Background:

In the March 10, 2010 Special Edition of e-bulletin, members were advised of ongoing discussions between OAA Council and the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG) regarding possible changes to the Architects Act that would fall in line with the Provincial government’s Open for Business Initiative. The key focus of that initiative is on removing unnecessary regulatory barriers that impinge on the well being of Ontario business and their ability to foster healthy competition as well as encourage increased investment in Ontario’s economy from outside the province. In keeping with this direction, Council had identified liberalizing the ownership structure for architectural practices as being in line with both the Government’s initiative and/or benefiting practices. Member feedback was sought within that same e-bulletin.

On May 17, Bill 68 – a government omnibus bill which includes amendments to a number of existing statutes was introduced in the legislature. Bill 68 contains amendments to the Architects Act which are in keeping with the proposals put forward to the members in the May 10 e-bulletin and with the final proposals put forward to MAG. Council appreciates the effort taken by members to respond to that request for feedback and considered the responses and individual comments in finalizing its submission to MAG -- the final set of amendments proposed was at the discretion of MAG.
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As of today’s date the Bill has now received second reading and has been referred to Committee for further review. OAA staff will be tracking the status of that review and it is anticipated that public consultation will occur on the bill in the very near future. If you would like to review the Bill, and the individual changes to the Architects Act, click here.

If the Bill proceeds into law, members will be advised accordingly and notice as to the impact of the changes will be confirmed. It should be noted that the intention of the changes is to provide additional opportunities for existing and new firms, without requiring change to existing firm structures.