April 29, 2014
Dear Architects, Honorary Members and Associates:
I am writing to address questions and issues of concern that have arisen from members during the current council election period and run-up to the annual meeting on May 3, this Saturday. It is difficult to decide what to do under these circumstances. We should all conduct our affairs in a professional manner and do nothing that reflects unfavorably on the profession. I always treat my fellow architects with courtesy and good faith.
I was reluctant to write for a number of reasons. First, I am constrained from addressing matters that are confidential or privileged and which cannot be discussed outside of their proper forum. I am bound professionally and under my fundamental fiduciary duty as a member of AIBC Council to honour confidentiality and related professional obligations. Second, I do not wish to convey any message other than the institute is, and remains, apolitical and does not favour any election candidates or promote any election ‘agenda’ or platform.
I do feel compelled, however, to provide the following basic information and perspective:
• Disclosing information or providing partial or mis-information about confidential and sensitive AIBC matters relating to, for example, privileged legal correspondence, financial negotiations, and complaints, investigations and professional conduct processes is deeply troubling. The institute works diligently to preserve confidentiality and respect privacy when it comes to matters that touch on the reputations, conduct and livelihood of members and other registrants as well as the institute’s own financial health. The institute is at an inherent disadvantage in addressing this topic since it must adhere to its confidentiality obligations. I can advise members and the public that in my many years working on behalf of the institute as a committee member, councilor and now President, I have developed a tremendous amount of confidence in how our core regulatory processes are handled.
• The AIBC does not compile and provide e-mail lists or addresses of members except to a bonded mailing house for approved publications. Some addresses for our members are readily available from a number of other sources. The AIBC is regularly asked for its ‘mailing list’, generally by individuals and businesses. The institute does not sell or otherwise provide such a list. The information that the AIBC must provide about members and other registrants, upon request, is determined by the Architects Act and freedom of information laws.
• The AIBC does not authorize members or firms to use the AIBC’s logo or the ‘design’ and look of its communications vehicles, such as the AIBC’s eBlast and eNews communication media. Official AIBC publications should be obvious to most readers, but members are welcome to contact the institute if they are not sure if an email, document or information has AIBC authority.
I am a passionate advocate for open, public discussion and debate about the profession I love and the institute I respect and serve. However, that debate and discussion does have boundaries of professionalism and common sense that I believe should be respected. Members interested in the many policy and governance issues that council is tackling are welcome to seek facts from the institute, to contact me directly and to do their own research.
I look forward to seeing as many of my fellow members, honorary members and associates at the annual meeting as possible. I encourage you all to vote and become informed, involved participants in the regulation of our profession.
Sincerely,
Scott Kemp Architect AIBC
President