The Professional Advantage 1
Presentation Goals To build an understanding of NAPEG s function and legal responsibility To explain the necessity and benefit of hiring only NWT licensed professionals 2
What is NAPEG? Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists 3
NAPEG Exists through Territorial Legislation to regulate the professions; Establish standards of knowledge, skill, care and professional ethics among its members, Ensure that its members maintain those standards NAPEG is a self regulatory body 4
The Act Defines the practices of Engineering and Geoscience Provides exclusive right to practice Provides exclusive right to title Prohibits unlicensed engineers and geoscientists from practicing or using the title 5
Jurisdiction Regulation of the professions is at the provincial or territorial level. Therefore, registration in Alberta or Ontario does not give a right to practice in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. 6
The Law It is illegal to contract with or hire a person or company unless they are a registered with NAPEG. Injunctions through the courts can be issued to stop action. 7
Enforcement NAPEG must uphold the Acts by identifying and investigating individuals and firms who are not licensed to practice engineering or geoscience in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. 8
Code of Ethics Obligations Shall hold paramount the health, safety, and welfare of the public and have regard for the environment Integrity Competence Keep themselves informed in order to maintain their competence These concepts guide their conduct at all times 9
Professional License Confirms The Professional is Trained to the required standards Accepting of their legal and ethical responsibilities Competent to practice Regulated by the professional body 10
Northern Practice Practice in the north is different from the south Examples- Permafrost, weather extremes, remote access, climate change, land claims, community consultations NAPEG has a requirement that members demonstrate knowledge that northern practice is different 11
Value to Your Community Membership in NAPEG tells the public that Professional geoscientists and engineers have the knowledge, hands-on practical experience, and ethical understanding to practice safely and competently in the NWT and NU They are trained accordingly Practice within their scope of competence They can not give advice on subjects they are not trained in 12
Value to Your Community Members maintain competence through continuing professional development You receive expertise to monitor the expenditure of large sums of public funds on community infrastructure The public is protected by knowing that the work will be designed and built properly and safely 13
Value to Your Community NAPEG has no authority over those who are not members of NAPEG NAPEG can not hold them to the same standard of professional conduct Individuals using the term Engineer or Geoscientist who are not members of NAPEG are in violation of the law and hiring unlicensed professionals is also against the law Your only recourse should something go wrong is through the courts. 14
How Can NAPEG Help If Problems Arise Liaise with member to try & resolve issues- we do not mediate at this point Remind members of their obligations under the Code of Ethics. If matter not resolved and a complaint is lodged, then carry out an investigation. At this point ADR/mediation is possible Discipline the member if appropriate. 15
Discipline Unprofessional conduct, Contravenes the Code of Ethics Lack of knowledge, skill or judgement Contrary to the best interests of the public or profession Penalties 16
Summary Professionals involved in such things as protecting groundwater, developing infrastructure plans, cleaning up contamination and finding safe locations for hazardous wastes. This concerns the safeguarding of public welfare, life, health, property and very significant economic interests. Licensed professionals are needed. 17
Conclusion Who NAPEG is The necessity of hiring only NAPEG licensed professionals The benefits of doing so The Professional Advantage 18
Questions? 19