Discipline Committee
APEGA exists to safeguard the public welfare of Albertans by proactively regulating the practices of engineering and geoscience. Over the years, APEGA has shown its understanding of the importance and responsibility of this role as it continues to build its regulatory excellence. The Discipline Committee plays a major role in supporting the fulfilment of the organization’s purpose as it adjudicates those allegations of unskilled practice and unprofessional conduct that are brought before it by the Investigative Committee following complaints against APEGA registrants. This requires attention to proactive and reactive activities for the committee. There has been an increased emphasis on the proactive component through such actions as continuing professional development requirements and opportunities, educational components for various departments and committees, and the robust Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act . This has been coupled with the increased emphasis on the reactive aspect—that is, accountability. Increased attention is paid to the investigation of complaints, increased transparency of the process is publicly provided, and sanctions are rendered that address protection of the public while being fair to the registrant. Appropriate sanctions can range from a reprimand, through fines and assuming some costs, to complete cancellation of an individual’s licence. The Discipline Committee holds four meetings a year. Hearings are held with the hearing panel drawn from committee members who are APEGA registrants, along with the public member, as appropriate. Practices and processes have been streamlined, and the backlog of cases has been reduced. The continuation of virtual meetings and hearings has expedited the use of the time of those involved. The Discipline Committee continues to be supported by a strong administrative and technical APEGA team. I am completing my last term as the public member on this committee. It has been my pleasure to be part of such a committed group over the years. The Discipline Committee truly ensures that the principles of protection of the public, strong professional practice, and sound ethical behaviour drive its work.
Muriel Dunnigan, M.Ed. Public Member
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2024 ANNUAL REPORT
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