The Canadian Institute of Planners is a professional organization in Canada for those involved in land use planning. It is responsible for advocating at national and international levels for members, developing public policy positions, and providing services to members. The Institute has over 8,000 members from across Canadian, and serves as a national umbrella for the eleven Provincial and Territorial Institutes and Associations. Founded in 1919, its primary aim of the CIP is to be "the leading and globally respected voice of Canadian professional planningto advance and raise the profile of Canadian professional planning, for our members in Canada and abroad, through leadership, advocacy, expertise, and education". The Institute plays an active role in defining the planning profession and working towards more sustainable communities. Presently, the Institute defines planning as: "the scientific, aesthetic, and orderly disposition of land, resources, facilities and services with a view to securing the physical, economic and social efficiency, health and well-being of urban and rural communities". This definitions provides a national focus and unity for the profession, while clearly illustrating the need for planners to work towards sustainability in urban and regional developments. As the national body for planning, the Institute also provides codes of conduct and practice for planners, as well as numerous resources on current trends in planning and allied professions.
Membership
Categories of Membership
Professional Membership
Planners who have been certified by a Provincial / Territorial body governing planning as a Registered Professional Planner, Licensed Professional Planner, Urbanistes, or equivalent are eligible for this category. Planners who live outside of Canada, or have been licensed by a reciprocal organization are eligible for an international version of this class. Professional members are the only class entitled to use the professional designation MCIP. This designation is a registered trademark, only available to professional planners in good standing.
Candidate Membership
Individuals who are in the process of pursuing full membership, usually possessing an eligible degree from the Professional Standards Board, but completing work experience requirements or exams. International classes for students completing certification with reciprocal bodies or residing outside of Canada are also available.
Student Membership
Those in post-secondary educational institutions are able to join the CIP as student members, but only students in recognized planning programs are eligible to be voting members.
Public Membership
Members of the public, planners who are no longer practicing are eligible for non-voting membership.
Benefits
The primary benefit to full / professional members is the use of the MCIP designation and seal. The designation demonstrates to clients, the public, and employers that a planner meets all professional standards and is part of a profession. Professional and Candidate members are also automatically enrolled in a professional liability insurance program. A large part of the work CIP does is advocating for the planning profession and the value of planning. The Institute lobbies the federal government and other stakeholders to influence public policy. To educate members and the public CIP regularly hosts events like World Town Planning Day seminars, and its annual national conference. It also regularly hosts online and in person workshops and training seminars on current issues in planning. To encourage student involvement in planning, the Institute offers numerous scholarships and bursaries to those enrolled in planning programs though a separately incorporated planning student trust fund. Nine awards are disbursed annually, totaling over $30,000 in support to students. Other member services and benefits include:
Provincial and Territorial Institutes and Associations
The Institute represents planning solely at the national level, and works closely with the independent Provincial and Territorial Institutes and Associations. Regulation of the profession and certification of members are the purview of PTIAs, as the Canadian Constitution places the regulation of professions within provincial control. While no longer incorporated together, the PTIAs and the Institute function together to regulate, represent, and advocate for planning in Canada Eleven PTIAs exist in Canada,
