INNOVATION March-April 2018

A S S O C I A T I O N

WHAT WE HEARD FROM YOU: CONSULTATION ON LIFE, HONORARY, AND NON-PRACTISING MEMBERSHIP BYLAWS

BACKGROUND In the September/October 2017 issue of Innovation , we reported on a legal challenge to Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s existing Bylaw 10(c.1), which allows members to apply for life membership or licensure if they are 70 years of age, have been practising for 35 years or more, and have been a member in good standing for 20 years or more. At that time, Council had ceased granting life memberships in response to the legal challenge. The legal challenge triggered a review of a number of related bylaws—those referring to life membership or licensure, non-practising membership, and honorary and honorary life membership. This has resulted in proposed changes to those bylaws to address legal issues and gaps that have an impact on regulation of the professions, and to provide more clarity to members and the public. Engineers and Geoscientists BC has been consulting with members on the proposed changes the Engineers and Geoscientists Act . The association’s bylaws interpret the Act , providing guidance to the association and members. Government controls the Act , but bylaws can be altered if ratified by two- thirds of voting members. A review of the bylaws related to Bylaw 10(c.1) brought to light a number of issues that affect regulation of the professions. Current bylaw wording points to unclear obligations for non-practising members, unrestricted use of title, limited licensees not being included in membership categories, and a need to separate honorary recognition of individuals from the granting of practice rights. The changes to the bylaws that are now being proposed would repeal qualification language based on age, and align bylaw wording to require use of a restricted title for non- practising members and an annual commitment by them not to engage in professional practice. The new wording would to the bylaw, and consultation results to date are summarized below, ahead of Council consideration of this issue at its meeting in April. ABOUT THE AMENDMENTS Engineering and geoscience are governed by a piece of legislation,

also make the bylaws inclusive of all grades of membership, including licensees, which is not presently the case. The bylaws concerning honorary membership and honorary life membership would be combined, and the new bylaw would be separated from the granting of practice rights. A provision to revoke honorary membership if required would also be included. The amendments would also introduce grandfathering clauses to maintain the rights and status of current Life Members. The full text of the proposed bylaw amendments is available at egbc.ca/Life-Member-Bylaw- Consultation . WHAT WE HEARD FROM MEMBERS Engineers and Geoscientists BC has been informing and engaging members on this issue. We started consulting members on the proposed bylaw amendments in December 2017, starting with those who would be immediately affected by the decision to cease granting life membership. discussion with the committee responsible for recommending honorary memberships, and ongoing feedback by phone and email. Common themes from the feedback provided by members are summarized below. BYLAW 10(C): NON-PRACTISING MEMBER Proposed wording changes would require non-practising members to use the restricted title “P.Eng. (Non-practising)” and commit annually to not engage in professional practice. Member feedback identified: • Concern that the restricted title could appear to the public as indicating that a member has had this title imposed on them for disciplinary reasons. • Concerns about the restricted title for those who maintain practice rights in jurisdictions other than BC. • Members wanted more clarification around what constitutes professional practice. To date, engagement has included focus groups with members who would have previously qualified for life membership, a webcast on the topic, a member survey,

MEMBER CONSULTATION December 2017–March 2018 • Focus groups with members most affected • Webcast • Member survey • Committee discussion/feedback • Member feedback via phone and email

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