INNOVATION July-August 2018

many of our recommendations for improving the model included in the final report. While the report includes a number of positive recommendations, it also recommends sweeping changes to the governance of regulators like Engineers and Geoscientists BC that raise a number of concerns. In particular, we are concerned that the creation of a new Office of Professional Regulation and Oversight would add cost as well as an additional layer between government and practising professionals without a clear indication of how it would improve the regulatory model. It is our view that the regulatory improvements included in the report can be achieved through amendments to the Engineers and Geoscientists Act, without creating a new level of potentially costly administration. Furthermore, we are concerned that the one-size-fits-all model proposed in the report does not account for the varied size and complexity of regulators. For instance, in the case of Engineers and Geoscientists BC, where only

In addition to the governance changes for regulators, the report also deals with a review of various regulations that fall under nine government statutes. Government has indicated that over the next several months ministries that oversee these statutes will be reviewing and considering the recommendations. Again, Engineers and Geoscientists BC expects to be consulted by government as part of this review and more details will be provided as they become available. In all of our engagements with government on this topic, our focus will be ensuring British Columbia has a modern, progressive, comprehensive, effective and efficient regulatory regime that protects the public and the environment. Engineers and Geoscientists BC remains committed to working with government and our fellow regulators to find the right solutions that will strengthen our regulatory model in support of this shared goal. The full report can be accessed at engage.gov.bc.ca/ professionalreliance/.

20% of our members work in the natural resource sector, how would such a body regulate the other 80% of our members? At this point, the potential for unintended consequences has not been assessed. NEXT STEPS Government has indicated that following the report’s release it plans to initiate further consultations with affected regulators, industry groups, First Nations and other interested stakeholders over the summer. In the fall, following the consultation, government intends to implement what it has described as “tangible changes” to governance of the affected regulators. Engineers and Geoscientists BC will be an active participant in these consultations and will be urging government to proceed with caution and to take a phased approach, focusing first on changes to existing legislation where it is clear how implementation would occur and what the benefits would be. If after making those changes it is clear that further improvements are warranted, we will work with government on any necessary broader changes.

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