Applied Science Technologists and Technicians (ASTTBC) and Forest Professionals British Columbia (FPBC) signed a Joint Statement of Understanding, March 8, 2023, a collaborative agreement between the organizations that will further support an already long-standing relationship.

The natural resources sector often requires multidisciplinary work from a variety of professionals including registrants from both ASTTBC and FPBC. With this work there is potential for collaborative practice, so it is crucial that registrants from different regulated professions work in partnership.

“This is an excellent opportunity to complement our relationship with Forest Professionals BC so the public can be assured that our two organizations are working together to address critical practice matters today and in the future. What is important, is to decrease risk and increase public safety, and we are absolutely united,” said Theresa McCurry, CEO, ASTTBC.

“Society’s demands for how we use and manage our forests often require a team approach involving professionals from multiple disciplines. Our history of collaboration with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians set the stage for this new agreement to ensure the management of BC’s forests continues to be carried out by registered professionals who are both competent and accountable,” said Christine Gelowitz, RPF, CEO, FPBC.

Registered professionals under the Professional Governance Act (PGA) have an ethical obligation to work only in their area of competence, and for which they are legally authorized. The regulatory bodies must take part in discussions to resolve any issues of intersection between each profession’s regulated and reserved practice areas.

“In recognition of the need to align the competency standards and regulation of those involved in managing BC’s forests and forest lands, FPBC regulates professional foresters, forest technologists, and the technical occupation of timber cruising. Through our work with ASTTBC, the public can have confidence that BC’s forests are managed by people with the appropriate qualifications,” said Mike Larock, RPF, FPBC Director of Practice.

“As ASTTBC prepares for a reserved practice, we believe this statement of understanding will further reduce confusion and provide clarity on the roles and responsibilities in performing tasks registrants are engaged in,” said Jason Jung, Director, Professional Practice and Development, ASTTBC.

ASTTBC and FPBC have a long-standing cooperative relationship dating back to 1983, when an agreement was signed to establish mutual recognition for the contribution of the registrants in the management of BC’s forests.