The Association of Professional Geoscientists of Nova Scotia (APGNS) has reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the province's Geoscience Profession Act in light of community consultations concerning uranium exploration. This statement was provided to CityNews following inquiries about a warning issued to an individual involved in these consultations. The warning raised concerns over individuals discussing natural resource exploration without appropriate credentials.
Barb Harris, a resident of River John, Nova Scotia, expressed surprise at the warning, particularly because it was vague and lacked concrete examples of misinformation. She conveyed her thoughts on The Todd Veinotte Show, questioning why such a warning would originate from a group of geoscientists.
Stephen Olmstead, the Registrar and CEO of the APGNS, clarified that the Act does not prohibit public discourse on geoscience topics. Instead, it seeks to hold accountable those who mislead or misrepresent facts regarding professional geoscience. Specifically, he pointed out that individuals who present themselves as professional geoscientists without proper registration could face penalties. This is comparable to other professions, such as engineering or medicine, where public representation must be credentialed to ensure members of the public are not misled.
Olmstead emphasized that the intention behind these regulations is to protect the public from individuals who lack the necessary training, experience, and accountability. He revealed that the APGNS received complaints in June about two individuals misrepresenting their professional qualifications, leading to the issuance of warning letters. Moreover, the APGNS is prepared to inform individuals about the consequences of misrepresentation, which could escalate from warnings to financial penalties or potential incarceration.
"Individuals who have a right to express their opinions may be implying expertise they do not possess, subsequently influencing public and media perspectives on complex topics," noted Olmstead, describing this practice as a form of fraud that is not exclusive to Nova Scotia.
While the APGNS stands firm in its position, Harris argues that discussions surrounding uranium exploration need to encompass a broader range of perspectives beyond just that of geoscientists. She mentioned hearing valuable viewpoints from various professionals, including physicians, Atlantic specialists, geologists, former Health Canada employees, and Indigenous peoples. Harris believes that their insights should be acknowledged and included in the discourse surrounding the issue.
Olmstead further stated that there are about 300 registered professional geoscientists in Nova Scotia, and the APGNS is open to facilitating discussions for those interested in engaging with qualified experts. However, Harris remains convinced that the conversation regarding uranium exploration should not be limited to technical concerns alone, as it involves multiple layers of social, cultural, and health implications.
