INNOVATION January-February 2015

a c t amendmen t

It is a goal of APEGBC to support the role of licensees and recognize their practice rights, within their scope of practice and area of expertise. This also has the wider benefit of improving access to qualified engineering or geoscience expertise in regions of the province where there may be skill shortages. To this end, APEGBC is seeking to amend the wording in the Engineers and Geoscientists Act to inclusively define licensees as “members” along with professional engineers and professional geoscientists. 4. Accountability in governance Removal of Council members for misconduct – APEGBC has no legal provision in the Act to remove council members, either elected or appointed, from office for misconduct. In plain terms, APEGBC faces the same problem as did Toronto city councillors in 2014 who had no method to remove the mayor, even though they felt this was warranted by his behaviour. To support accountable and responsible governance, APEGBC is proposing an amendment to the Act that would require all council members to take an oath of office, whereby, if a council member were found to have breached the oath, they could be removed by two-thirds majority vote of the remaining members of council. This is a common provision in the Acts of other professional regulatory bodies in the province. 5. More effective handling of non-compliance with CPD bylaw Provision for a standard administrative process to deal with failure to report or comply with the requirements of the CPD bylaw – APEGBC is currently consulting with members on a professional development bylaw which if ratified would commit members to report professional development hours. However, should the bylaw pass, changes to the Act are advisable in order to improve the effectiveness of how the bylaw would be administered, specifically regarding how cases of non-compliance are handled. Although a CPD program is not currently required by bylaw, the Act already has provisions which facilitate the existence of a reporting CPD program. However, the wording of the Act currently states that a failure to comply with a CPD bylaw is to be routed through the investigation and discipline process. To improve the effectiveness of how such cases could be handled, APEGBC is seeking a provision within the Act that will enable a more efficient process for handling non-compliance with the CPD bylaw, such as reminder notices, followed by eventual cancellation of membership for non-compliance. This would be similar to the existing provision in the Act that prescribes how To meet modern challenges and maintain relevance as a public safety regulator, APEGBC needs to have the tools to respond in an appropriate and timely manner. Council is proposing these changes to the Act to equip APEGBC to perform its regulatory duties in a more efficient and effective matter, and to support its work to protect public safety. We want to hear if members have any concerns about these proposed amendments. non-payment of membership fees is dealt with. Consulting with members - Next Steps

The subject of consultation on these proposed amendments was first introduced to members at APEGBC’s annual general meeting in October of last year. Thus far, initial consultation has been undertaken with meetings of the association’s past presidents as well as branch chairs. Consultation is now being widely undertaken with APEGBC members over the next few months, after which, the feedback will gathered and presented to Council for consideration in formulating a formal request to government. During the consultation period, members of APEGBC Council and staff will be making presentations to members at regional branch events and various committee meetings, and taking questions on the proposed amendments. A member survey will also be conducted online in February to gather input.

Members and other stakeholders consulted on proposed amendments. January-April 2015

April 2015

July 2015

Request formally made to

Council reviews and considers feedback. Request for amendments formulated.

Ministry of Advanced Education.

Council votes on package of

amendments to be submitted to gov’t.

It’s your turn Looking for more information? A dedicated website has been set up at apeg.bc.ca/legislation to provide members with information regarding the proposed amendments. Articles, frequently asked questions and background information are available, as well as details on the consultation process. Here’s how to have your say: Directly • Contact the APEGBC office: Efrem Swartz, Director of Legislation, Ethics and Compliance Ph: 604.412.4852 Email: legislation@apeg.bc.ca • Speak with an APEGBC council member, committee member or members of staff in-person at an APEGBC event. Online • Email legislation@apeg.bc.ca • Participate in the consultation survey to be launched in early February. Through your local branch executive • Information on your local branch events, or branch executive can be found here: apeg.bc.ca/branches • Dates and times for consultation presentations will also be posted on apeg.bc.ca/legislation as they are confirmed.

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