This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
PEO’s growing influence directly related to the relation-


ships individual chapters were bridging with MPPs. In April 2009, the Algoma chapter hosted their local MPP David Orazietti at its annual meeting, now a common practice within the chapters. Earlier that month, the Ontario govern- ment had appointed Orazietti chair of the all-party legisla- tive committee on Bill 150, the new Green Energy Act. Orazietti invited the chapter to make a presentation


at the upcoming public hearings and the local co-chairs presented a paper emphasizing the need to consider local green energy solutions. The committee positively received them and their comments were considered in the final drafting of the bill. Through the Candidate Colleges, PEO launched the 11


in 11 campaign; the goal: to elect 11 engineers to the 2011 Ontario Legislature. With only two engineers as elected members of the Ontario Legislature in Queen’s Park, Pro- gressive Conservative Norm Sterling and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Phil McNeely, the task is no small feat. But, the campaign has caught the attention of sitting MPPs who not only applaud the efforts, but actively participate and educate engineers on how to run for office. As for the Building Code legislation, it came into effect


in 2006. Three months later, PEO took the province to court to clarify the application of the amendments regard- ing professional engineers and the court sided with PEO. The province did not appeal. Now, in 2010, the issue is finally being resolved with the cur-


rent minister agreeing to implement the decision of the court. Queen’s Park has also introduced profound changes to


the Professional Engineers Act, including over 20 key issues requiring 66 amendments, reflecting the government’s com- mitment to a strong engineering profession. But they serve a larger purpose. The amendments open up engineering by harmonizing requirements across Canada, making it easier for Ontarians to do business across the country. It also helps integrate internationally-trained engineers in Ontario. The lesson has been learned. PEO has shown that you


have to think globally but act locally. With other profes- sions and organizations taking notice across Canada, the PEO program is the one to watch.


Howard Brown is president of Brown & Cohen Communica- tions & Public Affairs Inc. He brings over 30 years of experi- ence working with public policy and government issues and has worked with Professional Engineers Ontario since 2005. howard@brown-cohen.com


Inspiration


TAGS Full service advertising. Social marketing. Union communications. Electoral campaigns. Change marketing. NGOs & Associations. Video, online & interactive. Training & coaching. Proudly unionized.


Ideas Intangibles


Selling toothpaste may be more straightforward – but nowhere near as fun!


You have the cause, campaign or candidate that can change lives. But now comes the hard part — connecting with your audience and earning their support.


That’s where NOW Communications can help. We’re specialists in social marketing and will work with you — from strategic planning to tactical execution — to engage audiences and deliver results.


Find out more at nowgroup.com


June 2010 | Campaigns & Elections 23


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80