What does an MRA entail? In full, it's called the EU-Canada Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Architects. This agreement makes it easier for EU architects to obtain a Canadian architecture licence. Conversely, it also makes it easier for Canadian architects to obtain a licence in an EU member state. To do so, specific educational and professional experience requirements must be met.

The MRA was established after a lengthy negotiation process between ACE and the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA, now ROAC), which also included coordination with ENACA, the European network organization of architect registers. The Register of Architects, through its membership in ACE and ENACA, contributed to the development of the MRA.

The MRA establishes a system of automatic recognition of architects' professional qualifications between the EU and Canada if the MRA's recognition requirements are met, similar to the EU's. It's important to note that the requirements for automatic recognition under the MRA are more stringent.

If you, as a Dutch architect, meet the MRA requirements, this means that recognition in Canada will be simpler (and faster and cheaper). The MRA only provides for a formal assessment; if the formal requirements are met, a further substantive assessment of your professional qualifications for recognition is not permitted. If you do not (fully) meet the MRA requirements, this only means that automatic recognition is not possible. However, there is still the option of a regular recognition procedure, which requires compliance with the standard Canadian recognition requirements.