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Professional forestry established as
self-regulating profession in Ontario
 May
1, 2001
The Professional Foresters Act 2000, proclaimed on
May 1st, 2001, requires that practitioners of professional forestry
in Ontario must be licensed. This will contribute to the sustainability
of Ontario’s forests, as there will be increased assurance that
professional standards of forestry practice will be utilized. Ontario
now joins British Columbia, Québec and well-known forestry
nations such as Sweden and Germany in having foresters recognized
for their knowledge and professionalism similar to other professional
practitioners including doctors, lawyers and engineers.
The Act also establishes the Ontario Professional
Foresters Association (OPFA) as the association responsible for
the protection of the public interest through the regulation of
the practice of professional forestry in Ontario. Membership and
registration will require a university degree in forestry and members
will be subject to professional standards of practice and adherence
to a Code of Ethics. In addition, the OPFA will be establishing
and implementing a public complaints and discipline process designed
to increase accountability and improve professional standards. The
Act becomes effective May 1, 2001.
Riet Verheggen, OPFA President, called the passage
of the legislation “landmark legislation for Ontario that will help
ensure the long term sustainability of the province’s forests. This
demonstrates a commitment to the future of Ontario’s forests and
recognizes the important contribution of professional foresters
in achieving this commitment.”
The benefits of the Act are wide ranging. The sustainability
of Ontario’s forests will be enhanced through improved management
and increased biodiversity. The use of licensed foresters in forest
management and certification will improve the competitive position
of Ontario in the global marketplace and at home. The overall accountability
for the sustainability for Ontario’s forests will be clearer and
more focused.
Professional forestry is the provision of services
relating to the development, management, conservation and sustainability
of forests including urban forests, a part of forestry of special
significance for urban Ontario. Professional foresters are directly
involved in all aspects of forest management in Ontario and are
responsible for the development of forest management plans and prescriptions
relating to all aspects of forest sustainability.
The Ontario Professional Foresters Association was
established in 1957. It has approximately 1000 members in Ontario and the
Head Office is located in Innisfil, Ontario.
Contact: Tony Jennings R.P.F., Executive Director
at 705-436-2226.
FACT
SHEET | PROFESSIONAL FORESTERS ACT 2000
WHAT IS IT
- New legislation replacing Professional Foresters
Act 1957
- Establishes professional forestry
as a self-regulating profession in Ontario
- Establishes the Ontario Professional
Foresters Association (OPFA) as the regulatory body for professional
foresters in Ontario
- Provides for increased accountability
and regulation of professional foresters in Ontario
- Any person practicing professional
forestry in Ontario must:
- Have completed a regulated course of study at the University
level
- Adhere to professional standards of practice
- Adhere to a Code of Ethics
- Be subject to a public complaints and
discipline process
- Take part in continuing education in
order to maintain their competency
- Be registered with the Ontario Professional Foresters Association
NEW FEATURES OF THIS LEGISLATION
- Public interest is over-riding concern of the practicing
professional
- Public members on governing Council and key committees
of OPFA
- Anyone practicing professional forestry in Ontario
must be registered with the Ontario Professional Foresters Association
(mandatory as opposed to voluntary)
- Practicing professional foresters may be subject
to continuing education, mandatory insurance (protection for clients),
peer review and quality assurance
- Public complaints and discipline process
- All practicing professional foresters subject to
adherence to professional standards of practice and Code of Ethics
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- The legislation contributes to the sustainability
of Ontario’s forests as:
- Foresters will be more accountable for their actions
- Forest management activities will be determined
and implemented by highly trained professionals
- Continued sustainability of Ontario’s forests leads
to continued forestry related economic, recreational, and social
benefits
- Increased opportunity to ensure that forest management
practices reflect the most recent and proven scientific principles
- No increased costs to public, forest industry or
government
For more information on the Professional Foresters
Act 2000, please contact
the OPFA office.
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This page last modified September 17, 2005 |
