"Now that the dust has settled on the federal and provincial elections, we are starting to hear details of the various new funding programs that will be available to municipalities.  This fall, we will carry the Vote Infrastructure messaging into the municipal election campaigns.  Tools developed by our national body are available to ACEC-SK members to assist them in sharing the message of informed investment in infrastructure in discussions with prospective candidates.  Our advocacy efforts this year will continue to support the progress made on contract language and procurement of professional services.  In addition, we will plan to emphasize the importance of informed infrastructure renewal.  Municipalities are best served when resources are properly allocated to planning allowing them to choose the right projects and appropriate project delivery models rather than chasing funding by scrambling to find, and accelerate design for, “shovel ready” projects.

This year marks the 40^th Anniversary of ACEC-SK and I am excited to celebrate this monumental achievement.  Over the past 40 years, our member firms have been instrumental in supporting progress throughout Saskatchewan. In addition to the impressive technical achievements of our member firms, employees of Saskatchewan consulting engineering companies and their families have contributed significantly to the social and cultural fabric of our province.  It is my goal to share the stories of these outstanding contributions using our existing communications tools such as the newsletter, website, and social media outlets.

We face the coming year with cautious optimism.  Challenges in the economy have created ripple effects across all sectors.  Now, more than ever, it is vital that we focus on showcasing the value provided by ACEC-SK member firms.  We will continue to educate client groups on the savings achieved in the lifecycle of a project when proper planning is followed by selection of a qualified design team who are working under a contract that carries an appropriate level of insurable risk.

Thank you for choosing me to lead the 2016-2017 ACEC-SK Board of Directors.  I look forward to the opportunity to work with; my fellow directors, ACEC-SK member firms, and our industry partners to achieve our common goals."

Regards,
Jeff Halliday, P.Eng.
Chair, ACEC-SK Board of Directors 2016-2017