THE FIRST FIFTEEN YEARS A BRIEF HISTORY (1987-2002) OF THE CANADIAN ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING Prepared by Dr. Gordon Slemon, FCAE March 2004 Canadian Academy of Engineering Tel: (613) 235-9056 180 Elgin Street Fax: (613) 235-6861 Suite 1100
[email protected] Ottawa ON K2P 2K3 www.acad-eng-gen.ca CONTENTS Executive Summary iii Background 1 Inauguration 5 Membership 7 Financing 8 Operations 10 Mission 11 Development and Implementation 12 Issues Statements 13 Engineering Awareness 15 Relations with the Royal Society of Canada 16 Health and Safety 18 Natural Disaster Reduction 19 Nuclear Energy 20 Engineering Research 22 Engineering Education 25 Lifelong Learning 27 Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship 28 The Engineering Profession 30 Energy and Climate Change 32 Women in Engineering 33 International Linkages 34 Regional Activities 36 Conclusion 37 Former Presidents of the Academy 38 Directors of the Academy 39 ii THE FIRST FIFTEEN YEARS A Brief History (1987-2002) of the Canadian Academy of Engineering EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Canadian Academy of Engineering was established in June 1987 coincident with the centenary celebration of engineering in Canada. Beginning with 44 Founding Fellows, the membership has grown to the planned maximum of 250 professional engineers, elected on the basis of their distinguished careers, and of their service and contributions to society, to the country and to the engineering profession. Over its brief 15-year history, the Academy has independently initiated several major studies, drawing on the expertise of its volunteer members. It has issued eight reports dealing with the engineering education, engineering research, the evolution of the engineering profession and other areas of direct importance to the nation.