INNOVATION July-August 2015

as soc ia t i on notes

In August, members will be asked to cast their votes for a bylaw that will introduce new obligations for undertaking and reporting professional development activities for all practicing members and licensees. This will determine whether BC engineers and geoscientists will join their counter- parts across the country, and almost all other regulated professions in BC, in demonstrating their commitment to lifelong learning through a formal professional development program. “This is a pivotal time for us as professionals,” said President John Clague, P.Geo. “The public needs to trust us as engineers and geoscientists, because their safety and well-being depend on it. Demonstrating our professional integrity and accountability through a formal program will enhance public trust. That is critically important to the future of our professions.” The proposed CPD bylaw is the result of many years of study and significant research conducted by APEGBC Council and the CPD Committee, and reflects the feedback members provided during a five- month consultation process. Members were clear in communicating that, to be effective, a CPD program would need to fit into their busy lives. The bylaw recognizes the need for layers of flexibility that ensure the program can be adapted to support members in a diverse range of Updated Professional Development Bylaw to be Put to Member Vote New information website explains revised program requirements

At a Glance What is it? Detailed information on the professional development bylaw. Why? In late August, APEGBC members will be asked to vote on a bylaw that would commit them to a formal professional development program. What information is included? Detailed bylaw wording, program requirements, professional development options, information on compliance and exceptions. For more information: cpd.apeg.bc.ca.

technical disciplines and career stages. The bylaw requirements operate on a three-year rolling total; this lets members make up for any CPD shortfalls in future years. The bylaw also removes previous category restrictions on the number of CPD hours members can claim, and allows for full or partial exemptions for members on parental leave, health or disability leave, or in other special circumstances. In the lead-up to casting their ballots, members expressed a desire for detailed information on all aspects of the bylaw in order

to become fully informed. APEGBC launched a dedicated website (cpd. apeg.bc.ca) with the goal of provid- ing this information. The website also provides a forum for members to ask important questions about how the program will work. Thousands of members have already visited the site to learn more about the program, including benefits, requirements, professional develop- ment options, reporting, compliance and exceptions. “Members are asking great ques- tions about the bylaw,” said Clague of the website. “The information there is very helpful in understanding how the program will work. I would strongly encourage members to use this site to inform themselves so that they can confidently cast their ballots later this summer.” The bylaw will be presented to members for ratification through an online vote from August 26 to October 2, 2015 at noon. v

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