Wedded bliss: Technologists and engineers agree to be regulated under same Act in Alberta

Engineers and technologists in Alberta have voted to endorse plans to have both professions regulated under the same Act. The historic agreement means that their professional associations will ask the provincial government to amend the Engineering, Geological and Geophysical Professions Act to create a new “one act, two associations” regulatory model.
The technologists’ organization, known as the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, or “ASET,” and the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta, “APEGGA,” cast votes in a special ballot in favour of changes outlined in a memorandum of understanding.
The new arrangement will see a new category within ASET known as a Professional Technologist. Individuals who obtain this designation will have a licence to practice engineering independently within a defined scope of practice. Joint boards and committees from ASET and APEGGA will regulate the professional technologist category.
Currently ASET is governed by the Societies Act, but it will move to full legal registration within the engineering act.
The memorandum of understanding between APEGGA and ASET had been unanimously approved earlier this year by the elected councils of both associations. Discussions had gone on for six months before then with the aid of a government-appointed mediator.
In announcing the vote, APEGGA President David Chalcroft, P.Eng. said, “This is an historic day for both organizations. After years of sometimes spirited discussions, we have reached an agreement that both associations can support. The proposals included in the MOU will serve to enhance public safety and well-being in Alberta.”
Legislation giving ASET a regulatory role is a significant development long awaited by Albertas technologists and will make our professional members accountable to the public, added ASET President Larry Stone, C.E.T.
APEGGA, with over 48,000 members, is the largest self-regulating professional association in Alberta. ASET is a 43 year-old organization with 16,500 members.