• Revamped internal operating procedures
• Investments in technology to allow for better access for registrants including online CPD reporting, an in-house Learning Management System, and the online application portal
• New systems to comply with reporting requirements under the International Credentials Recognition Act
• Development of the Legal Requirements course
• Enhanced engagement and consultation on the ongoing implementation of reserved practice
• Development of an auditing regime to evaluate the College’s compliance with the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance’s (OSPG) Standards of Good Regulation
• Increased investments in compliance activities related to unlawful use of title and/or unlawful practice (practice infringement) as per the definition in the Applied Biologists Regulation

As well, the College is not immune from the inflationary pressures that have impacted the entire global community. The result is that the College is projecting a $70K deficit for the 2024 fiscal year.

Ongoing costs will include:

• Increased capacity to support the required practice guidance program
• Increased support for statutory committees (Nominations, Credentials, Audit & Practice Review, Investigations, Discipline)
• Bylaw updates and amendments
• Increased costs in adequately funding the Complaints and Discipline process
• Increased reporting functions as required through by International Credentials Recognition Act (ICRA)
• Increased reporting functions as required through the OSPG’s Standards of Good Regulation
• Increased OSPG information requests, annual audits by the OSPG on meeting the Standards of Good Regulation, and annual reporting requirements
• Continuing compliance work regarding unlawful Title and Reserved Practice infringement
• Ongoing collaboration with other regulators on alignments and intersections of reserved practice, and overlaps in regulated practice
• Continued investments in technology
• Ongoing meetings with the OSPG and other regulators, quarterly meetings with the Professional Governance Advisory Committee, and participation on a number of task-oriented committees (e.g. Practice Guidance Development)
• Increased costs

It is important to note that the College is required to meet the same regulatory standard as other regulators under the Act who currently have more capacity.

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As per the financial auditor’s recommendation, the College already collects GST on fees (such as application fees and late fees) and on tickets to College events like the conference.

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Relevant sections in the Act and Rules:

• Under Section 21 of the College of Applied Biology Act, the College is authorized to establish an Audit and Practice Review Committee (APRC), and establish the audit process by way of a Rule.
• Rule 14: sets out the rules for the establishment and conduct of the Audit and Practice Review Committee. 
• Under Schedule 6: a description is provided of the Audit program which includes a link to the member form used during the audit process.
• Under Schedule 4: information on associated CPD program and a template CPD form that can be used for tracking activities is provided. 

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If you are in the process of being audited, questions should be directed to your assigned auditor.

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• generate and administer their work products;
• remain current with changing legislation;
• manage their records;
• adhere to the College’s Code of Ethics; and,
• track and document Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities

Once the auditee is notified they will be audited, the auditee may declare any real or perceived conflicts with their assigned auditor within 5 business days of being notified. If there are no conflicts, the auditee must submit completed forms and supporting information to the College. The assigned auditor reviews the information and upon completion of the audit, makes a recommendation to the Audit and Practice Review Committee (APRC). The APRC considers the recommendation of the auditor(s) and determines one of six possible outcomes (see Question 15). Once the outcome has been determined, a letter is mailed to the auditee with the results of their audit.

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