Geotechnical News • December 2018
23
who became the much-needed special-
ists in the industry. A large part of the
IRC success was due to the impressive
work conducted by the many gradu-
ate students involved in the research
program.
La Chaire Polytechnique-UQAT est
devenue une pépinière de jeunes
talents qui se sont développés pour
devenir des joueurs d’impact dans le
domaine de l’environnement et de la
gestion des rejets miniers.
I enjoyed this period tremendously,
despite the sometimes-overwhelm-
ing work load. The IRC gave us
the chance to tackle a variety of
geotechnical and environmental
issues. Through its projects, the IRC
addressed practical challenges and
contributed to the development of
solutions that are now being used on
a large scale by mining operations.
This type of collaborative work with
mining companies and consulting
firms continues to this day through
the Research Institute on Mines and
the Environment, RIME UQAT-Poly-
technique, created in 2013 (of which
I was the Director at Polytechnique
for 3 years). I consider myself very
fortunate to have played a role in the
creation and evolution of a produc-
tive and respected research group that
is recognized across the country and
around the world.
I retired from Polytechnique in Janu-
ary 2017, with a plan to remain active
on a part time basis, mainly as the
Executive Director of the Canadian
Geotechnique Society. I also had
in mind a few other projects with
colleagues and collaborators. The
situation evolved somewhat unexpect-
edly, and I quickly found myself more
involved than anticipated at Poly-
technique, as Principal Investigator
of a major industrial research project
with RIME. I must admit, however,
that I still enjoy conducting R&D
with industrial partners and with col-
leagues, including
Robert Chapuis,
Li Li, Richard Simon, Thomas
Pabst, Michel Chouteau, Gérald
Zagury
and
Samuel Yniesta
at
Polytechnique, and
Bruno Bussière,
Mamert Mbonimpa, Benoit Plante
and other collaborators at UQAT.
I also still benefit greatly from my
interaction with students and young
researchers.
La Société Canadienne de geotech-
nique a également joué un rôle majeur
dans ma carrière. J’ai pu y établir des
liens durables avec plusieurs collègues
d’un bout à l’autre du pays, qui se sont
ajoutés aux échanges plus réguliers
que j’ai eus avec mes collègues de
Polytechnique et de l’UQAT.
I need to say a few more words here
about the Canadian Geotechnical
Society, which has long been a second
professional home for me. I first
became a CGS member in 1980, but
my direct involvement really started
in the early 1990s. Through the years,
I was provided with opportunities
to Chair the Rock Mechanics Divi-
sion (1994-1996), the Geotechnical
Research Board (2004-2009) and the
Mining Geotechnique Committee
(2011-2015). I was also part of the
Executive Committee, first as Vice-
President Finance (1997-1998) and
then President of the Society (2009-
2010). I became the CGS Executive
Director in 2015; as such I have had
the great pleasure of working with
two highly dedicated CGS Presidents,
Doug VanDine
and
Dharma Wijew-
ickreme
, and with dynamic and com-
mitted members of the CGS Executive
Committee.
Through all these years, I have
established fruitful relationships with
many CGS colleagues, from coast to
coast, and have made some friends
along the way. I would like to express
my special thanks here to a few key
individuals who have influenced my
involvement and contributed tremen-
dously to the success of the Society.
James Graham
, CGS President
(1997-1998) and Secretary General
(1999-2008), has been a mentor and
a role model that inspired me by his
dedication and wisdom.
Peter Wu
was VP Finance before I took over
the position, and he was CGS Presi-
dent before me; Peter did tremendous
work for the Society at a time when
big changes were taking place at the
National Office.
Doug Stead
was the
VP Technical when I was President;
his commitment and contributions
have been exemplary, as was also
the case for my two other VPs,
Don
Lewycky
and
Stéphanie Perret
. I
also acknowledge the help provided
by
Victor Sowa
, who was the CGS
Secretary General from 2008 to 2014.
The success of the CGS has always
been due to the active participation
of many volunteers involved in the
Executive Committee and the Board
of Directors, and through the local
Sections, Divisions, Committees and
the Geotechnical Research Board;
we owe a lot to these dedicated CGS
members. I also want to express my
gratitude to my colleagues at the CGS
National Office:
Wayne Gibson, Lisa
McJunkin,
and
Emily Fournier
who
play an essential role for the smooth
and efficient operation of the Society;
I greatly appreciate their precious col-
laboration.
En terminant, je veux aussi remercier
mes proches pour leur présence et leur
support face à mes activités profes-
sionnelles, qui ont souvent affecté mes
disponibilités familiales.
I want to end this by adding a few
words about those closest to me, start-
ing with
Colette
, my wife of 35 years.
Michel & Colette Aubertin.
CANADIAN GEOTECHNICAL SOCIETY NEWS
