This relationship between council and APEGA leadership instils great confidence as we prepare for the Professional Governance Act (PGA). This new legislation places us at a pivotal time in APEGA’s existence, and it gives us an opportunity to review our processes and bylaws to make sure we’re well positioned for the future. The PGA’s rollout will be a primary focus for the next year, as will a new overall strategic plan. In November, we launched the revised Continuing Professional Development practice standard and new Personal Annual Competency Evaluation practice guideline. The new continuing competence requirements will be assigned to all registrant cohorts by November 2026. Feedback on the new requirements has been overwhelmingly positive— an early sign of forthcoming success on this front. Listening to feedback It’s been energizing to visit APEGA’s branches across the province and listen to registrant feedback. We received the message that we can provide better service and communicate more clearly with registrants, so that we’re there when they need us, letting them quickly get back to practising their professions. It can be as simple as hearing a human voice on the other end of the phone when they call us, which strengthens our relationship with registrants. We’ve been running a pilot program to improve our call service and are planning registrant-focused activities in 2026 to answer more questions.
Another thing I’ve come to learn is just how hard our volunteers work. From branch and public events, such as the APEGA Science Olympics and Rock and Fossil Clinic, to late-night deliberations by dedicated board and committee volunteers, I’ve been amazed to see so many registrants sharing their time because they want to give back to the professions. APEGA’s work wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers. Seeing the professions in action My travels also highlighted what I already knew: Alberta is flourishing, thanks largely to the work of professional engineers and geoscientists. Half of all APEGA applicants in 2025 were internationally trained, and many other applicants applied for licensure in Alberta through interprovincial mobility applications. As the professions continue to evolve, it remains important that we welcome more women, newcomers, and anyone who wants to prosper in the professions to our province. We’re living in a time of regulatory change. Although it starts with the PGA, it will also include a new strategic plan that will shape the future of APEGA and how we regulate the professions. Successfully implementing both will require clear communication from leadership, continued dedication from our army of volunteers, and a shared commitment to our mission of regulating the professions and keeping Albertans safe. Together, we can set the direction for APEGA’s next hundred years.
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