Enhancing Interprovincial Mobility: Understanding Incidental Practice Registration in Ontario

In 2022, Professional Geoscientists Ontario (PGO) implemented the Incidental Practice Registration program to facilitate short-term professional engagements for geoscientists licensed in other Canadian jurisdictions. This initiative ensures that qualified professionals can contribute their expertise to Ontario-based projects following an efficient process and reasonable cost, while maintaining high regulatory standards.

Understanding Incidental Practice Registration
Incidental practice refers to geoscience activities related to specific, short-duration projects in Ontario. PGO's Incidental Practice Registration is a form of temporary registration available on a monthly basis, for a maximum of 12 months at a time, up to a total of 36 months within a 48-month period. Once this limit is reached, registrants must wait five years before reapplying for temporary registration but remain eligible for full practicing registration with PGO.

Application Process and Fees
To apply for incidental practice registration, applicants must:
• Be registered as a Professional Geoscientist in good standing with another Canadian regulatory body.
• Complete and submit the application form along with the required application fee.
• Provide a confirmation request form from their home jurisdiction. 
• Click on this link for full information.

The application fee is required for the initial application. If incidental practice registration is granted and subsequently interrupted, the registrant can extend the registration without paying the application fee, provided no more than 12 months have passed since the issuance date of the last incidental practice registration.

Rationale Behind the Fees
Some registrants have inquired why incidental practice registration is not free. The fees associated with this program support administration and essential regulatory functions, including application processing, verification of credentials, and ensuring compliance with professional standards. PGO remains committed to enhancing interprovincial mobility while maintaining the integrity of professional registration standards.

Strengthening Geoscience Practice in Ontario
PGO’s Incidental Practice Registration provides a structured and transparent pathway for geoscientists to engage in short-term projects without compromising professional accountability. By offering a defined registration period and clear guidelines, PGO ensures that both registrants and the public benefit from a well-regulated practice environment.

Ontario's approach to incidental practice prioritizes accessibility while maintaining the rigorous standards expected of the profession. This program is part of PGO’s broader commitment to fostering a dynamic and responsive regulatory framework that supports both practitioners and industry needs.

Efforts Toward Harmonization
Geoscientists Canada and its member regulators work toward harmonizing registration requirements that are expected to enhance mobility for geoscientists across the country. These efforts aim to reduce barriers and facilitate a more seamless practice environment for professionals operating in multiple provinces and territories. The nationwide effectiveness of incidental practice depends on a consistent approach across all jurisdictions. PGO's initiative aims to contribute to a national framework and we encourage other provincial and territorial regulators to develop similar programs.

Moving Forward
PGO's Incidental Practice Registration streamlines short-term geoscience practice in Ontario, enabling professionals from other provinces to contribute their expertise while upholding high regulatory standards. As interprovincial mobility remains a priority, PGO continues to evaluate and refine its processes to support an effective and accessible regulatory framework for geoscientists practicing in Ontario.