NEWS

2022 has been a banner year for ASTTBC and registrants. Together, we have accomplished so much, and we have many exciting things to look forward to in the New Year, including a reserved scope of practice. We would like to start this message by giving recognition where it is due, and that is to our registrants.

We are not alone in being grateful for the work you are doing; ourselves, along with our Board of Directors, the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance (OSPG), statutory committee members, partners, stakeholders, and staff, recognize your remarkable engagement that showcases your commitment to being an ASTTBC registrant. Throughout 2022 we’ve seen impressive attendance for webinars covering topics on the Professional Governance Act (PGA), and our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program—and more than 300 registrants attended the Duty to Report webinar. Our data shows that more and more registrants have completed their mandatory Indigenous Awareness Canada (IAC) training, and that registrants continue to ask questions to further educate themselves on what it means to be a registrant under the PGA. Our statutory committee members and file reviewers have received additional training and now have a dedicated resource centre of training materials.

We are proud to say that because of the accomplishments outlined above, in addition to other large projects, that we are well-poised and ready for reserved practice, which will come in 2023. As discussions advance with the OSPG about a reserved practice, and once finalized, registrants will be required to be registered with ASTTBC to perform their work, just as we see with engineers, foresters, applied biologists and agrologists. To better prepare for reserved practice, ASTTBC will conduct a survey in the New Year for both registrants and stakeholders, including the public. We will then reach out across the Province to host webinars and conduct focus group meetings to learn more about what a reserved practice will look like and hear about concerns that people may or may not have. We will also discuss opportunities that currently exist and what ASTTBC should be preparing for in the future.   

Our website continues to evolve, and we’ve received positive feedback from both registrants and the public about its ease of navigation, conciseness, and overall performance. Since its go-live in September 2021, we’ve added several pages including a page dedicated to Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioners (ROWPs), an ASTTBC Policy page, and continue to build-out the Application Process page which includes infographics. 

ASTTBC is on a remarkable trajectory of growth – which is a strong reflection of our people and culture. ASTTBC registrants are truly making a difference for the betterment of society, the public and our environment. Our collective commitment to the public interest is a sum of our choices and a strength that unites us. We invite you to celebrate this holiday season knowing that this a great time for our organization and that you are leaders of your profession.

Happy holidays!

Yours truly,