ASTTBC registrar Michael Thain

The Applied Science Technology and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) is pleased to announce that Michael Thain has accepted the position of registrar. His first day in his new role is February 1, 2023.

Michael first joined ASTTBC in May 2021, as manager, Investigations and Compliance, and less than a year later took on the role of deputy registrar (interim); the position was made permanent — deputy registrar and general counsel — in September 2022.

A lawyer by background, Michael has been practising law since 2015. He previously worked in a boutique criminal defence and administrative law firm, and in a medium-sized, full-service law firm in Coquitlam, where he practised civil litigation and criminal defence. Prior to that, Michael worked as an administrative decision-maker in public bodies as well as an enforcement officer with the federal government. 

Working closely with ASTTBC CEO Theresa McCurry, Michael will help carry out ASTTBC’s mandate as a regulator in BC under the Professional Governance Act (PGA). Among his many duties is the development and implementation of organizational strategies, policies, and procedures, supporting statutory committees in developing and establishing registration requirements, maintaining the ASTTBC register, and implementing processes to ensure registrants’ compliance to the PGA, Bylaws, and Standards of Competency and Code of Ethics, to name a few.  

With experience working with external stakeholders and government bodies, Michael has proven he is a respected and trusted leader. ASTTBC, along with its Board of Directors, are thrilled to welcome him into his new role and believe he will be an outstanding addition to the ASTTBC team.