Geologists and geophysicists in Alberta to change names?

The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists, and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA) has been representing geologists and geophysicists since its name was changed in the 1960s.
Now the association is planning to combine the designations geologist and geophysicist into one term, “geoscientists.” This move will bring it into line with other provinces in Canada and in countries around the world.
For its 2008 annual meeting, the Alberta association sent out a ballot electronically and by mail to its almost 37,000 members, asking if they were in favour of combining the P.Geol. and P.Geoph. to the single P.Geo. designation.
A low response to the ballot of 9.2 per cent meant the result is not binding, but the majority – 72% – who did vote was in favour of the proposal. The association needs to have 10 per cent of its members voting in order for a decision to be binding.
The APEGGA Council has decided to proceed to prepare amendments to the province’s Engineering, Geological and Geophysicists Act and regulations to reflect the change to “geoscientists.” The council will then bring the proposal back for a decision at the 2009 annual general meeting. If the change is approved, holders of the existing designations will be able to continue to use them if they wish.