The 'E' Word: Understanding the ethical implications of new technology 

As we navigate through our rapidly changing world, where ethical considerations in innovation have become more critical to mitigating risk, organizations will benefit today from adopting stewardship and ethics to ensure technology is used to make the world a better place. 

Meet our Guest Speakers 

Mark Abbott 
Director, Engineering Change Lab 
 
Mark's Engineering Change Lab has established a framework of technological stewardship: a set of principles, tools, and practices that enable a responsible understanding of the role of technology and the professionals who create and apply it in everyday life. 
 
For information on Engineering Change Lab, contact Mark at markabbott@engineeringchangelabe or visit https://programs.techstewardship.com/

Wayne Collins 
Professor, Computer Science and Information Technology 
Mohawk College 
 
Wayne has studied moral reasoning ability, and is directly involved in increasing ethics content in technology diplomas at Mohawk College and engaged in ethics as an extra curricular activity as the coach of the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl team. 

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From 3Ps to 3Cs: Building collaborative partnerships that drive student success

The future of work is changing. Students must leverage the right skill sets and credentials for present and future job markets. Collaborations between colleges, companies and professional associations, like OACETT, are becoming more important in achieving this.

In Ontario, the transition from a private-public partnerships model, or 3Ps, to a colleges, corporations and certifications, or 3Cs model, will improve the overall outcome of the student experience, build a vibrant talent pipeline, support industry and highlight the relevance of certification in this trifecta to drive success.

Meet our Guest Speakers 

Cheryl Farrow, MBA, CAE
CEO, OACETT


 
Ranjan Bhattacharya
Dean, Faulty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology
Seneca College



Rebecca Sabourin
Dean, Engineering and Environmental Technologies and Skilled Trades
Georgian College

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Episode #3:Understanding Passive House Technology

The built environment accounts for 39 percent of annual global CO2 emissions, according to the World Green Building Council and Passive House is widely recognized as the most powerful tool we have today to produce buildings that help to mitigate these emissions. Ontarians like most people worldwide want a level of comfort and safety in their homes and passive houses offers that.

Meet our Guest Speakers 

Greg Leskien, C.E.T.

Greg Leskien, a certified Passive House consultant and C.E.T., an expert in the design, construction review, and verification of buildings, passive houses, and solar photovoltaic systems

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Episode #4: The Future of Nuclear Power Technology in Canada

Host Louis Savard explores Canada's effort to provide low-carbon baseload power to remote areas and heavy industry through the development and design of small modular reactors (SMRs) and micromodular reactors (MMRs). The episode discusses the benefits and limitations of nuclear power, as well as the design of reactors and restrictions on the use of technology.

Joining Louis are Lawrence Robitaille, a Technical Advisor in New Technologies at Langcore Construction Corporation, and Jos Denning, President and CEO at Global First Power. Lawrence and Jos share their extensive experience in the nuclear industry and provide insights into the pioneering approach of SMRs and MMRs.

Meet our Guest Speakers 


Lawrence Robitaille

Technical Advisor, New Technologies - Langcore Construction Corporation


Jos Denning

President, CEO, Global First Power

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Episode #5: Hacking for Good: Safeguarding the Digital World

Join host Louis Savard and guest Steve Vaillancourt, Senior Cyber Security Instructor at Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, as they discuss the importance of cybersecurity in today's landscape and explore how ethical hackers play a crucial role in stopping cybercriminals.

Meet our Guest

Steve Vaillancourt



Senior Cyber Security Instructor, Canadian Centre for Cyber Security

Steve Vaillancourt is an experienced cyber security instructor and teacher who develops learning content and delivering training for several organizations, including the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO). Steve has also previously worked as a web developer and IT security risk analyst. In 2023, he was recognized as one of the most influential holders of the Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH) credential from EC-Council. As an amateur cryptanalyst and code-breaker, Steve ranked in the top 20 cryptanalysts of the MysteryTwister online competition.

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Episode #6: The 3D Printing Revolution

Join host Louis Savard and guest Hargurdeep Singh, Vice President of Advanced Manufacturing at CAD MicroSolutions, as they dive into the world of 3D printing, various printing processes, its real-world impact and their integration within modern manufacturing practices.

Meet our Guest

Hargurdeep Singh



Vice President of Advanced Manufacturing, CAD MicroSolutions

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Episode #7: Bridging the Gap: Supporting Internationally Educated Professionals in Ontario

In this episode of TECH TAKES Podcast, host Louis Savard, C.Tech., discusses with guests Pieter Bruwer, C.E.T., Daniel Liao, and Charline Tyrell, the difficulties that internationally educated professionals face when they immigrate to Canada and the resources available to support them.

Meet our Guests

Charline Tyrell



Career & Training Counsellor, Accelerating Career Advancement (ACA) program, Achēv

Daniel Liao



Dean of Applied Science, Technology and Trades, St. Lawrence College

Pieter Bruwer, C.E.T.



Project & Quality Assurance Manager, Bell Mobility Radio

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Episode #8: Transforming Toxic Terrains: Ontario's Approach to Brownfields

In this episode of TECH TAKES Podcast, host Louis Savard, C.Tech., takes a deep dive into the world of brownfield regulations and remediation in Ontario.

Our guests, OACETT Past President Kim Pickett, C.E.T., and Eric Cowan, C.E.T., project manager at Vertex Environmental Inc., share their extensive knowledge on the subject and discuss the challenges and processes involved in transforming contaminated and underused industrial and commercial properties into safe and usable land.
 

Meet our Guests

Kim Pickett, C.E.T.



OACETT, Past-President

Eric Cowan, C.E.T.



Project Manager, Vertex Environmental Inc.

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Episode #9: The Role of AI in Modern Engineering: Opportunities & Challenges

In this episode of TECH TAKES Podcast, host Louis Savard, C.Tech., delves into the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing work processes and industries.

With our guests, Doug Nix, C.E.T., Co-owner of Compliance Insight Consulting Inc.,  and Mayy Habayeb, Artificial Intelligence Program Coordinator at Centennial College, they explore the impact of AI on engineering tasks such as design optimization and testing and how automation enhances productivity and efficiency.

They also discuss the importance of acquiring new skills to adapt to the evolving workforce shaped by AI technologies and touch on concerns such as inequality, privacy, safety, and bias arising from widespread AI adoption. 

Meet our Guests

Doug Nix, C.E.T.



Co-owner, Compliance Insight Consulting Inc.

Mayy Habayeb



Artificial Intelligence Program Coordinator, Centennial College

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Episode #10: Integrating Nature: The Role of Green Infrastructure in Urban Planning

In this episode of TECH TAKES Podcast, host Louis Savard, C.Tech.,investigates the importance of integrating green infrastructure technology in urban planning. 

Louis is joined by Gail Willis, C.E.T., of Willis Technical Services. Gail is a Certified Engineering Technologist with extensive experience in civil and municipal engineering. Together they explore how communities in Ontario are embracing sustainable practices to manage storm water, conserve energy, and enhance resilience to climate change.

Join us as we learn how green infrastructure serves as a valuable tool in building sustainable and resilient communities.

Meet our Guest

Gail Willis, C.E.T.



Owner, Willis Technical Services

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Episode #11: Electrifying Ontario, TTC's Journey to a Zero-Emissions Bus Fleet

In this episode of TECH TAKES Podcast, guest host Julia Farner, dives into the exciting world of fleet electrification with experts Pablo Fernandez from the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Mike Skrizynski from PowerON. 

As mass transit shifts towards electric vehicles (EVs) to meet global climate goals, we explore the technological advancements, government policies, and the urgent need for sustainable transportation solutions in Ontario.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the engineering and applied science field or just curious about the future of transportation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and engaging discussions.

Meet our Guests

Pablo Fernandez

Manager Rail Safety & Technical Training, Operations Training Centre (OTC), People Group Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

Mike Skrizynski

Fleet Electrification Advisor, PowerON

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Episode #12: Enhancing Ontario's Infrastructure: OACETT's New Municipal Designations

In this episode of TECH TAKES Podcast, host Louis Savard, C.Tech. explores the new Municipal Infrastructure Designations Program from OACETT. This program aims to improve the quality and value of non-transportation infrastructure in Ontario, focusing on the Municipal Infrastructure Inspector (mii) and Municipal Infrastructure Contract Administrator (mica) designations.

Joined by Claude Gauthier, C.Tech., rcsi, mii, a civil engineering technician from the Region of Peel, and Carol Warner, C.Tech., OACETT's deputy registrar, the discussion covers the importance of these designations for ensuring safe and reliable municipal infrastructure, including major projects like the Region of Peel's Wastewater Expansion.

Learn about the requirements for these designations, their benefits to professionals, and how they boost public confidence in municipal projects.

Learn more about OACETT's Municipal Infrastructure Designations Program  HERE. 

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

Meet our Guests

Claude Gauthier, C.Tech., rcsi, mii

Civil Engineering Technician, Region of Peel

Carol Warner, C.Tech.

Deputy Registrar, OACETT

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Episode #13 The Future of Waste Management: Anaerobic Digestion and Renewable Energy

In this episode of TECH TAKES Podcast, host Louis Savard, C.Tech, dives into the world of anaerobic digestion (AD) technology—a game-changing process that turns organic waste into renewable energy and organic fertilizer.

Joined by Dave Ellis, MASC, P.Eng., Principal Engineer and Director of Azura Associates, and Trisha Aldovino, Chemical Engineer and Process Analyst, their lively discussion explores how AD, a process rooted in nature and refined by engineering, is revolutionizing waste management and contributing to green energy solutions.

Learn about the evolution of AD, from its industrial beginnings 150 years ago to its modern applications across municipal, agricultural, and industrial sectors. Discover its benefits and potential to reshape our environmental and economic future.

Meet our Guests

Dave Ellis

Principal Engineer and Director, Azura Associates

Trisha Aldovino


Chemical Engineer and Process Analyst, Azura Associates

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Episode #14: Innovating the Future: Inside Niagara College's Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center (WAMIC)

In this episode of TECH TAKES Podcast, guest host David Terlizzi is joined by Neil Wilkinson, Associate Director of Niagara College’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center (WAMIC), to explore the dynamic intersection of education, industry, and innovation.

Discover how WAMIC and the Research Innovation Division are turning ideas into real-world solutions across manufacturing, green energy, healthcare technology, and IT. From prototyping and testing new technologies to developing practical products and processes, these institutions are empowering small and medium-sized businesses while shaping the future of engineering and applied sciences. 

Meet our Guests

Neil Wilkinson

Associate Director, Niagara College’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center (WAMIC)

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