NAMEOliver Xiao, P.Eng. EMPLOYER AND POSITIONTechnical Services Engineer, RMCAO EDUCATIONB.A.Sc. in Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
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ACTIVITIES IN ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS
Chair, OSPE Infrastructure Task Force
Board Director, ACI Ontario
YEARS OF REGISTRATION WITH THE PROFESSION
PEO, 2016 – Present
OTHER PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Member, OSPE Award Committee
- Member, Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education
- Committee Chair, PEO Chapter
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
I am extremely honored to be nominated again for the opportunity to serve on OSPE Board. Ontario’s professional engineer community needs a powerful voice and strong advocacy body to promote and advance the profession. We need to ensure that our profession holds an essential role in our society and its development. The current lack of professional presence and consultation on major projects and government policies are causing significant waste of time and financial setbacks.
Professional engineers play an important role in ensuring public safety, environmental sustainability and balanced growth. Working for a provincial industry association, I often act as an intermediate between the industry and government agencies. This gave me a province-wide perspective on government policies and engineering standards across the regions. My previous work experiences also provided me with a coherent understanding of the challenges and opportunities where our profession can excel.
As an immigrant, I resonate with internationally trained engineering graduates for the challenges that they experience on their journey to licensing. OSPE provides a platform where resources are offered to those who are looking for an engineering job or wanting to be licensed in Ontario. I support additional programs and trainings to be made available to OSPE members.
On OSPE and PEO relationship, I believe both associations need to find the right regulatory and advocacy balance within their respective roles. I strongly believe that OSPE must continue its great work in the advocacy efforts and strengthen that role by engaging further member participation. OSPE should also continue to actively advocate PEO in improving and conducting its regulatory functions more efficiently to enhance the public recognition of our profession.
Being an active volunteer with various professional associations, I first started at my local PEO chapter where I learned about PEO’s governance and organization structure. Adding to my current roles at OSPE, I have a clear picture of the challenges that the two associations are facing. With my unique involvement and experiences in both organizations, I believe I am an ideal candidate for the OSPE board.
Once elected, I will work hard to elevate professional engineers’ role in Ontario. I will promote diversity and enhance the public image of our profession. Let’s make our profession greater and stronger together!