The Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA) serves as the “voice of public works in Canada,” a role it has fulfilled since it was founded in 1986. Under the American Public Works Association (APWA) umbrella, CPWA advocates for legislation and infrastructure issues with the Canadian government. CPWA is governed by a board that reports to the CPWA membership.
Jennifer Norris, PEng, is CPWA’s current president and serves as the Director of Engineering and Public Works with the Town of Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador. She has 25 years of experience as a civil engineer and is dedicated to strengthening municipal infrastructure, advancing public works services, and supporting sustainable community development. Norris will serve a term of one year in the president role.
She joined the CPWA – Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter in 2014 and rose through the ranks to serve as chapter president from 2024–2026. She started her term as CPWA president in August 2026.
As president, Norris says her priority will be to “help people better understand how essential public works is to everyday health, safety, and quality of life. The services and infrastructure our teams provide are fundamental to strong, resilient communities, and it’s important that this value is recognized.”
Norris said she’s excited to work with other professionals to advance APWA/CPWA goals. “Through CPWA and APWA, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with like-minded professionals from every province in Canada and from across the United States. Many of those connections have grown into friendships and trusted relationships. There is a genuine sense of support and community across APWA, and that has meant a great deal to me,” she said.
Listen to APWA’s Public Works Radio November 4th podcast to hear Norris share stories about the unique challenges with managing public works on an island versus a mainland community. And read a Q&A with Norris in the upcoming December issue of the APWA Reporter.
