We kick off 2012 being busy to the max. I have sent to the magazine, the letter written by the Minister of Municipal Affairs. The provincial government has given us an opportunity to define what a Building Operator is, and will assist, as written in the letter a study that will meet the needs of Building Operators in the Province. Last week there was set up by the provincial government, a committee that will begin the process. We have a part in the discussions that will lead to a group to go out to all parties that have an interest in the current 5th class certificate. The debate of action to be taken for Building Operators is underway. The subcommittee is intent in meeting the needs of both Building Operators as well, 5th class Power Engineers. This is an Alberta initiative although we have brought our concern to the national group SOPEEC as well. We will continue to lobby the needs of Building Operators. We will work with BOMA as well the Federal Government through Eco Canada. Building Operators look after the safety of everyone in the buildings we operate and it is important to us that the training, education and the rules and regulations we fall under is meeting our needs. Thanks for all your help so far, we have a ways to go, stay strong.

     BOMA has graduated their 2011 class, and there is another underway. They have been doing their part in the shortage of Building Operators. The 2012 class was a little light in numbers but 16 future Operators will help in the Calgary classes. In Edmonton there was another group graduating too. I have not any info on that class but when I do I will pass it on. We are still short of certified Building Operators in this Province and the pressure is starting to show. Too few trying to do too much.

     We are working on the Building Operators course to make it as practical as possible. We are working with the IPPEC group to distil this curriculum down to meet the needs of the syllabus as well the needs of the 5th class students. We will be in Manitoba this June to lobby change and we still have a seat on the 5th class sub-committee.

     Reminder that the June Trade show is this year, hope to see you there.

Ciao for now,

Lester Anderson PE, RPA.
Voice - 206-6507
Cell - 312-7514
Fax - 206-6501
Email: president@boacalgary.com