What started as a small learning group working alongside Ontario’s Environment Ministry has grown into a thriving professional community grounded in mentorship, collaboration, and shared standards.

In this session, we’ll explore the evolution of the Qualified Persons Community of Ontario (QPCO) over the past five years—how it became a trusted space for environmental professionals, and why community-driven learning matters in a highly regulated and evolving field.

We’ll also look ahead at what’s next, including the expansion of QPCO to include emerging professionals (QPITs), and how building strong professional networks can shape both individual careers and the industry as a whole.

In this session, you’ll learn:

• How QPCO evolved from a small initiative into a recognized professional community
• The role of mentorship and peer learning in environmental practice
• Why community matters in navigating regulatory and technical challenges
• How emerging professionals can engage and grow within the industry

Who should attend:

• Environmental consultants and practitioners
• Qualified Persons (QPs) and those working toward designation (QPITs)
• Regulators and industry professionals
• Anyone interested in professional development and community-building in the environmental sector