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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2024 ANNUAL REPORT
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