Leave of Absence (LOA)

• engage in the practice of professional forestry in British Columbia; or
• use any reserved title or designations (verbally, written, or in electronic communications),  indicating or implying that you are authorized to engage in the practice of professional forestry (per bylaw 5-12(4));
• display your certificate, nor use your professional stamp(s) and/or seal(s);
• participate in the affairs of the association, including:
  • voting; and
  • sitting on council or any boards, committees, or subcommittees; and

• sponsor a trainee. If you are a sponsor, you must inform your trainees personally that you are not eligible to be a sponsor and they must find a new sponsor.

Undertaking of these unauthorized acts while on leave is subject to disciplinary action under the ABCFP Bylaws.

Eligibility Requirements

Registrants in good standing who are not working in BC in any capacity, whether in forestry or not, may be eligible to apply for an LOA.

The following are some common reasons:

• medical considerations;
• maternity or paternity leave;
• returning to school;
• living and working outside the province;
• unemployment;
• not actively working towards registration (enrolled members only).

Registrants who have conditional status or who are working in BC in any capacity, whether in forestry or not, are not eligible to apply for an LOA. 
Read the applicable procedures document in the Apply for a LOA section below for full details.

How Long is a LOA Effective?

Effective for the fiscal year, which runs from December 1 to November 30.
You may apply to reinstate your registration to active status at any time during the year.

How Many LOAs May I Apply For?

If you have been on non-practising status for longer than 36 months, you may be required to complete additional requirements deemed necessary to reinstate your registration, including but not limited to, completing professional educational requirements (per bylaw 5-14 (2)(a).
To continue on LOA, you must reapply by submitting a complete change of status application each year by the applicable deadlines.

Apply for LOA

Applications are only accepted during the registration renewal period from October 1 to January 31.
After this date, if you have already renewed your registration for the current fiscal year, you do not have to change your status.

1. Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.

See the Eligibility Requirements section above and read the LOA section in the applicable procedures document for full details.

Registrants with conditional status are not eligible to apply for a leave of absence and must renew their registration.

2. Complete the online change of status request form and submit the required fees.

• Registration renewal deadlines apply to LOA requests.
• Both the application and fees must be received by our office by these dates or else they are considered late.
• Registrants who do not renew their full registration or submit a complete change of status request by the renewal deadline will have their registration statuses cancelled (per bylaw 5-15(8).