On February 5, 2021, the Professional Governance Act (PGA) came into full effect. The legislation initially governs the following five professional regulators – the Association of BC Forest Professionals, Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC, BC Institute of Agrologists, College of Applied Biology, and Engineers and Geoscientists BC.
The PGA replaces the respective regulators’ previous legislation, and introduces new regulatory processes and requirements. It creates a standardized approach for how regulatory bodies in the natural and built environment govern their registered professionals. More information about the PGA coming into force, including the full information bulletin, can be found on the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance (OSPG) website.
AIBC registrants can expect that by early 2022, the AIBC will join the other five professional regulators and be governed by the Professional Governance Act. A transition workplan and timeline for implementation is currently being developed by the AIBC. A major portion of the workplan is the development of new bylaws to meet the requirements of the PGA. This will also include updates to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
Registrants will be kept apprised of the AIBC’s progress through the transition workplan and made aware of new requirements and processes on the AIBC website. Several anticipated changes were shared by Paul Craven, Superintendent of Professional Governance at the September 2020 Virtual Town Hall, including:
- Stronger emphasis on professional regulator role, public interest mandate, and transparency; any advocacy activities to be in accordance with the PGA and prescribed rules and limits;
- Leaner council focused on governance, including greater public representation
- AIBC Council’s authority to pass bylaws, with registrants participating in consultation process .
Registrants and the public are encouraged to review the resources available on the AIBC website, and send any questions regarding the Institute’s PGA transition to pga@aibc.ca.
