Association of Professional Biology

#1 April 7, 2026

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED … To Our Mutual Advantage

Download your copy here
https://professionalbiology.com/bionow/

2026 APB Annual General Meeting

📣 You’re invited to attend the 2026 APB Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 28, 2026—an important opportunity to stay informed, have your voice heard, and help shape the future of APB.

👥 To conduct official business, quorum requires 10% of the membership or 30 members (whichever is less). In practical terms, we need at least 30 members present, making your participation essential and genuinely valued.

📝 Have a resolution to bring forward? We welcome your input.
Please submit resolutions by email to [email protected] with the subject line “Resolution” no later than 30 days prior to the AGM.

📄 Bylaw changes will be proposed at the AGM. Details of the proposed changes will be shared with all members by the end of April 2026.

🔗 Registration is now open on the APB website, so be sure to secure your spot.

❓ If you have questions about the AGM, need assistance with registration, or require additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] —we’re here to help.

🙏 We look forward to connecting with you and appreciate your continued engagement with APB.

2026 APB Annual General Meeting

📣 You’re invited to attend the 2026 APB Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 28, 2026—an important opportunity to stay informed, have your voice heard, and help shape the future of APB.

👥 To conduct official business, quorum requires 10% of the membership or 30 members (whichever is less). In practical terms, we need at least 30 members present, making your participation essential and genuinely valued.

📝 Have a resolution to bring forward? We welcome your input.
Please submit resolutions by email to [email protected] with the subject line “Resolution” no later than 30 days prior to the AGM.

📄 Bylaw changes will be proposed at the AGM. Details of the proposed changes will be shared with all members by the end of April 2026.

🔗 Registration is now open on the APB website, so be sure to secure your spot.

❓ If you have questions about the AGM, need assistance with registration, or require additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] —we’re here to help.

🙏 We look forward to connecting with you and appreciate your continued engagement with APB.

-The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats has been recently detected in a bat guano (droppings) sample collected in the Metro Vancouver area

-Only the fungus has been detected in guano samples, but no bats in B.C. have been confirmed to have white-nose syndrome

-The Province continues monitoring bat populations and encourages the public to report bat roosts, unusual bat behaviour and dead bats

Fungus causing white-nose syndrome in bats detected again in B.C. Detection in Metro Vancouver helps inform bat-monitoring efforts

February 2026 issue of BioNOTES is available online.
https://professionalbiology.com/bionotes/

This edition is packed with important updates, member highlights, and opportunities to get involved with APB. Inside, you’ll find:

• BCIT Ecological Restoration becomes a sponsor of BioNOTES
• Minister Neill: APB discusses transmission of disease in wild sheep
• Revitalization of APB
• Business Affiliate Members: Five new firms join APB
• Building a Future for Women in Science
• APB Awards: Nominations now open
• CAB invites APB to attend Conference 2026
• APB AGM 2026
• Board Directors Wanted
• APB launches new sponsorship opportunities
• Volunteer assistance needed
• Bill M-216 – Professional Reliance: APB submits comments
• Find a Professional: Are you registered?
• Mentoring Program update
• Biologists at Work
• Perkopolis: Don’t forget this valuable member benefit
• We welcome your feedback on BioNOTES

We encourage you to take a few minutes to read through this issue and stay connected with the important work being done on behalf of the profession and our members.

As always, thank you for your continued engagement and support.

BioNOTES | Association of Professional Biology BioNOTES Stay Informed with the Latest in Biology Become a Member Find a Professional October 2025 December 2025 February 2026 Get In Touch Name Email Address Message

ASPB CONFERENCE 2026

The ASPB 2026 Conference will be held November 4-6 at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton. This year's theme is "Supporting Biologists: in the Field and Beyond". The call for abstracts will open on March 1 and close on June 1; details will be released in the March 1 newsletter, after which they will be available on the conference website.

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This year’s conference theme was shaped through discussions recognizing the many supports that enable excellence in biological practice. Central to this is the evolving network of professional tools, technologies, collaborations, and regulatory frameworks that guide and support biologists in their work. This includes timely regulatory updates, trends, and emerging resources (such as AI-enabled tools) that are increasingly part of modern practice and decision-making.

At the same time, hosting the conference at Edmonton’s family-friendly Fantasyland Hotel prompted reflection on the personal foundations that make this work possible, including the families, communities, and wellness supports that sustain biologists behind the scenes. Together, these considerations informed a theme focused on supporting biologists in their professional practice, through tools, policy, and regulatory insight while also recognizing the personal supports that help biologists succeed today and into the future, both in the field and beyond.

Upcoming Events Thank you for supporting the 2026 ASPB Annual Conference.Please follow the steps in this wizard to complete your payment.

Building a Future for Women in STEM

February 11, 2026, marks the 11th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS), a significant milestone in the global effort to promote gender equality and women's empowerment. Gender equality in science is crucial for building a better future for all, yet women and girls continue to face systemic barriers and biases in pursuing scientific careers.

Closing the gender gap in STEM-related careers requires breaking stereotypes, promoting role models to inspire girls, supporting women's advancement through targeted programs, and fostering inclusive environments through policies and actions that promote inclusion, diversity and equity. A UNESCO initiative, we encourage you to visit the official web site: https://www.womeninscienceday.org/

APB is taking an active role by launching Women in Biology, a special program designed to enhance awareness of education and careers in applied biology. While we are just getting started, in 2026 we will post several profiles of women in biology careers and map out initiatives designed to elevate the possibilities, and yes, the roadblocks to young women entering a career as a biology professional.

We invite your suggestions as to programming that will support and assist our work in enhancing education and career awareness.

On February 18th, Shona Derlukewich will present on Connecting Streams and Protecting Fish: An introduction to the Alberta Watercourse Crossing Guidebook
https://www.cclmportal.ca/portal/wetland-knowledge/events/wetland-knowledge-exchange-february-2026-webinar

On March 17th, The Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils (WPACs) of Lesser Slave, Athabasca, and Mighty Peace will present examples of collaborative, on the ground projects and restoration initiatives that strengthen wetlands and watershed health.
https://www.cclmportal.ca/portal/wetland-knowledge/events/watersheds-without-walls-building-flood-and-drought-resilience

These free webinars are part of the Wetland Knowledge Exchange’s monthly webinar series. The Wetland Knowledge Exchange is the official newsletter, webinar series, and social media account of the CCLM Wetland Knowledge Portal (WKP). The Wetland Knowledge Exchange aims to amplify the voice of the WKP to help increase information sharing and foster collaboration amongst diverse stakeholders interested in wetland management, conservation and reclamation.

Wetland Knowledge Exchange March 2026 Webinar Wetland Knowledge Exchange March 2026 WebinarWatersheds Without Walls: Building Flood and Drought Resilience Through Partnership

Announcing the 2025 KBA Annual Report!

We’re delighted to share the release of KBA Canada’s 2025 Annual Report! This brief report highlights the incredible milestones and progress achieved by the KBA program throughout 2025. Over the year, we celebrated surpassing 350 KBAs on the website, saw ecosystem KBA work make exciting progress in BC and Atlantic Canada, and saw dozens of exciting examples of KBA information being put into use to benefit wildlife, ecosystems, and people. This report has a focus on spotlighting some of those examples, and the ways that partners are using KBA information to benefit, inform, and inspire conservation work. Illustrating the report are some amazing photos from KBA partners and this year’s KBA Photo Contest. This Annual Report stands as a tribute to the dedication and collaborative efforts of the entire KBA Canada team, along with the invaluable contributions of our supporters and partners.

Thank you for being an integral part of the KBA Canada community.

Wishing you a joyful, successful, and fulfilling year ahead. Let’s continue working together to make a meaningful impact!

Explore the 2025 Annual Report: Discover more about our achievements by accessing the full report here.

Announcing the 2025 KBA Annual Report We’re delighted to share the release of KBA Canada’s 2025 Annual Report! This brief report highlights the incredible milestones and progress achieved by the KBA program throughout 2025. Over the year, we celebrated surpassing 350 KBAs on the website, saw ecosystem KBA work make exciting progress...

🚀 We’ve Launched Our New Website! 🌐
We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of our newly redesigned website: https://professionalbiology.com/
🎉

Our online home has been refreshed to better serve professional biologists, students, industry partners, and anyone passionate about applied biology. The new site makes it easier than ever to:

🔎 Explore who we are and what we do — Learn about our mission to support biology professionals and advance science-based applied biology across Canada.
🧑‍🔬 Find an accredited professional biologist near you using our searchable directory.
📢 Access valuable resources — including a job board, newsletters, networking opportunities, and member benefits.
📝 Join or renew your membership — connect with a community committed to high professional standards and impactful advocacy.

💡 Whether you’re a practicing biologist, a student, or someone who cares about conservation and science, there’s something here for you!

👉 Check it out now: https://professionalbiology.com/

Let us know what you think — and don’t forget to follow us for updates, events, and more! 🌿