1 Practical Law of Architecture, Engineering, and Geoscience Chapter 2 Regulation of the Professions

2 Key Aspects of Self-regulation Architecture, Engineering and Geoscience are self regulated in Canada. Also Lawyers, Doctors, Surveyors, Accountants, Others. Authority delegated to regulatory bodies by statute

3 THE FOUNDATION Protect the Public Interest Care of the Professions Protect the Public Interest Exclusive Right to Practice

4 Regulatory Bodies Authority to govern delegated by statute Elected officials (President, Council) Staff Tasks: register members, regulate the practice of the members, discipline members, enforce legislation against non-members. Undertake other activities considered complimentary. E.g. technical practice guidelines; affinity programs

5 CHARACTERISTICS Proactive in the Public Interest 1 Legislative Duty and Code of Ethics 2 Education, experience, and examination requirements for entry 3 Guidelines and practice standards 4 Practice reviews and performance 5

6 CHARACTERISTICS Compliance monitoring, investigation, and discipline 6 Enforcement 7 Continuing professional development 8 Specialist designations 9 Transparency 10

7 National Organizations Canadian Council of Professional Engineers Canadian Council of Professional Geoscientists Royal Architectural Institute of Canada No real authority Goals: Coordinate and foster recognition between provincial regulatory bodies Encourage commonality of operations

8 Right to Title Established through registration Educational prerequisites Degree from qualified institution Academic exams may be required if institution is not qualified. Law & Ethics Seminar Professional Practice Exam Apprenticeship: engineer-in-training, member-in-training

9 Registration All individuals must register to practice engineering In some provinces, corporations employing professionals must also be registered “Permission to Consult” some provinces: not BC yet. Registration is required for each jurisdiction, if practicing full time; not occasional practice: mobility agreements

10 Scope of Practice Scope of practice generally exclusive i.e. only registered professionals may perform tasks within the definition

11 The Obligations of a Professional Abide by the code of ethics Maintain technical competence and practice competently Continue professional development Websites provide useful materials

12 Discipline Authority delegated by legislation Association may audit members on random basis or if concerns come to their attention Most often a complaint initiates the process Investigation, Inquiry, Ruling. Penalties: reprimand, suspension, fines, termination, educational requirements, Practice Review, and COSTS!

13 Enforcement "Enforcement" proceedings are taken against non-members practicing illegally

14 Professional Seals Seal: a stamp, medallion, ring, etc., engraved with such a device, for impressing paper, wax, lead, or the like Used on drawings, specifications, plans, reports and other documents Improper use is a disciplinary offence (seldom seen) A seal indicates that the professional has personally prepared, supervised or reviewed the documents

15 Seals