Engineers and Geoscientists BC

Life Membership Under Review

Posted on September 6, 2017
Life Membership Under Review
For many years, Engineers and Geoscientists BC has awarded life memberships under the association’s Bylaw 10(c.1). As a result of concerns raised about the bylaw, this practice has been discontinued while the matter is under review.

Under the current bylaw, members may apply for life membership if they are 70 years of age, have been practising for 35 years or more, and have been a member in good standing for 20 years or more. Concerns have been raised with Engineers and Geoscientists BC that the bylaw is discriminatory based on age. In light of the allegation of discrimination, Council has decided to stop awarding life membership until this issue has been examined in detail.

Life membership requires a member to be retired from all gainful employment and does not provide practice rights. There are currently just over 2,400 life members of the association.

We are working diligently to identify an interim solution for members who may be affected during the 2017/2018 renewal period. We have reached out to these members, and are gathering their input as we develop our next steps.

Council will be reviewing the bylaw that governs this process, as well as related bylaws. If any changes become necessary, Council may be proposing bylaw revisions for member consideration in 2018. We are committed to keeping members informed as we learn more about this issue. If you have any questions about this process, please contact [email protected].