print
this page President's Perspective: Mobile Geoscientists - A Test of Self-Regulation By Maureen C. Jensen, P.Geo.The practice of geoscience in Canada is regulated by self-regulatory organizations (SROs) supported by provincial / territorial Acts that detail how this must be done. What does this mean? It means that organizations, run by their members, regulate the profession (hence, "self-regulate") to ensure the effective protection of the public in their respective jurisdiction. It includes the application of specified educational and experience standards for admission, enforcement against illegal practice, investigation of complaints against members and invoking disciplinary action as warranted. All of these functions are effectively and efficiently carried out by the dedicated and able staff of our provincial/territorial licensing bodies, often with limited resources and unlimited demands on their time and attention. Experience has shown that regulatory organizations are much more effective and responsive if they are staffed and run by knowledgeable and experienced practitioners. The "self" in self-regulation entails regulation of the practice, by the practitioners themselves, ensuring that the profession responds to changes and pressing issues facing practitioners and to new developments in the practice. The need for the mobility of the practice of geoscience is for geoscience professionals in Ontario and in other jurisdictions in Canada. It is an issue to which each of our associations must respond. Subsection 28 (1) (7) of the Ontario Professional Geoscientists Act, 2000 states as one of APGO's objects: "To promote the mobility and transferability of membership in comparable associations and jurisdictions." So, what must we do? It is clear that we must respond with an effective solution that allows our members to legally practice in multiple jurisdictions with few barriers. Most provincial associations have already responded by acknowledging and agreeing to address the issue; however, legal drafts are only the first step. We must find ways to license geoscience practitioners, from other regulatory associations, without undue delay. And we must find a way to establish an appropriate mechanism, including establishing reasonable fees, for transitory practice. Much of this can be accomplished not through changes to legislation or bylaws but can be solved through changes to existing procedures, while still protecting the public. So let's keep the relevance of "self" in self-regulation and respond effectively to our members by delivering regulatory regimes that accommodate their needs. All of the provincial / territorial SROs need to work together to achieve meaningful mobility across Canada for the benefit to our members and to ensure the continued relevance of our own organizations. If you would like to get involved in this issue and others please consider running for Council. |
For
more information on APGO, please contact info@apgo.net
|