News

Celebrate IEEE Day!

Celebrate IEEE Day on October 2nd, 2023! Join us in honoring the founding of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the impact of technology on our world. This global event fosters collaboration among engineers, researchers, and tech enthusiasts through workshops and discussions. Discover the latest advancements in fields like robotics, AI, and renewable energy, shaping the future with us!
Link: https://ieeeday.org/

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and the Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impact of residential schools is vital to the reconciliation process.

What can you do for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

You can attend an event. There are events across the country that you can experience, formal ceremonies, art installations, talks, dances, and workshops. And you don't have to wait for September 30 to participate; there are activities happening year-round, like classes, round dances, and powwows.

You can wear orange. Orange Shirt Day is a grassroots movement to raise awareness of the generational impacts of residential schools. At its heart is the message that "Every Child Matters". An orange shirt symbolizes the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem from Indigenous children over generations. It is part of the truth that must happen in order to have reconciliation.

You can learn about and act on the 94 Calls to Action. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada was active from 2008 and 2015 and documented the history and lasting impacts of the Canadian residential school system on Indigenous children and families. They published 94 calls to action, which are available from https://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.801236/publication.html. Read the calls to see how you and your organization can act.

Written by: Alan Fedoruk, PhD. Professor of Mathematics and Computing at Mount Royal University.

Annual IEEE STEM Summit

The IEEE Pre-University Education Coordinating Committee would like to announce the 3rd Annual IEEE STEM Summit. Held on 24-27 October 2023, this is a free virtual event where pre-university educators and volunteers learn about STEM opportunities, resources, and activities. IEEE President Saifur Rahman and IEEE Educational Activities Vice President Rabab Ward will kick off the event on Tuesday 24 October at 10am ET.

IEEE recognizes the importance of STEM outreach for school-aged children. Student interest in STEM careers can be ignited through exposure to new technologies. Fostering a community where educators and IEEE Members can share ideas and experiences is essential to creating an engaging STEM curriculum.

In past years, hundreds of participants used the Summit as a chance to pose questions to award-winning educators and knowledgeable volunteers, who offered practical advice on how to plan interesting and effective outreach activities.

This year, four keynote speakers will present on a range of STEM-themed and youth empowerment topics. The program will feature sessions covering various topics on STEM outreach resources provided by TryEngineering. IEEE Volunteers will also present sessions related to their technical affiliations and affinity groups.

Resources to promote the event to educators and STEM enthusiasts can be found in the STEM Summit Outreach Toolkit. This toolkit includes sample invitation templates, images, ads, flyers, and the TryEngineering STEM Summit social media calendar.

Register today for the IEEE STEM Summit. Together, let's create a thriving community of pre-university educators and volunteers that can inspire tomorrow's engineers today.

After registering for the STEM Summit, consider joining the IEEE Pre-University STEM Community through your IEEE Membership at no additional charge. Our community provides you with access to a wealth of resources and expertise that will help you engage in STEM education. Join Now.

Cruising the Ottawa River: Young Professionals Connect at IEEE Sections Congress 2023!

From August 11-13, the heart of Ottawa played host to an inspiring convergence of young professionals from across the globe at the highly anticipated IEEE Sections Congress 2023. This dynamic event provided a unique platform for emerging talents in the fields of engineering and technology to come together, exchange ideas, and pave the way for future collaborations.

On August 12th, a picturesque evening unfolded on the tranquil waters of the Ottawa River as 33 vibrant IEEE Young Professionals from different regions came together for an unforgettable boat tour and networking event. Hosted in conjunction with the IEEE Sections Congress 2023, this unique gathering provided an exceptional opportunity for attendees to forge meaningful connections against the stunning backdrop of Ottawa's iconic landmarks. Emerging leaders in various fields of engineering and technology engaged in lively discussions, sharing insights, experiences, and ambitions. The event was a true testament to the power of networking, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering a global community of like-minded professionals. The networking continued to flourish well into the night, as participants gathered for a delicious dinner in downtown Ottawa. Laughter, new connections, and the promise of future collaborations lingered in the air, making this evening a highlight of the IEEE Sections Congress 2023—an event that showcased not only the beauty of Ottawa but also the boundless potential of young professionals uniting on a common platform.

IEEE Member Benefit for September 2023

Member Discount on UPS Shipping

Enroll in the UPS Savings Program and save up to 50% off on a broad portfolio of shipping services.

Canadian Members-Only Savings* Include:

• 50% on shipments within Canada and to the U.S.
• 50% on shipments to worldwide destinations.
• 50% on imports into Canada.
• 75% on UPS Freight® shipments over 150 lbs.
• 30% on brokerage entry preparation fees.

*Incentives are based on the daily rates in the UPS Rate and Service Guide. The member understands that actual rates for shipments may vary and be less.

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).

• Volunteers Needed for Education Services Group of Committees

  All three committees in the Education Services Group need new engaged volunteers to help deliver on expectations.
  • Education Activities Committee is responsible to provide guidance and assistance to Region entities in organizing, pre-college education programs, continuing education, university resources and other EAC related activities, and publicizing educational opportunities and resources available from the Institute. As such Section Chairs, Education Activities Chairs, and other interested volunteers are encouraged to engage with the current EAC Chair, Asad Norouzi. For more details on this committee, see section 6.8.1 of the Ops Manual (link below).
  • STEM Outreach Committee is responsible to provide leadership to and coordination with pre-university/pre-institute/pre-college teachers and students, liaison with other technical and professional organizations within Canada about promoting engineering and science fields to high school, and elementary-school teachers and their students. As such Section Chairs, STEM Outreach Chairs, and other interested volunteers are encouraged to engage with the current STEM Chair, Elroy Switlishoff. The Committee maintains a STEM Outreach website with news and resources. For more details on this committee, see section 6.8.2 of the Ops Manual (link below)
  • Training Committee is responsible to develop and maintain the overarching training framework to support IEEE Canada. The Committee will deliver training solutions in the following areas: essential, orientation, leadership, role specific, governance, and professional development. As such Section Chairs and other interested volunteers are encouraged to engage with the current Training Coordinator, Rossitza Marinova. Past training session presentations and recordings are maintained in Collabratec. For more details on this committee, see section 6.8.3 of the Ops Manual (link below)
  • Further Details on Operations Manual
    For more details look at our governance documents at https://www.ieee.ca/en/administration/bylaws-and-ops-manual/, specifically Operations Manual as approved in November, 2021 and Addendum of April, 2022.
    

  Please consider engaging and contributing to these efforts to provide resources to IEEE Canada members.

• IEEE educational activities continue to offer online instruction and IEEE's pre-university educational resources may be of assistance to families of students whose classroom activities have been disrupted. Home-schooling parents and students can explore the IEEE TryEngineering database to learn about a wide variety of concepts.

• Understanding that technology and history are not mutually exclusive subjects, IEEE REACH provides history teachers and remote learners with free educational resources that situate science, technology, and engineering in their social and humanistic contexts.

Scholarships, Awards, and Prizes

All application and nomination forms are on the OpenWater platform, consolidated here: https://www.ieeecanadianfoundation.org/EN/applications.php.

New Special Grant Announcements

• Memorial University: Formula 1 SAE Electric
  This project is the design, fabrication, and testing of a half-scale electric Formula 1 car. The team will be responsible for the drawings, CAD work, some fabrication, testing, and finally competing in the competition. Apart from the car itself, the project will allow students to participate in fundraising, sponsorship, and grant donations. As well the team hopes to form professional relationships to help in areas where the team may not be experienced. As well as coordinating events on behalf of the team, these events aim to bring students together while promoting the design teams of the university.
  
• University of Toronto: NewHacks 24 Hr Event
  NewHacks is a distinctive hackathon tailored for newcomers in the hacking community. Over 24 hours, participants will work on projects, with evaluations based on set criteria by industry professionals. The event not only promotes technical skills but also provides networking opportunities with industry experts and potential employers.
  

New Vehicular Technology Travel Grant Announcements

• Chandan Chetri, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, “Critical Understanding of Temperature Gradient During Fast Charging of Lithium-ion Batteries at Low Temperatures”, IECON 2023
• Akash Samanta, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, “Rapid PCB Development using CO2 Laser and Galvo Scanner for Modular Battery Management Systems”, IECON 2023

Extended Opportunities

Nominations open until November 15:
Findlay Scholarship https://www.ieeecanadianfoundation.org/EN/findlay_scholarship.php>
Alden Scholarship https://www.ieeecanadianfoundation.org/EN/alden_scholarship.php
IEEE Canada Women in Engineering Prize https://www.ieeecanadianfoundation.org/EN/clift_prize.php

IEEE Canadian Foundation

Giving through IEEE Dues Renewal

Each year at dues renewal, IEEE Canada members have an opportunity to transform lives by donating to support the IEEE Canadian Foundation scholarships, grants and awards to IEEE student members, IEEE student branches, and others in Canada. On the web or print renewal, look for "Donate Now", expand the list, and choose IEEE Canadian Foundation. Your gifts made this way are provided a Canadian charitable donation tax receipt from the IEEE Canadian Foundation, after information is conveyed to the Foundation from IEEE, expect early in the new year.

Canadian Life Members when affirming their continuing membership also have this option.

Every gift has impact and positive benefit to the IEEE Canada community.

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.

IEEE Canadian Foundation Welcomes Donations of Cryptocurrency

Some 8% of Canadians hold cryptocurrency [Ontario Securities Commission, September 2022]. Crypto philanthropy is an emerging way for crypto users to make philanthropic donations.

Cryptocurrency giving seems like a natural fit for our members who are innovators in areas such as blockchain, fintech and digital assets. We are partnered with Canada Helps to quickly, reliably and safely process donations of Bitcoin and Ethereum.

To donate cryptocurrency to the IEEE Canadian Foundation and find out more about this giving method: https://www.ieeecanadianfoundation.org/EN/don_crypto.php

Workplace Giving Supports the IEEE Canadian Foundation

Your employer may facilitate workplace giving to socially beneficial causes including the IEEE Canadian Foundation. Matching of your gift may also be offered year round in support of corporate social responsibility or sometimes seasonally as a year end gesture of goodwill. Gifts may be processed though HR services such as Benevity or CAF America (yes, it also covers Canada). Details will be different at each employer so ask around – your gift to the IEEE Canadian Foundation may be magnified with your employer’s support.

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/

Dave Kemp Memorial Fund

The Dave Kemp Memorial Fund has been established in memory of Dave Kemp, serving Director of the IEEE Canadian Foundation, past IEEE Canada President/Region 7 Director and life-long volunteer and supporter of IEEE in Canada and internationally. This fund will support IEEE programs that match Dave's passions and interests, including Young Professional activities, volunteerism, engagement and student growth across Canada. Donations in honour of Dave may be made at https://www.ieeecanadianfoundation.org/EN/davekempmemorial

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).