Protecting the Public (Copy)

The Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) is registered under the Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act (POARA) (1991). Under POARA, the Government of Alberta delegates self-governing responsibilities to ASPB to regulate Professional Biologists in Alberta in the public interest.

ASPB carries out this mandate under POARA, the Professional Biologist Regulation, and the ASPB Bylaws by:

  • establishing registration requirements (education and experience),
  • supporting standards for safe, ethical, and competent practice, and
  • administering a Continuing Competence Program (CCP).

Protected Title

Professional Biologist” (P.Biol.) is a protected title in Alberta. Learn more about the designation and title use here.

Professional Conduct and Discipline

ASPB maintains a complaints and discipline process to support public protection and registrant accountability. This process helps ensure registrants:

  • comply with the Code of Ethics, and
  • practise within their area of competence.

The Code of Ethics can be read here.

The Discipline Committee reviews and responds to reports of non-professional conduct inconsistent with the Code of Ethics. Complaint submissions are managed in accordance with Part 3 of POARA (RSA 2000, c P-26). The full Act can be accessed here.

Informal Resolution

Where appropriate, parties are encouraged to attempt to resolve concerns directly prior to filing a formal complaint. Where informal resolution is not possible, a formal complaint may be submitted to ASPB.

Who May File a Complaint

A complaint may be submitted by:

  • a member of the public, or
  • a member of the profession.

Complaints must:

  • be submitted using ASPB’s official complaint form,
  • be signed by the complainant, and
  • include supporting documentation, where applicable.

Please note: the respondent may receive the original complaint documentation, including the complainant’s name.

Submitting a Complaint

To file a complaint, complete and sign the Complaint Form and submit the form and supporting documentation using one of the methods below:

Email

[email protected]
Subject line: ASPB Member Complaint

Mail (Canada Post)

ASPB Member Complaint
707, 7th Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2P 3H6

Resources

  • Complaint FAQ (link)
  • Complaint Form (link)