The Geological Association of Canada is a learned society that promotes and develops the geological sciences in Canada. The organization holds conferences, meetings and exhibitions for the discussion of geological problems and the exchange of views in matters related to geology. It publishes various journals and collections of learned papers dealing with geology.
History
On February 14, 1947, a group of geologists met in Toronto with the objective of creating the Geological Institute of Canada, an association of geologists with the purpose of promoting, discussing and disseminating geological knowledge. Later that year a preliminary Constitution and Bylaws were approved and the first Councillors were elected. The organization's name was changed to the Geological Association of Canada. The group initially began with 140 charter members. The Association was designed to bridge the gap between the perceived industrial mineral orientation of the Geological Division of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, and the purely scientific objectives of Section IV of the Royal Society of Canada. The Geological Association of Canada is currently a national multi-disciplinary geoscience organization with representatives in all Canadian Territories and Provinces as well as the United States, Europe and other parts of the world. The GAC makes significant contributions to the promotion and development of the geological sciences in Canada through publications, awards, conferences, meetings and exhibitions. Objectives of the Geological Association of Canada:
to promote the science of geology and closely related fields of study
to promote the knowledge of its members
to hold conferences, meetings and exhibitions for the discussion of geological problems and the exchange of views in matters related to geology
to publish journals and collections of learned papers dealing with geology
GAC provides geoscientists from Canada and abroad with Annual Conferences, known as the GAC-MAC, Sympsia, Short Courses, Field Trips, National Geoscience Lecture Tours, as well as Geoscience Canada and GEOLOG publications.
Membership
Membership in the Geological Association of Canada is open to all geoscientists and those interested in geoscience. Membership can be renewed annually with members receiving many benefits including:
Reduced rates on Subscription to Geoscience Canada, GAC’s Flagship Journal
Free Online Subscription to GEOLOG, GAC’s informative, provocative and entertaining newsmagazine
Publishing opportunity with your own professional publishing house
Members are granted voting privileges and have the opportunity to choose their representation in GAC at the annual general meeting; and
plus a multitude of Website resources at www.gac.ca
Membership is available at many levels including Full, Seniors, Under-employed, Spousal, Student, Teacher, and Corporate. Further details and membership sign-up can be found at
Sections and Divisions
GAC Members can also choose to join and participate in numerous Sections, representing geographic regions; and Divisions, representing specific branches of geoscience. The GAC's Sections and Divisions publish books and newsletters, host meetings, talks and lectures along with promoting general geoscience relative to their areas or disciplines. Sections include:
Pacific Section
Divisions include:
Medals and awards
The Geological Association of Canada recognizes geological contributions with a series of individual awards.
The Partner Societies are made up of GAC Members and persons organized as a local or university discussion group or society. They may be recognized as a Partner Society of the Association for the purpose of cooperation or participation in the Annual, Sectional, Divisional or other meetings and for the distribution of publications, and in such other ways for the furtherance of geoscience.
