Blog Archives

Internationally-Trained Geoscientists

Geoscientists Canada

MissinaibiGeoscientists Canada and its member associations adopted a long term goal to improve foreign credential recognition within their jurisdictions.

The Internationally-Trained Geoscientists (ITG) project is a multi-phased initiative involving three main goals: 1) Mutual Recognition Agreements with compatible regulatory systems outside Canada, 2) harmonization of policies and assessments across Canada, and 3) adoption of a competency-based assessment approach for foreign credential recognition.

Kim Walker Community and Environment was contracted to research, document and assess promising practices of other professions as well as international geoscientist organizations. Wendy Martin and Loredana Apolloni were subcontracted for research and language interpretation services.

Information was gathered on registration processes, governance practices, international credential assessment policies, and competency-based assessment tools and practices. Kim then conducted additional research to support the development of two international mutual recognition agreements.  Research results were presented to the member associations and fully documented with twelve recommendations.

Accomplishments

With this background information in hand, Geoscientists Canada continues to make steady progress in attaining their goals. They recently developed a pan-Canadian assessment framework for licensing, a draft competency profile for professional geoscientists and successfully completed their first international mutual recognition agreement with The Institute of Geologists of Ireland.

 

Evaluating the TransLink Telework Pilot Project

South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority

OscarThe South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority, better known as TransLink, supports Metro Vancouver’s environmental sustainability objectives by encouraging the reduction of single occupant vehicle commuting trips through its TravelSmart Program.  Over the short term, TransLink was challenged with the need to reduce traffic levels by at least 30% for 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Telework had been identified as an important component of TransLink’s strategy.  A pilot project was initiated to determine how to best promote and support teleworking in the region.  Kim Walker and Kathy Goddard collaborated in the design and implementation of the pilot.  Kathy designed and managed the pilot project which included local employer case study profiles, an information resource kit, and on-going support to three companies over six months.  Kim designed and implemented a project evaluation to: a) measure the environmental, social and financial effects of the telework activities, b) identify employers’ and employees’ needs with respect to developing and participating in telework activities, and 3) identify ways in which TransLink can support teleworking through ongoing client services.

Kim was involved early in the project to develop an evaluation framework.  Baseline data was collected and data collection tools were integrated into the telework activities.  Interviews, feedback forms, pre- and post- online surveys, the Teletrips tracking tool, and teleworker journals were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data.  Kim produced a final report on the evaluation results for TransLink.

Major findings included the benefits, challenges and experiences from the perspectives of teleworkers and supervisors; the benefits of teleworking for transportation demand management; the utility of information and training resources provided through the pilot. Reports for the participating companies were also developed to support their telework programs.

Accomplishments

  1. Evaluation results showed significant productivity and personal benefits for the teleworkers, as well as average round trip reductions of 125km per teleworker.
  2. The pilot enabled TransLink to promote teleworking as part of their “Move the World” 2010 Winter Olympic strategy, and successfully reduced traffic levels by 36%.
  3. McKesson Medical Imaging is among the many corporations that have since adopted teleworking as an ongoing program.
  4. Information resources developed for the pilot project are available in the Business section of Travelsmart.ca.

 

Aboriginal College Student Housing Charette

College of New Caledonia

CNCThe transition from rural and remote communities to an urban environment can be a stressful experience for Aboriginal college students.  In response to the high drop-out rate, the College of New Caledonia asked Kim Walker to test an Aboriginal housing concept and explore ideas with a group of Aboriginal college students.

Kim designed and led a multi-day charette style workshop over the course of four days.  The workshop began with an informal dinner and group building session.  We shared our skills and backgrounds, and exchanged stories about experiences related moving to attend college.  One of the special topics was the things we miss or value about home.

The next day the students began to explore the relative merits of different student housing models. We ended the day with a neighbourhood site tour to identify potentially suitable places and housing styles.  Follow-up meetings were held to refine ideas and hold discussions with other Aboriginal college students.  Kim then delivered a report to the College with seven key elements for a new preferred housing model:

  • Neighbourhood features and 10 potential locations,
  • Important physical characteristics for a new residence,
  • A phased approach to accommodate single students and families,
  • House rules that would maintain a safe and healthy living environment,
  • Space for Aboriginal cultural activities,
  • Culturally appropriate management and support services, and
  • Rental and revenue arrangements.

Accomplishments

The charette began as an externally-driven exercise but the participants quickly made it their own project.  The ideas and life experiences of participating students provided valuable insights into the types of services that would work in an Aboriginal student housing development.  As a result, a clearly stated vision emerged with a new and detailed model.

 

Regional Growth Strategies in BC: A Decade of Lessons Learned

BC Ministry of Community Services & David Johns

Canada placeRegional Growth Strategies legislation was created in 1995 to enable regional planning, particularly in high growth areas. The Ministry sought to gain insights into the experiences of parties involved in regional growth strategies processes.

The project was designed to identify facilitators and barriers to the growth management strategy planning and consultation process, and implementation. Project activities involved a series of interviews and group meetings with close to 40 regional district staff and elected officials.  David Johns was the lead consultant. Kim Walker assisted with the following services:

  • Organizing the contacts and scheduling,
  • Developing and participating in the interviews,
  • Conducting a qualitative analysis of results, and
  • Report writing, layout and production.

The flexible nature of BC Growth Strategies legislation has contributed to both the successes and struggles experienced throughout the province.  After a decade of regional planning, successes have been built on positive relationships and cohesive visions.  However, completing Growth Strategies have been a struggle in some regions where collaborative planning has not taken hold.  The final report contained six suggestions to advance regional growth management to a higher performance level.

Accomplishments

The recommendations contributed to the Ministry’s regional planning review; and David presented the research results at the World Urban Forum and World Planning Congress, in June 2006.

 

Community Survey on Agri-Tourism & Winery Land Uses

Church and State Wines

Church and State winery-2The Victoria Estate Winery (subsequently renamed Church and State Wines) received local complaints early in its development primarily in relation to traffic and noise levels. More general criticisms regarding the development of winery-related services and agri-tourism on agricultural lands were also being directed toward the Winery, particularly from representatives of the local municipality. With a change in ownership in the Fall of 2004, the Victoria Estate directors wanted to improve their understanding of the nature and scale of these concerns.

The goal of the study was to obtain the range of perspectives and opinions regarding agriculture in Central Saanich and Victoria Estate operations. Research methods included a literature review of regulations and policies pertinent to agri-tourism and wineries; key informant interviews on land use and industry related issues; and a website survey on perspectives and concerns of Central Saanich residents and businesses.

Kim Walker contracted Clare Mochrie (global Frameworks Inc.) to assist with the survey. A total of 360 surveys were completed for a 66% return rate.   The survey results were statistically significant, giving a reliable representation of community perspectives and opinions.  Overall, the survey:

  • Clearly demonstrated community support for agriculture, agri-tourism development and the Winery;
  • Relayed constructive cristicsm to the client with ideas for improving community relations and matching local customer interests;
  • Highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility and fluency with complex regulatory requirements to business success;
  • Identified some interesting distinctions in the way community members value agriculture, agri-tourism and wineries; and
  • Demonstrated an incongruity between community and local government support for new directions in agricultural development.

The research report was made available to local and provincial governments, as well as to agricultural, agri-toursim sector and economic development associations.

Accomplishments

  1. The process and results clarified issues and provided an opportunity for more constructive public dialogue.
  2. The survey was cited by an agri-tourism specialist in the provincial government as the first of its kind in North America.

 

 

Pilot Project for Internationally Trained Engineers

Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services (MCAWS) & Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists BC (APEGBC)

Internationally Trained EngineersSkilled labour shortages, credential recognition and the under-utilization of highly trained immigrants were making national headlines. Conventional job support programs were ill-suited to the task and the Provincial government needed to find new solutions to fill real labour market needs, without financial incentives for employers.

Because of a very high number of internationally trained engineers (ITEs) living in BC, the Ministry created a Pilot Project in partnership with the BC Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists (APEGBC). This was the first comprehensive project of its kind.

The Pilot was designed to help ITEs overcome unique cultural and institutional barriers to becoming a professional in BC.  The Pilot had three objectives:

  • Develop and implement a training & work experience model,
  • Improve the quality and accessibility of relevant information for stakeholders, and
  • Review and revise P.Eng. registration policies & procedures to mitigate systemic barriers.

Kim Walker Community & Environment was initially contracted by the Ministry to facilitate a steering committee, identify key issues, and consult with stakeholders. As it became clear that the Ministry also needed someone to manage the project, Kim was contracted under APEGBC to manage sub-contractors, work plans, schedules and the Project Management Team.  Key deliverables included:

  • An action research framework, participant selection criteria, and project evaluation plan,
  • Terms of reference for evaluation, work experience and training contracts,
  • Organization and facilitation of stakeholder focus groups, interviews, information exchange sessions,
  • Plain language and policy analysis workshops, and individual coaching for participating ITEs, and
  • Background reports, newsletters, minutes, public presentations, web pages, information resources for internationally trained engineers and employers, and a Final Report.

Accomplishments

This project has been viewed as setting precedent for other skilled immigrant labour market and international credential assessment initiatives across the country. Specifically, the Pilot Project influenced and directed change in the following ways:

  1. The internationally trained engineers who participated in the project gained new skills, and career opportunities. All had taken advantage of the various training opportunities ranging from technical and other engineering related courses to career development and cross cultural workshops. More than half had gained relevant employment by the end of the project. However, the depth of insights and learning on what it takes to fully integrate immigrants into the professions was a major accomplishment for everyone involved.
  2. Three significant resources were developed to address inter-cultural communication barriers: APEGBC Membership Application Guide and Registration Website pages, a Self-Assessment Tool, and Online Resource for career development. Additional resources have since been developed for APEGBC staff and volunteers.
  3. Over 90 policy and procedure issues were identified by APEGBC staff. Immediate changes included a new Provisional Member category, a fee policy for first time members, and streamlining of several registration application procedures. APEGBC has since followed up with additional policy changes such as requirements for work experience, English proficiency, and competency based assessments.
  4. New government funded initiatives were subsequently established, such as BC Skills Connect, to expand opportunities for skilled immigrants.