2024 ANNUAL REPORT
REGULATING THE PROFESSIONS PROTECTING THE PUBLIC
APEGA is the regulator of engineering and geoscience in Alberta, safeguarding the public by enforcing professional and ethical standards. Our licensed professionals and permit-holding companies sustain a century-long legacy of innovation and economic growth in our province, inspiring the next generation of engineers and geoscientists.
Contents
Message from the President���������������������������������4 Message from the Registrar & CEO ��������������������6
Performance Culture Information Technology & Office Services������ 47 Our Volunteers ��������������������������������������������������� 48 Annual General Meeting ���������������������������������� 50 Council ���������������������������������������������������������������51 Public Member Reports Council ���������������������������������������������������������������52 Board of Examiners �������������������������������������������53 Discipline Committee����������������������������������������� 54 Appeal Board ����������������������������������������������������55 Financial Statements Report of Independent Auditors �����������������������56 Summary Financial Statements������������������������� 57 Notes to Summary Financial Statements ���������58
Regulatory Excellence Our Membership ��������������������������������������������������9 Internationally Trained Applicants �������������������10 Application Processing Times ����������������������������11 Examinations ������������������������������������������������������ 12 Practice Standards��������������������������������������������� 13 Learning Management System ������������������������� 15 Digital Signatures����������������������������������������������� 16 Corporate Practice �������������������������������������������� 17 Individual Practice ���������������������������������������������20 Unlicensed Practice �������������������������������������������22 Investigations �����������������������������������������������������24 Discipline ������������������������������������������������������������ 26 Appeals ��������������������������������������������������������������27 Trust & Relevance Awareness Campaign for Newcomers������������ 29 Branches ������������������������������������������������������������� 32 Member Benefits & Discounts ��������������������������� 34 Professional Development��������������������������������� 36 APEGA Nexus���������������������������������������������������� 38 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion ������������������������������39 Summit Awards ��������������������������������������������������40 K–12 Outreach �������������������������������������������������� 42 University Outreach������������������������������������������� 43 Noteworthy News ���������������������������������������������44
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Message from the President
It has been a great privilege to help steward this organization over the past year as APEGA’s 105th president. I reflect on a year that has passed quickly, marked by efforts to address both longstanding and emergent challenges. What differentiates the tenure of APEGA’s presidents is often not the individual or the organization itself, but the circumstances in which we operate and our ability to capitalize on key opportunities to advance our professions. I feel one of our most significant achievements was simply honouring APEGA’s commitment to fostering open dialogue— internally, with our volunteers and staff members, and externally, with our registrants and partners in the Government of Alberta. The dedication and enthusiasm of those I met this past year have been an inspiration for me. The interactions I had with professionals were valuable reminders of the passion and innovation that drive us forward. I have particularly fond memories of time spent with students—in particular, students in one class at Keyano College in Fort McMurray whose curiosity and energy underscore a bright future of engineering and geoscience in Alberta. Collaborating with government Equally encouraging have been our discussions with the premier of Alberta and provincial cabinet. It has been my pleasure to engage in thoughtful discussions about the value engineers and geoscientists bring to Alberta, as well as how we work to improve the registration experience for internationally trained applicants.
Tracey Stock KC, P.Eng., PhD, FEC, FGC (Hon.)
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Changing leadership Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize APEGA’s outgoing registrar and CEO, Jay Nagendran, to whom I believe we all owe a great deal of gratitude upon his much-deserved retirement in April 2025. Our professions are better for his service, vision, and commitment. He put tremendous effort into helping find the right person to be APEGA’s next registrar and CEO, and we are both confident that professional engineer Paul Wynnyk will expertly guide the organization in continued regulatory excellence. Thank you to the entire APEGA community for your support and collaboration during my tenure as president. It has been an honour to serve, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to APEGA’s success as past-president.
As a professional engineer who is also a lawyer, I have taken a keen interest in how the government intends to proceed with the Professional Governance Act . This legislation will affect the governance of many professional regulatory organizations in Alberta, including ours. Although some things may change, the core functions of APEGA—ensuring public safety, fostering professional development, and upholding ethical standards—will remain firmly intact. I am confident that our work preparing and sharing recommendations and collaborating with the province will position APEGA for a smooth adjustment when the time comes. Welcoming new professionals A hallmark of my year as president was the work put into welcoming international talent to Alberta and to the professions. In 2024, APEGA launched a public awareness campaign to demystify the licensing process and to showcase the value internationally trained engineering and geoscience registrants bring, including by sharing their diversity of experience. As Alberta continues to benefit from their contributions, APEGA is updating policies and systems to help streamline the registration and licensing process to remove barriers while maintaining the standards that define our professions. I am proud of this work, as it exemplifies APEGA’s commitment to inclusivity and leveraging global talent to drive Alberta’s progress. It is an exciting opportunity for APEGA Council to pursue, advancing its mission while adapting to the evolving needs of our professions and meeting the growing demands of the communities we serve— and it shows how we always strive to improve.
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Message from the Registrar & CEO
As I approach the conclusion of nearly 50 years practising as a professional engineer—the past eight years as registrar and CEO of APEGA— I feel privileged to have taken this meaningful journey. I continue to witness significant strides and innovations in the professions and the strong standards of regulation that grow our province and keep Albertans safe. When I began my career in 1975 as an industrial water quality approval engineer with Alberta Environment, I could not have imagined the path that would unfold. APEGA’s principles have guided me since I received my professional designation, and I am retiring knowing we have set an excellent standard for safe practice and trust of the communities we serve. During my tenure at APEGA, I’ve been inspired to see the professions creating a more inclusive environment. By welcoming internationally trained registrants, we are making our province richer in knowledge and innovation. I hope to continue this work as an appointee of the Government of Alberta’s Foreign Credential Advisory Committee. Some of the ways APEGA improved inclusivity in 2024 were: • continuing to dispel misconceptions about perceived barriers to entry to the workforce and increasing awareness of how APEGA supports internationally trained registrants • furthering our 30-by-30 goal to increase women’s representation through the two-year Women’s Economic Recovery Challenge grant • piloting a Work Readiness Program for university students and members-in-training who are just launching their professional careers
Jay Nagendran P.Eng., FCAE, ICD.D, FEC, FGC (Hon.)
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Regulating the professions APEGA registrants consistently meet the high standards of self-regulation, as seen in the volunteerism of those on our statutory boards and council, those who vote in the annual election and attend our annual general meetings, and those who participate in APEGA Science Olympics and other outreach activities. At APEGA, we continue to refine the processes that guide our registrants’ activities, such as improving the efficiency of the practice review program for permit holders, revising the Continuing Professional Development practice standard, and finding new ways to support our registrants’ ongoing learning. We signed a National Statement of Collaboration with the 11 other engineering regulators across Canada and Engineers Canada, renewing our commitment to work together to address national and international barriers to mobility for engineers and engineering entities. Furthermore, we continued to work closely with the government as the Professional Governance Act is set to replace the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act . Looking to the next generation Over the past eight years as APEGA’s registrar and CEO, I have been inspired in my work thanks to the integrity and drive of APEGA registrants and the dedication and expertise of staff and council. This is truly a gift. I am very proud of the culture of respect, fairness, and inclusivity we have fostered at APEGA. Inclusive culture is spread through education and by modelling behaviour, and I encourage our permit holders and registrants to embrace the change each new generation brings, while being generous with their wisdom and experience. Your support is crucial in helping others navigate the licensure process and carrying forward self-regulation.
I am also grateful for the continued trust in APEGA by the Government of Alberta and the communities we serve as we deliver on our mandate to protect the public. As my journey here draws to a close, I leave knowing that APEGA registrants and permit holders, council, staff, and our new registrar and CEO, professional engineer Paul Wynnyk, will carry forward our legacy of excellence. As my final message to you, our valued members, I want to particularly acknowledge the eight incredible councils that you elected and that I had the privilege to serve. Their dedication to our professions is something that we all need to be grateful for. I have also worked directly with eight different presidents over this time, and each in their own way has been very special. As this is the 2024 annual report, I want to say an extra thank you to our current president, Tracey Stock, for his care, dedication, and commitment to our professions, in addition to his support and kindness to me.
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REGULATORY EXCELLENCE
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Regulatory Excellence
Our Membership We had a net increase of 604 registrants in 2024.
Total membership numbers Licensed professionals* Members-in-training Other**
69,575
67,914
68,971
70,000
Total active permit holders
65,000
4,892 In 2024, the number of active APEGA permit holders practising engineering or geoscience in Alberta increased to
60,000
55,000
4,892
50,000
4,777
4,619
45,000
2022 2023 2024
0
2022
2023
2024
*Professional members, life members, licensees, professional licensees **Provisional licensees, exam candidates, registered students, honorary members
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Internationally Trained Applicants Alberta is a popular destination for engineering and geoscience professionals from other countries.
trained. 50 %
In 2024, approximately
of APEGA applicants were internationally
To meet the high demand for engineers and geoscientists, newcomers can begin working in their fields under the supervision of an APEGA licensed professional while they begin the process of obtaining their own professional designations. This allows them to join the job market faster and contribute to Alberta’s economy. To ensure equity, procedural fairness, and public protection, the qualifications of internationally trained applicants are assessed in the same manner as domestic qualifications, with additional requirements for English-language proficiency if an applicant did not complete their degree at an English-language university. How APEGA supports newcomers APEGA partners with newcomer agencies, community organizations, post-secondary institutions, technical societies, and other corporations to provide potential applicants with multiple avenues to learn more about our registration requirements. • We hosted more than 50 seminars that had a total of more than 1,200 attendees . • Seminars provide valuable information for applicants from countries where engineering and geoscience are not regulated professions in the same way they are in Canada. • We answer questions and provide guidance to reduce the likelihood of incomplete applications, which delay processing times.
Did you know? In July, APEGA Registrar and CEO Jay Nagendran, P.Eng., was appointed by the Government of Alberta to the newly established Foreign Credential Advisory Committee, which will make recommendations for improving Alberta’s foreign credential recognition process.
Read about our awareness campaign to support internationally trained applicants on page 29 .
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Regulatory Excellence
Application Processing Times One of APEGA’s main regulatory functions is ensuring that every licensed professional practising engineering or geoscience in Alberta meets the requirements mandated by the
Performance metrics • APEGA received 6,901 applications in 2024. • We made decisions on 95.3 per cent of applications within the requirements of the Fair Registration Practices Act , up from 93.8 per cent in 2023. • APEGA processed 1,048 interprovincial professional member applications, rendering decisions in less than four business days on average. • More than 99 per cent of these professional member interprovincial applications were processed within the 30 -business-day requirement of the Labour Mobility Act . Competency-based assessments Since 2018, APEGA has used competency-based assessments to evaluate the experience and abilities of engineering applicants. Applicants must provide examples of how they meet or exceed 22 core competencies and name a validator who can confirm their experience. This has proven to be a procedurally fair and objective way of ensuring engineers have the experience needed to begin their journeys as professional engineers in Alberta. We use a different process to evaluate the work experience of geoscience applicants.
Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act . On average, we receive more than 575 new applications for registration each month. Professionals who wish to practise in Alberta depend on APEGA’s capacity to process these applications promptly, with minimal procedural delays. Two pieces of legislation govern our registration decision time frames. • Alberta’s Labour Mobility Act requires interprovincial applications to be processed within 30 business days— 20 to make a decision and 10 to inform the applicant. • Alberta’s Fair Registration Practices Act requires registration decisions for all other registrant applications to be processed within six months of receiving the application and all required documentation. By thoroughly processing applications in a timely manner, we keep pace with the volume of new professionals joining Alberta’s economy while maintaining APEGA’s primary focus on public safety and competency. We work closely with the Board of Examiners, which comprises volunteers who review and approve applications, and ensure that applications approaching legislated time limits are prioritized for consideration. Applications that are complex or part of emerging disciplines are identified early to allocate sufficient time for review. Competency-based assessment (CBA) is the right tool, the right framework, to use for assessing experience. In collaboration with the Board of Examiners, we work with a continuous improvement mindset to make the CBA process more efficient and effective.” – Amit Banerjee, P.Eng., director, registration
Percentage of application decisions made within six months
95.3
93.8
91 .6
2022
2023
2024
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Examinations
APEGA administers the National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE) for 13 engineering and geoscience jurisdictions across Canada.
Before they can become licensed professionals, all aspiring engineers and geoscientists must pass the NPPE to confirm their knowledge of professionalism, law, and ethics. The exam is offered five times a year and is available in person and virtually.
Applications from internationally trained applicants are evaluated by the Board of Examiners to identify any gaps in their academic backgrounds, and the board assigns technical exams to confirm the applicants’engineering or geoscience knowledge. APEGA also helps applicants who wish to practise in the United States by facilitating registration for the required exams, which are administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying and the National Association of State Boards of Geology.
Supporting internationally trained applicants
APEGA facilitates access to technical assessments that support internationally trained applicants and those pursuing U.S.-based licensure exams.
Number of applicants registered to take the NPPE
APEGA
Partner regulators
11,326
12,745
11,311
10,926
9,700
9,523
1,611
1,819
1,803
2022
2023
2024
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Regulatory Excellence
Practice Standards
APEGA publishes practice standards that set the minimum standard of practice that permit holders and licensed professionals must meet.
Standards keep Albertans safe and maintain the accountability of the professions. They are essential for ensuring consistent, ethical, and safe practices in engineering and geoscience, and they are the standards against which APEGA’s statutory boards assess a permit holder’s or licensed professional’s practice and conduct. APEGA regularly reviews practice standards to keep pace with advances in education and technology—and evolving public needs—and we provide opportunities for registrants to share their feedback when standards are being revised. By maintaining clear communication, APEGA keeps self-regulated professionals up to date on changes to requirements that may affect their practice. In addition to practice standards, APEGA publishes bulletins and guidelines. • Bulletins are topic-specific briefs providing clarity on niche areas. They are mandatory and remain in force until a standard or guideline on the subject is developed or revised, or until the practice bulletin is repealed. • Guidelines describe recommended best practices. APEGA’s statutory boards may assess a permit holder’s or licensed professional’s practice and conduct against practice guidelines.
Did you know? In spring 2024, we published a glossary of APEGA terms, designations, and abbreviations—including the defined terms from practice standards, bulletins, and guidelines—in one easily accessible spot. Check it out at apega.ca/dictionary .
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2024 publications
Revised practice standard Authenticating Professional Work Products Published November 1 • APEGA made administrative updates, based on registrant feedback, to clarify what is expected of licensed professionals when they authenticate and validate professional work products. • The revisions did not alter the requirements and intentions of the standard that was published in 2019 and last updated in 2022. • We added more information about using stamps and digital signatures to the appendixes and definitions. Joint publications Two joint publications were revised, in collaboration with the Alberta Association of Architects, to reflect updates to the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition. • Functional Relationships for the Building Envelope Portion of Projects • National Building Code – Alberta Edition Schedules User Guide
Upcoming revised practice guideline Licensed Professional as an Expert Witness Draft released for public engagement December 2 • APEGA initiated a major update to this publication, which was previously titled Professional Member as a Witness and had not been updated since its publication in 2003. • The revised draft guideline contains updated Continuing Professional Development standard and Personal Annual Competency Evaluation guideline In spring 2024, APEGA hosted 12 information sessions about changes to the Continuing Professional Development practice standard and the new Personal Annual Competency Evaluation practice guideline, which will be published alongside the revised standard. We thank our registrants for their valuable feedback, which enriched both documents. information for licensed professionals serving as expert witnesses in legal or quasi-judicial settings.
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Learning Management System APEGA’s learning initiatives enhance accessibility and increase participation through updated training offerings and technical improvements.
Registrants accessed online content in the learning management system found in the myAPEGA portal. Four modules were available to registrants in 2024.
• Authenticating Professional Work Products › Provides detailed guidance on authentication and validation to
• Permit to Practice seminar › Focuses on Responsible Members’ obligations under legislation • Relying on the Work of Others and Outsourcing › Outlines how to maintain accountability and compliance when relying on professional services provided by others
help licensed professionals meet the requirements of the practice standard
• Ethical Practice › Presents real-world scenarios and case studies to help registrants navigate complex ethical challenges
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Digital Signatures
We live in an increasingly connected digital world, with more services being integrated into our online routines every year. APEGA helps registrants meet the demand for greater digital integration by providing the option to use digital authentication— a secure, easy-to-use alternative to physical authentication.
Digital signatures offer engineering and geoscience professionals a safe and efficient way to authenticate professional work products, offer proof of licensure, and prevent signed documents from being altered. Digital signatures are an important tool licensed professionals can use to protect the integrity of their professional work products. • Digital signatures for our licensed professionals build public confidence that our professions match the pace of today’s technology. • Digital signatures can reduce costs and increase productivity for licensed professionals, while maintaining regulatory compliance by ensuring electronic and digital professional work products cannot be falsified.
Did you know? Digital signatures are different from electronic signatures. Whereas electronic signatures are graphics or pictures of a signature that are inserted as images, digital signatures are metadata that are attached to the professional work product and use secure encryption technology to guarantee their integrity.
Total active digital signatures of APEGA registrants
13,514
12,479
11,104
2022
2023
2024
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Regulatory Excellence
Corporate Practice
APEGA’s practice review program helps Alberta permit holders align their engineering and geoscience practices with published regulatory requirements. These reviews use a structured process called the Graduated Risk Assessment of Permit Holders (GRAPH), introduced in 2021, which enables us to confirm compliance while working collaboratively with permit holders to resolve any practice gaps.
We undertake practice reviews proactively using a selection process that includes criteria such as industry sector of interest, size of firm, or compliance indicators in APEGA’s data. We endeavour to build positive relationships with APEGA permit holders, fostering a culture of ongoing education and improved compliance. More efficient data analysis further improved the GRAPH process in 2024. Using this data-driven, risk-based approach to practice reviews has enabled APEGA to complete more high-level assessments of permit holders while dedicating necessary resources to Level 4 reviews. Focus on Level 4 reviews • Level 4 reviews are conducted in situations that are the highest risk and most complex. For example, these reviews can include a review of company practices related to infrastructure failures or be related to permit holders with multiple non-compliance issues. • These are our most time-consuming reviews. They are often scope-specific and can involve site visits, complex projects, or unique requirements. Level 5 reviews are follow-ups to assess findings. • 12 Level 4 reviews were completed or in progress.
By the numbers
More than 90 per cent of these reviews were conducted on unique permit holders, or 16 per cent of all APEGA permit holders. reviews. 901 In 2024, APEGA completed 49 companies with cancelled Permits to Practice were referred to APEGA’s Unlicensed Practice team. cancelled permit reviews* were conducted. 599
*In the 2023 annual report, “cancelled permit reviews” were called “compliance reviews.”
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Practice review closure status Closed without conditions Closed with conditions
GRAPH levels explained Level 1 › Screening: Using varied quarterly, high-level desktop screenings of all permit holders › Review: Quickly assessing criteria to assess the pulse of the professions through
100%
compliance metrics to identify a subset of permit holders; matters are then resolved, or the review is escalated through the GRAPH process
80%
Level 2 › More detailed, scorecard-
based compliance check based on written permit holder documentation and a risk-based evaluation approach
60%
Level 3 › Scorecard analysis plus a project review and permit holder meeting Level 4 › Scope-specific review for Level 5 (follow up) › Follow-up reviews to assess the actions taken to address compliance findings Cancelled permit review › Ensures that companies elevated-risk or complex scenarios—most rigorous review level
40%
20%
cancelling their APEGA Permit to Practice are not engaged in or holding out as engaged in the practice of engineering or geoscience
0%
2022
2023
2024
Approximately half of practice reviews were closed without conditions. One practice review may involve multiple GRAPH review levels.
› Formally added into the
GRAPH process in November
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Regulatory Excellence
Number of reviews completed by type
1,000
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Other* Cancelled permit review**
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2022
2023
2024
*Referrals from other APEGA departments **In the 2023 annual report, “cancelled permit reviews” were called “compliance reviews.”
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Individual Practice
Licensure administration All applications from former or existing licensed professionals who want to return to practice are evaluated and reviewed using a risk-based framework. Elevated-risk applications—for example, those from professionals with extended lapses in licensure or potential non-compliance issues, such as practising while cancelled—undergo a more detailed assessment and may have conditions applied upon approval. APEGA’s Individual Practice team focuses on two critical aspects of regulation: licensure administration (reinstatements, reactivations, and resumptions of practice) and continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.
74
Reinstatement former licensed
professional approved for reinstated registration
applications approved 588
Reactivation former licensed professional with a short registration lapse approved for reactivated registration Resumption of practice non-practising licensed professional approved to resume practice
130
384
Of 514 applications for reinstatement and resumption of practice, 41 per cent were approved with one or more conditions: 176 CPD 117 ethics or National Professional Practice Exam
50 technical supervision
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Regulatory Excellence
Continuing professional development To maintain continued competency, registrants must engage in professional development activities that sustain and build upon their skills and expertise, as outlined in the Continuing Professional Development practice standard. • APEGA registrants used myAPEGA to record and submit their CPD activities. • Through myAPEGA, they also accessed learning modules that reinforced information from APEGA’s practice standards and guidelines. • Recognizing unique challenges, APEGA processed 792 special consideration requests for reduced CPD requirements due to personal circumstances, such as health issues, unemployment, or parental leave. A revised Continuing Professional Development practice standard and the new Personal Annual Competency Evaluation guideline were developed and final drafts were published on apega.ca , pending implementation.
Did you know? APEGA sets the minimum CPD requirements that must be met, but each licensed professional is responsible for choosing CPD activities that will contribute to their continued competence.
special consideration requests for reduced CPD requirements due to personal circumstances. 792 APEGA processed
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APEGA’s Unlicensed Practice department (formerly the Compliance department) checks that only licensed individuals and companies practise engineering and geoscience in Alberta, and it works to prevent the improper use of protected titles, such as professional engineer (P.Eng.) or professional geoscientist (P.Geo.), among others. To do this, the Unlicensed Practice department reviews complaints about licensing and title violations. It also actively monitors media for news of possible cases. We receive complaints from many sources, including APEGA staff, registrants, the public, municipalities, and government agencies. Each complaint is assessed based on risk, with priority given to cases that could cause substantial harm to the public. New complaints assessment process We implemented a new process that puts greater focus on prioritizing high-risk complaints. • High-risk complaints are turned into cases and evaluated as soon as possible. • Medium-risk complaints are turned into cases and evaluated when there are no high-risk cases. • Low-risk complaints do not become cases as there is minimal risk to public safety. • Low-risk and undefined cases from previous years will be closed as “legacy” cases. Unlicensed Practice Without an APEGA licence, no individual or company can legally practise engineering or geoscience independently in Alberta. The licence indicates they are competent and ethical in their practice— and can be held accountable for the professional work they do.
New name, refined focus
Did you know? The time it takes to resolve an Unlicensed Practice case can range from a few days to a few years. Some cases can be resolved quickly through a short conversation, and others can take much longer if they require obtaining court orders. In 2024, we renamed the “Compliance” department “Unlicensed Practice” to better reflect our work raising awareness about the requirements of the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act and the risks for companies and individuals who do not comply. We improved risk- assessment processes and now only open cases for high- and medium-risk complaints, enabling us to focus on reducing risks to the public.
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Regulatory Excellence
High risk likelihood of significant public harm
Cases closed
includes cases that were opened in previous years
cases closed 100
74
Medium risk potential for some
public harm Low risk little inconvenience or impact to the public No jurisdiction not within APEGA’s jurisdiction Undefined cases previously risk-assessed under legacy conditions
13
12
1
High risk Medium risk Low risk (legacy)
Undefined (legacy)
Complaints received
New cases opened high and medium risk 194 Complaints closed low risk and no jurisdiction 108
68
complaints received 302
155
40
39
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Investigations
Investigating complaints against licensed professionals and permit holders is vital for protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the engineering and geoscience professions. With support from APEGA’s Investigations department, the Investigative Committee thoroughly assesses allegations against registrants for unprofessional conduct or unskilled practice using a transparent complaints review process. Depending on the nature of the allegation and the findings of the investigation, the Investigative Committee can terminate the complaint for insufficient evidence, recommend a discipline order, or refer the matter to the Discipline Committee for a formal hearing. The Investigative Committee also has the authority to restrict or temporarily suspend a registrant’s or permit holder’s registration pending the outcome of the discipline process. Improved operational efficiency APEGA made several improvements to the investigative process to leverage staff expertise and help the committee prioritize and resolve complaints more efficiently. • The Investigations department hired a complaint intake manager to triage complaints. This new position is focused on prioritizing complaints regarding unskilled practice for possible investigation as these may pose a greater risk to the public. • An updated policy now allows anonymous complaints to be investigated when there is a risk to public safety. • A new investigations risk-assessment tool provides standardized and strategic case prioritization by quantifying initial and ongoing risk (rated from low to critical) based on factors affecting public safety and the likelihood of recurrence. • APEGA now sends letters of advice to registrants to provide feedback on minor conduct issues that do not warrant a referral to discipline, serving as an educational and preventive measure.
How cases are closed DISCIPLINE HEARING: The Investigative Committee refers matters to the Discipline Committee for a formal discipline hearing. MEDIATED: The Investigative Committee approves a mediated agreement between the complainant and the registrant or permit holder. RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE ORDER: The registrant admits to unskilled practice, unprofessional conduct, or both, and agrees to specific sanctions. TERMINATED: The Investigative Committee determines the complaint was frivolous or vexatious, or there was insufficient evidence of unskilled practice, unprofessional conduct, or both. WITHDRAWN: The complaint is withdrawn or abandoned by the complainant.
Did you know? • Interim suspensions imposed by the
Investigative Committee dropped to zero in 2024 from three in 2023. • For the 41 cases closed in 2024, we investigated 152 separate allegations. • The median case-closure time continued to improve in 2024, dropping to
255 days from 293 days in 2023—a 13 per cent decrease.
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Regulatory Excellence
Newly opened In progress Investigations activity by year
Closed
53
53
41
54
40
40
41
38
39
2022
2023
2024
How cases were closed
Discipline hearing
Mediated
RDO
Terminated Withdrawn
29
21
19
17
15
13
6
5
4
4
4
4
3
2
1
2022
2023
2024
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Discipline
disclosure to other regulators 76 total sanctions 1 1 1 2 costs issued (hearings) cancellation
APEGA is responsible for holding registrants and permit holders accountable for any unskilled practice and unprofessional conduct. Our discipline process upholds professional standards and maintains public trust through the structured management of complaints and disciplinary actions. We introduced a six-month time frame for starting new disciplinary hearings and streamlined our scheduling process to expedite hearings while maintaining the same level of resources. The Discipline Committee heard six cases, four of which were completed, over a total of 13 hearing days. The average length of each hearing was 2.2 days. From complaints to hearings • Once the Investigative Committee determines that an initial complaint meets the criteria for a formal investigation, it can submit a recommended discipline order (RDO) to the Discipline Committee. • If the registrant or permit holder under investigation does not agree to the sanctions or the Discipline Committee does not accept the RDO, the matter proceeds to a discipline hearing, at which both parties present their cases. • In 2024, we published new information outlining the typical discipline hearing process on apega.ca . Commitment to transparency Transparency throughout the investigation and discipline processes instils public confidence in the accountability of our professions. Information about discipline decisions , the hearing process , and how to file a complaint is available on apega.ca. We publish names of registrants under interim suspension or with voluntary undertakings and dates of upcoming hearings. As of 2023, APEGA’s online directory indicates whether any registrants have been named in discipline decisions.
practice restrictions (1 supervision, 1 limited scope)
7 6 7 8 9 9
National Professional Practice Examinations assigned
referrals to Professional Practice
publications without name
technical courses assigned
ethics courses assigned
publications with name
discipline publications 16
69% recommended discipline orders
formal hearing decisions 31%
12 13
reviews of documents
fines issued
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Regulatory Excellence
Appeals
Cases concerning individual registration or investigation terminations are often not publicly disclosed due to privacy concerns. Appeals can be filed by registrants, permit holders, APEGA applicants, or complainants. A $300 appeal fee applies to certain types of appeals and is refunded if a decision is overturned. Composed of professional engineers and geoscientists, APEGA’s Appeal Board reviews decisions made by APEGA’s other boards and committees when an appeal is submitted. The Appeal Board examines whether the process was fair and the decision reasonable.
Appeals
cases closed 6 cases opened 11
average days to render a decision 200
Decision outcomes
decisions upheld 5 decisions modified 0
decisions overturned 0 appeal withdrawn 1
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TRUST & RELEVANCE
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Trust & Relevance
Awareness Campaign for Newcomers
All APEGA applicants, whether they are newly immigrated professionals or domestic applicants, must meet the same licensure requirements to practise engineering or geoscience in Alberta. However, APEGA recognizes that applicants with international qualifications and equivalencies may encounter additional complexities in demonstrating their competencies.
In October, we launched a campaign to help internationally trained applicants better understand the licensing process and to dispel some of the misconceptions about perceived barriers to entering the workforce. APEGA’s dedicated international qualifications officer, Enayat Aminzadah , helps internationally trained applicants navigate the licensure process and provides step-by-step support throughout. Learn more about internationally trained applicants on page 10 .
Did you know? More than 10 years ago, APEGA became the first Canadian engineering and geoscience regulator to designate an international qualifications officer to guide internationally trained applicants through the application process and help them understand the licensure requirements outlined in the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act . As of 2024, there were two regulators in Canada with this position.
I take pride in my role helping internationally trained engineers and geoscientists go through the application process at APEGA.” – Enayat Aminzadah, international qualifications officer
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After going through the process with APEGA, it gives you confidence in APEGA and the Alberta engineers, and the work that’s being done here, knowing that people have to go through such a thorough process.” – Eghon Odigie, P.Eng.
By the numbers
In 2024, APEGA received 6,901 applications. 50 % Of these, were from internationally trained applicants. 115 countries. In the last five years, APEGA professionals have come from more than
Eghon Odigie, P.Eng. , who is originally from Nigeria, was the first registrant to be featured in the awareness campaign. Odigie is among the many Albertans who have brought their valuable experience and skills to our province, contributing significantly to our thriving culture and economic growth. Odigie built a successful global career in petroleum engineering before moving to Calgary with his family. He navigated APEGA’s licensure process efficiently, benefiting from resources like Directions for Immigrants, a no-cost career service for professionals immigrating to Alberta. Now a licensed professional, he contributes to Alberta’s energy sector, mentors aspiring engineers, and embraces his new home.
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Trust & Relevance
Elsa Hernández Manrique, P.Eng. , was also featured as part of the campaign. Originally from Mexico, Hernández Manrique worked on major construction projects before moving to Lethbridge in 2018. While adjusting to a new country and industry standards, she secured a role at Associated Engineering, which supported her through APEGA’s licensure process. After meeting all the licensure requirements, she became a professional engineer in 2024. Now, she mentors newcomers and volunteers with APEGA’s Lethbridge Branch, exemplifying how internationally trained engineers and geoscientists contribute to Alberta’s communities and economy.
Why is it so important? It’s to protect the public. APEGA’s function is to license professionals and check that we meet professional, ethical, and technical standards. So, that creates trust in the companies and the individuals practising engineering.” – Elsa Hernández Manrique, P.Eng.
WATCH NOW: apega.ca/newcomers
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Branches
Each branch is supported by APEGA branch co-ordinators and is run by a volunteer executive committee that meets 10 times per year to plan and deliver: • professional development sessions • networking and social events, including golf tournaments • community outreach activities, such as science nights at local schools and the Science Olympics • permit holder tours that help connect young and new engineers and geoscientists with what is happening in the professions Branch members include professional engineers, professional geoscientists, professional licensees, and members-in-training, who benefit from new opportunities to create valuable community connections. APEGA has 10 branches across Alberta in communities where our registrants live and work.
By the numbers total events 83 24 107
in person
virtual
Including:
8 golf tournaments 9 President’s Visits 12 site tours
6 Science Olympics events
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Some of our in-person branch events
PEACE REGION YELLOWHEAD FORT McMURRAY
VERMILION RIVER EDMONTON LAKELAND
Rahr Malting Plant Tour 23 CENTRAL ALBERTA attendees
MEDICINE HAT
APEX Tech Night 53 attendees
CALGARY Engineers of Tomorrow: Embracing AI Responsibility seminar 37 attendees
LETHBRIDGE
Branch events & attendees Professional development
Networking
Outreach
Total event attendees
50
28
29
13,428
2024
9,044
42
26
24
2023
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Member Benefits & Discounts
Through APEGA’s partnerships with more than 30 companies, 31,446 registrants, students, and permit holders accessed 36,105 redemptions, with savings ranging from $30 to $1,500 . Registrants received preferential rates for home and auto insurance with The Personal, got exclusive pricing on tickets to select NHL and CFL games, and saved on admission to the TELUS World of Science and the TELUS Spark Science Centre—to name just a few of the benefits that are available to APEGA registrants.
New in 2024 › Receive a free, one-year membership with the University Club at the University of Alberta and 50 per cent off the second year. › Attend quarterly mental health webinars from Insight Psychology .
Number of benefits redeemed by registrants
36,105
35,214
30,330
2022
2023
2024
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Trust & Relevance
Most-used benefits by number of registrants
The Personal Insurance 16,275
Manulife Insurance 7,385
APEGA Wireless Program 4,938
GoodLife Gyms 657
Health Spending Account 352
$ 260,000 Approximately in total savings
Examples of total savings by provider
Bailey Nelson $ 12,132 GoodLife Gyms $ 41,018
Geologize $ 68,970
Enterprise Car Rentals $ 55,349 Mark’s $ 12,957
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Professional Development
Participation in continuing professional development (CPD) is an essential aspect of APEGA licensure. By offering opportunities for learning and skill advancement, APEGA helps registrants at every stage of their careers maintain necessary standards of ethical, professional, and technical competency. Our sessions are valuable tools that help professionals stay current with industry changes and technological advancements and find unique ways of honing soft skills important for career development. These sessions also provide ways for registrants to engage in the important work of self-regulation by delivering presentations to share their knowledge with their peers. Building Mental Health Together Registration in our Building Mental Health Together series has more than doubled since we first launched these webinars in 2021. • These webinars explore how to overcome career trauma, manage stress, build connections in isolated environments, and prioritize self-care in high-pressure situations. • Registration for the four sessions grew to 1,704 attendees in 2024 from 1,273 attendees in 2023.
Did you know? Registrants participate in professional development activities every year to maintain skills and fulfil regulatory requirements. They can meet CPD requirements in several ways, including volunteering, attending courses, or sharing experiential case studies and innovations at professional development sessions. Our five most popular webinars had a combined 2,948 registrations. • Hydro Power Mega Project: Lessons Learned, with George Jergeas, P.Eng. • Enhancing Asset New in 2024 We invited members-in-training to present virtual sessions to registrants. This opportunity enabled members-in-training to share new innovations, research, and case studies with the wider professional community.
Management Awareness, with Susan Lubell, P.Eng.
• Lightbulb Moments at the Intersection of Emotional Intelligence
and Systems Thinking, with Darren Hopkins, P.Eng.
• Overcoming the Pain of Career Trauma, with Marie Gervais • Role of Problem-Solving Strategies in Bottom-Line
Improvement, with Brian Fitzgerald
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Trust & Relevance
Sessions
Regulatory
Non-regulatory
Session types
98
92
83
52
48
47
46
44
36
2022
2023
2024
Session attendees
14,225
8,254
9,573
4,510
4,204
3,674
9,715
5,369
4,580
2022
2023
2024
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APEGA Nexus
Our annual professional development conference on June 5 and 6 featured 25 sessions and three keynote speakers, covering themes from regulatory updates and technical insights to soft-skill development and mental health awareness.
By fully embracing the reach of online conference technology, APEGA has minimized geographical barriers and maximized conference value. The flexibility of a virtual format enabled us to attract a broader range of high-calibre speakers while increasing overall attendance. • Virtual conferences are a more efficient use of APEGA’s financial resources. • Registrants benefit from informative and inspiring presentations without having to worry about travel and accommodation costs. Keynote presentations We welcomed guests who challenged our thinking about a wide range of engaging issues. Conference participants reported a 92 per cent overall satisfaction rate for our keynote speakers. • Dr. Michio Kaku , a distinguished figure in theoretical physics, expanded our perspective of future possibilities and challenged us to think beyond conventional boundaries and redefine what’s possible. • Sheila Watt-Cloutier, OC , a pioneer in climate policy, human rights, and Indigenous advocacy, urged us to consider the broader societal and environmental effects of our work and our responsibility to create a more equitable and sustainable world. • Dr. Dan Riskin , biologist, science journalist, and author, helped us understand how the milestones that emerge from evolution can guide us in our use of artificial intelligence.
Nexus attendees
Live On demand
1,165
1,306
988
139
83
149
1,167
839
1,082
2022
2023
2024
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