As registrants and the public are aware, the AIBC is now officially under the authority of the Professional Governance Act (PGA). The Architects Act was repealed on February 10, 2023, and the architectural profession is now governed by the PGA and its regulations. The AIBC encourages registrants to review the legislation, as well as the new Architects Regulation and updated AIBC Bylaws:
As a reminder, while the PGA adds 12 ethical principles to the Code of Ethics, the law doesn’t result in any substantive changes to professional standards. However, it does change several aspects of AIBC governance, programs, and processes, as well as general terminology. More information about these changes can be found on the PGA webpage and Frequently Asked Questions webpage. The AIBC is committed to assisting registrants navigate the transition, including where to find regulatory requirements and professional standards. The Regulatory Authority webpages have been updated, and a Repealed, Removed and Replaced Documents (PDF) has been created – registrants and the public are also encouraged to email pga@aibc.ca or use the Practice Advice Program if they have any questions.
Handling of Existing/Current Applications, Complaints and Ongoing Matters
As a reminder, all applications, complaints, and ongoing matters submitted prior to February 10, 2023, will follow Architects Act processes. This means that applications already submitted to the AIBC (such as registration or firm change requests) will continue to be processed under the requirements of the Architects Act and previous AIBC Bylaws, until completed.
All new applications (received after February 10, 2023) must be submitted using the new published forms, in accordance with PGA processes and requirements.
Amendments to other Regulations
In addition to the repeal of the Architects Act and transition to the PGA, the government made a number of what are called ‘consequential amendments’ to Schedules to the PGA, the General Regulations to the PGA, and to 15 other provincial regulations. These include:
- Bare Land Strata Regulations;
- Engineers and Geoscientists Regulation;
- Forest Planning and Practices Regulation;
- Dam Safety Regulation; and
- Employment Standards Regulation.
Most amendments relate to corrections to terminology and definitions under the PGA statutory regime. However, the amendments made to the Employment Standards Regulation inadvertently changed the application of exemptions in the regulations, which was not the policy intent. The Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance will be working with the Ministry of Labour to bring forward, at the earliest opportunity, a new amendment to the Employment Standards Regulation that properly carries forward the same exemptions for the profession of architecture as were set out in relation to the Architects Act.
Next Steps & Upcoming Town Hall
The AIBC will continue to refine the suite of documents and make updates to the website. Registrants will notice that disclaimers have been added to webpages and documents to help registrants identify which documents have been updated, and which have not. The AIBC will notify registrants and the public of updated resources and content via the website and Notice.
To provide registrants with another opportunity to learn more about the transition to the PGA, the AIBC will be hosting an online Town Hall in Spring 2023. The event will be held virtually and will feature an extensive Q&A period. Registrants will be encouraged to send in questions in advance – more information and registration details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Learn more about the AIBC’s transition to the Professional Governance Act