Session A: April 16, 2024, 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. ET
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Demystifying Registration Practices

Session Chairs:  Kristina Anderson, P.Geo. and Hannah Chessell, P.Geo.
A moderated Q & A will follow after the panel presentations.

SPONSOR  

Presentation 1: Fair Access Legislation in Ontario and the Role of Ontario Fairness Commission (OFC)

Speaker:  Irwin Glasberg, Ontario Fairness Commissioner - SEE SPEAKER'S BIO

SUMMARY
Commissioner Glasberg will provide a summary of fair access legislation in the province and the role of his office. He will also discuss incorporating diversity, inclusion and anti-racism principles into fair registration processes and the provincial government's recent decision to eliminate Canadian experience requirements.

Presentation 2: Protecting the Public through PGO's Registration Process

Speaker:  Eilidh Lewis, M.Sc., P.Geo., Registrar, Professional Geoscientists Ontario - SEE SPEAKER'S BIO

SUMMARY
PGO's knowledge requirements are a specific set of courses that have been chosen by Geoscientists Canada and form the basis of a geoscience degree. Most jurisdictions in Canada follow these requirements, which helps to facilitate the mobility of registrants across the country. This specific set of requirements helps to ensure consistency and fairness when reviewing applications. To become a professional geoscientist, applicants are also required to meet certain work experience criteria. This work experience is now evaluated through a competency-based assessment system, which aims to evaluate applicants through specific competencies, enhancing the consistency of decisions. In October 2023, PGO made the decision to remove the Canadian environment work experience requirement ahead of the government-mandated legislative changes, which aim to facilitate the registration of internationally trained geoscientists and remove barriers for those seeking employment in Canada.

Presentation 3: TRCA’s PAIE Program for Internationally Educated Professionals

Speaker:  Michelle Benford Supervisor, Professional Access into Employment (PAIE) Program  SEE SPEAKER'S BIO	Speaker:  Antonina D'Urzo  Coordinator, Professional Access into Employment (PAIE) Program  SEE SPEAKER'S BIO

SUMMARY
In this session, you will learn about how the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) assists Internationally Educated Professionals launch their careers in Geoscience, Engineering, Environmental Science and Planning through the Professional Access into Employment (PAIE) Program. PAIE is an innovative, employer led Ontario Bridge Training program that equips participants with an understanding of the local labour market and supports them as they seek to secure employment, gain local experience in their fields, and pursue professional licensing and certification. PAIE has been running since 2006 and is the only Anglophone Ontario Bridge training program for geoscientists. Central to our work is the goal of encouraging organizational change through the promotion of diversity and equity within our own organization and within our partner organizations; and promoting the hiring of internationally educated professionals in the local labour market. In this session we will present the various components of the program and provide information about how we collaborate with employers and other industry contacts to facilitate work experience, training and mentoring opportunities for program participants. . 

Register online for this session or the full Symposium.