Public participation (P2) and engagement practitioners are a diverse community of professionals, citizens, academics, and decision-makers committed to involving the public in decisions that affect them. This is what we did in 2023 to help support our community.

Guided By Passionate Leadership

About IAP2 Canada - Who We Are

2023 Year by the Numbers

Year in Review: Highlights from 2023

Pillars

of Support

2023

Financials

Scroll to CONTINUE

Rajvir Rao, President

A few words from the President

"As we move forward, our focus remains steadfast on empowering individuals and communities to participate in decisions that affect them. We are committed to broadening our reach, enhancing our programs, and reinforcing our position as a leader in public participation."

As we reflect on the past year and forge ahead with our plans for the future, I am delighted to share the progress and achievements of IAP2 Canada. Our mission to promote and improve the practice of public participation continues to resonate across the country, reinforced by the unwavering commitment and enthusiasm of our members and partners.

This year has been a significant one for IAP2 Canada. We proudly count over a thousand members who share a common dedication to enhancing public engagement practices. Your active participation and support are what drive our success and impact.

We reached notable milestones in our training and professional development programs. Over the course of the year, we delivered 120 training sessions, equipping professionals across various sectors with the tools and skills necessary to facilitate effective and inclusive engagements. These professional development offerings in combination with our learning webinars and Community of Practice meetings continued to flourish, collectively drawing over 2300 event registrations. These platforms not only help in sharpening our skills but also in fostering a collaborative environment where ideas and best practices can be exchanged freely.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the upcoming North American Conference, set to take place in Ottawa this October. This event promises to be a cornerstone for furthering our advocacy for meaningful public participation. It will provide an unparalleled opportunity to connect directly with our membership and engage in rich, productive dialogues. We anticipate a gathering that not only explores the depths of our field but also inspires and equips participants to elevate their practice.

As we move forward, our focus remains steadfast on empowering individuals and communities to participate in decisions that affect them. We are committed to broadening our reach, enhancing our programs, and reinforcing our position as a leader in public participation.

I thank each of you for your ongoing commitment to IAP2 Canada and to the field of public participation. Your involvement is essential as we continue to grow and evolve.

I look forward to seeing many of you in Ottawa and to another year of shared successes and new opportunities.

A few words from the Executive Director

"Our commitment to advancing the practice of public participation has never been stronger. "

As the Interim Executive Director of IAP2 Canada, I am thrilled to present our 2023 Annual Report, which showcases a year of remarkable achievements and resilience. This year, we focused on expanding our reach and enhancing the quality of our offerings, particularly through the launch and promotion of our new training courses.

Our commitment to advancing the practice of public participation has never been stronger. Our team has had a busy year introducing and promoting new training from our Global Learning Pathway, as well as several additional training options, that have been met with enthusiasm by practitioners and organizations across Canada. These courses, designed with both new and experienced practitioners in mind, provide practical tools and insights that are critical for effective public participation and engagement in today’s complex landscape.

The success of these programs is a testament to our community's dedication and passion for meaningful public participation. We've seen an increase in membership engagement, with more members than ever before participating in our events, workshops, and chapters. This active involvement enriches our community, allowing for a diverse exchange of ideas and best practices.

As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the support and commitment of our members, partners, and staff. Your contributions have been invaluable in achieving our goals. Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities to further our mission and impact.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, we are shaping the future of public participation.

Anne Harding, CP3, Interim Executive Director

Who We Are

Inspiring better decision together.

Reflecting on IAP2 Canada's Successful Inaugural Year of our P2 Learning Pathway

IAP2 Canada is proud to reflect on an incredibly successful first year of the newly launched IAP2 Canada Learning Pathway. With a steadfast commitment to elevating the field of public participation, we have diligently worked to offer a comprehensive schedule of core training, electives, and additional training options throughout the year. Our efforts have positioned IAP2 Canada as the leading region in delivering an unprecedented amount of training from the IAP2 International Global Learning Pathway. This achievement underscores our role in shaping professionals who excel in fostering meaningful community engagement and participation, crucial elements in community decision-making processes that influence policies and projects impacting daily life.

The Core of IAP2's Training: The Global Learning Pathway

Central to our training offerings is the IAP2 Global Learning Pathway, a robust program designed to arm individuals engaged in public participation with essential skills and knowledge for orchestrating effective community engagement efforts. The curriculum spans a broad range of topics, from foundational principles of public engagement to sophisticated conflict resolution strategies, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application to ensure learners are primed to make a significant impact in their communities and workplaces.

Certification in Public Participation: Elevating Professional Standards

A distinctive feature of our program is the opportunity to earn a valued certificate in Public Participation (P2) upon completing the core training. This certificate not only signifies a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of effective public engagement but also serves as a testament to the holder’s commitment to fostering genuine community dialogue and involvement. It opens doors to advanced learning opportunities and is a mark of professional achievement recognized across sectors.

Beyond the Basics: Elective Courses and Advanced Learning

In addition to the core curriculum, IAP2 Canada offers a range of elective courses, each designed to delve deeper into the nuances of effective public engagement. These electives are also accessible to alumni of the IAP2 Foundations program through a simple bridging process, making the pathway to advanced learning both convenient and flexible. These courses complement the core Global Learning Pathway, tailored to meet individual career goals and interests, and present an unparalleled opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, tackle real-world challenges, and enhance your skill set in public participation.

Through our dedication to the IAP2 Learning Pathway, IAP2 Canada is not merely providing training; we are nurturing a community of champions equipped to lead impactful public participation and engagement initiatives. Our work over the past year has fortified our standing as an essential resource for individuals dedicated to enhancing community dialogue and involvement, ensuring that the principles of effective public participation are more accessible and influential than ever.

Learn more about the learning pathway

Shaping a Brighter Future for our Community

In 2023 we are proud to have:

• Expanded our team with the addition of two more staff members, dedicated to enriching our training offerings and bolstering member support.
• Continue to broaden our educational reach through 4 new training courses, including 1 offering in French
• Successfully launched and filled two cohorts of the Indigenous Awareness Learning Program both of which sold out, and one that exceeded goal registrations (20 and 26 participants)
• Created a new "Community" section of the website to foster engagement and offer more value including; Member Zone, Chapters, Communities of Practice, Volunteer Opportunities
• Offered online learning through 6 sessions of the popular Digital Discovery Workshop Series and 3 webinars
• Increased website usability and accessibility to ensure that all potential users, including people with disabilities, have a good and inclusive user experience and are able to easily access our information
• Continued partnerships with esteemed trainers, ensuring top-tier participation and engagement training for all

Research That Matters

The IAP2 Canada Research Committee works hard to help members better understand current public participation and engagement activities in Canada.

Research is focused on identifying trends, best practices and areas of innovation, and evaluating current research and publications to identify opportunities for partnership and collaboration.

In 2023, the Committee commissioned two reports:

• Neuro-Inclusion in P2 (Published in March 2024)
• Artificial Intelligence: Its potential and ethics in the practice of public participation (Published in April 2024)

Access more P2 resources