Yellowknife (July 21/04) - The main role of the Northwest Territories Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists is to regulate practices, said executive director J. Lloyd Henderson.

"We're trying to ensure everyone meets the professional standards," Henderson said as the association marks its 25th anniversary.

If that doesn't happen, the association executive director says people can file complaints through him.

The association has the power to levy fines, suspend and even cancel a licence to operate.

The association presents awards every year.

Enbridge Inc. was recently presented with the association's Professional Award of Merit in engineering for the long-standing success of the pipeline running from Norman Wells to Inuvik.

The Professional Award of Merit in geosciences was awarded to the Geological Survey of Canada for Operation Keewatin.

Henderson described Operation Keewatin as the first geological helicopter survey.

"Once that project was done it meant they could cover a lot more ground more quickly," he said.

Lobbying not a role

Lobbying on behalf of engineers, geologists and geophysicists is not part of the association's role.

If companies are financially pressured to cut corners, members of the association must act in accordance with the association's code of ethics, Henderson said.

Two changes that have occurred within the association over the years are the attitudes toward the environment and women.

Permafrost and climate changes are now being factored in on several different engineering projects.

The number of women working as engineers, geologists and geophysicists has gone up markedly over the years, but Henderson adds the association is still looking to do a better job, he said.