March 2007 ISSUE
Eight Reasons of Support
BY LARRY STAPLES, P.ENG.
ASET-APEGGA Discussion Team Chair
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Here is my countdown of the eight top reasons why I believe in the one Act, two Associations regulatory model for APEGGA and ASET.
#8 In the real world, engineers and technologists work as integrated teams: it makes sense to regulate professional practise in the same integrated manner.
#7 Having both associations under the same act will facilitate synchronization of regulatory practices and ethical standards.
#6 APEGGA and ASET are moving to a new era of partnership to meet the considerable knowledge worker supply challenges facing Alberta’s economy.
#5 The new Professional Technologist designation will permit individuals of assured competence to work to their full potential, on the basis of relevant training and experience, and to take responsibility for work entailing the routine application of recognized codes and standards.
#4 As ASET takes on regulatory responsibilities, public protection will be enhanced by stronger practice review and discipline processes for technologists.
#3 Since 1999, joint regulation of Registered Professional Technologists has worked well — this is a very successful model to build upon (for both engineering and geoscience technologists).
#2 As APEGGA and ASET work cooperatively, the respective roles of engineers and technologists will become better defined (for example, through the development of joint practice standards) for the benefit of employers, clients and the public.
#1 The bottom line: the public will be more effectively protected by bringing the full spectrum of engineering practice under one regulatory umbrella.