Almost all professions are under provincial jurisdiction and almost all are regulated by self-regulatory bodies. This represents more than a million professionals in Canada. An example of a profession at the federal level that is self-regulated is the Canada lands surveyors. They have been self-regulated this way since 1999. Self-regulation is the most cost-effective solution because of the time that the profession devotes to make it work. For example, members of IPIC give hundreds of hours to prepare and mark the qualification exams, and also to train future agents. Essentially, they train their competitors.
We therefore recommend the creation of the College of Patent and Trademark Agents of Canada. It requires legislation to do so, as the college would be accountable to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. The minister would appoint members of the public to the council of the college, and the college would issue public reports on its activities. It would administer the admission process, require continuing education and insurance, maintain a code of ethics, and manage a complaints and discipline process. This would improve the IP framework that is used by manufacturers.
Thank you. Merci.