The provincial and territorial architectural associations in Canada play a crucial role in regulating the profession of architecture to ensure that the public’s health, safety, and welfare are protected. Because the regulation of professions in Canada falls under provincial and territorial jurisdiction, each region has its own governing body responsible for setting and enforcing professional standards, licensing architects, and overseeing professional conduct.
These associations ensure that only qualified individuals are permitted to practice architecture and use the title “architect.” To become licensed, candidates must meet educational, experiential, and examination requirements, such as completing a degree from a CACB-accredited program, fulfilling internship requirements through the Intern Architect Program (IAP), and passing the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC). Once licensed, architects are required to maintain their competency through continuing education programs, which the associations also regulate and monitor.
Another major role of the provincial associations is to enforce professional and ethical standards. They establish codes of ethics and conduct that govern how architects interact with clients, contractors, and the public. When complaints or allegations of professional misconduct arise, the associations have the authority to investigate, discipline, or suspend members as necessary to uphold the integrity of the profession.
The associations also review and approve architectural practices, ensuring that firms meet regulatory and insurance requirements before offering architectural services to the public. Additionally, they serve as advocates for the profession, promoting the value of architecture and representing architects’ interests to governments, the construction industry, and the public.
Architectural Institute of British Columbia
100-440 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 2N5
Tel: (604) 683-8588
Fax: (604) 683-8568
E-mail: info@aibc.ca
Ordre des architectes du Québec
420, rue McGill
Bureau 200
Montréal, QC H2Y 2G1
Tel: (514) 937-6168
Fax: (514) 933-0242
E-mail: info@oaq.com
Alberta Association of Architects
Duggan House Building
10515 Saskatchewan Drive
Edmonton, AB T6E 4S1
Tel: (780) 432-0224
Fax: (780) 439-1431
E-mail: info@aaa.ab.ca
Architects’ Association of New Brunswick
P.O. Box 5093
Sussex, NB E4E 5L2
Tel: (506) 433-5811
Fax: (506) 432-1122
E-mail: aanb@nb.aibn.com
Saskatchewan Association of Architects
200-642 Broadway Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7N 1A9
Tel: (306) 242-0733
Fax: (306) 664-2598
E-mail: memberservices@saskarchitects.com
Nova Scotia Association of Architects
1361 Barrington Street
Halifax, NS B3J 1Y9
Tel: (902) 423-7607
Fax: (902) 425-7024
E-mail: info@nsaa.ns.ca
Manitoba Association of Architects
137 Bannatyne Avenue
2nd Floor
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0R3
Tel: (204) 925-4620
Fax: (204) 925-4624
E-mail: info@mbarchitects.org
Architects Association of Prince Edward Island
PO Box 1766
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7N4
Tel: (902) 566-3699
Fax: (902) 566-1235
Ontario Association of Architects
111 Moatfield Drive
Toronto, ON M3B 3L6
Tel: (416) 449-6898
Fax: (416) 449-5756
E-mail: oaamail@oaa.on.ca
Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Architects
PO Box 5204
Station A
St. John’s, NF A1C 5V5
Tel: (709) 726-8550
Fax: (709) 726-1549
E-mail: nlaa@newfoundlandarchitects.com
Northwest Territories Association of Architects
P.O. Box 1394
Yellowknife, NWT X1A 2P1
Tel: (867) 766-4216
Fax: (867) 873-3654
Email: nwtaa@yk.com