What does GAC mean in SOCIETIES

The Geological Association of Canada (GAC) is a non-profit organization for earth scientists and professionals founded in 1891. Its mission is to promote the study and knowledge of geology and to foster the application of geological science to the benefit of society.

GAC organizes conferences, short courses and field trips, publishes scientific journals, magazine, books & newsletters, and provides awards, scholarships and other research grants. It also offers professional development workshops, a job board for its members and an online library subscription service.

You can join as a student member, professional member or associate member by completing an application form on the GAC website. Professional membership requires proof of appropriate credentials while student members need only be enrolled in full-time post-secondary education.

As a GAC member you will benefit from discounts on conference attendace; voting eligibility at annual meetings; access to networking opportunities with other earth scientists; early access to publications; academic scholarships & awards available for students; discounts on products from partner organizations; access to jobs boards & career resources.

Yes! ThinkGeoEnergy, run by GAC’s partner organization Geocosm Geoprognostics Inc., facilitates information exchange between North American and European colleagues. It engages industry partners to support geoscience learning initiatives outside North America as well.

No - the primary concern of the Geological Association of Canada is to facilitate scientific research related to geology throughout Canada and internationally. Although it often partners with organizations involved in resource extraction projects, it does not have any regulatory power over exploration and mining activities.

Yes - anyone engaged in geological investigations qualifies for professional membership in the association. This includes those employed in topographic mapping or surveying positions provided they are engaged exclusively in geological work that meets at least one recognized standard such as those established by the Canadian Council on Federal Standards (CCFS).

Yes – all members must abide by ethical codes established by GAC which require members to adhere to high standards of professional conduct when practicing or teaching geology as well as other duties related to protecting public safety through responsible use of data collected from geological surveys conducted throughout Canada or abroad.