BASED RENEWABLE ENERGY TEAM East Toronto residents now have a community-based renewable energy team thanks to Professional Engineer and past liberal candidate for Toronto Danforth. PEO s Enforcement Officer Marisa Sterling, P.Eng., is working together with Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon to action renewable energy projects and policies in east Toronto. The group is interested in finding engineers with expertise in renewable energy technology and policy. As well as those who want to help identify locations for community projects. Those interested in joining this grassroots campaign contact Marisa at marisa.sterling@gmail.com. An East Toronto Renewable Energy Team includes (from left to right): President Boss Solar Mike Holm, Health Promotion Consultant Joanne Kaashoek, Social Innovator Shelly Barnec, Sustainability Consultant Ronn Stevenson, Beaches-East York Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon, Co-founder Beach Solar Steve May and Project Leader Marisa Sterling, P.Eng. 4. Newly Added Events *MP and MPP receptions/donations are entitled to up to 75% tax credit on the first $400. For more information see Elections Ontario or Elections Canada websites. - The Canadian Club presents Diversity 2.0 on June 5. The event will be moderated by CBC Metro Morning host Matt Galloway. Diversity 2.0 will be a discussion with business, arts and civic leaders on inclusion and why, for Toronto to remain a leader, we need to look, sound and think as broadly as the city we are today. The panel will include: Chief HR Officer, RBC Zabeen Hirji; Artistic 9 P a g e

10 Director, Toronto International Film Festival Cameron Bailey; Deputy Chief, Toronto Police Service Peter Sloly; Deputy Chief, Toronto Police Service Fiona MacFarlane. The event will be held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto beginning at 11:30 a.m. For more information visit - The Business Owners Advisory Group will host a networking event with Jagmeet Singh MPP (Bramalea-Gore-Malton) on June 6. The event will be held at the University of Toronto s Faculty Club Main Dining Room, 41 Willcocks St., Toronto from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $500. For more information visit n=invite_details#view_invite:eid=02baaarbsz35ryikcepbuxms53gvja&gid=02baaapmt7n2ne3t6epbvj THKZYU3Y - York-Centre Annual Strawberry Social for Seniors on June 7 with MPP Monte Kwinter (York Centre). The event will be held at the Camplain Apartments Party Room, 495 Wilson Avenue in Toronto from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information call (416) The Economic Club presents Vic Toews, P.C., Q.C., MP (Provencher) and Minister of Public Safety on June 7. Minister Toews will discuss the Canadian government's initiatives to modernize federal correctional facilities, the closure of old and insufficient facilities like the Kingston Penitentiary and the enhancement of Canadian public safety. The event will be held at The Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa from 7:45 to 9 a.m. For more information visit _makes_sense - Pickering-Scarborough East Community Appreciation BBQ with MPP Tracy MacCharles on June 9. The event will be held at the Tall Pines Community Centre, 64 Rylander Blvd., Scarborough from noon until 3 p.m. For more information contact (905) The Empire Club presents David Suzuki, Co-Founder of the David Suzuki Foundation on June 13. Mr. Suzuki is an award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster. The event will be held at the Royal York Hotel Concert Hall in Toronto beginning at 12 p.m. For more information visit - An evening with Phil McNeely MPP (Ottawa-Orleans) and special guest Glen Murray MPP (Toronto Centre) on June 13. The event will be held at The Velvet Room, 62 York Street in Toronto. For more information contact Shawn shawnkalbhenn@gmail.com. If you would prefer to register by mail or fax, you can download the registration form at: or ilunau@ontarioliberal.ca. - Join London New Democrats for the second annual Steak & Lobster Dinner on June 15. The event will be held at the Dutch Canadian Society Club, 1738 Gore Rd., with London-Fanshawe MPP Teresa Armstrong and MP Irene Mathyssen. Doors open at 6 p.m., Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 in advance, or $80 at the door. Order your tickets online with your credit card or paypal account at: or call (519) 10 P a g e

11 For more information visit - Fundraising reception for Ontario PC Deputy Leader and Critic for Health and Long-Term Care and Citizenship and Immigration Christine Elliott MPP (Whitby-Oshawa) on June 15. Guest speaker will be Minister of Finance James Flaherty MP (Whitby-Oshawa). The event will be held at Downtown Porsche, 68 Parliament St., Toronto from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $500. For more information contact (905) or visit 5. Previously Listed Events *MP and MPP receptions/donations are entitled to up to 75% tax credit on the first $400. For more information see Elections Ontario or Elections Canada websites. - The Economic Club presents The Economy with Tony Clement MP (Parry Sound-Muskoka), President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Federal Economic Initiative for Northern Ontario on June 1. The event will be held at One King West Hotel, 1 King Street W, Toronto from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information visit - Fundraising cocktail reception with David Zimmer MPP (Willowdale) and guest Minister of Finance Dwight Duncan MPP (Windsor-Tecumseh) on June 4. The event will be held at the University Club, 380 University Ave., Toronto from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $500. RSVP to Pam Gutteridge at (416) or pamela.gutteridge@sympatico.ca. - The Ontario Energy Association presents 10EnergyGala with keynote speaker Minister of Energy Chris Bentley MPP (London West) on June 5. The event will be held at the Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St., West in Toronto beginning at 6 p.m. To RSVP visit 10energygala.eventbrite.com or for more information contact events@energyontario.ca or (416) ext The Economic Club presents Building on our Foundation, Creating a Stronger Toronto with City of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford on June 5. The event will be held at The Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre Hotel, 525 Bay Street, Toronto from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information visit - The Thornhill Provincial PC Association will host a fundraising reception for Peter Shurman MPP (Thornhill) on June 5 with special guest Senator Mike Duffy. The event will be held at the Rosewater Supper Club, 19 Toronto St., Toronto from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $250. For more information Monika Bujalska at (647) or thornhillfundraising@gmail.com 11 P a g e

12 - The Economic Club of Canada presents Restoring the Canadian Advantage with David Bertschi, Prospective Candidate for Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada on June 5. Mr Bertschi will discuss the Canadian dream of recognizing the imperative of living up to the solemn promise of Confederation. The event will be held at The Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Drive in Ottawa from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information visit - Fundraising reception for the Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs and Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Madeleine Meilleur MPP (Ottawa-Vanier) with special guest Minister of Labour and Minister Responsible for Seniors Linda Jeffrey MPP (Brampton-Springdale) on June 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will be held at La Galerie, Alliance Francaise de Toronto, 24 Spadina Rd., Toronto. Tickets are $350. For more information call ext. 513 or meilleur2012@ontarioliberalfund.com. - Fundraising event for Rob Oliphant MP (Don Valley West) with Justin Trudeau MP (Papineau) on June 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will be held at Grano Restaurant, 2035 Yonge Street, Toronto. Tickets are $200. For further information, contact Shabnum Durrani at (416) or dvwfla@gmail.com. - Justin Trudeau MP (Papineau) and Gerard Kennedy MP (Parkdale-High Park) will host a fundraising event with musical act the Rizdales on June 6 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Cadillac Lounge, 1296 Queen W. in Toronto. Tickets are $60. For more information or to buy a ticket online visit - An evening with Peter Tabuns MPP (Toronto-Danforth) on June 8 with special guest Craig Scott MP (Toronto-Danforth). The Chinese Banquet will be held at the Dim Sum King Restaurant, 421 Dundas St. W., Toronto from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $125. To RSVP call (647) Pickering-Scarborough East Community Appreciation BBQ with MPP Tracy MacCharles, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children and Youth Services, on June 9 from noon until 3 p.m. The event will be held at the Tall Pines Community Centre, 64 Rylander Blvd., Scarborough. For more information Conservation & Demand Management in a Sustainable Energy Future Conference and Exhibit June 11. Organized by the Energy Studies Review of McMaster s DeGroote School of Business - Ron Joyce Centre, 4350 South Service Rd; Burlington, Ontario. For more information visit: - Fundraising cocktail reception with Dipika Damerla MPP (Mississauga East-Cooksville) and special guest Minister of Economic Development and Innovation Brad Duguid MPP (Scarborough-Centre) on June 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will be held at the Live Cuisine Restaurant, Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga. Tickets are $250. For more information please call Daniela at (905) or mecpla1@gmail.com. - The 8 th Annual Take Me Out to the Ball Game Fundraiser for Minister of Economic Development and Innovation Brad Duguid, MPP (Scarborough Centre) on June 12 at the former Hard Rock Café - 12 P a g e

13 13 P a g e Gate 1 - Rogers Centre in Toronto. Reception before the game begins at 5 p.m. and will include guest speaker Paul Beeston, President and CEO, Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club. Tickets are $500 and the contribution portion of the ticket price will qualify for a tax credit. For more information contact Brent Duguid, Fundraising Chair at (416) or bduguid@casselsbrock.com. - Fundraising event with John Milloy MPP (Kitchener Centre), Minister of Community and Social Services and Government House Leader with guest Minister of Finance Dwight Duncan MPP (Windsor-Tecumseh) on June 14. The event will be held at 131 Bloor St., Toronto beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $500. For more information call (416) ext. 515 or milloy2012@ontarioliberalfund.com. - Toby Barrett MPP (Haldiman Norfolk) is holding his first annual Toby Tee-Off golf tournament on June 14 at Stark's Golf course in Port Rowan starting at 1 p.m. For more information call Jeff at Barry Steinberg, P. Eng, CEO of Consulting Engineers of Ontario is co-chairing a June 19 reception with Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli MPP (Ottawa West-Nepean) for Children & Youth Services Minister Eric Hoskins MPP (St. Paul's) at Proof (Intercontinental Hotel), 220 Bloor Street West, Toronto from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mr. Steinberg is also the Chair of the PEO Government Liaison Committee. Tickets are $500. To RSVP or for more information call: (416) or rsvp@erichoskins.ca. - Leader of the Ontario PC Party Tim Hudak MPP (Niagara West Glanbrook) will host his annual Niagara Winery Reception on June 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will be held at the Creekside Estate Winery, 2170 Fourth Avenue in Jordan Station. Tickets are $375. For more information hudakfundraiser@gmail.com or call (905) ext The Toronto Board of Trade presents Building Cities. Building Prosperity on June 20. Guest speaker will be Robert Hardt, President & CEO, Siemens, discussing the connection between urban infrastructure and economic prosperity. The event will be held at the Toronto Board of Trade, 77 Adelaide Street W., 4th Floor Ballroom, Toronto. For more information visit =IS Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Bob Chiarelli MPP (Ottawa West-Nepean) will host his annual Golf Classic at the Cedarhill Golf Course in Ottawa on June 22. For more information contact info@bobchiarelli.com or Evening fundraiser with Mike Colle MPP (Eglinton-Lawrence) on June 26. The event will be held at Edo on Eglinton, 484 Eglinton Ave., West, Toronto beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $350. For more information contact eglinton_lawrence@yahoo.ca or call (416) Tastes of Ontario tasting dinner and silent auction with Ernie Hardeman MPP (Oxford), PC Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Critic on June 27. The event will be held at the South Gate Centre, 191 Old Wellington South, Woodstock from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $100. For more information contact OxfordPCAssociation@gmail.com or call (519)

14 - Bas Balkissoon MPP (Scarborough-Rouge River), Parliamentary Assistant to Community and Social Services will host the 2012 Golf Classic on July 10 at the Sleepy Hollow Golf & Country Club, th line in Stouffville. Tournament fee for individuals is $200. For more information call (416) or - The 11th Annual Ted McMeekin MPP (Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale) Golf Tournament on July 10. The event will be held at Copetown Woods Golf Club, 1430 Concession Road 2 W Copetown. Tickets are $400. For more information contact MaryAnne Quaglia at (905) or adfwmcmeekin@gmail.com. - International Groundwater Conference on September 16-21, 2012 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. More details will be released in the coming weeks. - PEO will hold its annual MPP Queen s Park Reception at the Ontario Legislature on Wednesday, October 17. If you have any comments, additions, or questions, please do not hesitate to call or Howard Brown, President, Brown & Cohen Communications & Public Affairs Inc. 321 Brooke Avenue Toronto, ON M5M 2L4 Direct line: Cell: howard@brown-cohen.com 14 P a g e