Skip to content

Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario

The Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (APGO) is the governing body for geoscientists in Ontario. The Office of the Fairness Commissioner (OFC) oversees the registration practices of the association to ensure that they are transparent, objective, impartial and fair for anyone who wants to practise as a geoscientist in this province.

In 2009, the APGO submitted its first-ever Fair Registrations Practices (FRP) Report, covering 2008, to the OFC. Since then, it has also submitted an FRP Report covering 2009 and its first audit of registration practices.

During 2009 - 2010, the OFC monitored developments related to the registration practices of the APGO:

Registration Process: Applicants to the APGO can now complete the registration application and pay all application fees online. An automated notice of receipt of the application is emailed to the applicant immediately. These online services help simplify and streamline the APGO's registration process.

Applications to Practise Processed by the APGO in 2009
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received115525408220
Applicants who became members3526412n/a77

n/a = not available

During 2008 - 2009, the OFC monitored developments related to the registration practices of the APGO:

In early 2009, the APGO submitted proposed revisions to its registration regulation to the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines for review. Several of the changes are intended to clarify portions of the regulation that already exist – those related to time-limit requirements for a practising licence, a temporary licence and a limited licence. The revisions also define the number of times a temporary licence may be granted.

Additional revisions related to the limited licence alter the conditions for holding it. The holder will continue to be entitled to provide only the services specified in the certificate, but will no longer be limited to working for a specific employer, will no longer need to be supervised by a practising or temporary member and will be able to sign and seal documents using the appropriate designation.

Finally, the revisions also make changes to the definition of "qualifying work experience." Qualifying experience will not include work experience that has been obtained through the illegal practice of geoscience, including experience that was not acquired under the supervision of a professional geoscientist or a professional engineer qualified to conduct geoscience.

As of March 31, 2009, the ministry was reviewing these proposed revisions.

Applications to Practise Processed by the APGO in 2008
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received83266394158
Applicants who became members2615111457

The APGO uses the following outside organization/s to assess the qualifications of its applicants:

The Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.

APGO The OFC does not assess credentials, handle complaints or intervene in particular cases. Our mandate is one of systemic change. Please contact the APGO for further information about your ability to practise as a geoscientist in Ontario.

Did you know?

Geoscientists in Ontario became self-regulating in 2000. The Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario has approximately 1,500 members.