Edmonton (January’02)… The president of the largest professional association in Alberta will visit Fort McMurray on Wednesday, January 23, 2002 to keep abreast of the industry activities in the area and to meet with branch members and civic leaders in the community. Dale Miller, P.Eng., is the current President of The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA).

"Visiting Fort McMurray is a way for me to see first hand the contributions that our professional members and permit holders are making to Fort McMurray and the Wood Buffalo Region, " Miller says.

Over 600 professional engineers and geoscientists play a vital role in the economic growth of Fort McMurray, working in such areas as resource development, exploration and mining. Throughout Alberta, APEGGA members use their expertise to lead the way in resource development, construction, public works, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing and processing.

" APEGGA has nine branches across Alberta," comments Miller, "and Fort McMurray has always been one of the most active."

Suncor, Syncrude and TransAlta Energy Corporations are registered as Permit Holders with APEGGA. All of their professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists must be registered with APEGGA to legally practice. Members are bound by a code of ethics and continually upgrade their skills. APEGGA members can regularly be found volunteering in community and professional activities.

APEGGA is responsible for regulating the practice of engineering, geology and geophysics in the province of Alberta. APEGGA’s authority is provided by a statute of the province of Alberta, The Engineering, Geological and Geophysical Professions (EGGP) Act. Under the EGGP Act, licensure with APEGGA is required to practice engineering, geology or geophysics in the province of Alberta. APEGGA has served Albertans since 1920; with over 36,000 members APEGGA is the largest professional association in Alberta.

As the administrator of the EGGP Act, the Association is accountable to the Government of Alberta through the Minister of Human Resources and Employment.

-30-

For further information contact:

CHRYS. DMYTRUK, P.Eng. Director Communications and Public Affairs
1-800-661-7020