Impact of Bills 13, 15 and C-5 on registrants

The following recently introduced provincial and federal legislation may have an impact on professional engineers and geoscientists in BC.

Provincial Bill 13: Amendments to the Professional Governance Act 

In May, the provincial government enacted the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (Bill 13). This legislation amends the Professional Governance Act to permit the government to make regulations allowing certain protected titles – such as software engineer – to be used by unlicensed individuals.

Although the passage of this legislation does not in itself lift restrictions on the use of any title, it provides the government with the mechanism to do so.

Reserved practice titles indicate those practicing the professions have been licenced and met rigorous standards for education, training, and ethical practice, and that they are subject to oversight by a professional regulator. This is fundamental to ensure the public can trust the safety and quality of work in areas affecting their lives and their communities.

Engineers and Geoscientists BC has been in active dialogue with the provincial government about this issue and will continue to engage to ensure that software engineering in BC is practised safely, ethically, and in the public interest. We remain committed to working with government to find solutions that preserve professional accountability while addressing the evolving nature of software-related work.

Provincial Bill 15: Infrastructure Projects Act

The provincial government also enacted the Infrastructure Projects Act (Bill 15) in May, which aims to expedite approvals for key provincial infrastructure projects like schools, hospitals, and other core services. It also includes the creation of a qualified professional reliance framework to streamline provincial permitting. This legislation will impact the approvals process for certain provincially significant projects by Crown corporations, local governments, First Nations, and private proponents. To be designated as provincially significant, a project must offer significant benefits for BC and contribute to provincial priorities like food security, critical mineral supply, reducing U.S. imports, and disaster recovery.

This legislation prompted diverse opinions among the public, municipalities, and First Nations. We continue to monitor developments and examine impacts to the professions.

Further consultation with regulatory bodies related to implementation is expected to take place over the summer months. Engineers and Geoscientists BC is committed to working with the government to ensure impacts are understood and considered.

Federal Bill C-5

Bill C-5 aims to remove federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility, and advance nation-building projects.

Bill C-5 would require federal regulators to recognize professional licences issued by provincial or territorial regulators in circumstances where a federal regulator can also authorize someone to practice that occupation. As engineering and geoscience are not federally regulated professions, Bill C-5 would not apply to Engineers and Geoscientists BC registrants.

Inter-provincial credential recognition

Also, in June at the First Ministers’ meeting, Canada’s premiers discussed opportunities to improve inter-provincial mobility for professionals. The premiers agreed to develop a mutual-recognition agreement by December 2025 that will include a 30-day service standard for credential recognition. Engineers and Geoscientists BC already exceeds that standard with applications from other Canadian provinces and territories approved in as little as two to three business days.

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