The OAA’s governing Council met in Toronto on March 6 to discuss various items related to the Association and the architecture profession in the context of regulating for the public interest. Topics ranged from approval of the OAA’s audited financial statements and appointment of interlocking directors to the Pro-Demnity Board of Directors to annual reports from the Local Architectural Societies  and the theme for the 2026 Conference.

As always, the OAA publicly posts Council agenda and meeting information packages on the OAA Website. Anyone interested in virtually attending an open session can contact Tina Carfa for the link and additional information. (The next meeting takes place in Ottawa on May 13 in the leadup to the OAA Conference, Reshaping Communities.)

Auditing

Draft financial statements for the last fiscal year (ending November 30, 2024) were approved after being reviewed by Council and, previously, the Finance & Audit Committee. Council also motioned for the reappointment of auditors BDO for a two-year term, subject to approval by the membership at the Annual General Meeting of Members (AGM) taking place in April.

Appointment of Directors to Pro-Demnity

OAA Council has three interlocking directors on the board of Pro-Demnity Insurance Co., a wholly owned, but independent, subsidiary of the Association. One member is automatically the Senior Vice President & Treasurer—Lara McKendrick. Additionally, Council must select two sitting members of Council to stand for appointment, which officially happens at Pro-Demnity’s annual Meeting of the Shareholder, scheduled for March 27. The two individuals are Susan Speigel and Anna Richter.

NCARB/ROAC Mutual Recognition Agreement

For decades, the OAA and the other Canadian architectural regulators have been signatories to the Canada/United States Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), which has its terms monitored on a regular basis. The last major revision to the MRA was done in 2013 when the Canadian architectural regulators moved to the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC).

Oversight of the MRA is through the International Mobility Committee (IMC) of the Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC) as well as the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) in the United States. Council reviewed the proposed changes to the MRA and the rationale, as well as an interorganizational document providing consensus between the parties in terms of definitions, understanding of paths to licensure, and application details.

Council approved the revised MRA, subject to minor adjustments as necessary through the usual process. The MRA is also subject to approval by the other Canadian architectural regulators, as well as NCARB member boards. These approvals will take place over the coming months.

Local Architectural Society Reports

Every year, the OAA’s Local Architectural Societies submit an annual report to Council via the Communications and Public Education Committee (CPEC). In addition to offering insight into financial status, these reports allow the Societies to share information with each other about their successes and challenges. They are now posted on the OAA Website.

2026 OAA Conference Theme

The OAA Conference theme serves as a title for the event and an overriding topic that speaks to not only the relevant needs of the profession, but also inspires the virtual keynote, plenary, and education sessions. Council approved CPEC’s recommendation for Collaboration Powering Innovation as the 2026 theme, which was a title also informed by feedback and suggestions provided by members of the Grand Valley Society of Architects (GVSA).