build better bc - Statement #2

---

Fire Testing, Inspection & Service Techs to be Professionally Registered and Accountable

#2   |    July 2, 2025

BUILD BETTER BC (BBBC) is an initiative of Technology Professions BC Association (TPBC), an advocacy voice for engineering and applied science technology. TPBC is independent from professional regulatory organizations. OUR PURPOSE with BBBC is to assist in finding solutions to current issues affecting British Columbians, business, industry, local and provincial government and professional practitioners.

The citizens of BC should know with certainty that the technicians servicing fire protection systems are fully qualified, competent, professionally registered and accountable. British Columbians expect that fire safety systems such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, emergency lighting systems and other devices are inspected, tested and serviced by individuals who have met a uniform standard of training and experience and are registered by the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC), a professional regulatory body under the Professional Governance Act (BC). We cite as an excellent example of best practice the 24 local government Fire Bylaws that currently call for ASTTBC registration. TPBC believes all local and regional governments in BC should stipulate in their Fire Bylaw that fire technicians be registered with ASTTBC when providing testing, inspection and servicing of fire safety systems. 

BUILD BETTER BC Recommendation:

That local governments in BC enact a provision in their Fire Bylaw that stipulates that carrying out of fire safety testing, inspection and servicing is conducted by technicians who are currently registered with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC). 

In making this safety recommendation TPBC acknowledges that it may take time for some local governments, notably smaller and remote communities, to fully implement this critically important safety measure. TPBC is committed to working with all parties to ensure that fire technicians have access to the needed training and registration processes, such that all British Columbians have fire safety assurance.

Information on TPBC  >   https://techprobc.org/

Information on ASTTBC Fire Protection Registration >  https://asttbc.org/rfpts/  

QUESTIONS / COMMENTS? Email info@techprobc.org  

Podted 2025/Jul/19

Engineering & Applied Science Technology Education & Careers

#1  |    June 13, 2025

Who we are: BUILD BETTER BC (BBBC) is an initiative of Technology Professions BC (TPBC), an advocacy voice for technologists, technicians and technical specialists in engineering and applied science technology (“technology”).  This group of professionals contributes significantly to the BC economy (an estimated $12 Billion in 2024) and are essential to BC’s success in technology enterprises.  TPBC’s PURPOSE with BBBC is to provide solutions to current issues affecting technology education and careers in British Columbia.

Our Challenge : It is imperative that we develop and maintain a highly skilled technology work force. We must ensure consistent and portable education and skills credentials (a significant cost to BC’s economy and workforce portability).  With skills shortages in most key areas we must invest in initiatives that will ensure high standards, drive efficiencies, increase collaborations and enhance management of our human resources. 

TPBC has identified THREE key issues:

1. The well-paid, wealth producing engineering and applied science technologists, technicians and technical specialists (the ‘middle ground’) of technology education and career options are not well known;
2. There is a real need to update and report on the contribution made by technology practitioners; and,
3. The national standard by which the education programs are measured is a decade old and must be updated. 

Actions Required: The initiative to remove inter-provincial barriers and streamline development processes requires a sustainable technology work force.  TPBC’s proposals will help BC as we build a ONE CANADA approach to ensuring a sustainable supply of technology practitioners. 

BUILD BETTER BC Recommendations:

1.  That the BC Government partner with Technology Professions BC to develop a TechTalentBC program to bring to the public’s attention technology education and careers and the contribution made by highly skilled technology practitioners. 

2.  That the BC Government invest in a project to gather and report on the current contribution to the economy by technology practitioners, including the metrics needed to  support planning of technology human resources.
3.  That the BC Government take a lead in Canada to fund an update of the national technology standards for engineering and applied science technology.

Information on TPBC  >   https://techprobc.org/  

Email TPBC CEO John Leech at info@techprobc.org

Posted 2025/Jun/19

BUILDERS & LEADERS  – YOU ARE NEEDED

TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONS BC (TPBC) is a registered not-for-profit association whose purpose is to advocate for, and provide services to, members, businesses and NGOs in the fields of engineering and applied science technology. In all its work TPBC will act in the public interest. 

TPBC is a 'professional organization' as defined in the BC Professional Governance Act (PGA).  TPBC is not a Professional Regulatory Organization, this role is carried out by regulatory bodies named in the PGA or other legislation. 

TPBC is building our organization based on a BUILD IT… they will come foundation. We are putting in place major elements of who we are and what we will become before getting serious about member recruitment. For now we are looking for individuals, businesses and NGOs who are builders… leaders,,, who see the merit of an organization like TPBC and wish to be ‘early adopters’ in support of TPBC’s mandate. Maybe this is YOU… someone who sees merit in being on the ground floor, leading the parade as we frame the organization that will go on to provide great service to the technology professions, businesses, employers, governments, and the public. Our Board includes six (6) past presidents of ASTTBC and 3 other highly motivated technology practitioners, all who believe we need a strong voice for the fields covered by TPBC. We call on YOU to consider offering your name… your organization’s name… and expertise… consider joining as an ‘early adopter’. 

BuildBetterBC is one of our new initiatives, designed to address and provide solutions for current issues. TPBC will issue statements on matters relating to national standards and portability, the need for greater STEM education and career awareness, and practice issues such as those affecting building designers, home inspectors, fire protection systems and more. 

Individual Member – you are a dedicated professional who sees the merit of TPBC and wishes to lend your name, leadership and ‘let’s build it’ approach. YOU can make a difference for today and the future. 

Business Affiliate – your business or the business you represent wishes to get behind this emerging enterprise… to work together with TPBC on key matters such as accessibility and people with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples and their connection with STEM education, internationally qualified practitioners and much more. 

NGOs – A number of NGOs have come on board as ‘early adopters’, embracing our vision and signing a Memorandum of Agreement that signals our mutual interest in working together.  

As you can appreciate there is much to do. We are BUILDING for today and the future…  and we INVITE YOU to join us. Check us out at https://techprobc.org/

QUESTIONS? Send us an email: info@techprobc.org and we will be in touch.

Posted 2025/Apr/15