News

Call for Nominations: 2023 MGA Individual Awards: Deadline 18 September

You can help recognize the efforts of outstanding volunteers by nominating individuals for one of the prestigious IEEE Member and Geographic Activities (MGA) Awards Program. Each award has a unique mission and criteria and offers the opportunity to honor distinguished colleagues, inspiring teachers, and corporate leaders.

If you know someone who has made substantial regional IEEE volunteer contributions through innovative projects, exemplary leadership, service, or by fulfilling the MGA goals as related to transnational activities, consider nominating them for one of the following awards:

• MGA Larry K. Wilson Transnational Award
• MGA Diversity & Inclusion Award
• MGA Innovation Award
• MGA Leadership Award
• MGA Achievement Award
• MGA Young Professionals Achievement Award

Please visit the MGA Award nomination process to review the nominator guidelines and eligibility requirements. MGA awards are peer-recognized awards and self-nominations are not permitted. The deadline to submit nominations is 18 September 2023. A complete nomination form with two letters of endorsement by two IEEE members are required to be eligible.

Nominate a colleague now If the link goes to the IEEE Awards home page, go to ‘My Nominations’ under the ‘Login’ tab. You may need your IEEE account login to access. Email questions to mga-awards@ieee.org

Proctors Are Needed for IEEE XTREME 17.0

IEEE XTREME 17.0 contest is coming up soon (27-28 October). We are expecting significant participation in it from student branches across Canada. As per the rules, every team (consisting of 3 student members) requires a proctor. Proctors need to be IEEE full members or higher grades (like: Senior Member, Life Member). The proctors are basically expected to encourage and guide the participants as they move through this exciting journey. IEEE members in different sections across R7, based on their valuable experience and expertise, can be an excellent inspiration for our student participants on this occasion. So we cordially request their support as proctors, which they can do from anywhere at their own convenience. This link contains further details regarding proctor registration. For any clarification, you may reach out to Azfar Adib (azfaradib@ieee.org), regional coordinator for XTREME 17.0."

Seed Funding Available for new Standards projects

The IEEE Technical Activities Board (TAB) - Committee on Standards has initiated a call for seed funding opportunities to initiate innovative standardization efforts. We encourage any volunteer in Region 7 to engage with their Society/Council to apply for this funding especially if there is interest related to impact sustainability for either our material universe, for instance, energy or climate change, or sustainability in our information universe, for instance, in Internet safety, security, or usefulness.

As per the details at https://ta.ieee.org/operations/standards-activities/tab-committee-on-standards-seed-funding-opportunities, US$10 - 20k is available per selected project. The call is closing on 15 September 2023. Submit your application to accelerate your innovation!

This is the second call of 2023 to provide seed funding for projects initiating innovative standards efforts that begin no earlier than January 1, 2024 and end no later than December 31, 2024.

These awards are for up to USD$10,000. In addition, in alignment with the priorities of SA and the IEEE, up to USD$20,000 may be offered for new proposals that impact sustainability for either our material universe, for instance, energy or climate change, or sustainability in our information universe, for instance, in internet safety, security, or usefulness.

Note that the Funding Request form has been revised to an online Smartsheet form at: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1faedcb0cbd7401db3cba258de74eb73

To submit a proposal, please complete the online SmartSheet form by September 15, 2023.

Opportunity to Ask Federal Government to Take Action on Cyber Security Licensing

"Have you ever been hacked?"
“Have you been spoofed?”
“Has one of your suppliers been hacked with your data on it?”
“Are you aware of Ransomware attacks?”

Power Grids, Water treatment facilities, hospitals, energy systems, and other critical infrastructure have all been attacked. These and other cyber crimes can hit anyone big or small. Canada needs more trustworthy and competent practitioners in Cyber Systems Security. Our petition is asking the government to formalize the licensing of such practitioners in order that the public interest be served and protected.

Please click on link to sign. e-4500 direct cyber Petition Link:
https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-4500

Please note that signatories need to click on the automated email that is sent to them to confirm their signature. Check your junk email in the case you do not receive the automated email typically within hours.

Distinguished Guests at the 2023 IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Leaders Forum

It was an honor to host an event graced by prominent figures such as the IEEE President, Dr. Saifur Rahman, the IEEE WIE Chair, Dr. Celia Shahnaz, the IEEE Canada (R7) President-Elect, Dr. Tom Murad, and the IEEE Ottawa Section Chair, Dr. Amir Joghataie, IEEE Awards Committee’s Celia Desmond, and IEEE Ottawa’s Dr. Wahab Almuhtadi, Dr. Branislav Djokic, Fadwa Darwaish, Wendy Hopkins, Wolf Lunscher, Sana Abou-Shaaban, as well as Regional WIE chairs (WIE Region 10 Chair, Khanita Duangchaemkarn; WIE Region 6 Peijung Tsai; WIE subcommittee Chair, Hala Azad), and Region 7 WIE Chairs (WIE Ottawa Chair, Fadwa Darwaish; WIE Winnipeg rep and WIE R7 Vice Chair, Tamanna Eini; WIE New Brunswick Chair, Windy Rankothge; WIE Southern Alberta Chair, Leanne Dawson; WIE Hamilton Chair, Dr. Marjan Alavi; WIE London Chair, Wafaa Anani; WIE Toronto Chair, Maryam Davoudpour).

Here is one of the photos that encapsulate the cherished memories we created together. The image serve as a testament to the collaborative spirit and intellectual energy that permeated the forum. As we reflect on the meaningful discussions and connections forged during the 2023 IEEE WIE Leaders Forum, we are reminded of the importance of a community dedicated to advancing knowledge, innovation, and leadership.

IEEE Ottawa Section Dedications of Two IEEE Milestones

Two IEEE milestone dedication ceremonies were held in Ottawa on Friday, 11 August 2023, in conjunction with the 2023 IEEE Sections Congress that took place there on 11-13 August. Both milestones were sponsored by the IEEE Ottawa Section. The first, commemorating “The First Fiber Bragg Grating Demonstration at Communications Research Centre Canada in 1978” was held at the Communications Research Centre (CRC) Canada and the second, “The First Geographic Information System (GIS) developed in 1962-1968”, was held at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) as the hosts of these milestones, respectively.

Ottawa Section Fiber Bragg Milestone Dedication

The Ottawa Section is honored to sponsor a prestigious Milestone Plaque commemorating the "First Fiber Bragg Grating Demonstration," a groundbreaking accomplishment realized in 1978 at the esteemed Communications Research Centre (CRC). Back in 1978, the brilliant minds at CRC achieved something that would reshape the landscape of optical communications forever. The demonstration of the First Fiber Bragg Grating opened up an array of possibilities in the field, revolutionizing data transmission and ushering in a new era of high-speed, reliable connectivity. This moment not only marked a technological advancement but also a testament to human ingenuity and collaborative research. The IEEE Milestone Plaque, bestowed upon this achievement, stands as a symbol of dedication, vision, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It's a nod to the pioneering spirit that drives us to push boundaries and explore the unknown. This recognition serves as a reminder that each small step forward can have a ripple effect, impacting industries, communities, and lives on a global scale.

This event was held on August 11, 2023, and was graced by prominent figures such as the IEEE President, Dr. Saifur Rahman; the IEEE Canada (R7) President, Rob Andreson; President-Elect, Dr. Tom Murad; Marc Levesque, President - Communications Research Center; IEEE Ottawa Section Chair, Amir Andaliby; IEEE Ottawa Section Vice-Chair, Wendy Hopkins; Dr. Wahab Almuhtadi; Branislav Djokic; Dr. David Michelson; Dr. Nima Javanbakht; and many others.

GIS Milestone at RCGS

IEEE Ottawa is honored to sponsor an IEEE milestone that exemplifies the application of technology in innovative ways to not only solve the problem of the day but also to lay the foundation for the future. The IEEE has recently dedicated this milestone in recognition of the “First Geographic Information System,” at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) prime location at 50 Sussex Drive in Ottawa.

This event was held in the afternoon of August 11, 2023 with over 30 people in attendance. The speeches highlighting the GIS development were given by John Geiger, RCGS CEO, and Dr. Saifur Rahman, IEEE President. Dr. Janina Mazierska, IEEE History Committee Past President, explained the roles of the IEEE History Committee and IEEE History Center. Dr. Tom Murad, IEEE Canada President-Elect, emphasized the importance of IEEE milestones for preserving and disseminating information about the S&E developments and the IEEE Canada support of the IEEE Milestone Program. Ms. Wendy Hopkins, Vice-Chair of the IEEE Ottawa Section highlighted the continuous relevance of the GIS invention and the Ottawa Section’s role as this milestone’s sponsor. Dr. Branislav Djokic, who prepared and submitted a proposal for this milestone as IEEE Canada History Committee Chair in 2020, touched upon the delays due to COVID and other challenges encountered along the way. Prof. Michael Ballard, who teaches Geospatial Science at Algonquin College in Ottawa, and Mr. Pierre Bilodeau, Industry Manager at Esri Canada, reflected on many contemporary irreplaceable applications of GIS and on their meetings and discussions with the GIS inventor, Dr. Roger Tomlinson, whom they knew personally.

Between 1962 to 1968, Dr. Roger Tomlinson at the Canadian Department of Forestry and Land Development sought a means to improve the management of Canada's forests, agriculture, wildlife and rural development as the manual methods of the day were too unwieldy and disorganized to allow for effective stewardship of Canada's natural resources. He recognized that the new emerging field of computing technology could deliver a solution by digitizing and storing data thereby allowing the application of data processing techniques to that information. This would allow for correlation of the data for tracking, analyzing, and visualizing the land. This became the Canada Land Inventory System and led to the first Geographic Information System (GIS). It revolutionized everyday life worldwide by allowing the overlay, measurement and spatial analysis of geographic information. Today GIS is at the core of modern life from urban planning, tourism and recreation, and even tracking the progression of COVID-19 variants in recent times. His accomplishment sets a high bar for scientists and engineers to find as effective solutions to today's problems. Let us all draw inspiration from Dr. Tomlinson and this ground breaking engineering milestone.

IEEE Member Benefit for August 2023

IEEE Member Travel Insurance Plan

The Gateway International Insurance Plans offer solutions for special insurance needs when traveling abroad. They are available to members, their families, and dependents.

The plans are useful in many situations, and particularly when existing coverage is limited, during international business or leisure travel; when participating in academic, business or cultural exchange activities; or for employees, contract workers or consultants on international assignments.

All plans offer combined insurance and services, such as coverage for accident and illness medical expenses, transportation expenses associated with medical evacuation and repatriation, indemnity in event of accidental death or dismemberment, and worldwide travel and medical assistance services. Depending on the plan selected, other features and options are available. For more information, please visit this link.

Educational Resources

• IEEE eLearning 50% Discount Toolkit

  Are you looking to enhance your skills, advance your career, or explore new interests? Look no further! We're excited to announce an extra 50% off eLearning discount just for members like you. As a valued member, you now have access to this exclusive discount on our extensive catalog of online courses. With a variety of topics ranging from digital transformation and machine learning to 5G and blockchain technology, there is something for everyone. This is your chance to invest in yourself and take control of your learning journey. Sign in with your IEEE Account today to start exploring and take advantage of these incredible savings. Completion of courses award CEUs and PDHs. Don't miss out on this opportunity to unleash your full potential!

  View full list of courses included in this offer. Go to iln.ieee.org and sign in with your IEEE personal account (the same account you use to purchase/renew your IEEE membership).

IEEE Canadian Foundation

Your Donor Advised Fund Can Support the IEEE Canadian Foundation

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a Canada Revenue Agency-approved granting structure that has become one of the most efficient ways for individuals, families, and corporations to manage their philanthropy. You may have or be considering a DAF to achieve long-term philanthropic and legacy goals. As a registered Canadian charity, the IEEE Canadian Foundation can receive directed gifts from your DAF. Please check with your DAF advisor or contact info.ieeecanadianfoundation@ieee.ca.

Streamlined Donation via IEEE Dues Renewal Shopping Cart

Your gift supports Scholarships, McNaughton Learning Resource Centres and Grants to new and innovative projects in Canada. It is easy to donate to the IEEE Canadian Foundation at Dues Renewal (including Life Member confirmation). At the Payment page, look for "Donate to IEEE", then click "View Donation Options", look down the list for IEEE Canadian Foundation. Receipts for Canadian tax purposes are produced by the IEEE Canadian Foundation early in the new year. Thank you for your support!
Learn about the IEEE Canadian Foundation at https://www.ieeecanadianfoundation.org/

Gift of Securities to the IEEE Canadian Foundation – Invest in Scholarships and Grants to Canadians

A gift of securities is a very cost-effective way of supporting the IEEE Canadian Foundation, immediately or though a gift bequest in your will.

With a donation of publicly traded securities you will receive a charitable gift tax receipt for the full market value of your gift. This avoids you incurring Canadian capital gains tax since the securities are transferred intact to the Foundation.

Gifts of securities must be arranged by electronic transfer between your investment broker and the Foundation broker.

As you consider a gift of securities, we can work with you and your advisors to receive your gift. Please request our GIFT of Publicly Traded Securities form, available upon request from the Treasurer (l.matteau@ieee.org).