The necessity and desirability of establishing a legal status for chemical professionals has long been apparent to Alberta Chemists.  A survey of those practicing chemistry in Alberta demonstrated overwhelming support for the formation of a Professional Association.  Both Ontario and Quebec have Professional Associations in their provinces.  In Alberta, the biologists, agrologists and several other such professions have been accorded legal status as professionals.

While the nature of federal legislation precludes a national organization operating under a Dominion Charter from possessing legal recognition in provincial matters, the Province can endow upon an organization such attributes.  For this reason, in 1992 the ACPA was established as an Incorporated Society under the Societies Act in the Province of Alberta.  This was the first step toward Professional registration.  The intent was that, once the membership was established at sufficient numbers and with adequate funding, it would be possible to move forward to Professional Registration under the Professional and Occupational Associations Registrations Act (POARA).  This was accomplished in 2001 with the passing of the Professional Chemists Regulation.

The ACPA is the Alberta's Professional Association for chemistry practitioners.  Members will receive a membership certificate and stamp.

As a charter member of the ACPA, you will be helping to formalize the professionalism of chemists in Alberta.  The support of Alberta chemists is necessary to demonstrate to the Province that the Association speaks for chemists and chemistry in the province.  As a group, we can inform the public about chemistry, contribute to legislative and other governmental regulatory activities that affect scientific development in a way that would be difficult through individual effort.

The Professional Chemists Regulation provides a legal definition of chemistry and those practicing chemistry in Alberta.  The main objectives of the Association, currently and for the future, are to promote and increase the knowledge, skills and proficiency of the members in all things relating to chemistry.

The ACPA is a legal instrument to help protect the public from malpractice in chemistry and to protect the profession from encroachment on its rights and purposes by unqualified personnel.  It is endowed with the power to act to coordinate its aims and purposes, and to act in provincial matters on behalf of those it represents. The Association registers its professional members and grants them the right to use the designation P.Chem. (Professional Chemist) to identify their affiliation and professionalism.

Under the Professional Chemists Regulation, any person can join the Association but only those who meet the qualification criteria are entitled to be registered as Professional Chemists. The minimum requirements are a Bachelors degree in Chemistry with two years related work experience.  A chemist who lacks only the work experience may be registered as a Chemist in Training.

Student, associate and retired chemist memberships are also available.