Briefing: Regulation and governance of engineering and geoscience professions in Canada

Engineering and geoscience professions in Canada are regulated provincially through provincial acts and regulations with provincial regulatory bodies to enforce the regulations, in contrast to jurisdictions with a single national regulator. This article examines the structure, governance and licensing processes of Canadian regulatory bodies, highlighting the role of provincial authorities, national coordination through Engineers Canada and the involvement of professional volunteers in regulatory functions. It outlines the pathway to professional licensure (P.Eng. and P.Geo.), including academic requirements, work experience and professional practice examinations, and reviews the mechanisms supporting interprovincial mobility. The paper discusses key challenges related to fragmentation, consistency and administrative burden, while recognising the strengths of a system designed to prioritise public protection through professional self-regulation.