Watermark > Fall 2003 > President's Message

An open letter from the President

Harlan Kelly, BCWWA President

As your President, I would like to seek your views and feedback on the future direction of the British Columbia Water and Waste Association to keep this organization valid and meaningful to you as members.

Since its founding in 1973, BCWWA has followed, as its mandate, the “safeguarding of public health and the environment through the sharing of skills, knowledge and experience in the water and waste water industries.” To this end, the Association has been instrumental in organizing technical workshops and seminars, as well as delivering training courses to industry members. Through its Technical Committees, and its Annual Conference, BCWWA has worked diligently to promote educational transfers as well as offer forums for dialogue and information exchanges. In many instances, BCWWA has worked hand in hand with local, provincial and federal ministries to promote understanding and appreciation of regulatory changes and new legislative initiatives. More recently, BCWWA has been asked by the Province and the Federal government to become more directly involved in partnering with government in rolling out regulatory changes, which will require our greater involvement in training and mentoring.

In accordance with our mission statement, BCWWA has kept its mandate to education and training for the waterand waste industry. We have advised the senior governments on science based issues where we have found that our suggestions and experience would be beneficial in developing better legislation and training. Our suggestions have been heard and adopted. We have increased our profile as water and wastewater industry leaders. Recently, members have approached me and suggested that it is time for BCWWA to be more pro-active; that we should increase our focus on issues such as protection of the watershed re: BC Crown land issues in the Interior and the Federal CEPA P2 plan requirements. In doing this, we need to understand that we must remain impartial and not seen as representing advocate interests, but prepared to provide balanced, reasoned and science-based advice to our legislators and government leaders. The content of this advice is difficult and must be determined with great care. Any adjustment in the direction of our organization is a matter of utmost importance and will not be taken without due consideration of the views of our members and the impact on our relations with our partners and stakeholders. What do you see as the priorities that affect you and your specific needs?

To assist, please e-mail your suggestions and comments to the attention of our Executive Director, Del Haylock: dhaylock@bcwwa.Thank you in advance for your assistance.