Nick Ronsko, ALS
Unlike our president, Michael, I am attempting to write this article without the use of artificial intelligence. The editing skills of “the machines” are no match for our executive director’s keen eye. If there are typos or issues with grammar, it is Brian’s fault. For the disappointing content, you can blame me…
The sun is setting on my term on Council. I am looking forward to being off the hook but I also feel personally invested in being part of this decision-making body and guiding our Association and our profession at large over the last three years. As it turns out, I am having a bit of trouble coming to terms with that. This isn’t to say that I want to run it back and do it all over again (because I 100% do not) but I will say I have enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone. I may still grumble about future Councils’ decisions (insert man shaking fist at cloud newspaper clipping) but guaranteed I will respect the process and how difficult it is to make some decisions having been there. Whether you agree or disagree with the decisions of Council, for the time that I have been on it, it is clear that everyone was acting on what they think is the best course of action for the Association and its mandate of protection of the public. I want to thank the great presidents (John, Kevin and Michael), Council members and staff we had over my time on Council. There was always great discussion and, although we didn’t always agree, we were able to understand each others’ viewpoints and come to a solution. It is great to see that we have number of great nominees for Council on the slate for this year’s election. We are in good hands going forward!
Our Association has many big challenges coming on the horizon with the
Professional Governance Act (PGA), development of the use of authoritative co-ordinates on private lands, dealing with a shortage of technologists and potentially professional land surveyors just to name a few. Sounds preachy, I know… but I would encourage the membership to engage in committee work. I know it is tough to work it in, but we are a relatively small group that has much to look after from registration to standards and everything in between. Being part of a committee is a great way to get to know other land surveyors. Our significant others are likely sick of survey “shop talk” at home so this would likely be the equivalent of encouraging the children to go outside and make new friends. Along with the PGA, will be the requirement for a competence and professional development program. I would guess committee work provides a lot of credit towards this. Its also a great way to learn something new (see Registration Committee qualifying exams group)!
The AGM has a bit of a different look again this year. Shorter duration, same content so I am guessing we will be packing a lot in to a short amount of time. This year’s meeting will be the last one for a while that is outside a major centre. I just hope we get the same level of engagement in Edmonton and Calgary as we have had in the mountains. Hopefully, we are all able to resist the temptation to pop back to the office in lieu of attending one of the seminars or skipping one of the social events to get home in time to run an errand. I know the temptation will be there for me when the AGM is in Edmonton next year. I am curious to see what those AGMs will look like. Time will tell on that one. I am looking forward to the AGM in Jasper and hope to see you all there!