Protecting the Public

The ASPB was registered under the Professional Occupational and Associations Registration Act (POARA) in 1991. Through this legislation, the Alberta Government delegates self-governing responsibilities to the ASPB to safeguard the public interest. Through POARA, the Professional Biologist Regulation and the ASPB Bylaws, the Society ensures that members meet educational and experience requirements to become a Professional Biologist, and provide safe, ethical and competent services. (This mandate is achieved through a Continuing Competency Program referred to as "CCP".) 

The ASPB further regulates biology professionals through ensuring there is a disciplinary process should a complaint be received from either a member of the public or a member of the Society. This protects the public by ensuring biology professionals are adhering to a code of ethics and are acting within their area of competence. The Code of Ethics can be read here.

The ASPB Discipline Committee reviews and responds to any report of non-professional behaviour by a member of the ASPB which is inconsistent with the Code of Ethics. The ASPB takes reports of such behaviour very seriously and complaint submissions are managed in accordance with Part 3 of the Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act, RSA 2000, c P-26. You can find the full act here.

Should a member of the public wish to file a complaint about a Professional Biologist, they must sign and complete a complaint form, which can be downloaded here , and submit it and supporting documentation to :

Via email to:  [email protected] with the subject line “ASPB Member Complaint”

Via Canada Post: ASPB Member Complaint 370, 105 12 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1A1

The title "Professional Biologist" is a protected title in Alberta - this means only Professional . Biologists who are members in good standing with the ASPB can use the title.

A professional biologist may use the title “Professional Biologist” and the abbreviations “P. Biol.” and “P Biol”.