Kristen Darr, P.Geo.
As I focus on writing my first President’s Message and highlighting the APEGS 91st Annual Meeting and Professional Development Conference, I must first take the opportunity to thank Past-President Drew Lockwood, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.).
In an unprecedented year of challenges and unknowns, Drew led the association with a positive and steady outlook and always leveraging engaging humour at just the right moments. In Drew’s words, the “peaceful transfer of power” occurred on May 1, 2021 at the annual meeting.
A huge thank you goes out to the entire APEGS staff and so many tireless volunteers who pulled off such a successful virtual annual meeting and a well-attended professional development week leading up to the AGM.
Our professional development conference had approximately 379 members who attended professional development opportunities throughout the week. As much as we are all looking forward to the days when we can hold such events face to face again, there is no doubt APEGS will continue to look for opportunities to engage with members virtually, allowing a broader participation in our events.
As usual, the professional development opportunities at this year’s conference were excellent. With the opportunity to attend online keynote addresses or track sessions that included ethics, self-regulation or future energy opportunities in Saskatchewan, there was something for everyone.
The annual business meeting had a a good turnout with 186 voting members in attendance. The membership passed some significant bylaws, including the reduction in council size and changes to the council nomination process.
The ratification of some core bylaw changes allows APEGS to move forward with implementation of outcomes from the Governance Change Project over the coming year. This implementation will be a key focus area for staff, council and many volunteers in 2021 and I look forward to continuing the work that began over a year and a half ago.
In many ways, the heavy lifting has been done and focus will turn to planning and implementation. I expect the year ahead to be another busy year as we work through change, with the anticipation of the accomplishments and value that will be delivered at the end of the project.
APEGS is well on its way to a more modernized governance structure which will increase APEGS’ transparency and the public’s confidence in APEGS’ role of self-regulation and public protection in Saskatchewan.
Congratulations and welcome to the new councillors. You are coming in at an exciting time and the knowledge and engagement you will bring will have an impact on the association well into the future. To the returning councillors, I value each of your perspectives and enthusiasm as we lead through change.
Congratulations and a thank you to Shawna Argue, P.Eng. FEC, FGC (Hon.), Director of Registration, who will be retiring from her staff role at APEGS at the end of May. Shawna has been instrumental in so many areas for the association and will be dearly missed. However, as a past-president, we know Shawna will not be able to get too far or stay away for too long.
I look forward with excitement and hope to serve as APEGS’ president this year, engaging with our volunteers, members and many stakeholders as we set our sights on a return to normal. I thank you for the opportunity to serve.
P.S. – As a P.Geo., I want to give a personal acknowledgement to the profession and congratulate Geoscientists Canada on its 25th anniversary.