Making it Easy for Engineers and Geoscientists Working Across Provinces

In the current economic and political climate, Canadians and their governments are rightly focused on removing barriers across the country — especially for trade and labour mobility. Alberta is well positioned to tackle these issues, having the fewest exemptions to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement alongside effective regulations through the provincial Labour Mobility Act.

For professional engineers and geoscientists coming to Alberta from within Canada, APEGA stands out as a model of success. In 2024, APEGA approved interprovincial applications in fewer than four days, on average, for professionals already registered and in good standing with another Canadian regulator. Thanks to these proactive efforts in streamlining processes over the past few years, interprovincial applications are approved quickly without compromising the safety or best interests of the public.

Additionally, in May 2024, APEGA joined the 11 other engineering and geoscience regulators in signing the Engineers Canada’s National Statement of Collaboration. This shared commitment aims to harmonize processes and programs to increase regulatory efficiency. This work reflects the forward-thinking, proactive cooperation needed across the country to address immediate and future pressures.

APEGA has a long-standing record of collaboration and leadership. It administers the national ethics and professionalism exam required for licensing — not just for Alberta-based applicants, but on behalf of all engineering and geoscience regulators in Canada. It also collaborates with its provincial and territorial counterparts to address areas of duplication in professional development requirements, reducing the administrative burden on professionals licensed in multiple jurisdictions.

Workforce mobility is increasingly critical to Canada’s economic resilience. Alberta continually needs professional engineers and geoscientists who can contribute to major infrastructure projects, energy innovation, technological advancements and environmental stewardship — regardless of where they come from. That’s why, years ago, APEGA took steps to remove barriers by streamlining processes and accelerating application review times.

As policymakers explore options to improve professional mobility across Canada, it’s worth recognizing the proven success that already exists and the progress underway. In Alberta, interprovincial mobility for engineers and geoscientists isn’t a barrier — it’s a bridge that’s well built, well maintained, and open for travel.