Licencing of Arborists

Since 1970, anyone conducting tree care in the Province of Manitoba for financial gain was required to possess a valid tree pruners licence per The Tree Pruners Licensing Regulation under The Plant Pests and Diseases Act. Licensed tree care workers were then referred to as "tree pruners" but now they are more commonly and correctly referred to as "arborists" - a term that better reflects the broad scope of modern tree care.

Since licensing was introduced thirty years ago, the profession of arboriculture has experienced major changes. Significant improvements have been made in our understanding of trees growing in urban environments and in the development of techniques used for proper tree maintenance. In addition, public appreciation and awareness of the value of trees in our communities has greatly increased. These developments have resulted in increased professional and technical demands on today's arborist.

To maintain the professional licensing structure for arboriculture, the Province created the Arborist Licensing Regulation on February 17, 2001, replacing the old Manitoba Tree Pruners Licence with the Manitoba Arborists Licence. On May 15, 2009 the new Forest Health Protection Act came into force along with a new Arborist Regulation. Manitoba Arborists Licences are now issued under the authority of this new legislation.

Arborists License

Eligibility

You are eligible for a Manitoba Arborists Licence if you possess one of the following:

1. Manitoba Arborists Certificate
2. International Society of Arboriculture (I.S.A.) Certificate.

Arborist Training in Manitoba

The Manitoba Arborists Certificate can be obtained by successfully completing the Manitoba Arborists Training and Examination Program. The program was developed in co-operation with the University of Manitoba and the Assiniboine Community College. It was taught for the first time in the fall of 1997 and has been taught at least once a year since then.

The University of Manitoba offers the Arborists course and examination programs for eastern Manitoba and Assiniboine Community College in Brandon offers this course for western Manitoba. There is also an option available for enrolment in the home-study program.

Courses are normally offered during the fall and winter sessions. For information on course content and course schedules, please call the University of Manitoba, School of Agriculture at (204) 474-9391 or the Assiniboine Community College - Agriculture and Rural Enterprise Division in Brandon at 1-800-862-6307 ext. 6683. You may also receive instructions on how and where to apply.

Certificate Renewals

Manitoba Arborists Certificates are valid only for a limited period. Professional arborists will be required to renew their certificates regularly. However, decisions have not been made on the terms of renewal.

If you wish to obtain an I.S.A. Certificate instead, please contact the International Society of Arboriculture at (217) 355-9411.

Liability Insurance

Anyone licensed under the new Arborists Regulation will be required to carry a minimum insurance of $2,000,000.00.

Further Information

Manitoba Arborists Licences can be obtained from Manitoba Conservation, Financial Services Branch - Licensing Section.

The annual fee is $20.00 per person. Please contact our Licensing Section Staff at (204) 945-1397, if you require further information.

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