Annual Member Fee will Increase to $335 for 2011

At the June 2010 Council meeting, APEGBC Council passed a motion to implement a $56 increase to the annual member fee.  This will bring the annual fee for members to $335 effective January 1, 2011.

The funds generated by the increase will go towards funding core functions as dictated by the Act.  This includes restoring practice reviews to 2008 levels and enabling the implementation of efficiencies and improvements identified by the audit of Association programs performed by the Professional Renewal Task Force.  Member fees will now be able to fund 91% of core functions instead of 77% at the current annual fee. The remainder of the Association’s revenue (40%) continues to be generated from other sources such as member service programs, registration fees, and grants.

The Association maintains checks and balances to ensure funds are managed responsibly.  Every year, the finances of the Association are audited by a recognized professional auditing firm approved by the membership.  This audit includes a review to confirm responsible financial management practices are in place. 

In 2007, the Association adopted a Sustainable Financial Management Policy. This policy provides greater oversight on managing efficiencies and effectiveness of expenditures, funding core and non-core programs, membership growth, and an annual review of the professional member fee. Any proposed increase to the member fee must first meet the requirements of this policy.

The Association regularly looks for efficiencies and will continue to do so to ensure that changes to the annual member fee are initiated only when Council is satisfied that they are necessary and appropriate. Ultimately, as elected officials, members of Council are accountable to the voting membership.

As a self-regulatory body, Council has a responsibility to carry out activities dictated by the Act and bylaws. We understand that you may have questions and concerns regarding this fee increase.  Members are encouraged to ask questions regarding the finances of the Association. These questions and comments can be sent to fees@apeg.bc.ca and we’ll answer them as soon as possible.