John presented Sheila with a TPBC feather carved by Indigenous artist Alex Mountain.
Part 4 in a series on BC’s Engineering Technology Education – August 5, 2026
By Technology Professions BC
Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Sheila Malcolmson (MLA for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island) met recently with TPBC Board Member Amelia Cooper and CEO John Leech to talk about TPBC’s work in engaging with people with disabilities, in particular as they consider education and careers in engineering and applied science technology. TPBC informed the Minister on the VISION for the TPBC STEM Pathways : empowering abilities program: A world where everyone has fair and equal opportunities for education and employment in technology, especially people with disabilities working in STEM-related professions.
Ameila highlighted her career as an engineering tech, providing the Minister with an example of the type of career possible for someone with a physical disability.
The Minister was interested in learning of TPBC’s GOALS: (1) providing resources for people with disabilities (PWD) to explore STEM education and careers without discrimination; (2) Assisting people with disabilities to acquire adaptive tools
to be able to perform their best in the technology education and career of their choice; and (3) informing and collaborating with technology employers to encourage the prioritization of hiring people with disabilities.
TPBC is moving ahead with initiatives designed to achieve its goals, including: providing general information on engineering and applied science technology education and careers; profiling people with disabilities in tech careers; employer engagement; and, partnering with other NGOs to provide supports within TPBC’s mandate.
The Minister and staff attending remotely outlined the work of the SD&PR Ministry, tying in WorkBC and their mandate to support and assist British Columbians navigate their careers. The Minister suggested TPBC consider ways the association might engage with WorkBC and indicated her appreciation for the work being carried out by TPBC.
“I was pleased with our meeting with the Minister,” said Amelia. “Sheila was open to learning about TPBC and our aspirations to support and assist people with disabilities.”