As work continues on the transition to the Professional Governance Act (PGA) in B.C., AIBC is addressing several myths about the transition to keep architects informed.

1. MYTH: Once under the PGA, the AIBC will undergo a name change, and will no longer be the body responsible for regulating the profession of architecture.

FACT
The PGA transition does not change the AIBC’s core function, mandate, or operations – the AIBC will continue to exist as the “Architectural Institute of British Columbia”, and will continue to regulate the profession of architecture in British Columbia in the interest of the public.

It is important to note that the oversight role of the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance is intended to promote regulatory excellence and accountability to the public. The AIBC will continue to: establish standards for admission to the profession and for professional practice and ethics; assist registrants to meet these standards; and conduct investigations into complaints against registrants and those practising architecture unlawfully.

2. MYTH: AIBC registrants will not be able to actively engage with the Institute or participate in bylaw consultation under the PGA .

FACT
Registrants will still have many opportunities to be active participants in matters impacting Institute governance and the architectural profession under the PGA. For example:

• While bylaw establishment resides with AIBC Council under the PGA, there will still be a registrant consultation process, whereby registrants will be able to share their comments and feedback. The Bylaw Review Committee continues to advise and support the development of bylaws and professional standards of competency and ethics under the PGA. The AIBC welcomes and appreciates all responses from registrants.
• The AIBC relies upon expert volunteers to accomplish the important work of the Institute, and this will not change under the PGA. We encourage registrants to contribute their knowledge and expertise through volunteerism.
• The AIBC will continue to offer its core regulatory services and programs. From practice advice to professional development series and the Annual Meeting, AIBC registrants will still have many ways to engage with the AIBC.

3. MYTH: There are going to be sweeping changes that affect regulatory requirements, and AIBC registrants will not be given adequate notice.

FACT
The AIBC’s transition to the PGA will not be a sudden upheaval. The AIBC continues to review and update all regulatory documents (such as the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, Bylaws, Council Rules, Bulletins, etc.) to ensure they are aligned with PGA requirements, and will share details with registrants as soon as they’re available. Any new or changed requirements will be communicated to registrants well in advance, via a variety of media (Notice, newsletter, website, and information sessions, if appropriate). The AIBC does not anticipate substantive changes to professional standards or how firms and individual registrants are regulated under the PGA.

4. MYTH: There are no resources available regarding Professional Governance Act.

FACT
While several specific details regarding the AIBC’s transition to the PGA are still being finalized, there are many resources available to registrants to learn more about the Professional Governance Act, as well as presentations, background information briefs, and governmental websites. Several of the resources have been linked below:

PGA Resources

• AIBC PGA Transition Webpage
• AIBC PGA Transition Frequently Asked Questions
• Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance website
• OSPG Virtual Town Hall Presentation (Hosted on September 17, 2020)
• Professional Governance Act
• Factsheet: Professional Governance Act Overview
• Professional Reliance Review

The AIBC encourages registrants to attend the upcoming Annual Meeting on May 31, which will include updates on the PGA transition. Additional presentations and Town Hall sessions will also be held.