In the busy first quarter of 2024, the IAP2 Canada team achieved significant milestones, advancing our mission to enhance public participation practices both nationally and internationally. This update provides a comprehensive overview of the key accomplishments accomplished by our team during this period.

Training Update

In Q1 2024, IAP2 Canada experienced an exceptional surge of activity, successfully launching and delivering a total of 17 training courses. This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the tireless dedication and hard work exhibited by our team and licensed trainers to uphold the delivery of top-notch educational experiences. As we forge ahead, we remain committed to our mission, with an additional 35 courses already scheduled for Q2 and active efforts underway to plan training sessions for the remainder of the year. This ongoing commitment underscores our unwavering dedication to providing valuable training opportunities for our members and stakeholders.

CP3 Intake

In January, we launched the intake process for the Certified Public Participation Professional (CP3) program scheduled for the June 2024 Assessment Centre.

The CP3 designation is awarded through a structured three-step evaluation process. In this process, Assessors examine the candidates' abilities against the IAP2 Core Competencies. For further details about the CP3 program, interested individuals are encouraged to view an informative webinar. Those looking to apply for a November assessment center should note that applications will be accepted starting July 2024.

Enhancing Website Accessibility: French Translation

The IAP2 Canada team has successfully translated our website into French to enhance accessibility for our Francophone communities. This project, launched in January 2024, has facilitated easier access to essential resources and information concerning public participation, solidifying our position as a leader in advocating for effective engagement practices in Canada. It also aligns with IAP2 Canada's broader mission of fostering inclusion and collaboration among diverse groups.

Explore our new French language web pages

Indigenous Awareness Learning Program

The team dedicated significant effort to recruiting participants for the January 2024 cohort of the Indigenous Awareness Learning Program. The remarkable registration numbers exceeded capacity limits and underscored the widespread interest and engagement in this crucial initiative.

Our sincere gratitude extends to all the Learning Partners for generously contributing their time, knowledge, and expertise to enrich the learning experience for program participants.

Learn more about the program

Digital Discovery Series 2024

The Digital Discovery Series kicked off its official launch in January 2024, with the first session starting in February 2024. Spearheaded by Susanna Haas Lyons, this initiative underscores IAP2 Canada's unwavering dedication to leading the way in leveraging digital advancements for public participation. The sessions include:

• Boost Your Impact: Digital Advertising Strategies for Public Participation (February 28 - now available on-demand)
• Multi-Channel Engagement: Gathering Input across Multiple Digital Platforms (March 27 - now available on-demand)
• AI Essentials: Tools and Policies for a Changing P2 Environment (April 24)
• Inclusion and Digital Tools: Planning for Intersectionality in Online Engagement (May 29)
• Decoding Open-Ended Input: Analysis Tools (June 26)

Learn more

A Transition of Leadership

On February 1, 2024, Anne Harding assumed the role of part-time Interim Executive Director at IAP2 Canada, while the organization continues its search for a full-time Executive Director. Anne brings extensive experience and a strong dedication to the principles and practices of public participation. Anne is widely respected in the field of public participation, with significant involvement in IAP2 Canada since 2010. Her contributions have been invaluable in supporting our current staff, members, and trainers as we transition.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

In 2023, IAP2 Canada's leadership team worked closely with a consultant, who had conducted a comprehensive Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) audit and also engaged in benchmarking efforts for the organization. The purpose of this collaboration was to examine the findings from the consultant's research. Through this review process, we were able to pinpoint areas needing enhancement to more effectively embrace and implement best practices in equity, diversity, and inclusion. Following this review, an action plan targeting these key areas was developed and subsequently approved by the IAP2 Canada board of directors in the first quarter of 2024.

The commitment statement: “Leaders at IAP2 Canada establish collective behaviors, values, and attitudes that shape the overall environment. Leadership is transparent in its decision-making processes and fosters a culture that champions EDI.”

IAP2 Canada's action plan focuses on three core pillars to reinforce its commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI):

• Leadership & Culture: Prioritizes transparent decision-making and cultivating an organizational culture that champions EDI, guided by leaders who exemplify the organization's values and behaviors.
• Supporting Communities & Knowledge Building: Aims to support historically underrepresented communities through dedicated frameworks and opportunities, enabling them to contribute significantly and thrive within IAP2 Canada.
• Communication & Connection: Focuses on enhancing communication channels to ensure everyone's perspectives are heard and valued, fostering a culture of understanding and belonging.

The board is looking forward to collaborating with the new Executive Director on an implementation plan.

Technology Challenges and Solutions

In 2023 and early 2024, the IAP2 Canada team dedicated significant time to research and testing to identify a comprehensive system or systems that would cater to our distinct requirements. These needs encompass multilingual content management, learning management tailored to our unique training and certification process, membership management, event scheduling, community support, and email marketing.

We are in the process of recommending a budget to the board of directors for approval in the Spring. This will enable us to proceed with a comprehensive system update that aligns with our organizational goals and effectively supports our operations and our community.

Webinar Program Relaunch

In early 2024, IAP2 Canada relaunched the webinar program, with free access available to all members and paid-access available to non-members.

Nanaimo Re-Imagined

As part of our initiative, we launched the City Plan - Nanaimo ReImagined webinar. This session shared insights from Nanaimo's urban planning initiative, ReImagine Nanaimo, offering professionals in public participation a chance to learn from their experiences, including innovative strategies, challenges, and successes. The webinar encouraged valuable knowledge-sharing and engagement among participants.

Find out more 

Neuro-Inclusion in Public Participation

The webinar, held after the research release, offered an interactive platform to delve into the findings and recommendations in depth. Participants had the chance to ask questions, share their experiences, and gain insights from the researchers on implementing practical steps for fostering neuro-inclusive public participation practices.

Find out more

IAP2 NAC Submissions

In February we launched the IAP2 NAC Call for Proposals. The Conference Committee received over 80 proposals showcasing innovative approaches, successful case studies, and insightful projects, even those that didn’t go as planned but offered valuable insights. We appreciate the contributions and look forward to delivering an enriching and impactful conference experience!

IAP2 NAC 2024 Sponsorship Prospectus

In March we launched the Sponsorship Prospectus for the 2024 IAP2 North American Conference (NAC). Our upcoming conference, themed "Building Together: The Role of Community Engagement in Shaping the Future," promises to be an extraordinary gathering at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa. This prospectus offers a window into the potential pathways for organizations to join us in championing the cause of public participation.

Learn more about the 2024 IAP2 NAC

Access the Sponsorship Prospectus

Core Values Awards

In March we launched IAP2 Canada’s annual Core Values Awards. These awards recognize and encourage organizations and individuals in the practice of public participation and engagement – promoting excellence, quality and innovation in the way they execute their projects and programs and exemplify the IAP2 Core Values. The deadline to apply for the Core Values Awards is May 8, 2024.

Learn more