During his upcoming term, he will guide implementation of the first major changes to the Professional Engineers Act in over 25 years. Among the changes now in effect are a new definition of professional engineering that is harmonized with the definitions across Canada, and the elimination of the requirement to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to be licensed as a professional engineer in Ontario.

Born in Ottawa, Adams studied arts and science at Carleton University before entering McGill University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He later earned an MBA in finance and marketing from the University of Western Ontario.

He has been extensively involved in mechanical engineering design and production management, acquisition analysis and negotiation, and business operations. He has worked at the National Research Council, Ottawa, in the oil fields of Alberta, at Canadian Industries Ltd. and Abitibi Power and Paper, and has held senior positions with Canadian Gypsum and Massey Ferguson, before acquiring the 140-employee Canada Spool & Bobbin Company. He is currently president of Maple Leaf Engineering, a consulting firm specializing in lean design and manufacturing, building renewal, wood processing facilities, sawmill and dry kiln design.

Adams is happily married to Dorothy and has three adult children and five grandsons.

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