The proposed suite of Code of Ethics Part II Bylaws put forward for electronic vote have received the requisite 2/3 support of eligible voters that casts ballots.
Under the Architects Act, notice of bylaw changes must be filed with the provincial government within seven days of approval. This filing took place on February 2, 2021. The government has 45 days to consider whether to disallow the bylaws. Registrants will be notified when the bylaws become effective. A revised bylaw document will be published on the AIBC website after the effective date.
The Code of Ethics Part II Bylaw e-vote had a voter participation of 21.5 percent or 486 voters. AIBC Council and the Bylaw Review Committee thank all registrants who cast ballots; your active participation is important for the governance of the AIBC.
Bylaw descriptions and approval rates:
Code of Ethics: Advertising Bylaw 32.2.1 was approved by 95.9 percent of voters.
Bylaw 32.2.1 is a new standard which requires registrants to be “accurate, factual and not misleading” in relation to advertising and promotions. This new bylaw will accompany existing Bylaw 32.2, which focuses on accurate representation in relation to qualifications and scope of responsibility and credit for work.
Code of Ethics: General Professional Conduct including Harassment and Discrimination Bylaws 34.5 and 34.5.1 were approved by 90.5 percent of voters.
Amendments to Bylaw 34.5 consolidate the first five council rulings under the existing bylaw, and adds a new paragraph specifically prohibiting harassment, discrimination, and violations of human rights laws.
New Bylaw 34.5.1 consolidates the remaining three council rulings from current Bylaw 34.5 that relate to registrants’ obligations to the AIBC, specifically to respond promptly, cooperate with investigations, and promptly advise of any changes to contact information.
Code of Ethics: Supervision of Intern Architects Bylaw 34.1.1 was approved by 91.5 percent of voters.
Bylaw 34.1.1 is a new standard which requires supervising architects to sign and comply with a basic undertaking as to their responsibilities as a supervising architect under the Internship in Architecture Program. This new standard elevates the profile of supervision of interns; establishes a minimum standard to promote quality supervision; and demonstrates that the AIBC will assist firms in this process.
The draft Intern Architect Supervision Undertaking will be finalized in the coming months.
Code of Ethics: Client Confidentiality Bylaw 34.4.1 was approved by 89.5 percent of voters.
New Bylaw 34.4.1 requires registrants to maintain client confidentiality except in circumstances of consent, legal or regulatory requirements, or if imminent public harm is possible.
Election Procedures & Voting Bylaws 22.0 and 24.0 were approved by 96.9 percent of voters.
Minor amendments to Bylaws 22.0 and 24.0 update the wording for the return of ballots for council elections so that it is better aligned with the wording in the Architects Act.
Learn more about the Code of Ethics Part II Bylaw Initiative
Overview of AIBC Bylaws and the Bylaw Review Process