Registered Professional Planner
Registered Professional Planner is the term for a registered urban planner in some Canadian Provinces and Territories. Some jurisdictions protect the RPP title, requiring individuals to be registered members of a professional association in order to use the title.
Canadian planners are registered to practice at the provincial or territorial level. Each provincial and territorial association of the Canadian Institute of Planners registers or licenses members to use the RPP title except for Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. However, certification which leads to registration at the provincial level is standardized at the national level.
"Right to Title" Legislation
Many of the provincial and territorial planning institutes have obtained "right to title" legislation, which means that only certified RPPs may use the title. The PSB notes, however, "Some provinces have extended this legislation to specify that certain planning tasks may only be performed by an RPP."Federal Level
The Professional Standards Board oversees the certification process to become a Registered Professional Planner on behalf of the Canadian Institute of Planners and the provincial and territorial associations which represent professional planners in their respective jurisdictions. The PSB provides three key services: certification, accreditation of university academic planning programs, and reciprocity links with other countries planning associations. First, for the certification process, the PSB assess applications, reviews the claims of mentorship and sponsorship of work experience, and delivers courses and examinations. Second, for accreditation, the PSB reviews university planning degrees. Finally, with regard to reciprocity links, the PSB facilitates reciprocity links with foreign planning institutes, which permits foreign planners to work in Canada and vice versa. The PSB does not provide certification in Quebec, where the l’Ordre des urbanistes du Québec does so.Certification
There are three primary pathways to becoming certified as an RPP through the PSB:- Accredited degree: Applicants empowered in the planning field with a degree from an accredited planning in Canada, Australia, or the United States may apply for certification through this route.
- Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition: Applicants who hold at-least a four-year undergraduate degree, not accredited by PSB but who have over five years of planning experience may apply for certification through this route.
- Reciprocity: Planners who are full-members of the Planning Institute of Australia or the American Institute of Certified Planners may apply for a reciprocal membership through this route,
Provincial and Territorial Level
British Columbia
Planners who are fully certified by the Planning Institute of British Columbia have "the exclusive right and privilege to utilize the professional title 'Registered Professional Planner' and designation 'RPP' in British Columbia".Alberta
The Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act is "right to title" legislation that provides planners in Alberta with the RPP title. However, there are no outlined fines for those who misrepresent themselves as RPPs.The Alberta Professional Planners Institute regulates the planning profession in Alberta.
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Professional Planners Institute regulates the granting of the RPP title under the authority of The ''Community Planning Profession Act''. The Act provides "right to title" protections but explicitly notes that providing planning services is not restricted to RPPs. However, municipalities may only approve subdivisions if they employ a RPP. Further, any official plan in Saskatchewan must be prepared in consultation with a RPP.Manitoba
As of 2015, Manitoba has protected the title "Registered Professional Planner" and the abbreviation RPP through legislation. Only individuals who are members in good standing of the Manitoba Professional Planners Institute may use the title RPP. Municipalities must consult with an RPP on the preparation of their development plan and regional plans must be prepared by an RPP.Ontario
In Ontario, the Ontario Professional Planners Institute has the mandate to grant the title of RPP. Only full and retired members of OPPI may use the title of RPP.If an individual falsely represents themselves as a professional planner, if that person is "guilty of an offence", they could be fined up to $5,000.