MLA Dana Lajeunesse Meets TPBC CEO
Meeting with BC’s MLAs is a key aspect of TPBC outreach to leaders in BC who have influence over many elements relating to engineering and applied science technology. It was only natural, then, that Technology Professions BC (TPBC) CEO John Leech reached out and sought a meeting with Dana Lajeunesse MLA Juan de Fuca-Malahat. MLA Lajeunesse is a mechanical technologist who, following his Diploma of Technology at Camosun College, went on to teach at the College and offer his expertise to the College’s innovation centre. Dana is the BC Government Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility.
“It was a truly magical encounter with Dana,” said John Leech. “He was engaging, knowledgeable, professional and easy to talk with. Our topics ranged from TPBC’s role as an advocacy and services organization to specifics such as the need to enhance awareness of education and careers in engineering and applied science technology.” The two talked about avenues by which TPBC might engage with the BC Government and how Dana might assist TPBC in connecting with government programs in areas of interest to TPBC.
“It was great to learn about TPBC and hear of the significant progress made to date on many fronts including enhancing awareness of technology education and careers,” said MLA Lajeunesse. “I agree with John that there is more work needed to enhance tech careers in much the same way that Skilled Trades BC, Governments and a number of NGOs promote trades training and careers. I offered to assist in any way I can on TPBC’s work in this area.” Dana expressed his appreciation to TPBC for embarking on the STEM Pathways : empowering abilities program, designed to engage with technologists and technicians, businesses, other NGOs and Governments on employment opportunities, showcase techs at work, examine and address any issues around work cultures, limitations or restrictions all as it applies to people with disabilities.
TPBC CEO Leech reviewed with MLA Lajeunesse the 2016 report by the Conference Board of Canada in which it was noted that 400,000 engineering technicians and technologists contributed $54.7B to the Canadian economy, representing 3.3% of GDP. John Leech estimates that in today’s market techs contribute about $12B to the BC economy. Dana and John acknowledged the significant role of techs and of the need for governments and others at all levels to pay attention to their contribution, especially with the current focus on a ONE CANADA economy.
Dana and John shared stories about their backgrounds as advocates for engineering technology, with Dana recalling the day when John, as CEO of the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC at the time, spoke with Camosun College students including Dana when he was studying in mechanical engineering technology. John noted the success ASTTBC had in attracting students as members of ASTTBC, the professional regulatory organization for engineering and applied science technologists, technicians and technical specialists.
MLA Dana Lajeunesse received from John Leech a feather carved by Indigenous artist Alex Mountain. The two agreed to stay in touch.
Posted 2025/Oct/23
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
TPBC Develops Vision Statement for People with Disabilities Program
Amelia Cooper, TPBC Board Director, and CEO John Leech have been hard at work developing a Vision, Mission and Goals statement for our STEM Pathways : empowering abilities program. The Vision statement: A world where everyone has fair and equal opportunities for education and employment in technology, especially people with disabilities working in STEM-related professions. TPBC is in a solid position to bring about positive change built on this Vision Statement:
Vision, Mission & Goals
Vision
A world where everyone has fair and equal opportunities for education and employment in technology[1], especially people with disabilities working in STEM[2]-related professions.
Mission
To support and assist people with disabilities as they seek information and resources on STEM-related education and careers.
Goals
Provide resources for people with disabilities to explore STEM education and careers without discrimination.
Assist people with disabilities to acquire adaptive tools to be able to perform their best in the technology education and career of their choice.
Inform and collaborate with technology employers to encourage the prioritization of hiring people with disabilities.
[1] ‘Technology ‘education and careers refers to engineering and applied science technology and the expertise of technologists, technicians and technical specialists
[2] ‘STEM’ is Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
