Creation of the Society
In July 2023, in alignment with the Professional Governance Act (PGA), Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC) began shifting away from advocacy for the engineering and geoscience professions to focus more fully on its regulatory mandate. Recognizing the continued importance of advocacy, EGBC provided initial funding to establish an independent advocacy organization—the BC Society of Engineers and Geoscientists (BCSEG).
In December 2023, BCSEG announced its Inaugural Board of Directors, a diverse and dedicated group of engineering and geoscience leaders. The board was selected by an independent steering committee appointed by EGBC as part of its commitment to supporting the development of this new advocacy body.
FAQ's
What is the difference between an advocacy body and a regulator?
| Advocacy Body (BCSEG) | Regulatory Body (EGBC) | |
| PURPOSE: | Advance and promote the interests of the professions and their members | License professionals and protect the public |
| COMMON ACTIVITIES: | Education, career, networking and award opportunities. Advocates for the interests of the professions and their members. | Sets professional standards, registration, practice resources, continuing competence requirements and course offerings. |
What changed when EGBC became focused on its regulatory mandate?
Activities focused on community-building and registrant benefits programs have transitioned from EGBC to BCSEG:
- The Branch program, which provides a way for professionals across the province to connect and network.
- The Affinity program, which offers discounts on services for registrants, such as home insurance and car rentals.
- The Career Advertising service, which enables employers to recruit registrants for engineering and geoscience positions.
Other programs that no longer fit within Engineers and Geoscientists BC's mandate as a regulator will stop within the next two years:
- The Awards program, which honoured professionals who were nominated by their peers for career achievements. This program has been discontinued.
- Sponsorships, which provide financial support for external programs and events. This program has been discontinued.
- Our outreach program, which connects K-12 educators with engineers and geoscientists to promote interest in these professions. This program will be discontinued in 2024.
- Our technical Divisions, which serve as special-interest groups for specific areas of practice. Division activities have been transferred to current or new advisory groups.
