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The Architects Council of Europe (ACE) welcomes the adoption of the European Union's first MRA on professional qualifications with Canada, marking a significant milestone in international collaboration within the architectural profession. 

The MRA will make it easier for architects from the EU and Canada to work in each other’s jurisdiction, by facilitating the recognition of their qualifications. The MRA will remove one of the main hurdles facing EU architects who wish to work in Canada, allowing them to explore new business opportunities and export their world-class skills. It will also give European businesses access to a new pool of Canadian professionals looking to provide their services in the EU.   

Enhancing Professional Mobility
This historic agreement marks a significant step toward advancing more Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) under the World Trade Organization's General Agreement on Trade in Services, aiming to facilitate global practice for architects. By reducing administrative burdens and recognising equivalent qualifications, the MRA facilitates the free movement of professionals, which is a fundamental aspect of both the EU Single Market and the EU=Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).  

"I am delighted that the Recommendation concluded by ACE and ROAC (Regulatory Organisations of Architects in Canada) at the end of 2018 and submitted to DG Trade and Global Affairs Canada in 2019 has been approved at political level. While we understand that the agreement still has to be endorsed at Provincial, Territorial and Federal level, we believe that a major step forward has been achieved towards the full implementation of mutual recognition between the jurisdictions, following an arduous process of meetings over many years" stated Ian Pritchard, ACE Secretary General.  

The agreement is the first of its kind: the first MRA pursuant to the CETA, but also the first MRA for professional qualifications to be concluded by the EU (existing MRAs cover trade in goods, but not trade in services). It will not only foster greater professional exchange and cooperation but also help reinforce shared values of high-quality architecture.    

The Agreement will enter into force once the EU and Canada have completed their internal approval procedures.   

The ACE remains committed to supporting its members through the implementation of this agreement, collaborating closely with national architectural associations to ensure an efficient recognition process.

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