May 2006

APEGGA Offers to Partner with ASET 

In 2005, the Alberta Society of Engineering Technologists (ASET) submitted a change of name to the Corporate Registry of the Government of Alberta, the agency responsible for the Societies Act.

Despite the objections of APEGGA and other professional associations, approval was given for the change of name to the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta. APEGGA's primary concern was the use of the words 'engineering' and 'professional' together in this name, which has significant potential for confusion in the minds of the public who might think that members of ASET are licensed to provide services independently.

On March 21, 2006, the Pro 10 group (APEGGA plus nine other professional groups in Alberta) made separate presentations to the Standing Policy Committee addressing these issues. They jointly addressed concerns about the name change as well as the proposal to make ASET a regulator of a wide range of technologists, many of whom are already provided for under existing legislation regulating these professional groups. APEGGA, in addressing specific concerns for the proposed legislation, rejected the concept of independent legislation and instead suggested partnering with ASET under a 'one act, two association' model.

APEGGA's proposal is three-part: 

1. Government to reject separate legislation for technologists; 
2. The Engineering, Geology and Geophysics Professions Act, which governs APEGGA, be amended to include ASET, i.e. two Associations under the one act. ASET will have right to title and a regulatory role in relation to technologists practicing under supervision. APEGGA and ASET would jointly regulate technologists who may be qualified to practice independently; 
3. A government-appointed mediator would be requested to work with APEGGA and ASET to develop a mutually acceptable solution within a specific time frame.

On the advice of the Standing Policy Committee, Human Resources and Employment Minister Mike Cardinal has suggested that APEGGA and ASET meet to discuss the merits of this proposal with a view to seeking a mutually acceptable proposal. Minister Cardinal has offered to appoint a mediator to assist with the discussions and has requested a report within three months.

Further details can be found at www.apegga.com.

© Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador