The Professional Governance Act and the BCIA Bylaws protect the public against unauthorized, unregistered individuals who use a professional agrologist title or seal and provide advice that only a qualified registrant of BCIA can provide. BCIA will take appropriate disciplinary action if a complaint is determined to have merit via the Complaints Process
IS MY COMPLAINT CONFIDENTIAL? >
Your complaint will be held in confidence and on a need-to-know basis by BCIA unless required by law.
WILL MY COMPLAINT COST ME MONEY? >
The BC Institute of Agrologists does not charge a fee to file or investigate a complaint. Note that the complainant is responsible for the costs for any hearing, e.g., their lawyer or witnesses.
ARE THERE ANY COMPLAINTS THAT BCIA WILL NOT INVESTIGATE? >
BCIA will NOT investigate complaints similar to those below (but is not limited to):
- A dispute over fees or contractual terms and conditions
- Concerns outside the practice of agrology
- Accusations not supported by facts
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY COMPLAINT TO BE RESOLVED? >
BCIA aims to resolve complaints quickly; however, since a broad range of potential actions results from a complaint, it is not always possible to guarantee the length of the complaint resolution period.
WILL BCIA HELP ME RESOLVE A DISPUTE WITH ANOTHER PARTY? >
As professionals, BCIA registrants often know each other. BCIA's Code of Ethics suggests that it may be beneficial to discuss concerns directly with the other party as a first step, A constructive conversation is often able to resolve the issue without third party involvement. BCIA may refer you to another agency; however, our resources do not include direct mediation or dispute resolution.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BECOME A REGISTRANT? >
Review the Registration Process.
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ON THE CODE OF ETHICS? >
Read the Professional Code of Ethics
HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF SOMEONE IS REGISTERED OR ANY CONDITIONS PLACED ON A REGISTRANT'S PRACTICE? >
Search the Directory of BCIA Registrants
I BELIEVE SOMEONE IS PRACTICING AGROLOGY AND USING DESIGNATION AND/OR SEAL (STAMP) WITHOUT BEING REGISTERED WITH BCIA. >
If someone says they are an Agrologist and are not on BCIA's Directory of Registrants ("unauthorized practice"), follow the Complaints Process and Submit a Complaint at the earliest opportunity.