These stories represent the most-read stories from the Daily Media Report in 2023. They encompass news about regulation, public safety, and issues surrounding equity and diversity within the engineering profession.
Calls to update the iron ring ceremony: Canadian engineering graduates are proud to wear the iron ring, however 2023 saw growing calls for changes to the iron ring ceremony, known as the Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer. While the ceremony is closed to the general public, engineers have said that some of the symbolism and readings are patriarchal and religious in nature and that it should be updated to reflect contemporary engineering responsibilities and values.
Use of the software engineer in Alberta: In September, APEGA went to court to fight unauthorized use of the title “software engineer” by technology companies advertising job positions for “engineers.” However, in November, the Alberta government introduced legislation making an exception to the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act for use of the software engineering title by unlicensed individuals. Engineers Canada responded to the legislation in a letter to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, outlined its concerns with Bill 7.
Discipline and enforcement: Discipline and enforcement stories were among the most-read stories in 2023. The top stories included a $200,000 fine for an improper elevator installation done without engineer approval, laying charges against people forging engineering credentials, and revoking licensure from engineers who have acted against public safety.
Removing Canadian work experience requirements: In May, Professional Engineers Ontario announced that it would be removing the Canadian work experience requirement for licensure as a way to remove barriers faced by skilled immigrant workers. Following this decision, British Columbia introduced legislation in October that would also remove the Canadian work experience requirement from several licensed professions, including engineers. In both cases, the changes are meant to increase the speed at which international engineers can become licensed to work in Canada.
Unseen struggles of women in engineering: Students at the University of Concordia discuss difficulties they face as women or female-identifying in engineering. Microaggressions, sexism, inequalities - the subtle ways in which women are struggling to fully participate within the engineering profession are detailed in this article and demonstrate part of the reasons why the percentage of women and female-identifying engineers remains low.
