Overview
Since 2011, the AIBC has been engaged in a comprehensive bylaw review process to address both substantive bylaw subject matter areas and more routine amendments. In February 2018, the Bylaw Review Committee (BRC), supported by AIBC Council, introduced a suite of ‘administrative’ bylaws.
The suite is organized into four topic areas: Firms; Admission/Registration; Fees and Fines; and Chapters. The proposed amendments were relatively minor in nature. An overview of each topic, including a PDF of the bylaw amendments and supporting rationales, can be found below:
- Firms: Amendments proposed for architectural firm bylaws related primarily to simplifying the information requirements for firms while bolstering the importance of such information in the regulation of the profession, including the annual firm update. A revised bylaw was proposed to specific corporate firm requirements in the Act, including shareholders expectations.
Read the bylaw amendments and supporting rationales pertaining to Firms (PDF). - Admission/Registration: Minor wordsmithing to the architect’s declaration or ‘oath’ was proposed, with a suggestion that council consider a fuller review of the currency and content of that declaration. No changes to honorary membership or the architect’s “title” bylaws was proposed. There were two new proposed bylaws in this category to supplement the key sections in the Architects Act related to admission to the profession through internship or alternative qualifications. These bylaws require council to formally consolidate, in a set of council rules, registration criteria found in the Act such as “good moral character,” “good professional conduct” and approving architectural training in other jurisdictions. The goal was to ensure a higher level of transparency and consistency in relation to registration requirement for architects.
Read the bylaw amendments and supporting rationales pertaining Admission and Registration (PDF). - Fees and Fines: A single fees and fines bylaw was established and updated to ensure the full scope of institute ‘charges’ is given clearer bylaw authority.
Read the bylaw amendments and supporting rationales pertaining to Fees and Fines (PDF). - Chapters: The Chapters bylaw recommendations largely mirrored the Bylaw Review Committee (BRC) recommendations from 2012, and saw the administration of AIBC chapters moved to council rules for greater flexibility and oversight.
Read the bylaw amendments and supporting rationales pertaining to Chapters (PDF).
- Review Proposed Suite of Administrative Bylaws 2018 in one PDF.
- Review Proposed Suite of Administrative Bylaws 2018, including original text with noted amendments, in one PDF.
For more information about the AIBC Bylaw Review Process, please visit the bylaw review webpage.
Consultation
The consultation period for the proposed suite of Administrative Bylaws 2018 initiative began on February 13, and ran until April 19, 2018. An in-person and online consultation session was held at the AIBC office at 100-440 Cambie Street at the following time:
Date: March 6
Time: 12–1:30 p.m.
Location: In-person (AIBC Office) and online via WebEx
Learning Units (LUs): 1 Core
RSVP: In-person and online registration closed on March 4 at 4 p.m.
The in-person and online sessions are available to a maximum of 25 participants (each) on a first come, first serve basis. A minimum of 8 people are required in order for the session to be hosted.
Supporting Documentation
- Read the full background Memorandum to Council (PDF) on the proposed bylaw amendments.
- View the PowerPoint Presentation from the consultation session.
Member Feedback
Throughout the consultation process, members and associates were invited and encouraged to provide feedback by either emailing the Bylaw Review Committee or by submitting an online feedback from (which was open from February 13 until April 19, 2018).
Member Vote
AIBC members and honorary members were encouraged to vote on the proposed suite of Administrative Bylaws 2018. The voting period for the council-endorsed bylaws commenced on May 23, and continued until June 18 at 4 p.m. The passage of AIBC Bylaws requires at least five per cent of the number of eligible voters and a minimum of two-thirds of affirmative majority of ballots cast by eligible voters.
Results
The proposed suite of Administrative Bylaws 2018 received strong support, with approval rates as follows:
- Architectural Firm Bylaws: 15.1 – 15.5, 16.2 and 16.4 approved by 93.3 per cent of voters.
The amendments relate primarily to simplifying the information requirements for firms while bolstering the importance of such information in the regulation of the profession, including annual firm updates. Amendments also addressed requirements in the Architects Act for corporate firms, including shareholding requirements. - Admission and Registration Bylaws: 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 11.1 and 11.2 approved by 94.3 per cent of voters.
Minor wordsmithing to the architect’s declaration or ‘oath’ and new bylaws 9.1. and 9.2 which provide for a consolidation, through council rules, of the current qualifications for registration as an architect. - Fines and Fees Bylaw: 25.0 approved by 94.5 per cent of voters.
A single fees and fines bylaw consolidates the two current bylaws and lists the fees and fines the institute currently establishes for the regulation of the profession. The amendment enhances transparency by identifying the current fees and fines an applicant or registrant may incur. - Chapters Bylaw 8.1 approved by 94.5 per cent of voters.
The Chapters bylaw amendments saw repeal of former chapters bylaws and adoption of a single bylaw that allows council to establish AIBC Chapters in accordance with council rules. The administrative, procedural requirements in the former bylaws will be addressed in council rules, which allow greater flexibility in chapter administrative and oversight.
Under the Architects Act, notice of bylaw changes must be filed with the provincial government within seven days of passage. This filing took place on June 19, 2018. The government had 45 days to consider whether to disallow the bylaws. After the passing of the disallowance period, members were notified that the bylaws were in effect.