About the ASPB
As a professional society and self-regulating body in Alberta, the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (Society) is committed to the promotion of excellence in the practice of biology.
Through its Registration Committee, the Society ensures that practitioners using the title Professional Biologist meet education and experience minimums and practice under an ethics standard.
Through its Practice Review Committee, the Society creates practice standards and ensures that continuing competency is achieved. The Professional Development Committee works within the Society to provide professional development opportunities to develop and improve their member’s understanding of their practice.
Through its Discipline Committee, the Society ensures a disciplinary system is in place if practice or ethical obligations are not met by members.
The Society seeks to improve the understanding of the professional practice of biology in the province. This is accomplished through internal and external communications. Internal communications, such as monthly electronic bulletins, serve to keep members up to date on professional development opportunities, member benefits and advancements within the Society. External communications, such as regularly published newsletter and the Society’s website, provide the public with a means of better understanding the Society and promote the importance of using Professional Biologists when commissioning the service of a practicing biologist.
Background
In 1975, a group of biologists in the province recognized the growing need for an organized status for biologists. They formed a provisional executive, drafted By-Laws for a Society, and the ASPB was recognized as such under the Societies Act of Alberta. ASPB members were granted exclusive use of the title Professional Biologist in 1991, following the Society’s registration under the Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act of Alberta.
Purpose
The purposes of the ASPB, as stated in its Regulations, are:
- to promote high standards of professional competence and ethics in its membership and in professional biologists at large;
- provide a common ground for professional biologists in all disciplines to exchange views on matters of mutual interest;
- to promote education in the field of professional biology;
- to provide a mechanism through which the public of Alberta will be assured of the highest possible standards in the practice of professional biology; and
- to provide a recognized voice for professional biologists in Alberta.
Structure
The executive of the ASPB consists of a President, President-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer. In addition, there is a board of six directors, one of whom is past president.
There are a number of committees which guide the Society’s activities and fulfill the provisions of the Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act of Alberta which relate to self governance.
Code of Ethics
April 13, 2011 Revision
The Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) has adopted this Code of Ethics as the principles, rules and requirements of professional conduct expected of Professional Biologists.
The ASPB Code of Ethics requires members to exhibit competence and integrity in all aspects of the practice of professional biology.
Adherence, and demonstrated competence related, to this Code is a requirement for membership in the ASPB.
Responsibilities to the Public
A Professional Biologist shall:
- Continually assess her/his professional competence and maintain competence through continuing education, training and experience.
- Conduct the practice of biology in accordance with all applicable laws and established ASPB’s Practice Standards.
- Offer professional services only on matters in which she/he is qualified through professional training and/or experience.
- Be objective and honest in all estimates, reports, testimony and other matters, and identify limitations in data or concepts.
- Conduct professional activities with the highest regard for the health and safety of the public and for the environment.
- Accept full responsibility for the results and conclusions of all professional work and refuse to allow her/his name to be associated with work which has been altered in such a manner as to imply substantially different conclusions than those originally stated.
- Attempt to convey to the public at large, as well as to other professions, an understanding of the concepts of biological sciences and its practice as related to the natural environment and the public welfare.
Responsibilities to the Employer or Client
A Professional Biologist shall:
- Disclose relevant professional qualifications and experience to the employer or client as appropriate.
- Identify any interests of the Biologist that may impair her/his objectivity and disclose those interests to each client or employer at the earliest possible time, and in any report in which the Biologist states his or her professional opinion. The Professional Biologist shall also take any necessary measures to ensure that such interests do not affect his or her objectivity in the practice of biology.
- Not disclose confidential information obtained while acting for any client or employer, unless authorized to do so by the employer or client or as required by law.
- Refrain from offering advice, in a professional context, as to the qualifications and employment of another Professional Biologist, unless it is requested by the employer or client in the normal course of evaluating prospective employees or consultants.
- Will not manipulate his or her findings or professional opinions in exchange for compensation of any kind.
- Not falsify or misrepresent his or her findings or professional opinions.
Responsibilities Within the Profession
A Professional Biologist shall:
- Credit work done by others, and take responsibility for her/his own work through authorship or appropriate acknowledgment.
- Recognize that an individual must make a distinction between statements that are personal and those that have the support of the profession and the ASPB.
- Not allow profit or personal advancement to interfere with responsibility to the ASPB and the profession.
- Take reasonable precautions not to injure the professional reputation of another person through vexatious or frivolous statements.
- Assist in the development of the profession by supporting the ASPB Codes of Ethics & Conduct, encouraging biologists and students of biology, and by sharing knowledge and experience.
- Bring concerns about possible unethical conduct, professional misconduct or unskilled practice by a Professional Biologist to the persons or bodies best suited to investigate and handle such concerns.
- Endeavor at all times to encourage the dissemination of biological information and improve the competence, esteem and respect of the profession.
- Not claim or imply that any statements related to personal or professional opinions or beliefs are the position of the profession or the society.
Regulation and Bylaws
- Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act
- Professional Biologists Regulation
- ASPB Bylaws (Updated March 3, 2011)
Board and Staff
2010-2011 Board Members
Top row, left to right: Susan Patey LeDrew (President Elect), Charles Macmichael (President), Markus Thormann, Gerry Haekel, Darrell Jobson, Gary Ash (Treasurer)
Bottom Row, left to right: Laurie Hamilton (Past President), Tara Caseley, David McInnes (Public member), Kashif Sheikh.
Not in photo: Glenda Fratton (Secretary), Henri de Pennart.