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IAP2 CANADA

ANNUAL REPORT

2023

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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



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Guided By Passionate Leadership



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.


What does IAP2 Canada do?

Public participation (P2) is about engaging with the public during the decision-making process, benefiting from their diverse ideas, views and concerns, and using that information to make better decisions. As the leading membership organization for P2 and engagement professionals in Canada, we inspire innovation that changes millions of lives for the better and advocate for P2 and engagement in Canada and around the world.

P2 practitioners are a diverse community of professionals, citizens, academics, and decision-makers committed to involving the public in decisions that affect them. We help practitioners take meaningful action toward real-life challenges in P2 and engagement, deliver results that matter, and implement transformational change that lasts.

View a short history of IAP2 Canada

Our Vision

Canadians are meaningfully engaged in decisions that affect them by way of purposeful public participation.


Our Mission

IAP2 Canada advances effective public participation practice and supports practitioners. We carry out our mission according to the 2021-24 Strategic Plan.


2023 Year by the Numbers


1040

members in 2023


120

training Sessions in P2


9

online learning webinars


2324

event registrations


5

new training courses launched

Year in Review: Highlights from 2023

Empowering our Team for Success

    • Brought on board a Training and Professional Development Coordinator to fuel our training programs forward, alongside a Member Experience and Administrative Coordinator to provide operational support.
    • Underwent an operational overhaul to streamline processes and increase productivity
    • Strengthened the IAP2 Canada board with the addition of 4 new directors and a new President, injecting new perspectives and diversity into our community.

    None of this would be possible without the dedication of over 150 volunteers, whose invaluable contributions drive our organization's mission forward.


    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:

    Access more P2 resources



    Our Impact: Featured Programs & Initiatives


    A path toward reconciliation

    In recent years, IAP2 Canada brought together Indigenous and non-Indigenous P2 and engagement professionals to reflect on its past, present, and future commitment to Truth, reconciliation and Indigenous inclusion. The strategic path that emerged in 2023 from the task force is grounded in both historical awareness and contemporary action and signals a shift for the organization, highlighting its dedication to facilitating meaningful change within public participation and self-determination principles.

    Learn more about IAP2 Canada’s Framework for Supporting Reconciliation

    Celebrating excellence, quality and innovation

    The Sea2City Design Challenge, an ambitious and groundbreaking initiative led by the City of Vancouver, has made waves in the world of coastal planning and design. Over the course of 12 months, this collaborative effort tackled pressing issues such as rising sea levels, ecological revitalization, urban development, decolonization, and reconciliation with Host Nations, with a specific focus on Vancouver's False Creek shoreline. In 2023, the project received two prestigious awards: the IAP2 Canada Indigenous Engagement Award and the IAP2 International Project of the Year Award.

    Read all about it!   View all 2023 Recipients



    Empowering Voices: Promoting the Value of Effective P2

    To continue to elevate our leadership in public participation (P2) and raise awareness about participatory processes, our new "What is P2?" section on our website sheds light on the essence and critical importance of P2. This segment explains how P2 harnesses a diverse range of public insights to enhance decision-making and outlines who is involved—from professionals to citizens and organizations across the globe. Additionally, the section highlights how effective P2 practices foster inclusivity, improve outcomes, and build trust in public decision processes, guided by the IAP2 Spectrum which emphasizes informing, consulting, involving, collaborating, and empowering the public. 

    Learn more!

    Pillars of Support

    Our Volunteers

    A Tribute to Our Volunteers: The Heart of IAP2 Canada


    Image of IAP2 Canada Prairies Chapter volunteers.

    The foundation of IAP2 Canada lies in the incredible volunteers who have devoted their time, energy, and talents to advancing our shared mission of public engagement. Each of our volunteers plays an invaluable role in enriching our community and propelling us forward, infusing our work with meaning and purpose.

    Whether they are organizing events, promoting communication, or lending their skills and expertise to various projects, our volunteers bring something unique and invaluable to the table. Their commitment, passion, and unwavering dedication are the driving force behind our collective success.

    As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with awe and gratitude at the remarkable resilience and creativity displayed by our volunteers in the face of challenges. Despite these obstacles, our community has grown stronger and more connected, driven by a shared sense of purpose and commitment to our cause.

    We are honored and grateful to have such a remarkable group of individuals as part of our organization, and we offer our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of them. Their generosity and commitment embody the true spirit of volunteerism and have made a profound impact not only on IAP2 Canada but also on the communities we serve. Thank you for being the heart of IAP2 Canada.

    Looking to the future, we are excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead and confident in our ability to achieve great things together.

    Committee and Program Volunteers

    Thank you to our committee and program volunteers!


    Communities of Practice Chairs

    Aron Ashton - Indigenous Engagement

    Rowan Gentleman-Sylvester - Young Professionals

    Dorsa Jalalian - Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

    Cara Lenoir - Indigenous Engagement

    Tanushree Pillai - Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

    Ross Zimmermann - Young Professionals


    Core Values Awards Judges

    Jessica Delaney, CP3

    Susanna Haas Lyons

    Anne Harding, CP3

    Natalie Henault, CP3

    Keri Hyde

    Stephanie Richardson


    Governance and HR Committee

    Leah Cole

    Pantea Niksirat

    Catherine Rockandel

    Michelle Snow


    Indigenous Awareness Learning Program - Learning Partner

    Aron Ashton

    Jessica Bratty, CP3

    Anthea Darychuk

    Andrea Hansen

    Selena Hunjen

    Laena Garrison

    Sarah Gillett

    Hani Khalidi

    Cara Lenoir

    Whitney McKenzie

    Paul Mitchell-Banks, CP3

    Janais Turuk

    Catherine Rockandel, CP3


    Mentorship Program Mentors

    Marcel Aubin

    Jessica Delaney, CP3

    Pierre Guillot-Hurtubise, CP3

    Kelly Guthrie, CP3

    Lindsay Humber, CP3

    Kim Hyshka, CP3

    Amanda Kaiser, CP3

    Stéphanie Lavigne

    Chrystiane Mallaley

    Hugo Mimee, CP3

    Linda Niksic

    Palash Ranjan Sanyal

    Michelle Rich

    Lara Tierney, CP3

    Tannis Topolnisky, CP3


    Nomination & Elections Committee

    Terry Koch

    Lisa Moilanen

    Tanushree Pillai

    Kevin Thorvaldson


    Professional Development & Training Committee

    Claire Basinski, CP3

    Karen Drummond

    Keri Hyde

    Kate Moir

    Cindy Mutch

    Kathryn Nairne, CP3

    Pam Robertson, CP3

    Shiona Sommerville

    Tannis Topolnisky, CP3

    Research Committee

    Sherry Campbell

    Lindsay Humber, CP3

    Valerie Lehmann

    Fabienne Lord

    Rebecca Melenka

    Doha Melhem

    Jen Pinarski

    Brenda Wallace, CP3


    Officers and Board of Directors

    Comprised of P2 champions from across Canada, our officers and board members provide crucial support and guidance to help us meet the goals set our in the IAP2 Canada 2021-2024 Strategic Plan.

    Officers

    Rajvir Rao

    PRESIDENT


    Katherine Cole

    VICE-PRESIDENT


    Terry Koch

    TREASURER


    Kathryn Nairne

    SECRETARY

    Members of the Board

    Alyssa Cerbu

    Leah Cole

    Precious Ile

    Dalya Kablawi

    Cara Lenoir

    Pantea Niksirat

    Catherine Rockandel

    Palash Sanyal

    Michelle Snow

    IAP2 Canada Chapters

    The active chapters within IAP2 Canada have a vital function in bringing our community together on a regional level, while simultaneously boosting the value of membership. Each of the five chapters has its own Board of Directors, all of whom have played an integral role in the success of local events, activities, and professional development opportunities. We extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated chapter volunteers of 2023 for their unwavering efforts in fostering meaningful connections and facilitating learning within their respective regions.

    Association québécoise pour la participation publique (AQP2)

    2022 - 2023 Collaborative Committee

    Raphaëlle Aubin

    Henri Chevalier

    Camille Montreuil

    Marie Rousseau

    Nadim Tadjine

    Pierre Tadros

    2023 - 2024 Collaborative Committee

    Roxanne Breton

    Henri Chevalier

    Rébecca Gelly-Cyr

    Hugo Leclerc

    Nicole Mousseau

    Marie Rousseau

    Pierre Tadros

    Featured Successes:
    New members were inducted into the steering committee and with this new energy, the goal for 20233-2024 is to offer more networking and learning opportunities for francophones.


    British Columbia & Yukon

    2022 - 2023

    Kevin Shipalesky, President

    Alix Matthews-Mahe, Vice-President

    Jasmine Patrick, Treasurer

    Cara Lenoir, Secretary

    Emina Dervisevic, Training Coordinator

    Michelle Larstone, Member Services

    Stephanie Tissot, Youth Coordinator

    Xenia Dandridge, Director at Large

    Michelle Frilund, Director at Large

    Megan Fitzgerald, CP3, Director at Large

    Kelly Kay, Director at Large

    Jennifer Miller, Director at Large

    Rebecca Vaughan, Director at Large

    2023 - 2024

    Jennifer Miller, President

    Alix Matthews-Mahe, Vice-President

    Jasmine Patrick, Treasurer

    Marina Bryan, Secretary

    Emina Dervisevic, Director at Large

    Michelle Frilund, Director at Large

    Kelly Kay, Director at Large

    Lisa Moilanen, Director at Large

    Rebecca Vaughan, Director at Large

    Ivy Yuen, Director at Large

    Featured Successes:
      • 291 active members in BC & Yukon Chapter
      • Over 55 communities represented through membership
      • Hosted a spring social in May 2023, held concurrently in four different cities in BC: Victoria, Nanaimo, Burnaby and Kelowna.
      • Conducted a Member Survey which provided feedback on what members would like to see from the Chapter, events, and from their membership, as well as demographic/lived experiences of members.
      • Hosted a free, introductory presentation on the principles of OCAP (Ownership, Control, Access, Possession) in partnership with the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) in October 2023, followed by a two-part more in-depth workshop in November on the principles of OCAP and how they can be applied to engagement planning and implementation in partnership with the FNIGC.
      • Participated on the National Board’s advisory committee to develop IAP2 Canada’s Draft Reconciliation Framework.
      • Co-hosted a panel event in October 2023 for students and professionals interested in learning more about public participation as a career. Connecting Communities: Careers in Public Participation included panelists from different backgrounds and areas of engagement practice sharing their stories and career advice, with an emphasis on increasing diversity in the field of engagement practitioners. Event was delivered in partnership with Simon Fraser University’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue and CityHive.


      Great Lakes

      2022 - 2023

      Katrina Kroeze, President

      Jodi Ball, Secretary

      Zahra Jaffer, Treasurer

      Anila Sunnak, Communications

      Tracey Ehl, MCP3, Members at Large

      Justin Jones, CP3, Members at Large

      Stephanie Campeau, Members at Large

      Liz McHardy, Members at Large

      Emily Cameron, Members at Large

      2023 - 2024

      Tracey Ehl, President

      Liz McHardy, Vice President

      Anila Sunnak, Vice President

      Emily Cameron, Secretary

      Zahra Jaffer, Treasurer

      Kristina Bergeron, Communications

      Jodi Ball, Chapter Liaison

      Rachel Davis, Chapter Liaison

      Justin Jones, Members at Large

      Featured Successes:
        • Created and engaged with members on an updated Strategic Directions and a chapter survey so we can learn more about our members and support professional development, networking and the practice.
        • Engaged members and friends of the Chapter in a series of Chapter Chats that focused on topics such as Truth and Reconciliation, Value Spotting and Hybrid Engagement Practices. A discussion series about Ableism is being planned and will be open to practitioners from across IAP2. Member ideas for topics are welcome in an ongoing way.
        • Maintained a strong financial position and continued to offer programs at no cost to members and non-members within the Chapter region.
        • Continued to grow and attract diverse members from across the region with a range of expertise and experiences. We welcomed two new directors to the board in 2023 and recognized the contributions of Katrina Kroeze and Stephanie Campeau.

        With thanks and gratitude to all of our members - the Executive Team

        Prairies

        2022 - 2023

        Lindsay Thompson, President

        Christine Markel, Vice-President

        Shawn Silzer, Secretary

        Maggie Bratland, Treasurer

        Colleen McMahon, Chapter Communications

        Daniel Waycik, Chapter Communications

        Erin McKay, Chapter Liaison

        Crista Gladstone, Director at Large

        Matt Long, Director at Large

        Samantha Mark, Director at Large

        Katie Suek, Past President

        Moran Vespa, Director at Large

        2023 - 2024

        Morgan Vespa, Chapter President

        Maggie Bratland, Chapter Vice President

        Alexis Doyle, Chapter Communications

        Matt Long, Chapter Treasurer

        Erin McKay, Chapter Liaison with National Office

        Colleen McMahon, Chapter Communications

        Lindsay Mierau, Member at Large

        Shawn Silzer, Chapter Secretary

        Daniel Waycik, Chapter Liaison with National Office

        Featured Successes: 
        • Argyle completed and delivered a Member Outreach and Marketing Strategy to the board. The strategy is full of useful strategies and actions that match the capacity of the board.
        • Saskatchewan board members traveled to Winnipeg, Manitoba for in-person strategic planning. After plenty of time spent virtually directing as a board, it was fantastic to connect in person and get to know one another. We now have a strategic plan that is focused, clear and achievable.
        • We held two successful Chapter Chats, including our most well attended Chapter Chat yet on Disinformation & Misinformation with Candace Denison.
        • We are planning in-person networking events (one in Saskatchewan and one in Manitoba) in June 2024 to invite practitioners to learn and connect.



        Wild Rose (Alberta)

        2022 - 2023

        Trevor Joyal, CP3, President

        Candace Denison, Vice President

        Germaine Conacher, Treasurer

        Andrea Delannoy, Secretary

        Shawn Bravender, CP3, Director

        Steph Gagnon, Director

        Sarah Geisler, Director

        Lindsay Humber, CP3, Director

        Angela Miskuski, Director

        Gay Robinson, CP3, Director

        Noreen Rude, Director

        Jana Sinclair, Director

        Lara Tierney, CP3, Past President

        2023- 2024

        Trevor Joyal, CP3, President

        Germaine Conacher, Treasurer

        Brittany Shewchuk, Secretary

        Kelley Abercrombie

        Angela Angel

        Deanna Cambridge

        Amanda Doyle

        Candace Denison

        Steph Gagnon

        Dawn Green, Administrator

        Amara Heppel

        Katelyn Richards, Deputy

        Gary Shelton, Administrator

        Featured Successes:
        • IAP2 Wild Rose has been focused on operations as a board to better provide membership with benefits. Succession planning and strategic annual planning has been the focus for 2023. To support Wild Rose we acquired administrative support to assist in taking tasks away from board members so they can focus on strategic discussions and plan execution. We have seen membership increase and our events team has been providing webinars for our members to solidify our role in providing our members direct professional benefits.
        • 2024 is bringing change - with better transition and a solid board of dedicated members, we look forward to bringing back our bi-annual event which has changed names to the “Wild Rose P2-Palooza”! A day and a half of networking and learning in September will no doubt be a great experience for those in Wild Rose. Not a member of Wild Rose, you can still come!
        • With change, there tends to be loss. The IAP2 Wild Rose Board is losing two members who have put in countless hours to support the membership. Myself and the Board provide many thanks to Gay Robinson and Shawn Bravender who have been dedicated to this chapter, the profession, and to the board. I thank you for everything.


        2023 Financials

        In this section of the Annual Report, we present the IAP2 Canada 2023 Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and independently audited. These statements offer a comprehensive overview of our financial performance, position, and cash flows for the fiscal year 2023. Committed to transparency and accountability, these financials reflect responsible resource management and our ability to fulfill our mission.


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