Upcoming OAA Council Elections for 2025

Important Information: What You Need to Know

This fall, there will be five seats up for election on the OAA’s governing Council. Architects can run for these three-year terms that begin in January 2025.

You can learn more on the OAA Website, but this email includes important information about how you can participate in this electoral process, both as a candidate and as a voter. It explains the roles of Councillors and offers more information on how to register for a free virtual session later this month that allows you to connect directly with past and present members of Council to answer your questions about running.

The Importance of Council

OAA Council sets policy direction for the Association, making critical decisions regarding the future of the profession that directly, tangibly affect practices and the individual careers of members. Guided by the Strategic Plan, it includes both elected members from the profession as well as Lieutenant Governor in Council (LGIC) appointees from the public.

This fall, there will be elections among OAA members for one seat in each of five districts:

• Eastern Ontario;
• City of Toronto;
• Northern Ontario;
• Western Ontario; and
• Province of Ontario.
  
  

To be eligible to run, candidates must be an Architect with an address of record in one of those above areas. Licensed OAA members will similarly vote within their own “home” electoral district. (All OAA members are eligible to run and vote for the Province of Ontario seat.) You can see the electoral district boundaries on the OAA Website.

While elections are grounded on geographic representation across the province, those on Council do not represent a member constituency—rather, they govern on behalf of the public interest. Councillors have a fiduciary duty to the Association; they must be able to focus on the big picture and material issues while considering regulatory matters. They need to make decisions without being influenced by external pressure and also collaborate effectively with their peers, even when viewpoints differ.

Serving on Council is an excellent opportunity to participate in the privilege and responsibility of self-governance entrusted to the profession by the provincial government. From developing educational requirements and expected standards of practice to Architects Act enforcement and policy and government relations, being a Councillor means you are helping shape the architectural profession.

Learning More

Are you interested in running for OAA Council—this year or perhaps one day? You are invited to join a special panel of current and past Councillors to learn more about what it means to serve both the profession and the people of Ontario. This FREE webinar, held on Tuesday, August 27 from 1 to 2 pm, counts toward 1.0 Structured Learning hours under the Continuing Education Program.

“Council Elections 101: Learn More About Becoming an OAA Councillor” is open to all those who hold status with the Association. Led by OAA Executive Director Kristi Doyle, this interactive session features Council President Settimo Vilardi, Past Presidents Susan Speigel and Toon Dreessen, and Vice President Lara McKendrick. They will explore the roles and responsibilities of Council, the critical importance of self-regulation and protecting the public interest, as well as practical topics like what it means to be a Councillor: from elections and what makes an ideal nominee to work load, benefits, and time commitment.

Panelists will be responding to moderated questions, and there will also be an open Q&A with the audience, enabling you to enquire about all those things that you have always wondered about, but never had the opportunity to ask. Whether you are strongly considering to run this year, or just want a better understanding of the work of Councillors and whether you would be a good candidate, this promises to be an insightful peer-to-peer discussion. Click here to sign up.

As well, you are invited to attend an open session of Council to see first-hand how Council operates. If you are interested in watching the September 19 meeting over Zoom, contact Tina Carfa at tinac@oaa.on.ca. The OAA Website also collects agendas, minutes, and information packages for all meetings. Additionally, you can read an FAQ on running for Council, click here.

The Elections Process

The OAA Council elections process occurs using a dedicated online system, with an initial email sent out to all eligible participants on the first Monday of October (i.e. October 7). The nomination period is then open until the fourth Monday of that month (i.e. October 28).

As part of the nomination submission process, nominees will be able to provide a text-based candidate statement as well as links to other sources, such as social media or a brief video speaking to issues related to serving on Council. This will be available on the OAA Website after the nomination period. Voters will also eventually be able to ask candidates questions by clicking here.

Voting by OAA members takes place from November 11 to 25, with the OAA Registrar announcing the results on the OAA Website and social media by December 1. The new three-year terms begin on January 1, 2025.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Office of the Registrar. Otherwise, all eligible participants should watch their inboxes for an email on Monday, October 7.

Please note: only Architects may vote in the Council elections—this Regulatory Bulletin is also being provided to those on the path to licensure to keep them informed of the Association’s electoral processes.