Engineers Canada transfers ownership of Infrastructure Resilience Professional program to Climate Risk Institute
2020.07.07
Engineers Canada and the Climate Risk Institute jointly announced today that they have reached an agreement to transfer ownership of the Infrastructure Resilience Professional (IRP) program from Engineers Canada to the Climate Risk Institute.
Engineers Canada launched the program in 2016 as a series of introductory courses for engineers on the topics of asset management, risk management, the PIEVC Protocol, and climate change law. Upon assuming ownership, the Climate Risk Institute will invest in the program, develop additional courses in climate science and policy and procurement, and establish the criteria through which engineers who complete these courses may be credentialed as Infrastructure Resiliency Professionals.
“It is important that engineers have the training and skills required to ensure that Canada’s infrastructure can withstand the effects of the current and future climate,” said Gerard McDonald, Engineers Canada CEO. “When we took the decision to divest the IRP Program as part of our 2019-2021 strategic plan, we wanted to transfer it to an entity that would commit to the full suite of courses and a robust credentialing program, and we are confident we have found that in the Climate Risk Institute.”
The IRP program has been designed to help engineers strengthen the knowledge and competencies they require to advance more climate-resilient approaches for the planning, design and management of infrastructure.
“Our mission in adopting the IRP Program is to provide an important stepping stone to help engineers and other infrastructure professionals strengthen climate change knowledge and information to ensure that the infrastructure upon which our societies depend can withstand and continue delivering services despite the effects of severe weather and continued climate change,” said Al Douglas, President of the Climate Risk Institute. “The Program will further empower engineers by expanding their knowledge base to ensure climate change is considered in the design, planning, and management of infrastructure. This training will also bring benefit to other countries around the world as Canadian engineers contribute to international projects.”
Further details on the IRP Program and delivery of courses will be provided by the Climate Risk Institute in the coming months.
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About Engineers Canada
Engineers Canada upholds the honour, integrity, and interests of the engineering profession by supporting consistent high standards in the regulation of engineering, encouraging the growth of the profession in Canada, and inspiring public confidence. For over 80 years, we have worked on behalf of the provincial and territorial associations that regulate engineering practice and license the country’s 300,000 members of the engineering profession. www.engineerscanada.ca
About Climate Risk Institute
The Climate Risk Institute (CRI) is a not-for-profit, academically affiliated organization established to provide domestic and international stakeholders, decision-makers and governments with the services they require to build resilience to extreme weather and climate change. In collaboration with numerous partners, clients, and supporters, CRI develops and delivers the climate information and adaptation services that communities, economic sectors, and governments require to respond and ultimately thrive in a rapidly changing climate. www.climateriskinstitute.ca
Media contact:
Shelley Ford, Communications Specialist, Engineers Canada
613.232.2474 x297
shelley.ford@engineerscanada.ca
Al Douglas, President, Climate Risk Institute
705.929.1122
al.douglas@climateriskinstitute.ca