If your organization engages in engineering or geoscience as part of its operations – even if those services are only provided internally – you need to apply for a Permit to Practice with Engineers and Geoscientists BC by September 30.
Under B.C.’s new Professional Governance Act, Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s mandate has been expanded to regulate organizations that engage in the practice of professional engineering or professional geoscience in BC. The regulator has spent the past four years developing a regulatory framework for firms, based on its successful voluntary Organizational Quality Management Program.
Engineers and Geoscientists BC opened registration for firms on July 2, and so far, more than 800 firms have applied for and received their permits.
“We’re very pleased to see such a strong response from firms in the first month of this new requirement taking effect,” said Heidi Yang, P.Eng., Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s CEO. “We’ve worked hard to make sure our regulatory framework meets legislative requirements without placing an undue burden on firms. In most cases, it’s about formalizing responsible practices that are already in place.”
The new requirements apply to corporations, partnerships, incorporated and unincorporated sole practitioners, municipalities, and specific government ministries and agencies (named in regulation). To apply for a permit, firms must provide business and contact information and pay an application and registration fee.
After receiving their permit, firms have 12 months to attend training and complete documentation requirements.
For organizations that aren’t sure if these new requirements apply to their operations, Engineers and Geoscientists BC has an online assessment tool available at egbc.ca/assessment-tool.
The deadline to obtain a Permit to Practice is Sept. 30, 2021. Learn more and apply at egbc.ca/firms.
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