here - Engineers Without Borders Canada

SYSTEMIC INNOVATIONS
FROM ENGINEERS CANADA
As Engineers Canada’s chief executive officer, I am proud to support Engineers Without Borders’
2012 National Conference.
I am pleased to see that the conference’s Global Engineering Symposium 2.0 is focusing on “What is
the evolving role of the engineer in the 21st Century, and how can engineers grow to fulfill it”. This
is a very important subject that demands the profession’s attention. Technology and other factors
are demanding a new breed of engineer, and the profession must adapt accordingly. The
educational landscape is evolving rapidly, and we need to identify the impact of these changes and
what we, as a profession, are going to do to stay on top of it.
Students have a broader range of educational options than ever before. Engineering education now
takes more of a multi-disciplinary approach, focusing on ethics, business principles and
communication skills in addition to a strong foundation in engineering knowledge.
And with today’s world being much smaller we are increasingly less able to work or live in isolation.
The profession requires a deeper understanding of the underlying trends that are impacting our
world. We need to examine global issues and understand how they might shape our profession and
find out what is the best way forward so we can continue to maintain the highest standards in
protecting the public.
I commend and am impressed with Engineers Without Borders’ accomplishments and with the fact
that they are addressing such important questions. The organization’s excellent combination of the
problem solving skills of engineers with an approach that puts local innovation and leadership at the
heart of their work has yielded international success. I am honoured that Engineers Canada, on
behalf of the profession, is sponsoring the 2012 Engineers Without Borders National Conference.
Sincerely,
Chantal Guay, ing., P.Eng., M.Env.
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