The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has officially enacted the Practice of Engineering, Geoscience and Applied Science Technology Act, replacing the former Engineering and Geosciences Professions Act from 2006. This updated legislation modernizes the regulatory framework for engineering, geoscience, and applied science technology professionals in the NWT.

The Act enhances professional regulation, maintains professional standards for public safety, and aligns NWT with other jurisdictions in Canada. including the introduction of limited licenses for out-of-territory professionals, reducing barriers and streamlining the process for those seeking to work in the NWT. 

The Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists (NAPEG) is the statutory authority of the Acts that regulate these professions. Under this new Act, NAPEG has been equipped with enhanced tools and a broader mandate to uphold professional standards in alignment with GNWT legislation and industry best practices.

Key Changes in the New Act:

New Name & Expanded Scope: Now called the Practice of Engineering, Geoscience and Applied Science Technology Act, the legislation formally includes engineering technologists and technicians.

Stronger Professional Regulation: Ensures that all professionals—engineers, geoscientists, technologists, and technicians—meet similar qualifications and ethical guidelines.

Reduced Barriers for Professionals: Aligns NWT licensing requirements with other Canadian jurisdictions, enhancing career mobility and workforce growth in the territory.

New Licensing Options: Allows for limited licenses, which aligns with other jurisdictions and will allow professionals with limited licenses from outside the NWT to work in the territory with faster approval times.

Greater Career Flexibility: Streamlines the process for professionals returning from parental leave and supports professionals transitioning to full licensure.

Commitment to Public Safety & Professional Development: Mandates continuing education requirements to ensure professionals remain up to date in their fields.

Expanded Options for Addressing Malpractice: Provides alternatives to suspension, allowing NAPEG to support struggling engineers through supervised work, required courses, or addiction treatment when appropriate.

These new standards will allow NAPEG, as per its statutory mandate, to better serve the public by maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and efficiency in engineering and geoscience. The modernized Act will strengthen the engineering and geoscience professions in the NWT, improve access to skilled professionals, and ensure sustainable development across the territory.

Quotes

“This new Act strengthens regulation for engineering and geoscience professionals in the NWT by modernizing governance and oversight. It equips NAPEG with the tools to oversee the industry effectively and ensures public safety remains a top priority. These updates support professionals returning from parental leave, transitioning careers, or moving to the territory, helping build a strong, diverse, and resilient workforce for the North.”

• Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Infrastructure

The PEGASTA Act brings necessary updates to the regulation of engineering and geoscience in the Northwest Territories, aligning NAPEG’s regulatory framework with other jurisdictions. These changes will strengthen public safety, modernize governance, discipline and professional development standards, and improve career mobility. NAPEG will implement these new standards in accordance with our bylaws and regulatory best practices.

• Paul Guy, P.Eng., FEC, President of NAPEG

Related links

• Practice of Engineering, Geoscience and Applied Science Technology Act
• www.napeg.nt.ca  
• About NAPEG: Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists (NAPEG) is the statutory authority responsible for the licensing of professional engineers and professional geoscientists in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the regulation of the practices of professional engineering and professional geoscience, the establishment and maintenance of standards of knowledge, skill, care and professional ethics among its registrants, in order that the interests of the public may be served and protected.

For media requests, please contact:

Department of Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories
Inf_Communications@gov.nt.ca