Code of Professional Conduct

1.0 The Planner's Responsibility to the Public Interest

Members have a primary responsibility to define and serve the interests of the public. This requires the use of theories and techniques of planning that inform and structure debate, facilitate communication, and foster understanding. Accordingly, a CIP member shall:

1.1 practice in a manner that respects the needs, values and aspirations of the public and encourages discussion on these matters;
1.2 provide full, clear and accurate information on planning matters to decision-makers and members of the public, while recognizing the client's right to confidentiality and the importance of timely recommendations;
1.3 acknowledge the inter-related nature of planning decisions and their consequences for individuals, the environment, and the broader public interest; and
1.4 identify and promote opportunities for meaningful participation in the planning process to all interested parties.

2.0 The Planner's Responsibility to Clients and Employers

Members owe diligent, creative, independent, and competent performance of work in pursuit of the client's or employer's interest. Accordingly, a CIP member shall:

2.1 provide independent professional opinion to clients, employers, the public, and tribunals;
2.2 work with integrity and professionalism;
2.3 perform work only within the member's professional competence;
2.4 ensure that advertising or promotional activities fairly and accurately communicate the expertise and skills offered;
2.5 acknowledge the values held by the client or employer in work performed, unless such values conflict with other aspects of this Code;
2.6 respect the client's or employer's right to confidentiality of information gathered through a professional relationship, unless this right conflicts with other aspects of this Code;
2.7 inform the client or employer in the event of a conflict between the values or actions of the client or employer and the values or actions set in this Code;
2.8 ensure full disclosure to a client or employer of a possible conflict of interest arising from the member's private or professional activities;
2.9 inform all parties and give public disclosure, together with the member's professional recommendation, in circumstances where the public interest may be adversely affected;
2.10 reject, and not offer, any financial or other inducements that could influence or affect professional opportunities or planning advice; and
2.11 not sign or seal a final drawing, specification, plan, report or other document not actually prepared or checked by the member.

3.0 The Planner's Responsibility to the Profession

The vitality and credibility of the planning profession, and of the Institute, rely upon the quality of the members. To further the profession, members will be expected to attain and maintain a high standard of professional competence. Accordingly, a CIP member shall:

3.1 act in a fair, honest manner;
3.2 encourage healthy and constructive criticism about theory and practice of planning among colleagues and share the results of experience and research that contribute to the evolving body of planning knowledge;
3.3 maintain an appropriate awareness of contemporary planning philosophy, theory, and practice by seeking and receiving professional education throughout a planning career;
3.4 contribute to the professional education, mentoring, and development of planning students, provisional and Full members of the Institute, and other colleagues;
3.5 accurately represent his or her professional qualifications and affiliations and those of colleagues;
3.6 advertise professional planning services in a manner that enhances the credibility of the profession;
3.7 comply with any reasonable request of the Institute for information or for the co-operation of the member in pursuit of any Institute objective; and
3.8 implement and give full effect to the disposition of any discipline proceeding affecting the member.