Forestry Branch
how to qualify | course offerings
New Regulation for Manitoba Tree Care Workers
Since 1970, anyone conducting tree care in the Province of Manitoba for financial gain has been required to possess a valid tree pruners licence per The Tree Pruners Licensing Regulation under The Plant Pests and Diseases Act. Until recently, licensed tree care workers were 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 conducted a review of the current licensing process for professional arborists. That evaluation resulted in the new Arborists Licensing Regulation. The new Arborists Licensing Regulation came into effect on February 17, 2001, replacing the old Manitoba Tree Pruners Licence with the new Manitoba Arborists Licence. The new Manitoba Arborists Licence is valid for only one year; and expires on the last day of the year it was issued.
Arborists License
You are eligible for a Manitoba Arborists Licence if you have previously held a Manitoba Tree Pruners Licence or possess one of the following:
- Manitoba Arborists Certificate
- International Society of Arboriculture (I.S.A.) Certificate.
If you are in possession of a valid Manitoba Tree Pruners Certificate, you have until January 01, 2003 to obtain a Manitoba Arborists Certificate. After that date, anyone working as an arborist in the province of Manitoba will be required to obtain a Manitoba Arborists Certificate or an I.S.A. Certificate. Anyone without a current Manitoba Arborists Certificate is urged to certify as soon as possible.
The Manitoba Arborists Certificate can be obtained by successfully completing the Manitoba Arborists Training and Examination Program which replaces the Manitoba Tree Pruners Course. The new 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 is offering the Arborists course (click here for details) and examination programs for eastern Manitoba and Assiniboine Community College in Brandon is offering 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. 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
Please note that anyone licensed under the new Arborists Licensing 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.
