ASTT Act - Celebrating 40 Years
ASTT Act - Celebrating 40 Years
It was 40 years ago that the ASTT Act was brought into law, an historic day for engineering and applied science technologists and technicians. Looking back, the first submission to the BC Government was in 1977, with the thought that Government would move ahead right away and enact the proposed legislation. We were young and naive! Several proposals over about 7 years, much contact with Government, and then John Reynolds, a back-bench MLA at the time, agreed to sponsor a Private Members Bill. While our first choice was a Government Bill, we were not about to turn down the offer to proceed with the Private Bill.
The Bill (the Applied Science Technologists Act) was tabled as a usual form of professional legislation, some 25 pages as we recall. And my goodness did this Bill attract attention. So many organizations, other professional associations, all interested in what was going down, many of whom spoke at the Legislative Committee stage. Concerns like, ‘we don’t believe you should call yourselves professionals'… and ‘what about this scope of practice, we are concerned’… and more.
After all interventions were addressed the Legislative Committee Chair approached Executive Director John Leech and said something like, 'put your advisors on hold, go home this weekend and come back to the Committee with all issues addressed'. No further direction was required, and John went home on the weekend and re-wrote a draft, which was then reviewed by the volunteer lead, Ron Green (who went on to become President) and with legal counsel. A 7-page draft, the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians (ASTT) Act, was submitted to the BC Government. The drastically modified Bill was reviewed by the Legislative Committee and then tabled in the Legislature, with MLAs wondering whether the Bill was an amended statute or a new statute. Thankfully this minor question did not matter as John Reynolds and the Government were focused on moving the Bill forward.
While Private Member Bills usually have little hope of being enacted, in this case we had built a parade around the Bill to the point where Government was supportive. Voila...! the ASTT Act was passed. On September 26, 1985 the Act was proclaimed by the Lieutenant Governor.
Posted 2025/Oct/06
SEPT 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation we are called, individually and collectively, to take time to learn, engage and commit to the complex work of restoring and enhancing the unique relationship with Indigenous Peoples.
TPBC thanks people like Dawn McGrath who spoke at an Indigenous-led conference, Gathering Our Voices, convened in 2025 in Kamloops. A member of the TPBC Board, Dawn and the full Board believe that the work we perform every day is done with open hearts, open minds and for the well-being of all.
Photo: TPBC CEO John Leech spoke with Susan Aglukark this past weekend in Gibsons. John purchased Susan’s book ‘KIHIANI', and looks forward to learning more about Susan’s journey.
Posted 2025/Sep/30
TPBC CONGRATULATES BCIT'S BIOMED TECH
Quoted from a LinkedIn post:
Technology Accreditation Canada is pleased to announce that the “Biomedical Engineering Technology" program at British Columbia Institute of Technology has been accredited April 2025 - April 2030. Third-party accreditation proves that a program has undergone a rigorous and comprehensive audit and testing process that meet Canada’s engineering technology standards. The audit includes an evaluation of policies, curriculum, laboratories, and student support services, as well as interviews with employers, students, alumni, faculty, and campus community members.
Posted 2025/Sep/24
TPBC Speaks out on Tech Talent in the Construction Sector
The #3 issue of BuildBetterBC addresses the need to focus attention on Tech Talent in the construction sector.
We ask that you post to colleagues, friends, businesses to gather traction on this statement. Thanks for your help as we build TPBC as an advocacy voice for engineering and applied science technologists, technicians and technical specialists. We also encourage you to breeze through the TPBC web site about once a month to check out latest developments.
Posted 2025/Sep/08
TPBC Produces Book Marks to Aid Promotion
Four book marks have been printed as part of TPBC's advocacy work, one for TPBC and one each for Indigenous relations, women in technology, and people with disabilities.
Every little bit helps TPBC get the message out as part of our advocacy work. Members wanting hard copies should send an email to info@techprobc.org.
Posted 2025/Sep/06
Earl Manning joins TPBC Team
We are pleased to report that Earl Manning, BSc, MBA has joined TPBC as Manager, Program Development. "Earl brings a wealth of qualifications to the table and in his role will help us build programming such as people with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples relations and Women4Tech," said CEO John Leech. "I've worked with Earl both in my role as CEO with ASTTBC and in leadership positions with the Canadian Society of Association Executives. Earl is an innovator, leader and is big on getting things done. Welcome aboard Earl".
Earl Manning, BSc, MBA
Earl is retired from a long career as CEO of a variety of organizations, both not-for-profit and for profit. Working with volunteers, governments and business partners he crafted the skill of drawing on people’s experience to build organizations and achieve enthusiastic goals for the benefit of members and the general public.
Some of these projects included the development of a red seal technical trade and apprenticeship program, the creation of a professional training and government licensing program and the establishment of a national corporate buying group and service network.
On the academic front, Earl earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of BC. Later, while managing a couple of trade associations, he completed the Master of Business Administration degree through Athabasca University in the early days of online education.
Retired, but not yet finished, Earl is currently working part time in a supportive housing and homeless shelter charity, helping to care for all who need help. In his spare time he enjoys hiking the mountain trails and west coast beaches with his wife and border collie.
Posted 2025/Sep/05
Doug Duncan Leader Award : Nominations Please
TPBC seeks nominations for the Doug Duncan Leader Award
The newly minted Doug Duncan Leader Award will be launched later this year and we are looking for nominations.
PURPOSE OF AWARD: To honour a practicing technology professional who is progressing in their career and service to the profession and community and assist them as they seek to develop additional skills.
Nominations are requested by September 30, 2025. Email your nomination to
Posted 2025/JAug/20
Vancouver Island Construction Ass'n Endorses TPBC
On behalf of the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) and our members, we are pleased to express our strong support for Technology Professions BC (TPBC) and its efforts to advocate for engineering and applied science technology education and careers. Many of our members—and a significant portion of the broader construction industry—are Applied Science Technologists (AScTs) or Certified Technicians (CTech), whose credentials and contributions are vital to the success of our sector. TPBC’s focus on credential recognition, professional development, mentorship, and inclusivity aligns with our industry’s need for a skilled, mobile, and diverse workforce. We believe TPBC’s work will strengthen standards, support workforce mobility, and enhance the construction sector’s access to qualified technical talent across British Columbia.
Rory Kulmala, CD, MDA, AScT, PMP
CEO, Vancouver Island Construction Association
Posted 2025/JAug/14
MLA Janet Routledge Speaks with TPBC CEO JOHN LEECH
MLA Janet Routledge Speaks with TPBC CEO John Leech
Chance meetings often lead to a great conversation. Such was the case recently when TPBC CEO John Leech had an opportunity to chat with Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North. "During our brief time together I spoke about the need for a much enhanced level of awareness of engineering and applied science technology education and careers. I also talked about the need to find a way to bring together all organizations promoting STEM education and careers such that we build a strategic approach to promoting these largely wealth creating skills." Janet acknowledged the important work of technology practitioners and indicated interest in learning more about the contribution to BC's economy and society made by engineering and applied science technologists, technicians and technical specialists.
PHOTO: TPBC CEO John Leech presented MLA Janet Routledge with a feather carved by Indigenous artist Alex Mountain.
Posted 2025/JAug/14
Hon Raj Chouhan Meets TPBC CEO John Leech
Hon Raj Chouhan Meets TPBC CEO John Leech
The Speaker of the BC Legislature, the Hon Raj Chouhan, took a moment at a recent community BBQ to talk with TPBC CEO John Leech. "We took a bit of time to catch up and talk about technology education and careers," reported Leech. In his role as TPBC CEO John is reaching out to elected representatives at local, provincial and national levels of government with a purpose of enhancing awareness of the contribution made to the economy and society by engineering and applied science technologists, technicians and technical specialists. John and Raj are planning a more fulsome discussion on TPBC's role as an advocacy body for engineering and applied science technology.
PHOTO CAPTION: MLA Raj Chouhan receives a feather carved by Indigenous artist Alex Mountain.
Posted 2025/JAug/10
TPBC CEO Meets MLA Paul Choi
Paul Choi and John Leech Discussed Tech Ed and Careers
Paul Choi, BC MLA for Burnaby South-Metrotown, took time out of his busy schedule to say hello to TPBC CEO John Leech during a recent BBQ gathering. "Paul is very approachable; we had a short but informative conversation," according to John. "We spoke about the urgent need to elevate the profile of engineering and applied science technologists, technicians and technical specialists." A couple of days later, on August 5, John had a virtual meeting with Paul during which they talked about career enhancement of these 'middle-level' careers. Leech praised the work of governments, trade unions and others to elevate the profile of trades education and careers. "We need something like Skilled Trades BC to build an awareness program focused on technology practitioners." Paul, it should be noted, is somewhat familiar with TPBC as in June 2025 John made a presentation to the BC Legislature Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, of which Paul is the Chair.
PHOTO CAPTION: MLA Paul Choi receives a feather carved by Indigenous artist Alex Mountain.
Posted 2025/JAug/10
VICA and TPBC Discuss TECHNOLOGIST GRADUATION RATES IN BC
Techs are Needed in Construction : TPBC and VICA Discuss
The critical role of engineering and applied science technologists, technicians and technical specialists (technology professionals), was a key topic in a July meeting in Nanaimo between Technology Professions BC (TPBC) CEO John Leech and Rory Kulmala, Chief Executive Officer of Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA). "TPBC is very concerned that BC may not be graduating the numbers of technologists with a Diploma of Technology (DiplT) needed to meet the demands of the construction industry", said Leech. "TPBC is linking with the BC Government to review graduate levels and market demands to make certain we have the needed techs for the engineering and applied science sector, including construction." TPBC is also reaching out to industry organizations like VICA with the request that they jump on board TPBC efforts to enhance awareness of technology education and careers.
According to a 2016 report prepared by the Conference Board of Canada (CBoC) the 400,000 engineering technicians and technologists in Canada contributed $54.7 Billion (yes that is a 'B') to the Canadian economy. This represented 3.3% of Canadian GDP reported CBoC. In a recent BuildBetterBC statement (an initiative of TPBC) the statement indicated that techs currently contribute an estimated $12B (another 'B') to the BC economy.
The construction sector requires qualified people in all areas of construction work including engineering techs who play a critical role in the design, construction and maintenance of BC's infrastructure. Techs offer services in construction management, supervision, work scheduling, approvals, and more. The 'middle level' careers associated with technology professionals is not well understood. Greater awareness is desperately needed.
Rory Kulmala indicated he would consider how VICA might engage in support of TPBC's advocacy work.
Posted 2025/JAug/06
BCIT STAFF INCLUDED IN BIV'S 2025 HONOUREES
Congratulations to Michael Bonshor (Gixkan’dzi), Managing Director, First Nations Business Development Association; Chair, BCIT Board of Governors, Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President, BCIT, and Kory Wilson, Executive Director, BCIT Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships, for being named among BC’s top visionaries and changemakers in this year’s BIV News BC500!
Your leadership exemplifies the values that strengthen communities and shape a better future.
Thank you for the work you do to advance inclusion, innovation, and opportunity.
Read the full list of 2025 honourees via Business in Vancouver (BIV): https://lnkd.in/gq8t7xEE
Posted 2025/Jun/21
BCIT Endorses Accreditation of Programs Leading to ASTTBC Registration
Technology Professions BC (TPBC) is pleased that BCIT has issued a statement of support for accreditation. At present BCIT has three of their technology programs accredited by TAC: Biomedical Engineering Technology, Forest and Natural Areas Management and Geomatics Engineering Technology.
TPBC CEO John Leech met with BCIT President Jeff Zabudsky in August 2024 to talk about BCIT technology programming and the importance of national accreditation and the need to graduate a sufficient supply of technologists to meet industry needs.
For more on this, please go to the Acvocacy/Accreditation Support page..
Posted 2025/Jul/31