TECH TAKES

Protecting Your Career: The Essentials of Professional Liability Insurance

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Tech Takes, guest host David Terlizzi, Director of Member Engagement at OACETT, explores the often-overlooked but critically important topic of professional liability insurance for technicians and technologists—an essential safeguard in today’s complex professional landscape.

Joined by Michael Loeters, Senior Vice President of Commercial Insurance and Risk Management at ProLink Insurance, the conversation uncovers the hidden risks many professionals face, from casual design suggestions to informal advice shared over email. Together, they discuss how liability can arise even without formal contracts or payment, and why understanding your coverage—whether you’re an employee or an independent contractor—is key to protecting your career.

Discover how professional liability and general liability insurance work, why defense costs alone can be significant, and when it’s the right time to ensure you’re properly covered—because managing risk isn’t just smart, it’s a fundamental part of responsible professional practice.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

The Quiet Achiever: Leading Without the Spotlight

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0500

In this special episode of Tech Takes, guest host David Terlizzi, Director of Member Engagement, Services, and Government Relations at OACETT, explores the often-overlooked but deeply impactful concept of quiet achievers. Challenging the idea that great leaders must always be loud, bold, or extroverted.

Joined by Linda Raynier, author of The Quiet Achiever, and Dr. Tatijana Busic, from Busic Psychology and Consulting, the conversation uncovers how introverted, reflective leaders bring unique strengths to teams and organizations. Together, they discuss emotional intelligence, resilience, and the power of thoughtful decision-making, reframing quiet leadership as a strategic, highly effective style.

Discover how quiet achievers can overcome self-doubt, leverage their observational skills, and lead with confidence. Proving that influence doesn’t require volume, only intention.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

Infrastructure Challenges and Opportunities in Ontario

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0400

In this special edition of Tech Takes, recorded live at OACETT’s 2025 Conference in Windsor, Ontario, host Louis Savard, C.Tech, moderates a discussion on Ontario’s infrastructure challenges and opportunities—and the critical role technicians and technologists play in shaping the province’s future.

Panelists Nadia Todorova (RCCAO), Doug Jones, CET (Ministry of Transportation), Stacey McGuire (City of Windsor), and Matt Ashe, CET (GEI Consultants) explore topics ranging from tariff pressures and climate change resilience to skills development and Ontario’s record $200 billion infrastructure investment.

Their conversation highlights how major projects like the Gordie Howe International Bridge and Windsor’s Coastal Flood Protection Master Plan are paving the way for stronger, more sustainable communities, and why innovation, investment, and collaboration are essential to building a resilient province.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

Cybersecurity in Engineering: Building a Secure Future from the Ground Up

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard, C.Tech, explores the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity—a discipline that has rapidly transformed from an IT concern into a core strategic priority for engineers and professionals across every industry.

Joined by Tim McCreight, CEO and Founder of TaleCraft Security, their conversation uncovers the growing sophistication of cyber threats and the vital need to embed security into the engineering process from the very beginning. Together, they discuss how securing intellectual property, anticipating emerging threats, and designing with security in mind can protect both innovation and infrastructure.

Discover how cybersecurity is no longer optional—but a fundamental pillar of responsible engineering, ensuring systems are resilient, trustworthy, and future-ready.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

Inside the Minds of the Next Generation: Flexibility, Purpose, and Mental Well-being

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 23:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Tech Takes, guest host Mladen Ivankovic explores how the next generation is reshaping ideas around work, education, and success.

Psychologist Dr. Andrew Wong and David Terlizzi, Director of Member Engagement at OACETT, join the conversation to discuss why flexibility, purpose, and mental well-being are taking priority over traditional career paths.

From the influence of social media to the rise of hybrid work and passion-driven careers, learn how young professionals are redefining success—and what organizations can do to better support their evolving values.

Don’t miss this engaging discussion on the future of work and the mindset shaping it.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

The Future of Waste Management: Anaerobic Digestion and Renewable Energy

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard, C.Tech, dives into the world of anaerobic digestion (AD) technology—a game-changing process that turns organic waste into renewable energy and organic fertilizer.

Joined by Dave Ellis, Principal Engineer and Director of Azura Associates, and Trisha Aldovino, Chemical Engineer and Process Analyst, their lively discussion explores how AD, a process rooted in nature and refined by engineering, is revolutionizing waste management and contributing to green energy solutions.

Learn about the evolution of AD, from its industrial beginnings 150 years ago to its modern applications across municipal, agricultural, and industrial sectors. Discover its benefits and potential to reshape our environmental and economic future.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

Innovating the Future: Inside Niagara College's Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center (WAMIC)

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Tech Takes, guest host David Terlizzi is joined by Neil Wilkinson, Associate Director of Niagara College’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center (WAMIC), to explore the dynamic intersection of education, industry, and innovation.

Discover how WAMIC and the Research Innovation Division are turning ideas into real-world solutions across manufacturing, green energy, healthcare technology, and IT. From prototyping and testing new technologies to developing practical products and processes, these institutions are empowering small and medium-sized businesses while shaping the future of engineering and applied sciences.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

Enhancing Ontario's Infrastructure: OACETT's New Municipal Designations

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Tech Takes, host Louis Savard, C.Tech. explores the new Municipal Infrastructure Designations Program from OACETT. This program aims to improve the quality and value of non-transportation infrastructure in Ontario, focusing on the Municipal Infrastructure Inspector (mii) and Municipal Infrastructure Contract Administrator (mica) designations.

Joined by Claude Gauthier, C.Tech., rcsi, mii, a civil engineering technician from the Region of Peel, and Carol Warner, C.Tech., OACETT's deputy registrar, the discussion covers the importance of these designations for ensuring safe and reliable municipal infrastructure, including major projects like the Region of Peel's Wastewater Expansion.

Learn about the requirements for these designations, their benefits to professionals, and how they boost public confidence in municipal projects.

Learn more about OACETT's Municipal Infrastructure Designations Program HERE.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

Electrifying Ontario: TTC's Journey to a Zero-Emission Bus Fleet

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Tech Takes, guest host Julia Farner dives into the exciting world of fleet electrification with experts Pablo Fernandez from the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Mike Skrzynski from Power On.

As mass transit shifts towards electric vehicles (EVs) to meet global climate goals, we explore the technological advancements, government policies, and the urgent need for sustainable transportation solutions in Ontario.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the engineering and applied science field or just curious about the future of transportation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and engaging discussions.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

Integrating Nature: The Role of Green Infrastructure in Urban Planning

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard investigates the importance of integrating green infrastructure technology in urban planning.

Louis is joined by Gail Willis, C.E.T., of Willis Technical Services. Gail is a Certified Engineering Technologist with extensive experience in civil and municipal engineering. Together they explore how communities in Ontario are embracing sustainable practices to manage storm water, conserve energy, and enhance resilience to climate change.

Join us as we learn how green infrastructure serves as a valuable tool in building sustainable and resilient communities.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

The Role of AI in Modern Engineering: Opportunities and Challenges

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard delves into the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing work processes and industries.

With our guests, Doug Nix, Co-owner of Compliance Insight Consulting Inc., and Mayy Habayeb, Artificial Intelligence Program Coordinator at Centennial College, they explore the impact of AI on engineering tasks such as design optimization and testing and how automation enhances productivity and efficiency.

They also discuss the importance of acquiring new skills to adapt to the evolving workforce shaped by AI technologies and touch on concerns such as inequality, privacy, safety, and bias arising from widespread AI adoption.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

Transforming Toxic Terrains: Ontario's Approach to Brownfields

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Tech Takes, host, Louis Savard, C.Tech., takes a deep dive into the world of brownfield regulations and remediation in Ontario.

Our guests, OACETT Past President Kim Pickett, C.E.T., and Eric Cowan, C.E.T., project manager at Vertex Environmental Inc., share their extensive knowledge on the subject and discuss the challenges and processes involved in transforming contaminated and underused industrial and commercial properties into safe and usable land.

Join us as we discover how sustainable remediation technologies are revolutionizing the cleanup process and reducing environmental impact.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

Bridging the Gap: Supporting Internationally Educated Professionals in Ontario

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard discusses the difficulties that internationally trained professionals face when they immigrate to Canada and the resources available to support them.

It features a round-table conversation with Charline Tyrell, a career and training counsellor for the Accelerating Career Advancement (ACA) program at Achēv, Daniel Liao, the Dean of Applied Science, Technology and Trades at St. Lawrence College, and Pieter Bruwer, C.E.T., an internationally educated professional working in the engineering field.

Join us as we explore the barriers faced by internationally trained professionals, including financial, language and credential recognition, as well as the challenges of adapting to Canadian culture.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

The 3D Printing Revolution

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Join host Louis Savard as he dives into the world of 3D printing, a technology that is disrupting industries and unlocking new dimensions of innovation.

Louis speaks with Hargurdeep Singh, Vice President of Advanced Manufacturing at CAD MicroSolutions, who provides insights into various 3D printing processes, their significance for businesses today, and their integration within modern manufacturing practices.

Louis and Hargurdeep also discuss 3D printing's real-world impact, from crafting essential equipment during the pandemic to desktop solutions that are democratizing the world of manufacturing.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

Hacking for Good: Safeguarding the Digital World

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 22:00:00 -0400

Join host Louis Savard and Steve Vaillancourt, Senior Cyber Security Instructor at Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, as they discuss the importance of cybersecurity in today's landscape and explore how ethical hackers play a crucial role in stopping cyber criminals.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

The Future of Nuclear Power Technology in Canada

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 14:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard explores Canada's effort to provide low-carbon baseload power to remote areas and heavy industry through the development and design of small modular reactors (SMRs) and micromodular reactors (MMRs). The episode discusses the benefits and limitations of nuclear power, as well as the design of reactors and restrictions on the use of technology. Joining Louis are Lawrence Robitaille, a Technical Advisor in New Technologies at Langcore Construction Corporation, and Jos Denning, President and CEO at Global First Power. Lawrence and Jos share their extensive experience in the nuclear industry and provide insights into the pioneering approach of SMRs and MMRs.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

Understanding Passive House Technology

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 17:00:00 -0500

The built environment accounts for 39 percent of annual global CO2 emissions, according to the World Green Building Council and Passive House is widely recognized as the most powerful tool we have today to produce buildings that help to mitigate these emissions. Ontarians like most people worldwide want a level of comfort and safety in their homes and passive houses offers that.

Greg Leskien, a certified Passive House consultant and C.E.T., an expert in the design, construction review, and verification of buildings, passive houses, and solar photovoltaic systems chats with host Louis Savard, C.Tech., about Passive House technology which could be the next generation of homes with you in mind, offering supreme insulation, quietness, energy-efficient and lots of fresh, clean air.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

From 3Ps to 3Cs: Building collaborative partnerships that drive student success

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 13:00:00 -0500

The future of work is changing. Students must leverage the right skill sets and credentials for present and future job markets. Collaborations between colleges, companies and professional associations, like OACETT, are becoming more important in achieving this.

In Ontario, the transition from a private-public partnerships model, or 3Ps, to a colleges, corporations and certifications, or 3Cs model, will improve the overall outcome of the student experience, build a vibrant talent pipeline, support industry and highlight the relevance of certification in this trifecta to drive success.

OACETT CEO Cheryl Farrow, Seneca College’s dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology, Ranjan Bhattacharya and Georgian College’s dean of Engineering and Environmental Technologies and Skilled Trades, Rebecca Sabourin, discuss how the transition from 3Ps (private-public partnerships) to 3Cs (colleges, corporations and certifications) expands innovation in schools, supports industry development and builds careers through certification.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.

The ‘E’ Word: Understanding the Ethical Implications of New Technology

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0400

As we navigate through our rapidly changing world, where ethical considerations in innovation have become more critical to mitigating risk and challenging our values, organizations will benefit today from adopting stewardship and ethics to ensure technology is used to make the world a better place.

Host Louis Savard, C.Tech., discusses with Mark Abbott, director of Engineering Change Lab and Wayne Collins, a faculty member of the computer science and information technology department at Mohawk College, about the implications of ethics and technology and look at the world of technology and its impact on ethics in technology.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.