Professional engineers have a responsibility to uphold – to create products and processes to advance the world, without compromising the safety of the public. It’s a concept that dates back to ancient times, with efforts to invent machines and systems that would increase productivity. Even back then, safety was an important consideration. Today, Canadian engineers are governed by this commitment to safety and productivity. They must adhere to a strict code of ethics and guidelines that support advances in technology and, above all else, protect the public. But like any well-oiled machine, there are a number of moving parts that help a professional engineer achieve these goals, and standards are one of them.