GEOSCIENTISTS APPLAUD TSE/OSC RECOMMENDATIONS
Toronto – June 8, 1998.

The Association of Geoscientists of Ontario (AGO) applauded today's report of the TSE/OSC Mining Standards Task Force. In its report, the TSE and OSC recommended that geologists be licensed as a self-regulating profession. Geoscience is the study of the earth and its systems. Geoscientist is the mbrella term for practitioners of geoscience, which includes geologists.

"We are fully supportive of the Task Force's recommendations and call upon the government to move quickly to complete the process that we have already begun," said AGO President Bill Pearson. "Over the past ten years the geoscience community has been pursuing the licensing of geoscientists, including geologists, to better protect public safety, health and welfare, economic resources and the environment. We have been joined in this effort by voices from the mining and environmental sectors and, more recently, from the financial community. We are pleased to see that both the TSE and OSC have recognized the benefit to the public of licensing geoscientists".

As responsibility for the regulation of professionals falls under provincial jurisdiction, the AGO is encouraging the Provincial Government to proceed quickly to enact legislation that would require the licensing of geoscientists. This measure would demand strict qualifications for licensure which would ensure accountability and allow for disciplinary action to be taken against those who are found guilty of professional misconduct.

"The licensing of geoscientists is urgently needed for the protection of the public in resource industries and the environment," continued Mr. Pearson. "Our goal of professional registration is now seen as even more inportant in the wake of the Bre-X drama as well as greater environmental concerns". Mr. Pearson cited the widely reported case in Richmond Hill, Ontario where the foundations of a 10 storey building were compromised by erosion of soil, resulting in the evacuation of hundreds of residents.

The precedent for licensure is well established in other Canadian jurisdictions. Already Alberta, Newfoundland, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories have enacted legislation to license these professionals. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Manitoba are in the process of enacting similar legislation. Most US States have also licensed professional geologists.

With a membership of over 1,000, the AGO was formed in 1996 as the voice for geoscientists in Ontario. The AGO has developed a proposed syllabus, experience requirements and documents for implementation of licensure. The Association of Geoscientists of Ontario is working with the Attorney General's office and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and can move forward as soon as the government is ready.

-30-

Contacts:

Bill Pearson (416) 367-4330
Richard Puntis (519) 767-9100
John Bowlby (416) 449-2174