Saskatchewan Engineer Wayne Clifton, P.Eng., FEC Honoured for Lifetime Achievement
Regina-based engineer Wayne Clifton, P.Eng., FEC received the 2017 Beaubien Award from the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC) at a ceremony in Ottawa on October 24, 2017.
Clifton is President and CEO of Clifton Associates, the largest independent, specialist consulting engineering firm headquartered in Saskatchewan. The firm has an extensive client list across Canada and around the world. Clifton himself has consulted on more than 3,000 projects related to geotechnical and environmental issues throughout his career.
In Saskatchewan, Clifton is best known for his firm’s work on the “Big Dig,” a complex $18 million project to deepen Wascana Lake in the heart of Regina.
The Beaubien Award recognizes individuals for their lifetime contributions to ACEC and to the advancement of the consulting engineering profession and industry. The award was created by ACEC in 1984 in honour of Dr. James de Gaspé Beaubien, who founded ACEC in 1925. The Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards are considered the highest form of recognition for excellence in the consulting engineering industry.
“It is humbling to be honoured by my peers in this way. The work of an engineer is not glamorous – I just try to get the job done, solve problems and help people. I have always measured my success by the people and communities that I’ve helped. This award has given me an opportunity to reflect on those projects and all the lives they’ve touched,” said Clifton.
Clifton has worked as a Professional Engineer since 1966. His firm, Clifton Associates was founded in 1978 and now boasts six offices and 250 staff across Saskatchewan and Alberta.
“Although my name is on the door, Clifton Associates is a team effort. I would like to dedicate this award to all of the brilliant professionals with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with through the years.”
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Clifton is an adjunct professor at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina. He has authored several hundred technical reports that have been published in journals and conference proceedings.
Clifton has been active at senior levels with many industry associations including ACEC-Saskatchewan, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (now Engineers Canada).
In 2003, ACEC-SK recognized his contribution to the profession by presenting him the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Meritorious Achievement Award. He has provided leadership in the implementation of an Environmental Code as the basis for environmental regulation in Saskatchewan. He has served on the Prime Minister’s Scientific Advisory Committee, as a member of the National Research Council, and the Standards Council of Canada Advisory Committee on Trade.
Michael Walker, P.Eng., 2018 Allen D. Williams Scholarship Recipient
askatchewan’s Michael Walker, P.Eng., PE, PMP, of McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. was awarded ACEC’s 2018 Allen D. Williams Scholarship. Walker accepted the award at ACEC’s National Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards gala in Ottawa on October 24, 2017.
The scholarship is presented annually to a young professional employed by an ACEC member firm in recognition of their commitment, understanding and contribution to the consulting engineering industry. Recipients receive funding to cover registration, airfare and accommodations to attend the annual conference of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC).
The Scholarship Foundation Board was impressed with Walker’s leadership role in large complex projects, his involvement in provincial, national and international industry associations and mentorship of young professionals..
“Michael Walker has made a significant contribution to our Association since he arrived in Saskatchewan,” said Bev MacLeod, ACEC-SK executive director. “He approaches everything with an infectious enthusiasm that inspires people to fully participate in whatever he is promoting. We look forward to following his career.”.
Matt Dunn, P.Eng. Named One of CBC’s 2017 Future 40
atthew Dunn, P.Eng. has been named as one of CBC Saskatchewan 2017 Future 40 winners. The broadcaster invited the public to nominate the province’s new generation of leaders, builders and change-makers under the age of 40.
Dunn, 36, was recognized under the Science and Technology category.
Matthew Dunn is a Professional Engineer, former athlete, community leader and board member of Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track and Field. He is a proud Dene man from the Athabasca Fort Chipewyan First Nation.
Matt works tirelessly in his role as Indigenous Peoples Initiatives Co-ordinator at the University of Saskatchewan College of Engineering. His achievements include:
Dunn holds a master’s degree in engineering and has made it his life’s mission to encourage and support Indigenous peoples to consider and enter the sciences, specifically engineering. He is the Chair of Engineers Canada’s Equitable Participation in Engineering Committee. He is on the APEGS Equity & Diversity Committee and Indigenous subcommittee. He has been instrumental in starting a Canadian Indigenous Advisory Council to the American Indian Science and Engineering Society to encourage youth to enter into the sciences and engineering. He is also a former recipient of the prestigious Indspire Award that celebrates and encourages excellence in the Indigenous community.