News & Events

Practice of professional chemistry

The ACPA would like to revisit the definition of the practice of chemistry, to try and make it current and more comprehensive.

Here is our current definition:

“Practice of chemistry” means

• Sampling, analyzing, evaluating, interpreting, reporting, advising, training and educating in the chemical sciences,
• The application of chemical sciences including, without limitation, environmental monitoring, industrial chemistry, research, quality systems, laboratory operations and method development, and
• The management of the activities listed in subclauses (i) and (ii).

Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act (POARA), Professional Chemists Regulation, Alberta Regulation 248/2001

Here is the OCQ definition:

“Practice of professional chemistry” means the practice for gain of any branch of chemistry, pure and applied, including, without limiting the generality of the forgoing, organic, inorganic, physical, metallurgical, biological, clinical, analytical, and industrial chemistry,

but does not include the execution of chemical or physical tests based on known methods to determine the quality of a product or to control a manufacturing process.

Below is ACPBC’s definition, adapted from the above:

“Practice of professional chemistry” means the performing of any activity within or involving chemistry for gain, hire or hope of reward, either directly or indirectly using the knowledge and education from the field of chemistry that requires the application of the principles of the chemical sciences, and that concerns the safeguarding of the public welfare, environment, life , health, property or economic interests, including, but not limiting to:

1. Investigations, interpretations, evaluations, consultations, teaching, or management aimed at discovery, creation, development, or analysis of natural or synthetic chemical substances;

1. Investigations, interpretations, evaluations, consultations, writing, editing, teaching, or management relating to molecular or material chemical properties, conditions or processes that may affect the well-being of the public, including those pertaining to the preservation of the natural environment and public health and safety.

Comments made by ACPBC on their definition.

This defines the scope of practice in a fashion that is independent of the right to practice (which is held by the chemists in Quebec).

There are other related professions that utilize chemistry, and their rights and duties would not be infringed upon by this definition (e.g., environmental sciences). This may also allow for exemptions where competency (education and experience) of another profession legitimately overlaps with the skills and knowledge of the chemists. Such an overlap will not abridge the rights of chemists with the appropriate competencies to practice and offer services in these areas as well. Articulation of that overlap needs to take place between the PROs. And these PROs must all have equal regulatory standing to make that dialogue effective.

Next.

Is our current definition still adequate? To expand our definition, Alberta Government indicated we would need agreement from the other PROs. The ACPA would then propose the new definition to the government to have it included in our bylaws.

Please provide your comments, suggest other definitions, items to add, etc. We want to hear your thoughts!

Over the past decade, Canada’s chemistry associations have worked to facilitate the mutual recognition of practicing chemists (PChems) across the provinces. These associations, including the ACPA, accept out of province academic credentials and have set up mutual agreements ensuring applicants continue to meet high professional and ethical standards through their nationally provided ethics course. This out of province registration process continues to protect public safety across Canada by enabling provincial registrars to thoroughly vet applicants.

The PGA will modernize, consolidate, and streamline nine separate acts and twenty-eight regulations governing twenty-two different non-health professional regulatory organizations (PROs) into a single, unified act, including engineering, accounting, veterinary, biological and chemistry professions.

The primary goal is to promote good governance, consistency, and transparency, ensuring PROs like the ACPA are effectively protecting the public interest.

We hope you're staying warm this chilly season! The Government of Alberta has announced that recruitment for public members is no open. The competition runs from December 8th 2025 to January 14th 2026.

Learn More Here

Important: Current public members do not need to re-apply, as reappointments and direct appointments are being considered for existing members.

For any questions regarding public members for your organization please contact,

[email protected]

The ACPA is reactivating the Strategic Planning Committee, and we’re looking for dedicated members who want to help advance our mission and shape the future of our programs.