# Ordre des Administrateurs Agréés du Québec

The Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec (English: Chartered Administrators Order of Quebec) (Adm.A.) is a professional Order mandated by the Government of Quebec (Canada) to regulate the practice of the "Administrateurs agréés" (English: Chartered Administrators).
Under article 37i of the Quebec Professional Code, Adm.A. may exercise the following professional activities: participate in the establishment, management and management of public bodies or enterprises, determine or remake their structures as well as coordinate and control their production or distribution methods and their economic or financial policies and provide advisory services in these matters.
The head office of the "Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec" is located in Montreal.

## Titles Adm.A., CMC and Pl.Fin.

The Professional Code of Quebec provides that the "Administrateurs agréés" (Chartered Administrators) shall practice a profession in a reserved capacity in Quebec. Only the "Administrateurs agréés" registered on the Ordre board are permitted to use the title of "Administrateur Agréé" (Adm.A.) or "Certified Management Consultant" (cmc) if they hold a valid license to this end. The OAAQ also administers the title of "Financial Planner" (Pl.Fin.) for its members who are the bearer, under an agreement between the OAAQ and the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers).

## Mission

Based on Professional Code of Quebec, the primary mission of OAAQ is to protect the public by regulating the professional practice of their members. The "Ordre des Administrateurs agréés du Québec" promotes innovation and achievement of a higher level of competence for professionals in the administration so that they contribute proactively and dynamically to the development of companies and organizations.

## Vision

According to its vision statement, the OAAQ stands out as the benchmark for all professional managers who believe in responsible management practice in Quebec.

## Professional practice

The OAAQ exercises its mission through activities that aim to improve the deontology and ethics of its members, in particular by:
* oversight of professional practice, by various committees including professional inspection, discipline and arbitration of accounts;
* professional development, through the sharing of expertise, in particular training, mentoring, conferences, publication of articles or books, networking activities and the posting of administrative positions in the market;
* information to the public on the professional practice of its members.
The activities of the OAAQ are increasingly oriented towards social media, in particular through its website.

## Fundamental principles and functions of Good Management

The professional practice models of Adm.A. are articulated around the fundamental principles and functions of good management. Good management is generally perceived as management as a "good father" or as a "reasonable and prudent person", and is enriched by principles that take into account the current tools and contexts of the administration.
The six fundamental principles of the sound management of the "Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec" are the basis of the profession of certified administrator:
2.Continuity: An Adm.A. must ensure that interventions or actions taken are documented at all times so that another contact person can ensure the succession of Adm.A. practicing in GPP in the event of absence or incapacity, in particular vacation, sickness, and even death of the Adm.A. assigned to the file;
3.Efficiency: An Adm.A. must ensure that the resources (human, financial, material and organizational) are minimized and that the agreed outcomes are maximized, respecting the client's comfort zone, and managing their personal and family affairs. It must ensure the quality, accuracy and relevance of all its interventions on the file, reports, recommendations and those of other stakeholders under its authority;
4.Fairness: An Adm.A. must adequately address all needs and objectives by reconciling them, prioritizing them and applying a management approach based on the overall or segmented professional practice process;
6.Self-denial: An Adm.A. must put the interests of the client before his own interests, those of his business or his employer. An Adm.A. must respect the fields of expertise of other professionals advising the client (financial planner, cpa, notary, lawyer, etc.) and intermediaries assigned to the file. Faced with opportunities related to his business relationship, an Adm.A. should avoid placing themselves in a conflict of interest.

## Competencies linked to the administration

In addition, an Adm.A. professional practice is based on sound management, which is divided into five competencies linked to the administration:
* Plan: consists of prospecting about the mission, vision, values, culture, strategies, issues, environment, objectives and risks, and establishing an appropriate plan at both strategic and tactical levels;
* Coordinate/organize: involves mobilizing the client's business, resources and assets within a process (team, service, policy, strategy, etc.) to facilitate the achievement of objectives;
* Lead: involves establishing actions and relationships and synchronizing business, resources and client wealth to achieve goals and optimize assets and value creation;
* Control: is to ensure proper functioning and retrospect on results and administrative activities;
* Advise: consists of helping to improve a client's administrative and business practices as well as individual and organizational performance.

## Major areas of activities: Managerial and patrimonial

The "Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec" (the Order of the ADMA) is a group of managers or advisors from all walks of life. Adm.A. members are distinguished in various areas of management, ethics and governance. These professionals work in a multitude of fields of professional activities which are grouped in the following two spheres:
* Managerial: Adm.A. working within small, medium or large organizations. They include corporate presidents, general managers, managers and expert advisers in the fields of finance, management, managerial financial planning, human resources, administration of education, real estate, franchising and partnership, health, information technology, public administration, and more. The generally accepted professional practice model of "Certified Management Consultant" (cmc) is part of the managerial field.
* Patrimonial: Adm.A. engaged in the administration of the property of others held by individuals, businesses or trusts. This sphere of professional practice includes in particular the roles of advisory services, management of the property of others (eg, mandatary, liquidator, trustee, tutor, receiver, condominium administrator...) and support roles such as asset monitoring, patrimonial audit, patrimonial mediation/arbitration... The generally accepted professional practice model of "Financial Planners" (Pl.fin.) is part of the patrimonial domain. The book "Gestion de patrimoine privé - Guide des meilleures pratiques" (translation: Private Wealth Management - Guide to Best Practices), published in 2008 by the publisher CCH, in partnership with the OAAQ, describes the best practices in patrimonial administration and provides convenience tools to professionals.
The multidisciplinary nature of the "Administrateurs agréés" confers on the "Ordre des Administrateurs agrees" a real center of expertise for management issues, which increasingly complex. The Adm.A. members are gathered to share their knowledge and experiences, to find solutions to management issues and problems, to put forward some lines of thought. This synergy helps to advance the profession through innovation and to development.
The Adm.A. contribute objectively and competently to the progress and leadership of the administrative sciences.

## Title "Financial Planner" (Pl.Fin.)

Since 1991, the OAAQ is regulating the designation "Financial Planner" (F.P.) worn by its members who graduated from the Institut québécois de planification financière (English: Institute of Financial Planning of Quebec) (IQPF) which provides the basic training leading to the title.
Under the aegis of the OAAQ, the P.F. (Pl.Fin.) membership reached about 650 members in 2002-2003. Until December 2002, the OAAQ administered in Quebec the title of "RFP-Registered Financial Planner" to which the Adm.A. Pl.Fin. could qualify; this title was issued by the "Canadian Association of Financial Planners" (CAFP), which merged with CAIFA (Canadian Association of insurance and Financial Advisor) in 2003 to become Advocis.
In 2004, following extensive studies and consultations, the OAAQ repositioned the generally accepted practice model of Adm.A. Pl.Fin. to the patrimonial administration. This expanded practice model covers the roles of administering the property of others and supporting roles related to patrimonial administration.
The "Financial Planning Competency Charter" was designed in 1998 by the OAAQ and was updated in 2001. This charter describes the professional skills required to practice as a "Financial Planner" within the OAAQ. In 2004, the OAAQ launched the first edition of the book "Guide des meilleures pratiques en gestion de patrimoine privé" (translation: "Guide to Best Practices in Private Wealth Management"). In June 2008, publisher CCH, in partnership with the OAAQ, published the second edition of the book entitled "Gestion de patrimoine privé - Guide des meilleures pratiques" (translation: "Private Wealth Management - Best Practice Guide") (741 pages).

## Title "Certified Management Consultant" (CMC)

Since 1994, the Order of ADMA has applied to supervise, develop and promote the profession of Certified Management Consultant (CMC) in Quebec. By February 2014, this designation was recognized in 50 countries. This designation is administered by CMC Canada and internationally by the "International Council of Management Consulting Institutes".
The CMC title is the only recognized management title in the world. This designation aims at high standards of professional management skills, in particular through advanced training and by instructing the professional on the various aspects of the managerial administration.
In Quebec, at first instance, the holders of the CMC title apply the OAAQ code of ethics. In addition, the CMC-Canada uniform Canada-wide code of ethics is respected by all CMAs. in Canada; it contains provisions relating to integrity, objectivity, transparency, competence, conflicts of interest, invoicing, quality of services, etc. CMC-Canada has also developed a Common Knowledge and Competency Charter (CBK) that includes all the knowledge and skills required to practice the profession of management consultant. This charter is explained in the book "Management Consulting: An Introduction to the Methodologies, Tools and Techniques of the Profession", which is offered free to new members C.M.C. CMC-Canada is planning soon to release more elaborate volumes covering six functional areas (financial management, human resources management, information technology management, marketing management, operations management and strategic management).
The "Canadian Charter of Competencies" covers nine areas: 1. Appreciate the company's situation, challenges and opportunities; 2. Assist clients in developing strategies for improvement; 3. Help clients implement a recommendation; 4. Carry out an advisory mission; 5. Demonstrate interpersonal skills; 6. Demonstrate personal skills; 7. Demonstrate ethical behavior; 8. Demonstrates functional competence; 9. Demonstrate a global vision of management.

## Administration of the condominium

Many members Adm.A. have developed special expertise to practice their professional practice in this condominium management which constitutes a collective heritage. This domain integrates the patrimonial administration of the collective heritage and the managerial management of the operations of the co-ownership. The OAAQ is particularly involved in the supervision of this field of activities through information, training and instrumentation. The OAAQ is a partner of McGill University for the certificate program in co-ownership: Certificate of professional development in condominium management.
A website on condominium management was launched on June 16, 2015. Under the auspices of the Chambre des notaires du Québec (Chamber of Notaries of Quebec), at the request of the "Quebec Department of Justice", this site is a follow-up to one of the recommendations contained in the "Report of the Advisory Committee on Co-ownership (2013)" on the large-scale dissemination of quality information on condominium law.
This portal on co-ownership brings together the expertise of self-regulatory organizations (notably the "Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec") whose members play a significant role in this field. This site provides useful information for developers, unions, buyers and sellers.
Co-ownership information site developed in partnership with the OAAQ

## History

This new corporation was dedicated to the defense of the interests of its members and to the promotion of the profession of administrator.
From professional corporation to Professional Order
In 1994, amendments to the Professional Code of Quebec and the measures adopted by the Office des professions du Québec changed the orientation of the organization that became the Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec (OAAQ). The mission of the OAAQ is redefined and therefore includes a component to defend the interests of the public. The Order of ADMA now requires its members to contract professional liability insurance when they deal directly with the public.
Highlights:
* 1954 - The Corporation of Professional Administrators was incorporated on August 30, 1954 and the first bylaws were enacted. The organization could then award the title "Administrateur professionel" (Adm.P.) / "Professional Administrator" (P.Adm.A.).
* 1959 - Beginning of activities of the Corporation of Professional Administrators. Proclamation of the manifesto. Development of a definition of the Professional Administrator function. Initiate relations with graduates of the École des HEC de Montréal.
* 1960 - Publication of the first issue of the newsletter The Pentagon.
* 1961 - Issuance of Federal Letters Patent. The Corporation awards its first honorary membership certificates. Creation of the first regional chapters.
* 1962 - Promulgation of a first code of ethics for Adm.P.
* 1964 - First symposium of the Adm.P. Publication of the first directory of Adm.P.
* 1965 - Establishment of the Board of Governors.
* 1967 - Establishment of the Professional Corporation of Approved Administrators. Membership of the Corporation with the Conseil interprofessionnel du Québec (CIQ).
* 1968 - Adoption of the Corporation's emblem, a gilded pentagon of irregular shape, within which appears the Mercury helmet.
* 1969 - Establishment of a tutoring program. Organization of the first provincial congress in Montreal.
* 1971 - Reception of professionals from other disciplines with studies in administration.
* 1973 - The Adm.A. Integrates the new professional system under the name "The Professional Corporation of Quebec Authorized Trustees", following the adoption of the Professional Code.
* 1978 - Creation of the Pentagon of Honor.
* 1979 - 25th anniversary of the founding of the Corporation. Creation of the Jacques-Gagnon Foundation.
* 1980 - Structuring of professional activities by sector of activity.
* 1984 - Real estate directors join the Corporation.
* 1985 - Establishment of a permanence in Montreal.
* 1987 - Inauguration of the new head office in Montreal. The bulletin Dimensions replaces the newsletter The Pentagon.
* 1988 - The Gala of the Administrator is born and emphasizes the 35 years of the Corporation.
* 1988 - Awarding of Recognition and Fellowship Awards.
* 1990 - The Scholarship and Business Scholarship Fund takes over from the Research Fund created in 1985.
* 1991 - Launch of the Guide to the sound management of companies and organizations. Following the enactment of Bill 134, Financial Planners of the Financial Planners Association will henceforth be overseen by the Corporation.
* 1992 - Entitlement of title CMC in the Professional Code.
* 1994 - The Corporation becomes the Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec (Order of Chartered Administrators of Quebec). Involvement in the franchising and partnership sectors.
* 1997- Louise Champoux-Paillé became the first woman to serve as Vice-President and Executive Director of the Order. On the initiative of the "Financial Planning" sector, the OAAQ signed an agreement with the Chambre nationale des conseils experts financiers de France (In English: National Chamber of Financial Advisers of France) (CNCEF).
* 1998- Nicole Pageau-Goyette becomes the first woman to hold the position of President of the Order. Strategic alliance with the Canadian College of Health Service Executives.
* 1999 - 45th anniversary of the OAAQ. Partnership for the creation of a university chair at the École des HEC de Montréal, the "Chair for the development of new SMEs". Agreement with the "Bureau des services financiers" regarding the supervision of the 600 financial planners Adoption of the first charter of competence in financial planning for the Adm.A. Pl.End Agreement between the OAAQ and the Professional Association Of Québec's accredited real estate managers, and the creation of the real estate sector.
* 2002 - Adoption of the "Charter of competences of the approved administrator".
* 2011 - Signing of a France-Québec Mutual Recognition Arrangement on the competencies of professionals in the administration.
* 2012 - Entry into force of the Regulation respecting the practice of the profession of Chartered Administrator (Adm.A.) in the form of a corporation.
* 2014 - The OAAQ adopted its own professional competency charter. This tool identifies the multidisciplinary skills required to practice the profession of chartered administrator.
* 2015 - Creation of the "Fondation de l'Ordre des Administrateurs agréés du Québec" (English: "Foundation of Chartered administrators of Quebec").
* June 17, 2015 - Launch of the LaCopropriété.info website, featuring a unique and educational content on condominiums in Quebec.

## Regulations

In their professional activities, the Adm.A. are regulated in particular by:
* The Professional Code of Quebec,
* The Code of Ethics of the OAAQ (c. C-26, r.14.1, updated in 2004, 2011 and 2013). This Code determines, in particular, acts derogating from the dignity of the profession, provisions intended to preserve the confidentiality of information of a confidential nature that comes to the knowledge of the member of the OAAQ in the practice of his profession, Exercise of the rights of access and rectification provided for in sections 60.5 and 60.6 of the Professional Code of Quebec and the conditions, obligations and prohibitions with respect to advertising by a member of the OAAQ.
Other regulations governing the OAAQ and its members are:
* Regulation respecting the diplomas awarded by designated educational institutions that grant the permits and certificates of specialists of the professional orders (C-26, r.2, section 1.27);
* Regulation respecting general meetings and determining the location of the head office of the Corporation des administrateurs agréés du Québec (C-26, r.11);
* Regulation respecting professional liability insurance of the "Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec" (C-26, r.12, last updated 2008);
* Regulation respecting the legal authorizations to practice the profession of certified administrator outside Québec that give rise to the permit of the "Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec" (C-26, r.13);
* Regulation respecting the training committee for certified administrators (C-26, r.15);
* Trustee accounts for Trustees Regulations (C-26, r.16, last update in 2010)
* Regulation respecting the issuance of a license of a certified administrator of the "Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec" to give effect to the arrangement entered into by the Order under the Agreement between Québec and France on mutual recognition of professional qualifications (C-26, r.16.1);
* Regulation respecting elections and regional representation on the Board of Directors of the "Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec" (C-26, r.17);
* Regulation respecting the practice of the profession of chartered administrator (C-26, r.17.1);
* Regulation respecting the Compensation Fund of the "Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec" (C-26, r.18, last update in 2010);
* Regulation respecting the compulsory professional development of certified administrators of Québec (C-26, r.19.01);
* Regulation respecting the equivalence standards for diplomas and training for the issue of a permit from the "Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec" (C-26, r.19.1);
* Regulation respecting the procedure for conciliation and arbitration of the accounts of members of the "Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec" (C-26, r.21);
* Regulation respecting the procedure of the professional inspection committee of certified administrators (C-26, r.22);
* Regulation respecting the keeping of records and consulting firms of members of the "Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec" (C-26, r.24);
* Regulation respecting professional development periods for certified administrators (C-26, r.23).