Government Liaison Program (GLP) Weekly July 2, 2012

Transcription

1 Government Liaison Program (GLP) Weekly July 2, 2012 CONSULTING ENGINEERS PARTICIPATE IN DINNER MEETING WITH PC LEADER Consulting Engineers of Ontario CEO Barry Steinberg, P.Eng. (far right) with PC Leader Tim Hudak MPP (Niagara West-Glanbrook (centre right) at a dinner meeting on June 27. Also in the photo is Clive Thurston, CEO, Ontario General Contractors Association (far left) and Joe Accardi, P. Eng., Executive Director for the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (centre left). More on page 4. 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 glpweekly@peo.on.ca * Deadline for all submissions is the Monday of the week prior to publication. 1 P a g e

2 Table of Contents 1. Engineers meet with Municipal Affairs and Housing Director 2. Federal Government Infrastructure Plan roundtables to visit Toronto July 13 th 3. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing plants tree to commemorate Canada Day 4. Federal Minister of Natural Resources hosts Canada Day event 5. Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP PC Golf Tournament on July 11 th 6. Consulting Engineers of Ontario Golf Tournament on September 6 th 1. Breaking News NEW PEO BROCHURE HELPS INTERNATIONAL ENGINEERING GRADS OBTAIN THEIR LICENCE A new PEO brochure is available to assist international engineering graduates interested in obtaining their P.Eng., licence entitled, Valuing Newcomers: A Guide to Licensure for International Engineering Graduates. The publication provides answers to questions commonly asked by international engineering graduates about the licensure process in Ontario. The brochure will be made available to consular offices and newcomer agencies and will be sent to key stakeholders in government, including Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Charles Sousa MPP (Mississauga South), Ontario Fairness Commissioner Jean Augustine and federal Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney MP (Calgary Southeast). It highlights PEO s new initiatives to encourage engineering graduates to apply for licensure as a professional engineer in Ontario. They include: the recent improvement in the licensing process that eliminates the requirement to be a citizen or to have the status of a permanent resident of Canada to obtain a professional engineer (P.Eng.) licence; provisional licence or limited licence PEO s Engineering Intern Financial Credit Program, under which international engineering graduates with a bachelor of engineering or a bachelor of applied science degree may be eligible to apply for the P.Eng. licence at no cost. The new publication is available on the PEO website at: 2 P a g e

3 ENGINEERS MEET WITH MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING DIRECTOR Barry Steinberg, P.Eng., CEO of Consulting Engineers of Ontario and Bernie Ennis, P.Eng., PEO Director of Policy and Professional Affairs met with Brenda Lewis, Director, Building and Development Branch at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on June 26. They had an excellent meeting and discussed the Ministry s recent release of the Report of the Expert Panel on Glass Panels in Balcony Guards, referred to in the June 18 th edition of the PEO GLP Weekly. ENGINEERS NOW REQUIRED FOR VERTICAL CLOSED LOOP GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS The Ontario Government has strengthened its rules for drilling vertical closed loop geothermal systems. As reported in an article in the Canadian Consulting Engineers DAILY NEWS on July 3, the announcement came after a contractor drilling a geothermal well in Oakville struck a natural gas deposit hundreds of feet deep in the earth. The new rules have taken immediate effect under Ontario Regulation 98/12. Before drilling, geothermal installers need to obtain an environmental compliance approval for a system, consult with a certified geoscientist or engineer and develop an emergency plan. Since 2008, more than 8,800 geothermal systems have been installed in Ontario. Two stakeholder technical briefing sessions were held in June to provide the industry with an overview of Regulation 98/12, the approvals process, and to address any questions or concerns about the new requirements. The Ministry says it will continue to work with government partners, industry and stakeholders on the development of long-term solutions. To read the Canadian Consulting Engineer s article in full visit: &utm_campaign=cce-en &link_targ=dailynews Read more information on Ontario Regulation 98/12 on the Ontario Ministry of the Environment s website at: CONSULTING ENGINEERS PARTICIPATE IN DINNER MEETING WITH PC LEADER Barry Steinberg, P.Eng., Chief Executive Officer of Consulting Engineers Ontario participated in a dinner meeting with PC Leader Tim Hudak MPP (Niagara West-Glanbrook) on June 26 in Toronto. Mr. Steinberg 3 P a g e

4 is also Chair of PEO s Government Liaison Committee. The event was organized by the Ontario Construction Design Alliance, of which Mr. Steinberg is the Vice-Chair. Over 30 industry leaders participated in the discussion. Consulting Engineers of Ontario CEO Barry Steinberg, P.Eng. (far right) with PC Leader Tim Hudak (centre right) at a dinner meeting on June 27. Also in the photo is Clive Thurston, CEO Ontario General Contractors Association (far left) and Joe Accardi, P. Eng. Executive Director for the Ontario Sewer and Water Main Construction Association (centre left). FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ROUNDTABLES ON INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN VISIT TO TORONTO JULY 13 Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Denis Lebel MP (Roberval Lac-Saint-Jean) has announced that roundtables will be held across the country as part of the federal government s consultations on the long-term Infrastructure Plan. A Toronto roundtable will be held on July 13 with the Minister. Details of the announcement can be found at: The following link will take you to Engineers Canada s Infrastructure National Position Statement: Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Denis Lebel MP (Roberval Lac- Saint-Jean) 4 P a g e

5 CANADIAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION EXPLORES COLLABORATIONS WITH OCEPP AND PEO The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) met with the Ontario Centre for Engineering and Public Policy (OCEPP) and Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) on June 29 to discuss further potential linkages. Among the ideas discussed were participation by CISC in OCEPP events such as the Policy Engagement Series seminars and submission of an article for publication. CISC was among the five sponsors of OCEPP s 2012 Public Policy Conference. The Bow, a Calgary office tower, won in the engineering category of the CISC s 2012 National Steel Design Awards competition. Created in 1930, the institute represents the structural steel, open-web steel joint and steel platework manufacturing industries. Its services include training and certification programs, research grants, scholarships, technical publications and courses, and representation on committees of national and international organizations that prepare codes, standards and specifications. Every two years, the CISC holds a steel design awards competition that is open to engineers, architects, developers and other professionals and organizations. ENGINEERS CANADA RELEASES SUMMER EDITION OF ENGINEERING ON THE HILL Engineers Canada recently released their latest issue of Engineering on the Hill. It includes recent government relations activities in Ottawa and two updates of its national position statements on infrastructure, and the regulation of the profession. Visit the link below to read in full Events Attended PEO COUNCILLOR PARTICIPATES IN RECEPTION FOR EGLINTON-LAWRENCE MPP PEO East Central Regional Councillor Thomas Chong, P.Eng., participated in a reception for Eglinton- Lawrence MPP Mike Colle, Parliamentary Assistant to Minister of Children and Youth Services, on June 26 at Edo Restaurant in Toronto. Also attending the event was Mr. Colle s son, Ward 15 Toronto City Councillor Josh Colle, as well as George Teichman, P.Eng., and PEO Government Relations Consultant Howard Brown. Mr. Teichman is a former Lieutenant Governor Appointed Director of the Ontario Association of Architects and was instrumental in working with PEO on the Building Code court case. 5 P a g e

6 Mike Colle is a long-time supporter of PEO, having introduced legislation that helped facilitate the appointment of the Ontario Fairness Commissioner when he was Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. He recently met with PEO West Toronto Chapter Government Liaison Program Chair Parvin Marzban, P.Eng. From left to right is Mike Colle MPP (Eglinton-Lawrence), George Teichman, P.Eng., PEO Regional Councillor Thomas Chong, P.Eng. and Josh Colle, Toronto City Councillor (Ward 15) at a reception on June 26 in Toronto. CONSULTING ENGINEERS CEO INVITED TO BOARD OF TRADE TABLE WITH AUDITOR GENERAL Consulting Engineers of Ontario CEO Barry Steinberg, P.Eng., was a principal table guest at a Toronto Board of Trade breakfast on June 26 with Auditor General Jim McCarter. Mr. Steinberg and Mr. McCarter had an opportunity to share thoughts on issues of mutual interest. A copy of Mr. McCarter s presentation entitled Oversight in the Public Sector: Finding the Right Balance is available online at: play.cfm&contentid=8069 Auditor General Jim McCarter 6 P a g e

7 MINISTER OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING PLANTS TREE TO COMMEMORATE CANADA DAY To recognize the Ontario Trillium Foundation s recent grant of $500,000 to upgrade the cricket field surrounding Valley Park Middle School in Toronto, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Kathleen Wynne MPP (Don Valley West) planted a tree on the site to commemorate Canada Day. Hundreds of local residents participated in the Minister s Canada Day event as did PEO Government Relations Consultant Howard Brown. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Kathleen Wynne MPP (Don Valley West) plants a tree with local residents on Canada Day. FEDERAL MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES HOSTS CANADA DAY EVENT Federal Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver MP (Eglinton- Lawrence) hosted a Canada event on July 1 in Toronto. Participants included former federal Deputy Minister of Finance Stanley Hartt and former City of Toronto Ward 21 candidate (St. Paul s) Shimmy Posen. Mr. Posen is a member of the Board for the Toronto Parking Authority. PEO Government Relations Consultant Howard Brown also participated in the event. Miss Junior Philippines runner-up Britney Waito with two Toronto Police officers at Joe Oliver MP s (centre) Canada Day event. Also in the photo are former Deputy Minister of Finance Stanley Hartt (second from right) and member of the Toronto Parking Authority Board of Directors and former City Council candidate Shimmy Posen (far right). 7 P a g e

8 PEO COUNCILLOR LEADS TEAM TO BRONZE AT ONTARIO PUBLIC SERVICE DRAGON BOAT REGATTA Led by PEO East Central Region Councillor Thomas Chong, P.Eng., the Ontario Public Service (OPS) East Asian Network Group (EANG) Diversity Dragons raced at the OPS Canada Day Dragon Boat Regatta at Toronto Centre Island. The team won the Bronze Medal against 10 competing teams and over 230 paddlers. Teamwork is very important, said Mr. Chong, P.Eng., organizer of the EANG Dragon Boat team. The race could be separated by onehundredth of one second. PEO Councillor Thomas Chong, P.Eng. (back row second from left) with the Ontario Public Service (OPS) East Asian Network Group (EANG) Diversity Dragons at the OPS Canada Day Dragon Boat Regatta in Toronto at Centre Island. ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS CRITIC HOSTS CANADA DAY EVENT WITH MINISTER OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH Former federal Minister of Public Health Carolyn Bennett MP (St. Paul s) hosted a Canada Day event on July 1. Also participating was Ontario Minister of Children and Youth Services Eric Hoskins MPP (St. Paul s) as well as Toronto City Councillors Josh Matlow (Ward 22) and Joe Mihevc (Ward 21). 8 P a g e

9 Ms. Bennett, who is the Liberal s Aboriginal Affairs Critic, was a keynote speaker at the 2009 Ontario Centre for Engineering and Public Policy (OCEPP) annual conference. PEO Government Relations Consultant Howard Brown also participated in the event. Carolyn Bennett MP (St. Paul s) at her Canada Day event with Toronto City Councillors Josh Matlow (second from left) and Joe Mihevc (far right) as well as Ontario Minister of Children and Youth Services Eric Hoskins MPP (St. Paul s) (centre) and an RCMP Officer. PEO LGA COUNCILLOR SHARES PHOTOS WITH GLP WEEKLY PEO Lieutenant Governor Appointed Councillor Bill Kossta shared photos he received this week with the GLP Weekly from a May 27 th reception for Lorenzo Berardinetti MPP (Scarborough Southwest), Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General. See one of the photos below. PEO Lieutenant Governor Appointed Councillor Bill Kossta (far left) with Attorney General John Gerretsen MPP (far right), Chief of Staff to the Attorney General Sabrina Grando (centre right), and Senior Advisor to the Attorney General Mary Yoannidis (centre left) at a reception in Toronto for Lorenzo Berardinetti MPP (Scarborough Southwest), Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General. 9 P a g e

10 CONCRETE PIPE ASSOCIATION ENGINEER MEETS WITH MAYOR OF LONDON The Executive Director of the Ontario Concrete Pipe Association Gerry Mulhern, P.Eng., met with City of London Mayor Joe Fontana on June 28 to discuss economic development and job opportunities available in the London area. He was joined by Bob Brown, President of Coldstream Concrete and PEO Government Relations Consultant Howard Brown. Gerry Mulhern, P.Eng. Executive Director of the Ontario Concrete Pipe Association met with City of London Mayor Joe Fontana on June Work in Progress TALKS ARE UNDERWAY FOR THIS YEAR S PEO QUEEN S PARK DAY ON OCTOBER 17 A Queen s Park Day Committee has been struck by the PEO Government Liaison Committee to facilitate the October 17 th PEO Queen s Park Day. The committee is being chaired by Ottawa Chapter Government Liaison Program Chair Jonathan Risto, P.Eng. Ontario Attorney General John Gerretsen MPP (Kingston and the Islands), Attorney General Critics Sylvia Jones MPP (Dufferin-Caledon) and Jagmeet Singh MPP (Bramalea-Gore-Malton) are being invited as guest speakers. Ontario Attorney General John Gerretsen (left) MPP (Kingston and the Islands), Attorney General Critics Sylvia Jones (centre) MPP (Dufferin-Caledon) and Jagmeet Singh (right) MPP (Bramalea-Gore-Malton) are being invited as guest speakers for PEO s Queen s Park Day on October 17. This will be PEO s seventh Queen s Park Day since first being held in It is expected that a PEO delegation will be introduced in the Legislature that morning. As well, awards will be presented during the reception to those that have helped the PEO Government Liaison Program a success in the past year. It will also be the 90 th anniversary of PEO s founding. 10 P a g e

11 NORTHERN AND EASTERN REGIONAL GLP ACADEMIES PLANNED FOR THE FALL Jeannette Chau, P.Eng., PEO Manager of Student and Government Liaison Programs has advised that Government Liaison Program (GLP) Academies and Congresses will be held in Eastern and Northern Ontario in the Fall. MPPs will be invited to share their experiences. Previous Academies and Congresses were held in Cambridge in February and Toronto in April for the Western and East Central Regions. PEO GRAND RIVER CHAPTER LOOKING TO ORGANIZE ALL CANDIDATES MEETING FOR WATERLOO BY- ELECTION PEO Grand River Chapter Government Liaison Program (GLP) Chair Gabe Tse, P.Eng. is looking to organize an all candidates meeting for the Waterloo by-election. The need for a by-election was created by the recent appointment by Premier Dalton McGuinty of longtime Waterloo MPP Elizabeth Witmer to Chair of the Ontario Workplace Safety Insurance Board. On February 25, Ms. Witmer participated in PEO Western Region GLP Academy and Congress in Cambridge. With a date for the by-election yet to be determined, party leaders have zeroed in on the riding because a Liberal win would give a majority for the McGuinty government in legislature. Local candidates nominated include Tracey Weiler for the Progressive Conservatives, Stacey Danckert for the Green Party and the Liberals and NDP are yet to nominate their candidate. 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 2012 Naqvi Cup Basketball Tournament and Community BBQ will be July 8 from 12 to 3 p.m. The event will be held at St. Luke s Park, Frank Street, Ottawa. The event is being organized by Ottawa Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance. For more information call (613) or visit - The July Ontario Renewable Energy Mixer will be held on July 10 in Toronto. Co-hosted by the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA) and the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA), general admission includes dinner and a raffle entry. The event will be held at the OverDraught Irish Pub, 156 Front St. W., Toronto from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for members, $25 for non-members. To RSVP or for more information visit 11 P a g e

12 - The Economic Club of Canada presents the Premier of Manitoba, Greg Selinger, on July 10. The event will be held at One King West Hotel in Toronto from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $79 (+HST $10.27). For more information visit - Kitchener-Waterloo Town Hall with PC Leader Tim Hudak MPP (Niagara West-Glanbrook) on July 11 at 7 p.m. The event will be held at the St George Banquet Hall, Hall B, Conference and Events Centre, 665 King St. N., Waterloo. For more information visit - Toronto Town Hall with PC Leader Tim Hudak MPP (Niagara West-Glanbrook) on July 12 at 7 p.m. The event will be held at the Canadian Institute for the Blind (CNIB), Meeting Room 126, 1929 Bayview Ave., Toronto. For more information visit - MPP Bas Balkissoon (Scarborough-Rouge River) will host his Annual Community BBQ on July 14. The event will be held from 12 to 3 pm in the parking area of the Malvern Town Centre, 31 Tapscott Road in Scarborough. The afternoon will feature free food, refreshments, entertainment and information on the many services community organizations provide to Scarborough-Rouge River residents. For more information call (416) or bbalkissoon.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org. - An evening with MPP Bill Mauro (Thunder Bay-Atikokan) and Finance Minister Dwight Duncan MPP (Windsor-Tecumseh) on July 16. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Grano Restaurant, 2035 Yonge St., Toronto. Tickets are $600 per person. To RSVP or for more information please call (416) , ext. 517 or mauro2012@ontarioliberalfund.com. - The Tim Hudak GTA Golf Classic will be on July 25. The event will be held at The Country Club, 20 Lloyds Rd., Woodbridge from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and hosted by former Premier Mike Harris. Foursome - $8,000, Individual Golfer - $2,000. For more information visit - Ajax-Pickering MPP Joe Dickson's 19th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on July 26. The event will be held at Deer Creek Golf and Banquet Facility, 2700 Audley Road North, Ajax. To RSVP or for more information call: (905) The Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs present their 81 st Annual Summer Conference The Arab Spring: Implications & Opportunities for Canada on August 9-12 in Geneva Park, Ontario. Couchiching s 2012 summer conference will challenge Western assumptions, provide context and understanding of the region s complexities, and of the uprisings, their meaning, and their future. Most particularly, it will explore what they mean for Canada. Details on conference speakers, registration information and more can be found at conference/home. - The Consulting Engineers of Ontario (CEO) will host their 25 th Annual Golf Tournament on September 6 at the Club at Bond Head Golf Course in Bond Head. Since its inception, this golf tournament has raised over $250,000 for different charities. More details to follow. 12 P a g e

13 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 50 Club fundraiser for Vic Fedeli MPP (Nipissing) on July 6. The event will be held at Churchill s, 631 Lakeshore Dr., North Bay beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $1, 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 friendsofbas@rogers.com. - 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 Mary-Anne Quaglia at (905) or adfwmcmeekin@gmail.com. - The Annual PC Classic Golf Tournament on July 11 in support of Laurie Scott MPP (Haliburton- Kawartha Lakes Brock). The event will be held at the Lindsay Golf & Country Club, 282 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay beginning with registration at 11 a.m. The entry fee is $150 and includes lunch, golf, cart, social, auction and dinner. For more information contact Andrew Veale at (705) or hklb2012@gmail.com. - The Toronto Board of Trade presents Dr. Linda D. Sharkey, Global Managing Director and Partner, ACHIEVEBLUE Corporation and former VP of HR at GE Capital on July 17. Ms. Sharkley will discuss leadership best practices informed by key research findings highlighted in her recently released book, Winning with Transglobal Leadership. The event will be held at the Toronto Board of Trade, 77 Adelaide Street W., 4th Floor Ballroom in Toronto from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Tickets are $79 for members ($99 non-member). For more information, visit - Right To Play Tribute Dinner on July 24 at the Westin Harbour Castle, One Harbour Square Metropolitan Ballroom in Toronto. This inaugural event will honour President and CEO of RBC Financial Group Gordon M. Nixon and athletes Ernie Els, Silken Laumann, Mike Weir and Steve Yzerman. The event begins with cocktails at 6 p.m. Tickets are $750. For more information contact Karen Miller at (416) or kim.inc@rogers.com. - GTA and Central Golf Tournament with special guest Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty MPP (Ottawa South) on August 13. The tournament will be held at The Club at Bond Head, th Line, Bond Head, Ontario. Individual tickets are $800, foursome is $3,200. For more information or to RSVP contact Adam Larouche at alarouche@ontarioliberal.ca or (416) ext P a g e

14 - 4 th Annual Ontario Liberal Women s Caucus Golf Tournament on September 6. The event will be co-chaired by the Hon. Deb Matthews MPP (London North Centre) and the Hon. Kathleen Wynne MPP (Don Valley West). The event will be held at King s Riding Golf Club, Bathurst St., King City. Individual tickets are $600, foursome is $2,400. For more information or to RSVP contact Adam Larouche at alarouche@ontarioliberal.ca or (416) ext International Groundwater Conference on September 16-21, 2012 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. More details will be released in the coming weeks. - Mayor s Ball for the Arts in support of Toronto Arts Foundation on October 15. The event will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Building in Toronto. Tickets are $750. For more information contact Karen Miller at (416) or kim.inc@rogers.com. - PEO will hold its annual MPP Queen s Park Reception at the Ontario Legislature on Wednesday, October The 4 th annual True Patriot Love Tribute Dinner on November 1 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building in Toronto. This event honours and supports members of the Canadian military and their families. Guest speaker will be General Walt Natynczyk. Tickets are $1,000. For more information contact Karen Miller at (416) or kim.inc@rogers.com. 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