Prior to the AIBC’s transition to the Professional Governance Act (“PGA”), the Bylaw Review Committee (now Professional Standards Advisory Group) had been engaged in a comprehensive review of both the AIBC Bylaws and the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Their task included addressing substantive subject matter areas, including modernizing professional standards, as well as routine bylaw amendments. With the PGA transition completed and new bylaws in place, the Professional Standards Advisory Group (PSAG), has continued its review of the Professional Standards that make up the AIBC’s new Schedule A: Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (“Code of Ethics”). Note that during the PGA transition, the ethical and practice standards in the Code of Ethics were renamed from Bylaws and Council Rulings to Professional Standards.
Registrants are reminded that under the PGA, the Board is authorized to amend the AIBC Bylaws and the Code of Ethics, with final approval required from the Superintendent of Professional Governance. Registrants are encouraged to actively participate in modernization of Professional Standards by reviewing material and submitting feedback.
New Professional Standard regarding Duty to Communicate with Authorities Having Jurisdiction
*UPDATE: As of December 4, 2024, the below new Professional Standard regarding Duty to Communicate with Authorities Having Jurisdiction is in effect.
The PSAG recommended a new Professional Standard that requires Registrants to communicate adequately and in a timely manner with authorities having jurisdiction.
The new Professional Standard addresses an issue identified by AIBC Practice Advice of a pattern of Architects failing to respond to, or adequately communicate with, local governments, particularly when they are acting as applicants for permits on behalf of Clients.
This standard still allows for context, discretion, and professional judgement. It is not intended to prescribe any ‘respond no later than’ deadlines nor content of communication, but instead to confirm that reasonable communication with authorities is a professional obligation. This new standard will supplement existing Professional Standard 5.4 which requires Registrants to communicate adequately with Clients.
New Professional Standard and supplementary commentary (PDF)
Registrant Feedback
Registrants were encouraged to provide feedback by either emailing bylawfeedback@aibc.ca or by responding to an online feedback survey. All feedback received was considered by the PSAG, the AIBC Board, and AIBC staff.
Effective Date
Approved by the AIBC Board in November 2024, the Bylaw amendments were submitted to the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance for approval and filing with the minister. After review, the Superintendent declared the Bylaw amendments in force, effective December 4, 2024. The updated AIBC Bylaws (PDF) are now available on the AIBC website.