By Stephen Wilson, P.Geo. APGO President

The Council of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario is a board that manages the affairs of the Association. Duties of Council include establishing policy; setting the annual budget of the organization; setting the strategic goals of the organization; reviewing and providing direction on issues pertaining to the profession of geoscience brought to the attention of Council by the Executive Director, a Councillor, Association member, or other entity.

As most members are aware, elections for vacant Council positions are held each year. The Professional Geoscientists Act establishes the framework for Council and APGO By-Law 8 establishes the rules and methodology for the election and appointment of APGO Councillors. By-Law 8 was written in a way to ensure that a similar number of positions become vacant each year. This prevents a drastic loss of experience in any one year For the 2010-2011 Council year, elections will be held for the positions of Councillor At-Large (one position), Councillor North-East Region, Councillor Central Region and Vice-President. The By-law requires that a nominee for Vice President have served at least one year on Council. All positions are for a term of three years, with the Vice-President serving as President and Past President in years two and three respectively.

I would strongly encourage any members with an interest in governance or a passion for their profession to consider one of these positions. Being part of a body that regulates a profession is an experience that is unlike anything most of us encounter in our jobs. There is no financial remuneration, but there are a sizable number of rewards. These include:

• Helping to shape the direction of your profession in this province.
• A complete change from your career. • Working with some really dedicated, intelligent people.
• Networking with many senior level people, both geoscientists and others. • Learning about the various branches of geoscience.

Standing for election to Council requires you to consider your situation and ensure that if you are elected, that you can provide the support that the APGO requires from the Councillors in order to function effectively. Points to consider include:

Meetings

1. There are usually six meetings of Council per year. The meetings generally last from 9 AM to 4 PM and are held primarily in Toronto to keep down travel costs. (Expenses are reimbursed by the APGO). It is important to attend as many meetings as possible, and to prepare for the meetings by reading the documents and agenda items that will be discussed and/or voted on during the council meetings. The Association provides teleconference facilities for those unable to attend in person, but being personally in attendance is much preferable.

2. Attending the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Toronto in June. This usually coincides with the last meeting of the outgoing Council (morning of the AGM) and the first meeting of the new Council (next day).

3. Every few years, Council conducts a strategic planning session, which takes a full day.

4. Special Meetings of Council are held as required to hear appeals of decisions of the registrar and/or registration committee. There are typically one or two per year. The registration regulation requires that appeals be decided on by five members of council, none of whom are in a position of conflict. View complete article

Revision Highlights to the APGO Continuing Professional Development Program

By Andrea Waldie, P.Geo. Executive Director & Registrar, APGO

On September 17th, 2009, the Council of the APGO accepted the modifications to the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program as presented in the Council meeting. The APGO Continuing Professional Development program, a mandatory requirement for practicing and limited members, has been revised to simplify and streamline the process. APGO members indicated, and the CPD Committee and Council noted, that the program and forms required revision to streamline the process while maintaining the programs integrity and purpose. The following summarizes the purpose of the CPD program and the revisions that have been made.

The program fulfills the following functions:

• Provides documented evidence of public protection through continuing professional development, demonstrating that APGO members remain current in their profession;
• Fulfills APGO’s mandate to “develop an ongoing program of professional development” (By-law No. 7);
• Assists members with fulfilling their CPD obligations in other jurisdictions; and,
• Facilitates mobility between Canadian jurisdictions.

Although the Association notes that professional geoscientists generally do engage in lifelong learning, it is necessary to document this learning through a CPD program in order to fulfil the above noted functions and to encourage the on-going practice of professional development.
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