The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer (RCE) in a Time of Global Crisis 2020

Attending the Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer (RCE) marks a moment of sober reflection, professional contemplation, and of course, companionable joy for many engineers, particularly for those who are about to graduate from their engineering program. This year, 2020, is uniquely different because of our changed view of the challenges facing our global and local communities. The increased awareness of the devastating effects from climate change; the very immediate threats of the COVID-19 pandemic; and the renewed calls for social justice mean the new normal that will emerge will not be like the old normal. This is perhaps a very good thing: the old ways were in hindsight undeniably unsustainable. We as engineers - with our problem solving skills and commitment to society – must rise to the task of helping shape a world that is sustainable and just. 

This year, Camp 14 (Windsor), suspended its normally scheduled Rituals because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with that, our many graduates are unable to take their obligations and receive their token, the Canadian engineer’s “iron ring”. Contrary to common opinion, the Ritual and bestowing of the Iron Ring does not commemorate graduation. Historically, the original intent of the Ritual was to mark the new graduate’s journey into the professional career of an engineer, supported by those engineers who have already been on their journeys. As the Ritual closes in on its 100th year anniversary, this essence of the Ritual still holds true, but for many decades now, the Ritual has also welcomed professionals that have been educated and practiced from all over our world, and have then chosen to bring their global expertise to Canada. Our engineering community has grown through its diversity, and in return, Canadian engineers are well respected throughout the world. 

The COVID-19 pandemic crisis imposed a new reality upon us. In early March 2020, the National Corporation of the Seven Wardens, which governs the RCE across Canada, suspended all upcoming rituals out of the very real desire to safeguard the safety and health of the engineering candidates and many volunteers who host the rituals. This was not a decision that was made lightly given the significance engineers place on the Iron Ring. However, we engineers are professionals: it would be unwise to risk spreading the pandemic by gathering many people in an enclosed space to hold a voluntary ritual, and the prospect of hosting large assemblies now seems unlikely for 2020.

Camp 14, the National Corporation, and the other 27 camps across our nation acknowledge and recognize the tremendous disappointment many of our Class of 2020 engineering graduates feel. Attending the Ritual is voluntary: it does not impact graduation or the path to licensure or practice as a professional engineer. However, it is a popular and revered Canadian tradition for engineers, and taking the obligation and receiving the ring is frequently the high point for our new graduates – look how far we’ve come, and now look where we are about to go. We further recognize that situation is perhaps even more disappointing for our many international students who attended our campuses because they will soon depart Canada, and may not be able to travel back to attend a Ritual in person in the future. 

The National Corporation has been actively reviewing what can be done to provide a meaningful yet realistic opportunity for our 2020 graduates across the country to participate in the Ritual, to take the obligation, and to receive the ring. To this end, the National Corporation is supporting one our camps in their pilot effort to host a virtual Ritual. There are a number of issues to consider, ranging from ensuring security, to overcoming logistical hurdles, to maintaining the integrity of the Ritual: while the ring itself has little monetary value, what it symbolizes is invaluable to engineers. While such a Ritual will no doubt be different, it is hoped that it will be just as significant. 

As with many other organizations and institutions at this time, we are in uncharted territory. However, the National Corporation is committed to resolving this situation to the utmost of our collective ability. We will be reviewing the outcome of the pilot Ritual initiative when it is completed, and will decide on the best course of action later this year on how to serve those who choose to be obligated in 2020.

Camp 14 again sincerely acknowledges the disappointment felt by our class of 2020 because of these circumstances. We will work with the National Corporation to implement a viable solution for the Ritual once it is available. In the meantime, the Wardens of Camp 14 encourage you - our upcoming graduates - to start on your journey. After all, the ring is only a reminder of your obligation to professionalism, integrity, and personal honour - the true hallmarks of engineers. 

May you be fortunate in your works and ways. 

Sincerely, Edwin Tam, Secretary-Treasurer, on behalf of the Wardens of Camp 14