KEYSTONE PROFESSIONAL - THIS ISSUE - Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba
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KEYSTONE
The official
THE
publication
of Engineers
PROFESSIONAL
Geoscientists
Manitoba
SUMMER 2021
THIS ISSUE
Association Survey
Explores Impact
of Pandemic
International
Candidates Find New
Paths to Licensure
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1 877 598-2273
Summer 2021
Published by Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba
870 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 2M7
Phone: 204-474-2736 Fax: 204-474-5960
E-mail: Info@EngGeoMB.ca
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba – Council
Jason Mann, P.Geo. (President),
J. Paliwal, P.Eng., FEC (Past President),
A. Silk, P.Eng., FEC, (Vice-President),
N. Klassen, CET, C. Lashek, P.Eng., K. Levesque, EIT,
The official publication of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba
C. McDonald, L. Murphy, P.Geo., C. Paculan, J. Sawatzky, P.Eng.,
S U M M E R 2 02 1
I. Smallwood, P.Eng., E. Teklemariam, P.Eng., FEC,
S. Verma, M. Wadelius, P.Eng., I. Witkowska, P.Eng.
Chairs – Boards & Committees
R. Stoesz, CPA – Audit
A. Aftanas, P.Eng., FEC – Awards
J. Gunning, P.Eng., FEC – Continuing Competency
D. Spangelo, P.Eng., FEC – Discipline FEATURES
10
J. Betke, P.Eng., FEC – Experience Review
C. McDonald - Finance
G. Cook, P.Eng.(SM), FEC – Heritage Association Survey Explores Impact of Pandemic
R. Herrmann, P.Eng., FEC – Indigenous Professionals Initiative
J. Paliwal, P.Eng., FEC – Nominating
A. Pawlikewich, P.Eng., FEC – Public Interest Review
P. Bernatsky, P.Eng. – Registration
2021 Spaghetti Bridge 20
22
C. Mazurek, P.Eng. – Sports and Social
D. Nedohin-Macek, P.Eng., FEC – Engineers Canada Director
D. Bell, P.Geo., FGC – Geoscientists Canada Director International Candidates Find New Paths to Licensure
K. Harb, P.Eng. – Arab Members Chapter
Y. Zhou, EIT – Chinese Members Chapter
G. Muluye, P.Eng. – Ethio-Eritrean Members Chapter
G. Batara, P.Eng. – Filipino Members Chapter
A. Dey, P.Eng. – India Members Chapter
G. Page, P.Eng., FEC – Indigenous Members Chapter
DEPARTMENTS AND COLUMNS
V. Adindu, P.Eng. – Nigeria Members Chapter
Vacant - Northern Members Chapter President’s Message 5
W. Hassan, EIT – Pakistan Members Chapter
CEO’s Message 7
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba Manitoba Trailblazers 8
– Management
G. Koropatnick, P.Eng., FEC – CEO and Registrar Geology and Society 14
S. Sankar, P.Eng., FEC – Director of Admissions
M. Gregoire, P.Eng., FEC – Director of Professional Relations Member Profile 16
L. Stepnuk, EIT – Director of Equity and Representation
S. Sarna – Director of Government Relations Committee Spotlight 25
I. Wiebe – Manager of Finance and IT
A. Moore, FEC (Hon.) – Manager of Operations Government Relations 26
Keystone Professional Committee News and Notes 28
C. Cousin, P.Eng., (Chair)
K. Dodds, P.Eng., Y. Mouzahem, EIT, A. Rakhra, P.Eng., Member Updates 30
R. Reichelt, P.Geo.(SM), FGC, S. Secter, P.Eng.,
L. Stewart, P.Geo., D. Strang, P.Eng., FEC Closing Notes 32
Advertiser Product & Service Centre 33
The Keystone Professional Committee would like
to hear from you. Please e-mail your comments to:
Info@EngGeoMB.ca. Practitioners are also encouraged
to submit articles and photos on topics that would be of
Publication
interest to the membership. management and
Although the information contained in this publication production by:
Send change of address to:
is believed to be correct, no representation or warranty, Managing Editor: Reba Lewis
expressed or implied, is made as to its accuracy and 3rd Floor - 2020 Portage Avenue The Keystone Professional,
Winnipeg, MB R3J 0K4 Art Design/Production: Tabitha Robin Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba,
completeness. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those
Ph: 204-985-9780 Fax: 204-985-9795 Marketing Manager: Jeff Kutny 870 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg, MB, R3M 2M7
held by Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba or the Engineers
Geoscientists Manitoba Council. E-mail: info@kelman.ca Advertising Coordinator: Stefanie Hagidiakow E-mail: Info@EngGeoMB.ca
www.kelman.ca www.EngGeoMB.ca
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba recognizes that
Winnipeg is on Treaty 1 territory,
the territory of the Anishinaabeg, the Nehiyaw, the Publications Mail Agreement #40065075. Return undeliverable copies to: lauren@kelman.ca
Oji-Cree, the Dakota, and the Dene Peoples and on the
Homeland of the Métis Nation.
Cover Photo: Some of the many submissions
received from our Centennial Colouring Contest.
See page 31 for the list of winners.
Available in alternate formats upon request
HIRE A STUDENT GET AN ENGINEERING CO-OP/IIP STUDENT WORKING FOR YOU. Employers hire Price Faculty of Engineering Co-op/IIP students because: • Students are skilled and motivated • They’re able to work flexible contracts from 4 to 16 months • More hiring incentives are now available engineeringcoop@umanitoba.ca umanitoba.ca/engineering/programs/coopiip
President’s Message
Jason Mann, P.Geo.
Landmarks
Most of us can likely pick out key
events in our lives where we experienced When I work with historical engineering or
a turning point that changed the direction
of our circumstances. One may have been
geoscience studies, their outcomes often remind me
a graduation; another perhaps becoming a that skilled and careful engineers and scientists got
licensed professional. Some other moments
probably required heavy decisions. Safe to
it right back then. They achieved the right outcomes
say all of us have something in common without the advanced tools we have now.
since the last year or so. We all had some
part in the recent transformation of how and
where we practise during a global pandemic. this has altered how we undertake our When I work with historical engineering
It will be interesting to measure how it all professions. These remote capabilities have or geoscience studies, their outcomes
plays out in the end. kept us moving forward, kept us working often remind me that skilled and careful
There are undoubtedly pandemic effects, together, but in a different way. Digital engineers and scientists got it right. They
personally and professionally, that have access in recent history (and especially achieved the right outcomes without the
arisen; these are important and require most recently) has also given all of us an advanced tools we have now. As the tools
care, but will not be detailed in this note. entry to new knowledge and resources. evolve, rapidly these days, our professions
Professionally, I have sincerely missed The same access to technologies and are not immune to disruption going
interacting directly with my colleagues digital solutions is also likely to create forward. The future is key, and it is bright
and project teammates. As your President, disruption. It is no longer “business as for the professions. As practitioners, we will
I have certainly enjoyed attending various usual”, and we will need to be ready and need to continue to promote our relevance
virtual Association chapter events and able to adapt to the changes and the in creating, guiding, and using technology
Engineers Canada engagements, meeting challenges. The industry might shift to in the right ways. Because whichever way it
new faces, and having new discussions. But embrace a technology-enabled on- goes in the end, I also believe that, as in the
unfortunately, at least so far, during my term demand workforce, and possibly also move past, the best solutions arise from trained
I have not been able to do this in person. This further toward creating solutions derived and experienced hands.
I have missed as well. by algorithms. As this develops, there is no If you have any questions or
All of us have worked remotely or digitally doubt that creativity and innovation will comments, please e-mail me at
in some capacity this past year or more, and guide us through. President@EngGeoMB.ca.
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KEYSTONE PROFESSIONAL
THE
6
SUMMER 2021
CEO's Message
G. Koropatnick, P.Eng., FEC, CEO & Registrar
It’s a Marathon
This pandemic is proving to It’s a natural human reaction to • Gathered missing data along the
be a longer run than I expected. It’s grow tired after enduring a long “leaky pipeline”.
turning out to be a marathon! Is anyone period of hardships like the ones • Launched the Manitoba 2030 Coalition
getting tired of the restrictions? Tired caused by the pandemic. Some have and formed the Education Sub-
of being forced to change personal it tougher than others, but we’re all Committee.
habits and practices to stay safe? What trying to find ways to keep going. We • Grew participation among key
about working from home – how’s that hope the finish line appears soon. stakeholders in industry, government,
going? Are the kids in the classroom and at secondary and post-secondary
or are they back doing online learning Another Marathon educational institutions, including
at the kitchen table? Hang in there – I’m reminded of another marathon students and parents.
it’s a marathon. Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba A lot has been accomplished in a short
If you’re like me, I’m sure you’ve started four years ago. In 2017, time, but there is still a long road ahead.
grown tired of the daily news reports Council moved to embark on the The most recent data indicates that in
and the moment-by-moment coverage long journey of balancing the gender Manitoba the numbers are changing
of the pandemic on the World Wide disparity in the profession. At the gradually. In 2017 we had 11.4% women,
Web. It’s hard to keep up with the time, one councillor said, “We’ll never 2018 was 11.7%, 2019 was 12.4%, and in
number of vaccines, variants, data, get there, if we don’t get started.” 2020 we reached 12.7% women. At this
and expert commentators. I viewed a Everyone in the room that day shared rate, it will take decades to achieve half or
television news story from a well-known this sentiment and so the long 50% women in EngGeoMB. But this effort
news service that put the title “Scientist marathon began. is a marathon and we must continue on
and Science Commentator” below the It has been an exciting four the path of fitting ourselves with the
speaker’s name. I get nervous when I years with many accomplishments training, tools, fuel, and fundamentals to
see that. I’ve got a BSc and can make in a short time. Did you know win the marathon. The prize is worth this
a few science-based comments, but that the Association has achieved sustained, long term effort.
that doesn’t qualify me to comment on the following?
infectious viruses. I’d rather hear from • Created the Equity and Reflecting Society
Dr. Teresa Tam or Dr. Anthony Fauci, or Representation department. It is an important quality for a group
some other MD, epidemiologist, or virus • Designed and launched new to reflect society. This demonstrates
researcher. However, the news channels webpages on the Association’s that a group functions with awareness
are grabbing at anyone who looks good, website. Check them out: www. of what is going on around them. It
sounds good, and can say something enggeomb.ca/DismantlingBias.html is the same for a profession. Doctors,
tantalizing. Be careful – don’t succumb • Developed and launched the Girl lawyers, accountants, engineers, and
to the plethora of bad information Power campaign. Check it out: others must reflect society in order
out there. www.girlpoweristheanswer.ca to be effective servants of society.
Without this commitment, a profession
and professionals can lose step and
be out of “sync” with the people it is
It’s a natural human reaction to grow tired after called to serve. This is why EngGeoMB
enduring a long period of hardships like the ones is attempting to balance the extreme
gender disparity.
caused by the pandemic. Some have it tougher Your feedback is invited and
than others, but we’re all trying to find ways to keep welcomed. If you have any thoughts on
anything you read in the KP, please
going. We hope the finish line appears soon. e-mail me at GKoropatnick@EngGeoMB.ca.
Have a great day!
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Manitoba
Trailblazers
MELANIE MULDER celebrated and promoted women in that, had he been exposed earlier, it
Melanie Mulder leadership through it all. would have sped up his current choice
graduated with a While faced with a terminal illness, in geology. His goal is to teach kids
Bachelor in Mel met with various individuals from more about geology and get them
Mechanical the engineering community and interested in science and learning
Engineering from the University of Manitoba to in general. Josh visits classrooms
from the understand the requirements to initiate from grades 3 to 7 with hopes to get
University of an engineering bursary. With help from kids interested in geology through
Manitoba in 1998 a small advisory committee after her presentations and hands-on activities.
and immediately death in 2020, a perpetual fund was set He also volunteers during Provincial
began a successful career at up to provide for female engineering Engineering and Geoscience Week
StandardAero. For the first few years, students in need of financial where, each year, he develops new
Mel worked as a welding process support. The successful launch of the activities for kids to learn about
engineer, learning to become a Melanie Mulder Bursary for Women his passion. The engagement and
subject matter expert in various in Engineering was a final meaningful excitement he gets from students
joining processes for a wide variety of contribution to her profession and is when they ask questions and want
metals and superalloys. To gain indicative of her determination and to know more is what really makes it
practical leadership skills, Mel commitment to trailblazing. worthwhile for him.
accepted a role working as a
production cell leader, where she JOSHUA MYERS, GIT SUMAN SURI, P.ENG.
managed a team of plating Josh has always It was a dream for
technicians and was responsible for all loved rocks and her parents to
production work passing through the minerals. As a see her as an
plating cell, an area that required child, he read engineer, which
additional safety and security books, asked complemented
measures due to the use of questions, and her interest in
chemicals. She would become the collected rocks. science and
director of engineering where she His boxes mathematics
worked hard to develop and improve overflowed with courses in high
technical collaboration with Red River various rocks and minerals. This turned school. Being naturally curious and
College and the University of into a passion and career as an deductive, she gravitated toward
Manitoba, in addition to her daily environmental scientist with Parsons engineering in college.
duties. She spent her entire career of Inc. Since graduating from the After studying engineering, Suri
20 years committed to StandardAero University of Manitoba with a Bachelor opted to teach. Teaching was her passion
and, in that time, made an of Science in Geology, Josh has become and engineering was her interest; this
extraordinary impact on many involved with volunteering and combination inspired her to achieve
individuals, whether a fellow teaching students about geoscience. success in professoriate positions.
engineer, a technician, security staff, Never having access to any geoscience- After coming to Canada in
or executive. She provided thoughtful related classes throughout his 2016 as an internationally trained
guidance and mentorship, and schooling, he wholeheartedly believes engineer, it was difficult for her to
KEYSTONE PROFESSIONAL
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8
SUMMER 2021
find employment in her desired CORY VITT, P.ENG. employers in the province and is
engineering field due to licensing Cory Vitt has actively involved with other
requirements. In 2018, she fulfilled the spent the last Winnipeg-based advocacy groups.
requirement to become an engineer- 20 years building In 2005, Cory was the youngest
in-training and eventually landed her positive paths Canadian Indigenous person to
dream job. She recently earned her and being a role graduate with an undergraduate
professional engineer designation model. Cory is engineering degree and was awarded
and works as an application engineer Métis, self- the National Métis Role Model from
at New Flyer Industries. She also identifies as the national council. Cory is working
volunteers on the India Members Two-Spirited, on their fourth university program;
Chapter Executive. non-binary, queer, and uses they/ they hold a Bachelor of Science in
To her, engineering is the building them pronouns. Recently, Cory Civil Engineering from the University
block of change; she believes advocated with the Manitoba Métis of Manitoba, a Master’s of Structural
that engineers don’t just identify Federation for inclusive gender Engineering, which was funded
problems but work towards solutions. options and was one of the first Métis by NSERC, from the Asian Institute
EVERY ENGINEER
She is proud to be an engineer
and wears the iron ring on her
finger to inspire others to become
citizens to receive non-binary
identification. Cory is the chair of the
gender/sexual diversity (2SLGBTQ
of Technology, and two certificate
programs. Cory specializes in the field
of drinking water, with over 12 years
AND GEOSCIENTIST
problem solvers. plus) network for one of the largest in government.
HAS A STORY.
Watch ours at MyStory.EngGeoMB.ca
High Voltage
Energy
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Electrical
Engineering
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A S S O C I AT I O N S U R V E Y
Explores Impact of the
Pandemic on its Practitioners
By R. Lewis and C. Cousin, P.Eng.
I
t is hard to believe that we are a year Impact on Business evolving our surgical technologies, but
and a few months into what most If there is one area of life that has not certain business aspects went into a state
had hoped would be – at best – two remained untouched by the pandemic, of pseudo-paralysis,” said Pacak.
weeks of a novel coronavirus outbreak. it would be that of livelihoods. While In this new reality of uncharted territory,
Instead, “two weeks to slow the spread” engineering and geoscience were and with in-person demonstrations of their
has turned into what is now being recognized as essential services, there products no longer feasible, Pacak and his
referred to as the Third Wave in a year- was a decrease in private sector work business partners still managed to find a
long pandemic of business shutdowns, as long-term capital investments novel way to conduct a demonstration for
government-mandated mask orders, paused, and some sectors, including the the team in Boston.
and the ever-looming possibility for new aerospace industry, were deeply affected. “We set up a local demonstration with
lockdowns. Despite the prolonged period Many businesses have managed to multiple cameras that would live stream in
of uncertainty, many are looking to the weather the storms of both the first and parallel, both inside the surgical subject,
release of new vaccines in hope that life, second waves; others, however, have not and externally. This allowed the team in
as they once knew it, would return to fared as well. Some small businesses that Boston to see our instruments working in
some semblance of normalcy. For many, relied on remaining open to keep afloat real time as they directed our surgeons,
the current “new normal” has come with were forced to permanently shutter. who became the hands for them,” said
its ebbs and flows as things continue to Other businesses have had to deal with Pacak. “They watched the instruments do
change with each coming day and little to disruptions in the supply chain, while everything in real time from all different
no guarantees of exactly what the future others decided to shift focus. perspectives. In a way, it was almost a
will look like in a few weeks, let alone One such business is the InnovoXL better demonstration than it would have
another year. Group of Companies whose Co-Owner, been in-person.”
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba President, and CEO, John Pacak, P.Eng., Pacak and his company have also found
wanted to get a sense of how its formed the company in 2014. As its name other ways to leverage their products in the
practitioners, and their businesses, suggests, InnovoXL operates with the face of challenges. One such product was
careers, and personal lives, have goal of innovation through business its proprietary spectrometer, which has a
been impacted by the pandemic. The and product development, bringing higher resolution and a higher sensitivity
Association dispatched a survey to gain new technologies to the market. At the than other spectrometer technologies – the
further insight, with some of the survey’s height of the pandemic, the company core selling features of the technology.
respondents expressing a willingness to was heavily focused on developing two While the platform technology is used in
discuss their responses in more detail. Of technologies – one for laparoscopic several applications, the goal behind this
the responses received, almost 46% were surgical procedures and the other for product was rapid bacteria detection,
from women, 48% were from men, while high-resolution spectroscopy. While sifting the good from the bad.
just over 2.5% of the respondents were preparing for clinical studies in Boston, “When we started that development, we
non-binary, or chose not to self-identify, which also happened to be a coronavirus realized there would be a high regulatory
respectively. Some of the survey’s hotspot, those studies had to be put hurdle to overcome. We decided to
respondents were selected to be further on hold. approach non-medical and non-diagnostic
interviewed. This article dissects some “There was an overall drop in sales applications first. We went into the
of those responses, specifically as they of surgical products of up to 80% for agricultural space, using our spectrometer
relate to business, careers, education, certain businesses, and our company had to identify spectral signatures in the
infrastructure and environmental to slow down tremendously. We were sorting of grains, allowing us to analyze
impacts, and personal well-being. still moving forward developing and every kernel, one by one, characterizing
KEYSTONE PROFESSIONAL
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SUMMER 2021them, and then sorting them based on transitioned into new workplaces have “It is hard to get a good, strong
quality characteristics such as protein struggled with guidance and developing feeling for levels of engagement at
and carbohydrate content, and removing a sense of belonging with coworkers they times”, Dietrich said. “Nobody turns on
kernels infected by diseases such as have yet to meet in person. It has been their cameras and students tend to be
fusarium. This will be, essentially, the difficult for some to remain engaged, as non-vocal. A few students sometimes
world’s fastest and most advanced sorting this period of working from home has put comments into the chat box.”
technology,” said Pacak. persisted much longer than most would Programs like engineering, Dietrich
When the government reached out have anticipated. This “has turned into believes, are extremely demanding
to companies seeking help from them a marathon that is slowly wearing me and the tendency with online learning
to manufacture personal protective down”, noted one respondent. Many felt to be geared toward continued partial
equipment and other technologies to the loss of water-cooler chats, informal awareness does not lend itself to being
help combat COVID-19, InnovoXL was able connections, and meetings, which often fully engaged. Despite this, Dietrich sees
to offer its bacteria detection technology sparked creativity and collaboration. these challenges as growing pains for
and adjusted it for high-speed detection There was a marked increase in those remote learning and, while in-person
of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. relying on online tools such as Zoom and instruction is still important, he isn’t
From this interaction, Adva Diagnostics Microsoft Teams for meetings. Almost convinced that the classic methods
and Lexim Biophotonics were born. 70% of the respondents stated that of instruction are necessarily better.
Lexim has developed what is essentially they relied on such tools during their “I strongly feel that we need to redefine
the world’s most efficient UV-sterilizing day, and almost 80% of respondents the rules of engagement in online
technology, which the company is expect these tools to become the norm learning”, he said.
incorporating into all types of air- even after they have returned to the Dietrich appreciates the value of the
purification systems. This technology has workplace. Many survey respondents remote learning paradigm. For one,
also enabled them to create the world’s noted increased cohesion among project students can access those resources
first fully reusable UV-sterilizing mask. teams as they meet virtually. Travel time whenever they need them, and they
and expenses for meetings have been have the opportunity to pause or rewind
Impact on Careers and Professional Life eliminated – a huge benefit to bottom to work out an equation or a concept
Whether one has had the good fortune lines and schedules. that they may have otherwise missed in
of simply pivoting to work from home or While over 90% of respondents were the classroom setting.
being requested by one’s employer to able to keep working, the challenge Of course, the other side of
take a few days leave without pay – which remains yet for those who have lost education comes after university.
has been the case for some government jobs in what one survey respondent Engineers are required to fulfil a
employees – to a more sobering reality described as a “soft market”. ompanies certain number of credit hours of
of temporary or permanent layoffs, every such as Pacak’s InnovoXL, however, professional development (PD). While
employee and family has felt the effects are forecasting growth rates of over a majority of the survey’s respondents
ushered in by the pandemic. Among 100% in the near future, which could expressed difficulty in keeping up
those surveyed, many found working potentially spell new opportunities for with the requirements of their work
from home to be an adjustment, while out-of-work engineers. schedules, family responsibilities, and
others welcomed the change of pace and PD, respondents noted an increased
environment. For parents, however, caring Impact on Education availability of online resources to
for children or homeschooling while It is hard to imagine the grounds of facilitate PD since the pandemic.
trying to maintain work schedules had education facilities void of the hustle and
become a juggling act. bustle of students running from one class Impact on Infrastructure
While several survey respondents to another, professors with doors wide and the Environment
remarked that the reduction in face-to- open awaiting student-hour visits, or any While so many aspects of business
face interactions with colleagues was of the other activities associated with have been negatively affected by
something they had missed, others had campus life. And yet, when the pandemic the pandemic, construction work on
come to terms with their new reality, hit, what would have been hard to infrastructure continued. Infrastructure
finding it, in many ways, more productive fathom became a glaring reality. within the province has been largely
than being in the office setting. Others, With classrooms closed, universities supported by government funding to
still, found the experience of strictly and other higher education institutions the tune of millions of dollars. In fact,
communicating via e-mail and text across the province resorted to online one respondent, Angela Meier, P.Eng.,
message challenging. As one survey forums to fulfil course requirements. Manitoba Central Services’ Chief of
respondent commented: it is “hard to read James Dietrich, P.Eng., engineer-in- Operations for the Water Services Branch
the intent of e-mails and text messages”. residence at the University of Manitoba’s in Brandon has seen infrastructure gain
Some managers have struggled Price Faculty of Engineering compared a new lease on life since the pandemic
to assess the effectiveness and the shift from in-person to online classes hit. She believes that this boost is a good
accountability of staff working remotely, to sometimes feeling like engaging with a investment in jumpstarting the economy
while junior staff and those who have blank screen. again. Brandon is not the only area of
click HERE to return to table of contents 11an increase in frustration and irritability
with the ever-changing mandates,
while others felt uneasy or uncertain.
For business owners like Pacak, work-
life balance during the pandemic has
become a little more out of reach as his
business goes through the birth pains
of new projects that require a great
deal of time. “I have always worked
hard, but this is taking it to a new level.
Quite often, I am working till midnight
or later. We take a few hours after
school with our kids, but it is definitely
far more work than is probably healthy.
the province that has seen construction Impact on Well-Being Regaining that work-life balance is
projects. Workers have been busy In a pre-pandemic world, the concept of something I am definitely looking
maintaining infrastructure in other work-life balance was frequently on the forward to”, said Pacak.
areas too. Another survey respondent lips of almost every employee striving Meier has chosen the approach
noted, however, that post-construction to meet the commitments of work and of gratitude for the opportunity to
inspections had been suspended and home. In the wake of the pandemic, have time with family, while still being
another that new construction projects while this concept hasn’t changed, it has employed. “I felt so fortunate to stay
have been down over the past year become more of a nuanced conversation. working and remain busy and to not
resulting in a loss of business. Dietrich For many, the opportunity to spend have experienced the effects of being
believes the future of infrastructure is more time with family playing games, laid off. So, I don’t want to complain
closely tied to the environment and has having meals, or simply watching a movie about it, but I know of others that
the potential to support our desire to together has been one of the blessings of were much more affected than I was”,
travel and explore. the pandemic. Those blessings, however, she said.
At the beginning of the pandemic, are not without their stumbling blocks. As difficult as it was to transition
there were several stories about a For those working from home, carving work practices at the beginning of
reduction in air pollution and cleaner out uninterrupted time to focus on the the pandemic, there will be further
waterways as people were commuting day’s duties is sometimes challenging, challenges in transitioning back to
less, and travel for business and pleasure particularly in situations where the those traditional workplace practices.
had ground to a halt. In fact, over 85% workspace is shared. Other respondents “My sincere wish is that we extract
of survey respondents remarked that found that they were able to allot more the best insights from what we’re all
travel for business was affected by time to hobbies and ambitions such as experiencing through this disruption
the pandemic. As life slowly shifted adopting a regular workout routine, while of our formerly normal lives and then
back to a more familiar routine with others found themselves exercising less, integrate that in a new way of being
businesses reopening and many and working more. that’s healthy and better for all”,
employees returning to the office, those “We have blurred the lines between said Dietrich.
environmental stories lessened. They our work lives and our professional lives
are, however, regaining momentum. and I’m not sure if that’s healthy. I can Unequal Impacts
“I think that we’re in a transition of certainly acknowledge the benefits of it The economy has been discussed
climate change and disruption, and I as it allows some flexing, but when there’s in the news lately as going through
believe that the contributing factors always a big to-do list and no stepping a potentially K-shaped recovery.
are in the ways that we engage with back from it, that alone can be stressful”, Those who were doing well before
our environment and we need to revisit said Dietrich. the pandemic are doing even better
that”, said Dietrich. For some, the decrease in social now, while those who were struggling
As many employees have been activities and interactions, not being able before have been the hardest hit. It is
working from home with limited to get together with extended family and interesting to note that the divergence
access to office equipment such as elderly parents proved challenging, in evident in the survey responses and
photocopiers, scanners, etc., printing some cases leading to depression, in other comments indicates that a similar
became a luxury that many learned cases, a marked increase in alcohol and/or divergence is happening in responses
to live without. While the concept of tobacco consumption. to workplace changes due to COVID-19.
going paperless has been a topic for Some respondents noted The pre-existing conditions that have
years among businesses, the changes improvements in sleep patterns and impacted our responses appear to be
in routine have essentially forced the ability to get more sleep with primarily stage-of-life and personality
companies and their employees into a commute times now non-existent. Other traits. Those who have struggled most
predominantly digitized space. respondents remarked that they had felt with the change to working from home
KEYSTONE PROFESSIONAL
THE
12
SUMMER 2021transitioning to remote learning, daycares had the opportunity to do in the past.
Has business been lost and/or closed, and grandparents not available It’s the one thing that Meier would like
gained because of the pandemic? to help with childcare, the situation to see the Association continue to offer
was extremely difficult for parents to in the future.
manage. With children at home and Others surveyed responded that they
Not significantly affected
schooling falling to some parents, work enjoyed having access to the weekly
Gained
often had to be completed once children newsletter and expressed interest in
Both lost and gained
were in bed, which isn’t sustainable in the expanded PD opportunities that
Lost a healthy way. Some individuals were promoted work-life balance and mental
much more affected by the loss of social health. For a few respondents, case
interaction than others, and, anecdotally, studies that explore a creative approach
it seems that younger individuals living to getting work done, financial
12%
alone, as well as social extroverts have incentives for home-gym equipment,
struggled with loneliness and a sense and support or sponsorship of group
of disconnection. wellness activities are things they would
19% like the Association to consider offering
Role of the Association in the future.
55% In conducting this survey, Engineers
Geoscientists Manitoba wanted to The Keystone Professional Committee
14% get to the heart of the issues and would like to thank those who took
challenges facing its practitioners over the time to respond to the survey
the past year. And many of the survey’s regarding the impacts of COVID-19. While
respondents expressed satisfaction acknowledging that the results reflect
with the Association’s response to the only the experiences of those who chose to
rapidly changing situation. For some participate in the survey, a large number
include parents with young children, as respondents, it was the ability to virtually of the comments provided by respondents
the impacts of last spring on their lives attend the annual conference; something offered greater insight into what they
cannot be understated. With schools that many out-of-city dwellers have not have experienced this past year.
EVERY
ENGINEER AND
GEOSCIENTIST
HAS A STORY.
Watch ours at
MyStory.EngGeoMB.ca
click HERE to return to table of contents 13GEOLOGY AND SOCIET Y
Interplanetary Geology
By R. Reichelt, P.Geo.(SM), FGC
D
id you know that when more closely observe conditions on
the United States National the Moon and other planets. To date,
Aeronautics and Space Agency more than 200 probes have been
(NASA) landed its Perseverance rover launched to observe the Moon and
on Mars on February 18, 2021, the the other planets in the solar system.
Mega Speed, a high-speed camera and The planets have been examined with
accompanying software on the rover, visible light, thermal imaging, and
were supplied by Canadian Photonic radar imaging.
Labs of Minnedosa, Manitoba?1 This The images sent back have been
brought to mind the question of how do truly spectacular. Two of the methods
geoscientists investigate the geology used to determine the underlying
of planets other than earth? There are geology from the images are:
three main ways to do this:
• Remote observation Geomorphology of a planet’s
• Robotic landers on the planet surface can point out mountains, Figure 1: Mars, photo taken by the OSIRIS
instrument on the ESA Rosetta spacecraft
• Manned missions to the planet plains, canyons, and other features. during its February 2007 mission.
These features can often give a Photo credit: ESA/Rosetta/NavCam
Remote Observation fairly specific indication of the
Geoscientists can tell a lot about the underlying geology. For example,
geology of a place by examining Mons Olympus on Mars is clearly Robotic Landers
photos obtained using remote a volcano, thus we can surmise More direct observations can be made
sensing technologies. In the case of that the geology is volcanic. In by sending robotic landers to the
extraterrestrial bodies, this is often some cases we can see features Moon and the other planets in the
the first, and possibly only, means that are clearly due to erosion and solar system. So far, 14 landers have
we have of obtaining information on deposition, suggesting the presence successfully landed on the Moon and
their geology. of sedimentary rocks. Deep 31 landers and probes have landed
Observing other planets in our examination of the features can also on other planets in the solar system,
solar system using telescopes based give clues to the geologic history of including five that have landed
on the earth has encountered many a planet. on asteroids and two that landed
problems. In the case of Mars, the Italian on comets. Many launches have
astronomer, Giovanni Schiaparelli saw Spectral analysis of the light failed between the launch pad and
features in 1877 that he called canali, reflecting off the planet’s surface or the target.
channels in Italian. Percival Lowell, its atmosphere is another important Sending robots to other planets
an American astronomer, thought technique to understanding the can be risky. While the landers on the
that he saw canals (i.e. artificially built geology of other planets. Some Moon and Mars have done fairly well
features) on Mars through his telescope are pretty obvious, for example, in terms of lasting long enough to
in 1894. Such was his prestige and the red colour of the Martian soil is give plenty of information, the same
some people’s wish to see evidence probably due to iron oxide and the cannot be said for missions to other
of extraterrestrial life that Lowell’s yellow colour of Jupiter’s moon, Io, planets. In the case of the probes sent
observations fed a host of science is apparently due to sulphur. Other to Venus, most have transmitted for
fiction, such as H.G. Wells War of the analyses have led to astonishing only a short time before the harsh
Worlds. However, other astronomers results; the atmosphere of Saturn’s conditions on Venus destroyed the
were unable to confirm Lowell’s moon, Titan, is rich in methane landers’ electronics. A probe to Jupiter
observations of canals on Mars, and and ethane that rain into seas of was destroyed as it fell through
further refinements in astronomy liquid hydrocarbons. the Jovian atmosphere and the
proved them to be artifacts of lander sent to Saturn’s moon, Titan,
observational error. Using the techniques outlined above, transmitted data for 90 minutes before
Since the development of rocket geoscientists have prepared detailed ceasing to operate.
technology in the late 20th century, we geological maps for the Moon2, The landers and probes have
have been able to send satellites to Mercury3, Venus4, and Mars5. all sent back detailed data on
KEYSTONE PROFESSIONAL
THE
14
SUMMER 2021GEOLOGY AND SOCIET Y
conditions on the extraterrestrial follow up with some of the links provided. 3
https://astrogeology.usgs.gov/search/
bodies. For example, the landers that Follow the evidence and make up your map/Mercury/Geology/Mercury-Geologic-
Map-of-the-Borealis-Region
went to Venus confirmed the harsh own mind. 4
https://www.maproomblog.com/2020/10/
conditions with atmospheric pressure two-geologic-maps-of-venus
equivalent to 92 times that of the References 5
https://mars.nasa.gov/resources/6435/
Earth and surface temperatures of
1
May, D., February 24, 2021, From Minnedosa global-geologic-map-of-mars
to Mars, Winnipeg Free Press, https:// 6
Pengelly, M., November, 2018, Elon Musk
approximately 462°C. Harsh conditions considers move to Mars despite ‘good
www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/from-
also exist on the Moon, mostly from minnedosa-to-mars-573861742.html chance of death’, The Guardian,
extremes of heat and cold, together 2
https://astrogeology.usgs.gov/search/map/ https://www.theguardian.com/
with no atmosphere. Mars has a thin Moon/Geology/Unified_Geologic_Map_of_ technology/2018/nov/25/elon-musk-
the_Moon_GIS_v2 move-mars-chance-of-death
atmosphere but tends to be fairly cold
where -30°C is considered a hot day.
The best way to do geoscience is to
have actual samples to examine. Some
of the landers have sent back samples
from the Moon, Mars, the asteroids
25143 Itokawa, 162173 Ryugu, and
101955 Bennu, and the comets 81P/Wild
and 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.
Manned Exploration
So far, the only extraterrestrial body
actually visited by human beings is
our Moon. From 1968 to 1972, six
missions of the American Apollo
program landed 12 men on the Moon.
Lots of geoscience was accomplished
on these missions, from sample
collection, outcrop mapping, and
geophysical measurements. Thousands
of geologists and geology students
had the opportunity to examine and
analyze the samples returned by the
Apollo missions. One of the highlights
of my geology studies was looking at
thin sections of moon rocks graciously
lent to the University of Saskatchewan
by NASA in 1978.
The next step in manned exploration
will be a return to the Moon and an
expedition to Mars. Space exploration
missions, especially those with human
crews, are horrendously expensive.
Entrepreneur Elon Musk, plans to spend
his own money to send a mission to
colonize Mars, although he admits
that the mission will be dangerous and
people will die.6 However, there have
been plenty of volunteers.
Final Word
I write these articles to spark people’s
curiosity in geology. Don’t entirely
believe me until you’ve done your own
a
subsidiary
research and checked the evidence. If
this article has sparked your curiosity,
click HERE to return to table of contents 15ENGINEERS GEOSCIENTISTS MANITOBA MEMBER PROFILE
Meet the People That Make Life Work Better
Leo Macaraeg, P.Eng.
Member Profile
By R. Lewis
most recent tools I have been using is an
Since his move as a teenager, along with his family, from app called FieldWire. It is especially useful for
the Philippines to Manitoba in 2009, Leo Macaraeg has job-site coordination between contractors
spent most of his time in the town of Neepawa. While the and customers. It also has the capability to
bright lights of city life and the possibility of more job track performance and identify deficiencies
opportunities often draw many to make Winnipeg their on the job site, so that the contractors can
home, Leo, upon completion of his engineering degree address issues immediately.
at the University of Manitoba did just the opposite. He
returned to Neepawa and put his brand-new degree to Of all the tasks that come with
work at HyLife, where he has settled into his career as one your job, what’s your favourite
of the company’s project managers. While the impression of life in a small town is and what’s your least favourite?
usually one of limits and monotony, Leo hardly feels restricted in his surroundings. Almost all of my projects and tasks involve
His exposure to other professionals in his field and similar fields makes the working closely with various skilled trades
experience not only a rewarding one with opportunities to learn and grow, but – welders, machinists, HVAC technicians,
also creates unique situations that he may not have had otherwise. millwrights, plumbers, electricians, power
engineers, and even roofers. Working
directly with these trades provide a greater
What was the catalyst for you entering the For an audience of non-engineers, what understanding of how things are supposed
engineering profession? sums up what your work is all about? to run, as well as some good industry
I have always been fascinated by engineering I am a project manager with the practices in different trade specialties. Part
and how things work. I can vividly maintenance department at HyLife Foods – of the work I do is procuring parts and
remember as a kid watching TV shows and Neepawa pork plant. I manage repair materials required to execute a project. We
documentaries on the Discovery Channel. and maintenance projects for various don’t always have them readily available,
One of these shows was the How It’s Made equipment, machinery, and facilities. hence there is sometimes a lull in the project
series that goes into detail on how common These include full equipment rebuilds and from waiting for parts to arrive. This waiting
household items are made and/or fabricated. preventive maintenance, especially for game is my least favourite, as I always want
They broke down the processes and critical machines in the plant, to prevent to be doing something. Therefore, I fill the
provided reasoning for the steps that result production downtime. I also collaborate time in by working on other projects instead.
in the final products. Another show I used to and assist with other departments
watch a lot was MythBusters. I believe these (operations, quality assurance, and What do you hope the engineering
shows were the catalyst for me entering the continuous improvement) within and geoscientist professions will look
engineering field as I became curious about the plant on the implementation of like 20 years from now in Manitoba?
how these common things are made. process-improvement projects. Recently, I got into the topic of social
responsibility and sustainability through
What do you get out of What resources have you found my workplace. I have been learning
engineering that you couldn’t useful in excelling at your career? about diversity and inclusion in various
get out of any other line of work? My work revolves around conveyors and companies. I do hope in 20 years that there
There are always lessons to be learned. You rotating equipment, such as compressors, will be more cultural diversity and gender
get exposed to all sorts of challenges that pumps, and gearboxes. I have found that equality in the engineering and geoscience
require critical thinking in engineering and standards, codes, and regulations on professions, as well as in certain industries,
you get the opportunity to solve them. this equipment are especially helpful to such as agricultural and pork processing.
Sometimes the answer could be an outside- determine proper machine guarding and Also, in the world we live in, and the
of-the-box solution; sometimes a newer electrical safety. I also utilize various project continuous issues revolving around climate
technology is the answer. management tools at work. One of the change, I hope there would be more focus
KEYSTONE PROFESSIONAL
THE
16
SUMMER 2021on this topic in the next few years. We YOUR VISION, OUR EXPERTISE
need to take care of our environment. Our CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE , AGRICULTURE, WASTE & WATER MANAGEMENT & HYDRO-ELECTRIC PROJECTS
environment is not just important, it is Geomembrane Liners Technical Product Support &
life-sustaining. I believe we are moving in Soil Reinforcement, Filtration & Consultation
the right direction, however, with various Separation Products Pre-Design Assistance
initiatives focused on reducing our carbon Erosion Control Products
footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. Water Control & Drainage
Products
Are there any Engineers Geoscientists
Manitoba initiatives that you are
involved in or support?
Not at the moment, but I have completed
a survey for the BRACE Project team that
sought feedback on climate change
adaptation knowledge. I would totally
support climate change initiatives and
would like to learn more about these if
given the chance.
How do you keep organized?
What role does compartmentalization
play in staying on top of things when it
comes to work-life balance? What other
tricks of the trade have you picked up? Titan Environmental Containment
204-878-3955 | info@titanenviro.com | www.titanenviro.com
I manage projects by breaking them down
TRUST.QUALITY.VALUE
into smaller, more manageable tasks. I
categorize and prioritize them to ensure the
most important tasks are completed first
and with the highest regard. There is a well-
Simple Spec.
defined line between work and life that I
try to separate as much as possible. I do this
by completing all my tasks at work through
proper time management and delegation
before the end of the day so that I would
Stable Performance.
not need to bring my work home. Dead Level® Pre-sloped Trench Drains go in straight and
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When you’re not working, your specification.
you can be found…?
I can usually be found at the local gym
when I am not working. I like working out,
lifting weights, and doing some CrossFit
in my downtime. Otherwise, I’m usually at
home during these unprecedented times.
What are you doing to make life better?
I strive for continuous improvement
and making things and processes more
efficient. I apply lean principles not just at
work, but also at home, and everywhere
else. In addition to reducing waste, I also
look at innovation in all the things I do.
For example, if I have a project at work
that involves the installation of new
equipment, I ensure that we consider
efficient, effective, and sustainable
equipment to get the job done.
click HERE to return to table of contents 17Request
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26TH ANNUAL SPAGHETTI BRIDGE EVENT
RAISES $10,000 FOR HARVEST MANITOBA
D
uring Provincial Engineering To add competition to this year’s
and Geoscience Week (PEGW) event, teams from each of the
in March each year, volunteers 18 participating classes were vying to
from Engineers Geoscientists win the prize for being the best in their
Manitoba can usually be found doing class. For the second year in a row,
outreach work with local students, both the overall top spot was awarded to a
through children’s activities and the team from Dr. F.W.L. Hamilton School.
annual Spaghetti Bridge Competition, Special congratulations go out to the
which attracted over 1,000 participants Grade 4 team whose truss bore 140.7
in 2020. With the pandemic restricting kg of weight before breaking!
in-person events this year, the Students are not the only ones who
Association made the difficult decision benefit from the competition. The
to cancel what would have been its 26th Association has donated thousands of
annual Spaghetti Bridge Competition dollars to Harvest Manitoba, previously
this March. Winnipeg Harvest, to offset the loss of
Upon receiving the news, several edible spaghetti – a total of $207,353
teachers reached out to the Association between 2010 and 2020. Because of
looking for an alternative to what Harvest Manitoba’s buying power with
has become an exciting part of their other suppliers, this financial donation
curriculum. No stranger to virtual translates to tens of thousands of
events, Engineers Geoscientists pounds of food feeding hundreds
Manitoba pivoted to an online school- of families in Manitoba over the
friendly format and four professional last decade.
engineers volunteered their time to “We are so pleased to be the charity
test trusses made from spaghetti and of choice for the annual Spaghetti
white glue by students ranging from Bridge Competition”, said Keren Taylor-
Kindergarten to Grade 8. Hughes, CEO of Harvest Manitoba.
In previous years, EngGeoMB “This year’s fundraising event raised
staff and volunteers would spend the equivalent of 1,731 kg of food,
a week hosting bridge-breaking which the Harvest Community Food
events at schools and Kildonan Place Network will provide to thousands
where hundreds of trusses would be of students just like these to build a
challenged to hold the strongest load. bridge to a healthier future.”
This year, 192 trusses from 11 schools “We were glad to be able to offer
were delivered to the Association office this opportunity to students and
one week before the event so they teachers again this year despite current
could undergo their own quarantine restrictions”, said Grant Koropatnick,
period, and participants were invited to P.Eng., FEC, Engineers Geoscientists
watch the live event online on March 26. Manitoba’s CEO & Registrar. “Students
KEYSTONE PROFESSIONAL
THE
20
SUMMER 2021You can also read
