Want a Reason to Wear Your Iron Ring Again?
Attention: APEGA Regulated Professionals
As a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), I have been extremely concerned about the direction of the province with respect to the energy transition:
The knee capping of the $33 billion renewable investment while disproportionate burdening it with financial deposits.
Actively denying the climate science which tells us that the burning of fossil fuels is the primary driver of ecosystem instability.
A lack of genuine diversification or climate mitigation, instead more fossil fuel variants: LNG, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage.
The appointment of an unelected advisor to the Premier carrying out industry-exclusive engagement processes which seeks to undermine Polluter Pay laws.
APEGA members have a mandate to ensure the safety of the public and the environment, “Professional engineers and geoscientists shall, in their areas of practice, hold paramount the health, safety and welfare of the public and have regard for the environment.” I want to see this reflected in my work and the work of fellow professionals. If you feel, like me, that this isn't happening, I want to talk to you!
Similar to the Coalition For Responsible Energy (C4RE)’s collaboration efforts to identify gaps and coordinate actions with the Alberta Energy Regulator, I am seeking the participation of APEGA members to review the goals and objectives of the organization, considering the energy transition:
Why review APEGA's mandate? APEGA has delegated authority which largely impacts public safety.
Who should participate? Practicing Engineers and Geoscientists in energy and the environment from Alberta interested in safeguarding our professions.
Where will the work happen? Bi-weekly online meetings and email updates.
When will the work begin? Commencing in the fall of 2025, we’ll carry out a gap analysis between what APEGA says it does and what we do by the end of the year.
What are the issues? Seeing input and initiatives from members that we may support your concerns for the environment, safety, jobs and economic activities.
How will changes occur? Through our collaboration via recommendation submissions.
Should YOU wish to join a collaboration of APEGA members interested in shaping the direction of the association while protecting its membership, please message me for more details.
Want to know more about the issues?
The International Court of Justice ruled on July 23, 2025 that countries have a legal obligation under international law to take Climate Action, read Andrew Griffith’s tremendous summary of the ruling on LinkedIn. For professionals, this will increase pressure on us and the organizations we work for to adopt sustainable or regenerative practices and reporting processes towards climate conscious strategies. This ruling is why I brought forward two motions at the 2024 and 2025 APEGA annual general meetings:
In 2024, my motion for the APEGA Practice Review Board determine how climate disclosures impact our practice was adopted. The PRB ultimately ruled disclosures were not required and therefore the motion was moot. I will ask them to review this decision based on the ICJ ruling.
In 2025, I moved that the Council of APEGA clarifies APEGA’s responsibility in defining, monitoring, and regulating instances of greenwashing by its members. The motion was defeated as the intention was not properly articulated, it was to understand the implications of the impending ICJ ruling and how APEGA will PROTECT its members.
Zac Trolley’s July 19, 2025 op-ed in the Calgary Herald explains that “our profession’s ethical duty must also apply to strategic decisions” when considering projects such as coal mining in Alberta’s Eastern Slopes.
Here is a discussion Zac Trolley, Scott Janzen, and I had with
in December of 2024 on “The Engineer’s [and Geoscientist’s] Dilemma”. We discussed our concerns around the increasing risk, potential exposure, and responsibilities of APEGA members to greater scrutiny of our work in the face of climate change.Let me know of other examples and share this initiative with your APEGA friends and coworkers who wish to safeguard and strengthen our association today and tomorrow.