President’s Message
December 2009
It is the time of year for reflection, an examination of paths travelled and those unfolding.
Sometimes, in making one’s way, you don’t notice an important step until you stumble. Then it gets your attention.
You have our attention.
For nearly a decade, members of AIBC Council have been diligently working toward the admirable goal of bringing about new legislation to better govern the profession and protect the public interest. This has proceeded with the assumption that the majority of our membership, while not intimately familiar with the nuances, was aware and supportive of what was being proposed.
That presumptiveness caught up with us last year, as the evolution of proposed new legislation reached a stage where more people began to pay attention (a good thing), only to discover they were either not fully clear about what was on the proverbial table, or not supportive of what was envisioned.
For many, the bone of contention took the form of a draft act. This, too, was unfortunate, as the intent was easily lost. Council had taken the approach of conceptualizing a draft act as a strategy to illustrate to government what new legislation might look like, and to influence that process, knowing full well that government would – and will – ultimately craft its own legislation. Despite its acknowledged limitations, the draft act came across to some as a fait accompli.
In hindsight, it would seem we missed a crucial step. In essence, we had proceeded to the working drawings without the necessary consultation. Within the architectural profession, the irony is not lost. To add to the irony, the province has now indicated it is not interested in language-specific draft legislation. Rather, it would prefer guiding principles, clear objectives and key components from which to work.
We now find ourselves willingly taking a step to the side. Before anything can proceed to government, we need to ensure that membership both understands and supports the underlying principles of any proposed legislative change. That can only take place within a framework of open consultation with members.
We are all entitled to a clear picture, a map if you prefer, that illustrates where we are going – as both a professional community and an institution – and where AIBC Council is suggesting we need to go. A clearer map, even with internal boundaries that are not yet in final form, will benefit us all.
Since this council was introduced in June, the level of understanding and engagement within the AIBC has already been raised. Council members have invested much time and energy in listening to opinions, addressing concerns, and clarifying misconceptions. Most recently, council members have turned their attention to the guiding principles that underlie the legislative changes being considered. Council is not entrenching itself in rigid positions that leave no room for movement, and are encouraged by the many members who are open to the conversation.
We will continue to provide accurate information to our membership, and to address misconceptions that are getting in the way of a healthy dialogue about legislative renewal.
AIBC Council has committed to open, honest and extensive consultation through an engagement process that will, hopefully, involve each and every one of you. We will be meeting individually and in groups, formally in committee meetings and casually over lunch. We will be looking for every opportunity to share information and, more importantly, to listen.
The province has indicated any reworking of the Architects Act will not occur before 2011 at the earliest. Rather than a setback, we see this as an opportunity to have these deeper conversations in order to make the best possible decisions for all concerned. That process has already begun.
AIBC Council has always operated with the best interests of the public and the profession at heart, as is its mandate. It will continue to do so.
This is all about moving forward. And sometimes progress entails taking a step to the side.
Let me close on a seasonal note by extending best wishes to you and yours for the holidays, and a healthy, happy, prosperous 2010.
Sincerely,
Pierre E. Gallant MAIBC MRAIC
AIBC Council President
Architectural Institute of British Columbia
100 - 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N5
Tel: (604) 683-8588 toll free in BC 1-800-667-0753
Fax: (604) 683-8568 or toll free in BC 1-800-661-2955