The Professional Governance Act (PGA) and the AIBC
The following excerpt is taken from the OSPG Website:
“The Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training recently informed registrants of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) of a decision to the move the Architects Act to the Ministry of Attorney General and for AIBC to transition to the Professional Governance Act (PGA) and the oversight of the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance (OSPG). OSPG is pleased to begin working with AIBC on this transition over the coming years. This move represents an opportunity for the AIBC to provide professional governance under modern legislation and be well supported to effectively deliver its mandate. The transition will occur in two stages, beginning with a transfer of the administration of the Architects Act to the Ministry of Attorney General, anticipated in Fall 2020. Over the following year, OSPG and AIBC will work collaboratively on the transition of the AIBC to the PGA.
More information is provided in a letter to registrants of AIBC.” - Posted on July 17, 2020
What does this mean for building designers practicing in British Columbia?
Over the next two years legislation will be defined as to the scope of practice and jurisdiction of the AIBC as well as other professional bodies such as ASTTBC. If designers do not become engaged in the discussions they could lose their rights to practice, or have them limited. The hundreds of qualified residential and building designers in British Columbia have proven to be an essential part of the construction community. BCABD is working to give a voice to designers in BC as they work with their partners to protect the rights of designers.
