In May, Darlene Spracklin-Reid was appointed President of Engineers Canada. A dedicated volunteer in the engineering profession, she has served as chair of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL) and on the boards of the Canadian Engineering Education Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association, and the American Concrete Institute. She joined the Engineers Canada Board in 2021, and as President will guide the Board as it continues to implement the organization’s 2025-2029 strategic plan. Engineering Matters asked Spracklin-Reid about her vision for the term.
What is your goal as President this year?
My goal is to help advance the priorities of our strategic plan while strengthening collaboration across the engineering regulators and the broader profession. I want to ensure Engineers Canada remains focused on the issues that matter most to the public and to engineers, including regulatory excellence, the future workforce, sustainability, and public confidence in the profession.
You’re President during the middle years of our current strategic plan. What is notable to you about this period?
The middle phase of a strategic plan is where vision turns into results. The early years are often focused on setting direction and building momentum, while the middle years provide an opportunity to assess progress, make adjustments where needed, and ensure initiatives are delivering meaningful outcomes. It is an important time to remain focused on priorities while staying flexible enough to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.
What changes have you seen in your time working with Engineers Canada and the Board?
The pace of change affecting the engineering profession has increased significantly. We're navigating important issues such as climate resilience, emerging technologies, workforce development, and changing public expectations. At the same time, I've seen stronger collaboration among regulators across the country and a growing willingness to work together on shared challenges and opportunities.
What has contributed to your desire to be engaged with the evolution of the engineering profession?
I've always believed that engineering makes a real difference in people's lives. Throughout my career, I've seen how engineers help build safer communities, strengthen infrastructure, and solve complex problems. Being involved with Engineers Canada gives me an opportunity to contribute to the future of the profession and help ensure it continues to evolve in ways that benefit both engineers and the public we serve.
In a year, when you look back on your term, what will have made it a success in your eyes?
I'll consider it a successful year if we've made meaningful progress on our strategic priorities and strengthened the connections across our engineering community. If we've helped position Engineers Canada and the profession to be better prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead, I'll feel we've accomplished something important.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I'm genuinely optimistic about the future of engineering in Canada. Engineers play a critical role in tackling some of society's biggest challenges, and it's a privilege to serve the profession at this time. I'm looking forward to working with colleagues from across the country and continuing to build a profession that is trusted, relevant, and ready for the future.