AIBC

Architectural Institute of British Columbia

  • Professional Governance Act Transition
  • Find an Architect,Associate or Firm
  • RegistrantLogin
  • Contact Us
Menu
  • About
    • Organization
    • Regulatory Authority
    • Governance
    • Professional Governance Act Transition
    • Boards & Committees
    • Annual Meeting
    • Initiatives
    • Opportunities
    • Staff
    • Contact Us
    • Close
  • Registration
    • Become an Architect AIBC
    • Architects
    • Intern Architects
    • Architectural Technologists
    • Retired Architects
    • Architectural Firms
    • Temporary Licences
    • Honorary Members
    • Professional Mobility
    • Annual Renewal
    • Close
  • Programs & Services
    • Practice Advice
    • RFPs & Competitions
    • Contracts
    • Post-Disaster Building Assessment
    • AIBC Classifieds
    • Municipal Matrix
    • Close
  • Professional Development
    • Continuing Education System (CES)
    • AIBC Courses & Professional Development
    • Recognized Educational Provider Program
    • Close
  • Protecting the Public
    • AIBC’s Regulatory Role
    • Does Your Project Need An Architect?
    • Complaints
    • Professional Conduct
    • Illegal Practice
    • Close
  • News & Events
    • News
    • Calendar
    • Signature Events & Programs
    • Architectural Walking Tours
    • Media
    • AIBC 100
    • Close
  • Resources
    • AIBC Resources
    • Industry Resources
    • Chapters
    • Affiliates
    • Online Directory
    • Close
Home / News / AIBC Happenings / Professional Governance Act Amendments and Next Steps

Professional Governance Act Amendments and Next Steps

May 17, 2022

As shared in February, the provincial government has been undertaking amendments to the Professional Governance Act (PGA). The intention of the amendments is to improve consistency and best practices among registered professionals under the PGA, and to allow for the designation of new regulatory bodies. The Bill, Bill 21-Professional Governance Amendment Act-2022, had its first reading on April 25, second reading on May 2, and the third reading on May 11. The Bill is now proceeding to Royal Assent. Most of the proposed amendments will come into force on the date of Royal Assent.

Many amendments were put forward. However, there are eight changes to the legislation that are particularly noteworthy for AIBC registrants:

  •  Continuing Education Compliance
    This new provision allows for CES compliance to be dealt with as an administrative matter, rather than as a professional conduct complaint. For example, if after an appropriate amount of notice and reminders, suspension/cancellation of a registrant’s registration can take place for those who fail to complete CES requirements.
  • Repair Drafting Errors to Allow for Designation of New Regulatory Bodies under the PGA
    The original PGA language had drafting errors, such as the Office of Superintendent of Professional Governance (OSPG) designating the “regulator body” rather than the “profession”. These have now been corrected.
  • Office of Superintendent of Professional Governance Levies
    This provision allows for the OSPG to impose fees on regulators for OSPG’s operation. The OSPG has stated the majority of its budget will be publicly funded, and that any fee amount would be ‘nominal’. It is not anticipated that this will be in force until 2023/2024.
  • Terminology Changes
    Several terminology changes are being introduced, including: “association” to “regulator”, “President” and “Vice President” to “Chair” and “Vice Chair”, and also “Council” to “Board”.
  • Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and Practices
    This amendment clarifies that a person exercising Indigenous rights is not subject to the prohibition regarding reserved practice set out in section 54 of the PGA. It is intended primarily to address traditional practices/knowledge in relation to current biology, forestry, and agrology scopes.
  • Referenda and Motions from the Floor
    This provision updates rules around referenda and motions from the floor at annual general meetings. While annual meetings are still required, the amendments remove the requirement for the council of a regulatory body to conduct a referendum on a resolution of a general meeting.
  •  Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
    This provision allows regulatory bodies, including the AIBC, to establish bylaws allowing architectural firms to exist as LLPs. This type of partnership has different personal liability elements but does not reduce a firm or architect’s professional obligations or liability, and expands the ‘business vehicles’ that architectural firms could adopt. Of note, this was an original request of the AIBC from more than 10 years ago.
  • Less Onerous ‘Declaration’ Requirements
    Certain parts of the PGA, currently not in force, create competency and conflict of interest ‘declaration’ obligations that were seen as onerous (e.g., potentially required for every commission). Amendments allow for more flexible, case-by-case and profession-specific declaration obligations to be established by regulation.

For more information about the amendments and to view Bill 21-Professional Governance Amendment Act-2022, please visit the provincial government website. We encourage registrants to review and become familiar with the legislation, especially as we enter the next phase of the transition.

Next Steps

The AIBC’s transition is expected to be completed in fall 2022. Registrants can expect further information and details regarding the AIBC’s transition to the Professional Governance Act in the coming weeks. It is anticipated that the first draft PGA bylaws regarding Registration, will be posted for feedback the week of May 23. In addition, the provincial government is beginning a consultation process on the Reserved Practice of the profession. As a reminder, it is the provincial government that sets Reserved Practice, unlike bylaws.

Registrants are reminded to visit the PGA Transition webpage frequently, as information will be posted there as soon as it is available. The AIBC also encourages registrants to be active participants in the transition, particularly with bylaw feedback. In the past, all bylaw suites have been amended based on registrant feedback. While registrants will not be able to vote on bylaws, the AIBC looks forward to thoughtful and insightful comments.

If you have any questions about the AIBC’s transition to the PGA, please email pga@aibc.ca.

Filed Under: AIBC Happenings

« Previous Post
Next Post »
  • News & Events
    • News
      • AIBC Happenings
      • Industry News
      • eNewsletter Archives
    • Calendar
    • Signature Events & Programs
      • Induction & Retirement Ceremony
      • Conference and Confab
      • Architectural Awards
        • architectureBC
      • Recognition Program
        • AIBC Lifetime Achievement Award
        • AIBC Special Recognition Award
        • The Barbara Dalrymple Memorial Award for Community Service
        • CEO Award for Exceptional Volunteer Service
        • AIBC Award for Lifetime Volunteer Achievement
        • Council Service Recognition
      • Architectural Walking Tours
        • Vancouver Architectural Walking Tours
        • Victoria Architectural Walking Tours
      • Architecture Centre Gallery
        • Current Exhibit
        • Past Exhibits
      • Scholarship & Bursary Program
    • Media
    • AIBC 100
    • AIBC Response to COVID-19

Main Pages

  • Home
  • About
  • Registration
  • Programs & Services
  • Professional Development
  • Protecting the Public
  • News & Events
  • Resources

Contact Us

Architectural Institute of B.C.
100 – 440 Cambie Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6B 2N5
Tel: 604.683.8588 or toll free in BC 1.800.667.0753
Fax: 604.683.8568 or toll free in BC 1.800.661.2955
Email: reception@aibc.ca

Follow us

Quick Links

  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2022 AIBC