Who will be impacted?
Active AAA practice arrangements (architectural firms, interior design firms, and joint architecture and engineering firms) must hold PLI. Individual AAA members are not required to hold insurance.
Why do we need liability insurance?
Alberta is the last architectural jurisdiction in Canada to make PLI mandatory. Implementing PLI will ensure that Alberta practice arrangements are in step with other practices across Canada.
Further, the cost of insurance is significantly less than the cost of remediating a problem on a project. Mistakes happen and, as professionals, it is important that we are prepared to address them safely and properly.
When will this change take effect?
Active AAA practice arrangements will be required to declare that they have PLI at the time of renewal. (October 13 - December 15, 2023). Practice arrangements must have their PLI in place and complete/submit their declaration to the association by December 15, 2023 – the same date as AAA’s annual 2023 dues payment deadline.
How much coverage will I need?
Not less than $250,000 per claim with aggregate coverage of no less than $500,000. This coverage must be provided by an insurer able to legally provide such coverage in the province of Alberta.
The AAA is not suggesting that this is sufficient or even recommended coverage for any particular practice, but rather just a base amount.
If I already have insurance, how do I complete the declaration?
Practice arrangements will be required to declare that they have PLI at the time of renewal (October 13 – December 15, 2023). Submitting your declaration will depend on how you choose to submit your payment.
Online
*recommended option*
Please log into your
AAA firm/company profile. Before you are able to submit your payment, you will be prompted to check the declaration box indicating your practice arrangement holds valid PLI in accordance with the requirements of the AAA. Please see the flow chart below for additional details.
Cheque or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
If you are unable to pay your dues online and elect to pay by EFT or cheque, you will still need to log into your
AAA firm/company profile to access the PLI declaration form. Once you have the form, please complete it and either mail it to the AAA office, or email it to your registration administrator. Firms beginning with A – L can email
[email protected]; firms beginning with M – Z can email
[email protected]. Please see the flow chart below for additional details.
Online Dues Payment
|
Cheque or EFT Payment
|
↓ |
↓ |
Log into your AAA firm/company account |
Log into your AAA firm/company account |
↓ |
↓ |
Follow the dues process and check the declaration box when prompted |
Select the "My Invoices and Receipts" tab to access your invoice which includes the PLI Declaration statement |
|
↓ |
|
Complete the form and email or mail it to AAA |
What do other provinces require?
AAA Council set the requirement around PLI to be consistent with what is required by other regulators across the country.
Which insurance provider can I use?
AAA members are free to get their liability insurance in the open market. The coverage must be provided by an insurer able to legally provide such coverage in the province of Alberta.
How will AAA verify compliance?
A random audit whereby members are required to submit proof of their current PLI will be conducted each year.
What if I don't obtain PLI?
Practice arrangements that do not comply with the PLI requirement will be subject to a penalty of 50% of annual firm dues payment. Potential cancellation of registration with the AAA may also be implemented.
I have more questions and/or need help.
Please feel free to contact your registration administrator if you have additional questions or require assistance. Firms beginning with A – L can email
[email protected]; firms beginning with M – Z can email
[email protected]. You can also call the AAA at 780-432-0224.