Federal Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction to Regulate Engineers and Geoscientists Subject to Federal Regulation

Registration with Engineers and Geoscientists BC is mandatory for all people and firms practicing professional engineering or geoscience in British Columbia, including professionals working for the federal government or in federally regulated industries.

In Canada, the regulation of professions falls within provincial jurisdiction. Engineers and Geoscientists BC is charged with protecting the public interest by regulating the practice of professional engineering and geoscience under the authority of the Professional Governance Act (PGA), a provincial statute. The courts have confirmed that provincial regulatory laws must be followed unless there is a conflict between provincial legislation and federal legislation making it impossible to comply with both. Engineers and Geoscientists BC is not aware of any current conflicts between the regulatory scheme set out in the PGA and any federal laws. There is no federal body to regulate the professions of engineering or geoscience in Canada.

If you have any questions about the need to register, or if you have concerns about unauthorized practice or misuse of title by individuals or firms not registered with Engineers and Geoscientists BC, you can contact [email protected].