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Canada — Quebec Act or statute

Canada — Quebec legislation

Architects Act, 1973

The Minister of Labour is responsible for administering this Act.

Source excerpt

architect sealarchitect signaturearchitectural servicesarchitectural technologyarchitectureboard governancebuilding constructionbuilding construction compliancebuilding plansconstructiondefinitionsdocument productioneligibility criteriainformation disclosureinspectioninspection compliancelicensinglicensurelimitation periodmembership recordsoccupancy classificationsoffencepenaltiespermit issuancepermitsprofessional activitiesprofessional orderprofessional qualificationsprofessional regulationproperty developmentregulation makingregulation suspensionregulatory amendmentregulatory approvalrestricted professional activitiessupervision of construction worktitles and representationstransitional provisions
Jurisdiction
Canada — Quebec
Structure
35 provisions
Official identity
Year 1973
Dates
Enacted 1973 · Source version 10 Jun 2026
More statute details
Dates
Enacted 1973 · Source version 10 Jun 2026
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“The Minister of Labour is responsible for administering this Act.”

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    Enacted 1973 · Source version 10 Jun 2026. The date shown identifies this source expression and should not be treated as proof that no later change exists.

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Document

The Minister of Labour is responsible for administering this Act.

Document

Section 14

Section 14 bars non-architects from doing architect-only activities, using architect titles or misleading designations, or acting as an architect.

Section 14

Section 19

An inspector may require a person to send information or documents about the Act by registered mail or personal service within a reasonable time.

Section 19

Schedule

In accordance with section 17 of the Act respecting the consolidation of the statutes (chapter R-3), chapter 59 of the statutes of 1973, in force on 31 December 1977, is repealed, except sections 23 to 29 and 31, effective from the coming

Schedule

04

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Source record from www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca · Enacted 1973 · Source version 10 Jun 2026

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Showing 35 of 35 provisions

Provision 24Repeal 8Offence 2Amendment
§ —DocumentProvision

Source excerpt

The Minister of Labour is responsible for administering this Act.

The Minister of Labour is responsible for the administration of this Act. Order in Council 1165-2025 dated 10 September 2025, (2025) 157 G.O. 2 (French), 5419.
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§ 1Section 1Provision

Source excerpt

This section defines key terms used in the Act and regulations, including “Order,” “board of directors,” “architect/member of the Order,” “permit,” and “roll.”

1. In this Act and the regulations made thereunder, unless the context indicates a different meaning, the following terms mean: (a) “Order”: the Ordre des architectes du Québec constituted by this Act; (b) “board of directors”: the board of directors of the Order; (c) “architect” or “member of the Order”: any person who holds a permit issued by the Order and is entered on the roll; (d) “permit”: a permit issued in accordance with the Professional Code (chapter C‐26) and this Act; (e) “roll”: the list of the members in good standing of the Order prepared in accordance with the Professional Code and this Act. 1973, c. 59, s. 1; 1974, c. 65, s. 96; 1977, c. 5, s. 229; 2008, c. 11, s. 212; 2020, c. 15, s. 23.
Section 1Verify source
§ 2Section 2Provision

Source excerpt

People qualified to practise architecture in Québec make up a professional order known as the Ordre professionnel des architectes du Québec, or the Ordre des architectes du Québec.

2. All the persons qualified to practise the profession of architect in Québec constitute a professional order called the “Ordre professionnel des architectes du Québec” or the “Ordre des architectes du Québec”. 1973, c. 59, s. 2; 1977, c. 5, s. 229; 1994, c. 40, s. 196.
Section 2Verify source
§ 3Section 3Provision

Source excerpt

The Order and its members must be governed by the Professional Code, subject to this Act.

3. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Order and its members shall be governed by the Professional Code (chapter C‐26). 1973, c. 59, s. 3.
Section 3Verify source
§ 4Section 4Provision

Source excerpt

The Order’s head office must be in Montréal, or another place in Québec set by regulation of the board of directors.

4. The head office of the Order shall be at Montréal or any other place in Québec determined by regulation of the board of directors adopted pursuant to paragraph f of section 93 of the Professional Code (chapter C‐26). 1973, c. 59, s. 4; 1994, c. 40, s. 197; 2008, c. 11, s. 212.
Section 4Verify source
§ 5Section 5Provision

Source excerpt

The Order must be governed by a board of directors constituted as prescribed in the Professional Code.

5. The Order shall be governed by a board of directors constituted as prescribed in the Professional Code (chapter C-26). 1973, c. 59, s. 5; 1974, c. 65, s. 109; 2008, c. 11, s. 212; 2017, c. 11, s. 98.
Section 5Verify source
§ 5.1Section 5.1Provision

Source excerpt

The board of directors must make a regulation to तयermine which architect-reserved activities may be performed by professional technologists in architectural technology.

5.1. The board of directors shall make a regulation pursuant to subparagraph h of the first paragraph of section 94 of the Professional Code (chapter C-26) to determine, from among the professional activities reserved to architects, those that may be engaged in by professional technologists whose competency is in architectural technology. 2000, c. 43, s. 1; 2008, c. 11, s. 212; 2020, c. 15, s. 24.
Section 5.1Verify source
§ 6Section 6Repeal

Source excerpt

Section 6 is repealed.

6. (Repealed). 1973, c. 59, s. 6; 1994, c. 40, s. 198.
Section 6Verify source
§ 7Section 7Repeal

Source excerpt

Section 7 is repealed.

7. (Repealed). 1973, c. 59, s. 7; 1994, c. 40, s. 198.
Section 7Verify source
§ 8Section 8Repeal

Source excerpt

Section 8 is repealed.

8. (Repealed). 1973, c. 59, s. 8; 1994, c. 40, s. 198.
Section 8Verify source
§ 9Section 9Repeal

Source excerpt

Section 9 is repealed.

9. (Repealed). 1973, c. 59, s. 9; 1994, c. 40, s. 198.
Section 9Verify source
§ 10Section 10Repeal

Source excerpt

A person who applies for a permit is entitled to obtain it if they meet the listed qualification and compliance conditions.

10. Every person is entitled to obtain a permit who applies for it and who: (a) (paragraph repealed); (b) holds a diploma recognized as valid for that purpose by the Government or considered equivalent by the board of directors; (c) has complied with the requirements of the professional training periods; (d) has passed the examinations required by the Order; (e) (paragraph repealed); (f) has complied with the conditions and formalities imposed under this Act and the regulations of the board of directors. 1973, c. 59, s. 10; 1994, c. 40, s. 200; 2008, c. 11, s. 212.
Section 10Verify source
§ 11Section 11Provision

Source excerpt

The board of directors may issue permits to certain qualified persons and may suspend one application rule, if it gives a minimum ten-year period to current clerks to finish and pass exams.

11. The board of directors may issue a permit on the conditions it determines: (a) to any person fulfilling the conditions fixed in paragraphs d to f of section 10 and who has completed nine years of clerkship with a principal recognized by the board of directors; (b) to every member of an association of architects of a Canadian province who fulfils the conditions fixed in paragraphs b, e and f of section 10, provided that there is reciprocity in that province in respect of the members of the Order; (c) to any person who fulfils the conditions fixed in paragraphs e and f of section 10 and who, in the opinion of the board of directors, has the qualifications required to practise the profession. The board of directors may, at any time, suspend the application of subparagraph a, provided that it grants a minimum of ten years to persons then serving their clerkship, to enable them to complete it and to pass the required examinations. 1973, c. 59, s. 11; 2008, c. 11, s. 212.
Section 11Verify source
§ 12Section 12Provision

Source excerpt

The board of directors may issue a temporary permit, on conditions it तयs, to a person who is engaged as a professor in a recognized Québec school of architecture.

12. The board of directors may issue, on the conditions it determines, a temporary permit to any person engaged as a professor in a school of architecture of Québec recognized by the Government. Such permit is valid for the period of the engagement of such person as professor. 1973, c. 59, s. 12; 2008, c. 11, s. 212.
Section 12Verify source
§ 13Section 13Amendment
13. The board of directors must, by regulation, determine the terms and conditions for issuing a permit that are necessary to give effect to the Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications for Architects and any amendments that may be made to it, adopted by decision under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union and its Member States. Such a regulation must provide that a decision refusing the issue of a permit is to be reviewed by persons other than those who made the decision. The regulation adopted by the board of directors must be sent for examination to the Office des professions du Québec, which may approve it with or without modification. Before approving the regulation, the Office must consult the minister responsible for the administration of legislation respecting the professions, the Minister of International Relations and the Minister of Economy and Innovation. Section 8 of the Regulations Act (chapter R-18.1) does not apply to a regulation made under this section. Such a regulation may not come into force before the Government has declared itself bound by the recognition agreement or by any amendment to it pursuant to the Act respecting the Ministère des Relations internationales (chapter M-25.1.1). 1973, c. 59, s. 13; 1994, c. 40, s. 200; 2025, c. 8, s. 104.
Section 13Verify source
§ 13.1Section 13.1Provision

Source excerpt

The Office des professions du Québec may require the Order to provide specified documents, reports, or other information about the application of the professional qualification recognition agreement for architects.

13.1. The Office des professions du Québec may require the Order to provide, within the time and in the manner specified by the Office, any document, report or other information relating to the application of the Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications for Architects. 2025, c. 8, s. 104.
Section 13.1Verify source
§ 13.2Section 13.2Repeal

Source excerpt

The Government may amend, suspend, or repeal the regulation made under section 13 when specified international agreement-related changes occur.

13.2. The Government may, in the event of an amendment relating to the Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications for Architects, to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union and its Member States or to a decision of a joint committee established under the latter agreement, or in the event of a change relating to the application of such an agreement or decision, amend the regulation made under section 13, suspend its application in whole or in part or repeal it and, if applicable, provide for transitional provisions. Sections 8 and 17 of the Regulations Act (chapter R-18.1) do not apply to such a regulation. 2025, c. 8, s. 104.
Section 13.2Verify source
§ 14Section 14Provision

Source excerpt

Section 14 bars non-architects from doing architect-only activities, using architect titles or misleading designations, or acting as an architect.

14. No one who is not an architect may (1) engage in a professional activity referred to in the first paragraph of section 16; (2) assume the title of architect; (3) use any title, designation or abbreviation which may lead to the belief that the person is authorized to practise the profession of architect, or advertise himself as such; or (4) act as an architect or in such a way as to lead to the belief that the person is authorized to act as such. Nothing in this section prevents (1) a person who is a landscape architect from bearing that title; (2) a person from engaging in a professional activity referred to in the first paragraph of section 16 in accordance with a regulation made pursuant to subparagraph h of the first paragraph of section 94 of the Professional Code (chapter C-26); (3) an owner, contractor, superintendent or foreman from coordinating work; (4) a person from contributing, as an employee, under the supervision of an architect, to the preparation of plans, estimates or specifications; or (5) a person entrusted with the enforcement of an Act from exercising a function determined in that Act. 1973, c. 59, s. 14; 1994, c. 40, s. 200; 2020, c. 15, s. 26.
Section 14Verify source
§ 15Section 15Provision

Source excerpt

This provision defines the practice of architecture as certain analysis, design, advisory, and coordination work related to building construction, enlargement, or alteration.

15. The practice of architecture consists in engaging in analysis, design or advisory activities applied to the construction, enlargement or alteration of a building with regard to its siting, envelope and interior layout as well as to the materials and methods used, in order to ensure that the building is durable, functional and harmonious. The practice of architecture also consists in coordinating the work of persons who, as part of architectural work, participate in the construction, enlargement or alteration of a building. Respect for the environment and for life, the protection of property, heritage preservation and economic efficiency are part of the practice of architecture to the extent that they are related to the architect’s professional activities. 1973, c. 59, s. 15; 1974, c. 65, s. 97; 1994, c. 40, s. 201; 2000, c. 43, s. 2; 2020, c. 15, s. 26.
Section 15Verify source
§ 16Section 16Provision

Source excerpt

Architects are the only professionals allowed to do the listed architecture activities, including preparing and signing related plans and reports, supervising certain building work, and giving written opinions connected to those activities.

16. The following professional activities in the practice of architecture are reserved to architects: (1) preparing, modifying, signing and sealing plans, estimates, specifications, completion certificates, expert reports or supervision reports relating to the construction, enlargement or alteration of a building; (2) supervising work relating to the construction, enlargement or alteration of a building, particularly for the purpose of producing a certificate of conformity required under an Act; and (3) as part of a professional activity referred to in subparagraph 1 or 2, giving opinions and signing and sealing written opinions. For the purposes of this Act, the configuration of the interior layout of a building or of part of a building is considered to be the construction, enlargement or alteration of a building, as applicable, if it results in a change in the building’s use or affects the building’s structural integrity, walls or firewalls, envelope or exits or access to the building’s exits. 1973, c. 59, s. 16; 1974, c. 65, s. 98; 2000, c. 43, s. 3; 2020, c. 15, s. 26.
Section 16Verify source
§ 16.1Section 16.1Provision

Source excerpt

Section 16 does not apply to certain listed building construction, enlargement, or alteration projects, and to some agricultural occupancies meeting stated size and storey limits.

16.1. Section 16 does not apply to the construction, enlargement or alteration of the following buildings: (1) a detached single-family dwelling unit having, after the work is completed, no more than one basement storey, a building height not exceeding two storeys and a gross area of less than 600 m2; (2) a semi-detached or attached single-family dwelling unit, a multi-family dwelling that contains no more than four units, a mercantile occupancy, a business occupancy, an industrial occupancy or a combination of such dwellings or occupancies having, after the work is completed, no more than one basement storey, a building height not exceeding two storeys and a gross area of less than 300 m2; (3) a silo, livestock waste storage facility or feed storage platform; or (4) an agricultural occupancy having, after the work is completed, two storeys and a gross area of less than 300 m2. Nor does that section apply to the construction of an agricultural occupancy having, after the work is completed, no more than one storey and a gross area of less than 750 m2, or to the enlargement or alteration of such an occupancy having, after the work is completed, no more than one storey and a gross area of less than 1,050 m2. 2000, c. 43, s. 4; 2020, c. 15, s. 26.
Section 16.1Verify source
§ 16.1.1Section 16.1.1Provision

Source excerpt

An architect must sign the plans and specifications covered by section 16(1) that the architect has prepared, and must also seal final plans and specifications.

16.1.1. An architect must sign all plans and specifications referred to in subparagraph 1 of the first paragraph of section 16 that he has prepared. In the case of final plans and specifications, the architect must also seal them. 2020, c. 15, s. 26.
Section 16.1.1Verify source
§ 16.2Section 16.2Provision

Source excerpt

This section defines several occupancy and building-measurement terms for section 16.1.

16.2. For the purposes of section 16.1, “agricultural occupancy” means the occupancy or use, or intended occupancy or use, of a building or of part of a building for an agricultural activity within the meaning of the Act respecting the preservation of agricultural land and agricultural activities (chapter P-41.1); “business occupancy” means the occupancy or use of a building or part of a building for the transaction of business or for the provision of professional or personal services; “dwelling unit” means a building or part of a building that provides sleeping accommodation for persons but is not used for the housing or detention of persons who require medical care or for the involuntary detention of persons; “gross area” means the total area of all floors above grade measured between the outside surfaces of exterior walls; “industrial occupancy” means the occupancy or use of a building or part of a building for assembling, fabricating, manufacturing, processing, repairing or storing products, goods or materials, but does not include medium hazard or high hazard industrial establishment occupancies, as defined in a regulation under the Building Act (chapter B‐1.1); “mercantile occupancy” means the occupancy or use of a building or part of a building for displaying or selling retail goods, wares or merchandise. 2000, c. 43, s. 4; 2020, c. 15, s. 27.
Section 16.2Verify source
§ 17Section 17Provision

Source excerpt

For certain buildings, no one may use plans or specifications unless they are signed by an architect; final plans or specifications must also be signed and sealed by an architect.

17. No one may, for the construction, enlargement or alteration of a building to which section 16 applies, use or allow the use of plans or specifications that are not signed by an architect, or final plans or specifications that are not signed and sealed by an architect. Nothing in the first paragraph prevents the use of plans or specifications signed and, as applicable, sealed in accordance with the provisions of a regulation made pursuant to subparagraph h of the first paragraph of section 94 of the Professional Code (chapter C-26). 1973, c. 59, s. 17; 2000, c. 43, s. 5; 2020, c. 15, s. 28.
Section 17Verify source
§ 17.1Section 17.1Offence

Source excerpt

17.1. Anyone who contravenes section 14 or 17 is guilty of an offence and is liable to the penalties prescribed by section 188 of the Professional Code (chapter C-26). Penal proceedings for such an offence are prescribed three years after

17.1. Anyone who contravenes section 14 or 17 is guilty of an offence and is liable to the penalties prescribed by section 188 of the Professional Code (chapter C-26). Penal proceedings for such an offence are prescribed three years after the date on which the prosecutor becomes aware of its commission. However, no proceedings may be brought if seven years have elapsed since the commission of the offence. A certificate from the secretary of the Order attesting the date on which the Order became aware of the commission of the offence constitutes, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, sufficient proof of that fact. 2020, c. 15, s. 28.
Section 17.1Verify source
§ 18Section 18Provision

Source excerpt

An inspector designated by the board of directors may enter certain building-work sites at reasonable hours to inspect compliance, take photographs, require information or documents, and require reasonable assistance. On request, the inspector must show identification and a certificate of authority signed by the secretary of the Order.

18. Any inspector designated by the board of directors may (1) enter, at any reasonable hour, a place where the construction, enlargement or alteration of a building to which section 16 applies is planned or in progress or has ended, in order to verify compliance with this Act; (2) take photographs of the place and of the property located there; (3) require any information or document enabling the inspector to verify compliance with this Act; and (4) require any person who is on the premises to provide reasonable assistance. An inspector must, on request, provide identification and produce a certificate of authority signed by the secretary of the Order. 1973, c. 59, s. 18; 2008, c. 11, s. 212; 2020, c. 15, s. 28.
Section 18Verify source
§ 19Section 19Provision

Source excerpt

An inspector may require a person to send information or documents about the Act by registered mail or personal service within a reasonable time.

19. Any inspector may, by a request sent by registered mail or personal service, require any person to communicate by registered mail or personal service, within a reasonable time specified by the inspector, any information or document relating to the application of this Act. 1973, c. 59, s. 19; 1990, c. 4, s. 58; 1992, c. 61, s. 54; 2020, c. 15, s. 28.
Section 19Verify source
§ 19.1Section 19.1Provision

Source excerpt

An inspector designated by the board of directors cannot be prosecuted for acts done in good faith while exercising the inspector’s functions.

19.1. An inspector designated by the board of directors cannot be prosecuted for acts performed in good faith in the exercise of the inspector’s functions. 2020, c. 15, s. 28.
Section 19.1Verify source
§ 19.2Section 19.2Offence

Source excerpt

A person must not hinder or try to hinder an inspector while the inspector is carrying out the inspector’s functions.

19.2. Anyone who in any way hinders or attempts to hinder an inspector in the exercise of the inspector’s functions, in particular by concealment or misrepresentation, by refusing to provide information or a document, by concealing or destroying a document the inspector is entitled to require or by refusing to give the inspector reasonable assistance is guilty of an offence and is liable to the penalties prescribed by section 188 of the Professional Code (chapter C-26). 2020, c. 15, s. 28.
Section 19.2Verify source
§ 20Section 20Provision

Source excerpt

Sections 14 and 16 are not to be read as affecting the legal rights of members of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec.

20. Nothing in sections 14 and 16 shall be interpreted as affecting in any manner the rights conferred by law upon the members of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. 1973, c. 59, s. 20; 1977, c. 5, s. 229; 2020, c. 15, s. 29.
Section 20Verify source
§ 21Section 21Provision

Source excerpt

An architect’s oath is proof that the services were required, and of their nature and duration; the oath can also be contradicted like other evidence.

21. The oath of the architect shall make proof that the services he has rendered were required, and of the nature and duration of such services, but such oath may be contradicted in the same manner as any other evidence. 1973, c. 59, s. 21.
Section 21Verify source
§ 22Section 22Provision

Source excerpt

22. Actions instituted by architects to recover amounts due them for professional services are deemed matters which must be tried and decided by preference in accordance with the Code of Civil Procedure (chapter C-25.01). 1973, c. 59, s.

22. Actions instituted by architects to recover amounts due them for professional services are deemed matters which must be tried and decided by preference in accordance with the Code of Civil Procedure (chapter C-25.01). 1973, c. 59, s. 22; I.N. 2016-01-01 (NCCP).
Section 22Verify source
§ 22.1Section 22.1Repeal

Source excerpt

Section 22.1 is repealed.

22.1. (Repealed). 2000, c. 43, s. 7; 2020, c. 15, s. 30.
Section 22.1Verify source
§ 23Section 23Provision

Source excerpt

Section 23 is noted as having ceased to have effect on 17 April 1987.

23. (This section ceased to have effect on 17 April 1987). 1982, c. 21, s. 1; U. K., 1982, c. 11, Sch. B, Part I, s. 33.
Section 23Verify source
§ —ScheduleRepeal

Source excerpt

In accordance with section 17 of the Act respecting the consolidation of the statutes (chapter R-3), chapter 59 of the statutes of 1973, in force on 31 December 1977, is repealed, except sections 23 to 29 and 31, effective from the coming

In accordance with section 17 of the Act respecting the consolidation of the statutes (chapter R-3), chapter 59 of the statutes of 1973, in force on 31 December 1977, is repealed, except sections 23 to 29 and 31, effective from the coming into force of chapter A-21 of the Revised Statutes.
ScheduleVerify source

Legislative relationships

5 referenced instruments

Names are derived from the stored provision headings and citation-enrichment layer. Treat this as a research index and verify each relationship against the source text.

G–M

2 instruments

  • International Relations and the Minister of Economy and Innovation. Section 8 of the Regulations

    Section 13

  • Labour is responsible for administering this Act

    Section Document

N–S

3 instruments

  • Order prepared in accordance with the Professional Code

    Section 1

  • Professional Code

    Sections 4, 5.1, 14, 17, 17.1, 19.2

  • Regulations Act

    Section 13.2

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