Panel Session A:  April 16, 2024, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. ET

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Demystifying Registration Practices

This session will focus on raising awareness of the PGO's process for licensing newcomers to Canada and how to bring equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into the registration process for these individuals. Efforts from the PGO to ensure the process meets the required knowledge and experience criteria will be discussed, as well as the elimination of the Canadian work experience requirement. The session will also dive into some of the challenges facing international work histories and the programs available for both practitioners and employers. The session will close with a panel discussion that dives deeper into the practical steps professionals and organizations can take to hire with best practices and reduce bias.

See Panel Session A page for presentations and speakers.

Panel Session B: April 18, 2024, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. ET

Engaging, Developing, and Retaining Multigenerational Geoscientists

Are you having trouble hiring qualified geoscientists to fill open positions, particularly at the intermediate level? Our profession has a labour market problem – many highly experienced professionals are nearing retirement and there are many young and eager practitioners. Still, there is an experience gap that needs to be closed. Our industry is poised for growth, but our human resources aren't going to keep up unless we do something to bridge the gap. This session covers three areas of focus to help bridge the gap:  integrating new professionals, retaining and engaging existing professionals,  and mentoring to fast-track upskilling.  

See Panel Session B page for presentations and speakers.

Panel Session C: April 23, 2024, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. ET

Bridging Realms: Artificial Intelligence in Professional Geoscience  

In this symposium panel, we will embark on an exploration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the realm of professional geoscience. The session begins with an insightful introduction to AI, dissecting its various types and nuances. Delving deeper, the conversation shifts toward the pivotal role of Machine Learning (ML) and its dynamic utilization in geoscience, highlighting its transformative impact on data analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling. Finally, we'll examine the tangible applications of AI in geoscience, uncovering some of its far-reaching capabilities in areas such as mineral exploration, geological mapping, and beyond. Join us as we unravel the powerful synergy between AI and geoscience, exploring its potential and profound implications for the future of the profession.

[Written by ChatGPT – Reviewed by R. Hearst & A. Waldie]

See Panel Session C page for presentations and speakers.

Panel Session D: April 25, 2024, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. ET

Practice, Pitfalls, and Protections - Some Social and Legal Aspects of Geoscience Practice

To protect their own interests, professional geoscientists should be aware that the public will rely on the professional's opinion and that reliance brings legal obligation, legal liability, and public-interest responsibility with it. Whether acting as a qualified person under environmental or securities regulation, as a practitioner employed in geoscience, or just as an ordinary good neighbour, other people rely on your views and observations, and you need to know what you're getting into by banging rocks for a living. This session introduces three developments that may not be widely known or understood.

The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum has brought out a practice guideline for the environmental, social, and governance matters that pertain to mineral projects, a guideline that may help professionals assess the impact of mineral projects on communities - and sometimes, vice-versa.

Professional geoscience bodies in Canada provide their members with secondary professional liability insurance that can provide legal advice and liability coverage for actions brought against them when employed or offering informal help.

New or evolving securities disclosure regulations in Australia, the United States, and other countries place different requirements on practitioners approving geoscientific and technical disclosure by mining companies. Practitioners acting as "competent" and "qualified" persons should know whether their understanding of those obligations is current and applicable to the job they're doing.

See Panel Session D page for presentations and speakers.

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