This proposal is an insult…

This proposal is an insult to not only every ratepayer in Ontario, but also to every Wastewater Operator licensed in the Province of Ontario.

It is during times of emergency when Ontario's citizens and environment require its most competent and experienced personel at the helm. This proposal provides nothing of the sort, and instead serves only to open the door to the operation of wastewater facilities by wholly inexperienced individuals. If approved, this proposal would damage the worth of the many hours of frontline operating experience that countless operators have put forth, and would make a mockery of the graduated licensing system that the MECP worked so hard to construct and maintain.

For too long OWWCO has been steered by individuals with membership ties to the Professional Engineers of Ontario. This is clearly evidenced by the exemption granted to individuals holding Professional Engineer designations, which allow them to challenge a Class 4 exam without ever spending a single hour as an Operator. In which other industry is this considered an acceptable practice? Is a Professional Engineer granted special permission from the FAA skip the 'hands-on flight training' and pilot an airliner during an emergency? Is a Professional Engineer granted special permissions to skip medical school in the event of a Doctor shortage? (Please do not dismiss these examples as hyperbolic). The facts are that career Engineers or Managers are simply not qualified to operate wastewater facilities. The roles are completely unrelated, and the skills required are fundamentally different. Frankly, as an Operator, I find it offensive to see the governing-body consider taking up a similar stance when it comes to the operation of said facilities. This proposal reeks of further fraternizing with the PEO, and it only serves to further water-down positions that Operators in this province so proudly hold.

This proposal also potentially exposes the Minisitry to the kind of risks that the events of the Walkerton tragedy elicited. It is these dark reminders in Ontario's past that should ensure water and wastewater operations be held to extremely high standards on a CONTINUOUS basis. If the Ministry wishes to maintain the public trust, a zero tolerance stance from the Ministry should be upheld with regards to permitting unqualified individuals from having legal operational responsibilities.

Please listen to Ontarians. Please listen to Operators throughout this Province. Reject this proposal!