CIP Code of Professional Conduct and Planning Ethics

Flashcards covering the CIP Code of Professional Conduct and ethical planning standards as outlined in lecture notes.

CIP Code 1.1

Practice in a manner that respects the diversity needs values and aspirations of the public and encourages discussion on these matters [breach example: unreasonably dismissing ethnic or religious concerns]

CIP Code 1.2

Provide full clear and accurate info on planning matters to decision-makers and the public while recognizing the employer or client's right to confidentiality and the importance of timely reporting [breach example: releasing confidential info after being told not to]

CIP Code 1.3

Acknowledge the inter-related nature of planning decisions and the consequences for natural and human environments [breach example: recommending elimination of an engineering requirement needed for public safety]

CIP Code 1.4

Provide opportunities for meaningful participation and education in the planning process to all interested parties [breach example: running a hearing without required notice or limiting a speaker unfairly]

CIP Code 2.1

provide independent professional opinion to clients, employers, the public, and tribunals; perform work only within their areas of professional competence

Breach Example: A member provides advice in an area of planning or another discipline where they do not have appropriate training and experience. An example is a member who does not have professional competence in transportation planning and prepares a report with recommendations in this area.

CIP Code 2.2

Undertake planning services with diligence and render services with appropriate preparation

Breach Example: A member does not take the time and care needed to provide appropriate professional advice and presents a major report which has not been well researched and is poorly written and presented without a factual basis.

CIP Code 2.3

Acknowledge the values held by the client or employer unless those values conflict with other aspects of the Code

(A member ignores the client or employer’s standards or needs in the work being done and does not adhere to the agreed-upon Terms of Reference for a project.)

CIP Code 2.4

Respect the client or employer's right to confidentiality unless that right conflicts with other aspects of the Code

(A member releases information that is confidential. This right of confidentiality does not extend to, for example, a situation where the member is required to testify before a tribunal of the member’s PTIA where a complaint has been made against the member by the client or employer.)

CIP Code 2.5

Inform the client or employer in a timely manner if there is a conflict between their values or actions and the Code

(A member who does not immediately notify the client or employer that something they want the member to do is in conflict with the member’s responsibilities under the Code. An example is a client asking a member to share with them confidential information that the member has collected in the course of conducting an assignment for another client.)

CIP Code 2.6

Ensure timely and full disclosure to a client or employer of a possible conflict of interest arising from your private or professional activities

(A member who does not immediately let the client or employer know of a situation where the member believes they cannot continue to offer independent professional advice. An example is a member employed as a consultant on the side providing professional planning advice in a municipality where the member is employed full-time as a professional planner.)

CIP Code 2.7

Do not offer or accept financial or other inducements including prospective employment that could or appear to influence professional opportunities or advice

(A member asks for or receives a financial or other benefit, including a job, in exchange for providing professional advice that is not independent and objective. An example is a member providing biased conclusions, at the request of a client, in a report that will be received by a public regulatory body in exchange for gaining further work from the client.)

CIP Code 2.8

As a public agency employee do not give paid planning advice to a private client within that agency's jurisdiction without disclosure and written consent

(A member accepts a bonus payment based on a planning approval achieved)

CIP Code 2.9

As a consultant to a public agency do not give paid advice to others in that jurisdiction during the contract without disclosure and written consent where a conflict could arise

(A member acts as a consultant providing professional planning advice to a developer on a project in a municipality at the same time as the member is providing professional planning advice to the municipality on matters that may affect the developer’s project.)

CIP Code 3.1

Maintain awareness of contemporary planning philosophy theory and practice through ongoing professional education

(A member ignores the PTIA requirements for continuous professional learning)

CIP Code 3.2

Do not engage in dishonourable or questionable conduct professional or private that casts doubt on your competence or integrity or reflects on the profession

(A member at a conference spends all of the program time outside of the conference in a disorderly and disruptive manner.)

CIP Code 3.3

Ensure advertising and promotional activities fairly and accurately communicate your expertise qualifications and experience

(A member provides false or misleading information on a CV or corporate brochure.)

CIP Code 3.4

Act toward other members with fairness and do not falsely or maliciously injure another member's professional reputation

(A public sector member, when asked to recommend a good planner for employment purposes by the public or developer, continuously gives a specific reference rather than referring to an approved list or the PTIA’s Directory of Planning Consultants.)

CIP Code 3.5

Show objectivity and fairness when evaluating another member's work and avoid ill-considered or uninformed criticism

(A member makes derogatory comments at a Public Hearing on a planning matter about the work performed by another member.)

CIP Code 3.6

Do not attempt to supplant another member once you know definite steps have been taken toward their employment

(A member offers a discount or other incentive to lure a client’s business when that client is in the process of securing a contract with another planner.)

CIP Code 3.7

Only sign or seal a final document that you actually prepared or checked yourself

(A member seals a final site plan, prepared by a friend, who is a non-member, without checking the plan and thoroughly understanding the project.)

CIP Code 3.8

Report to the Institute the behaviour of any member believed to be in breach of the Code in a timely manner

(In spite of extensive media coverage and personal knowledge, a member does not report that a fellow CIP member has vociferously criticized a planning scheme proposed by the firm of another member.)

CIP Code 3.9

Only make public statements on behalf of the Institute if you are authorized to do so

(In the media a member states that members of the Canadian Institute of Planners are opposed to the demolition of a local heritage building when no such statement has been made)

CIP Code 3.10

Comply with any reasonable request of the Institute for information or cooperation

(A member refuses to co-operate in an investigation by the member’s PTIA of alleged professional conduct by the member)

CIP Code 3.11

Respect the process and decision of any discipline proceeding affecting a member

(A member, who is the subject of a disciplinary matter, makes light of the procedure and does not prepare for and participate in the procedure in a professional manner.)

Competency

One of the two standards of the ethical planner, which is bounded by your actual experience

Integrity

One of the two standards of the ethical planner, requiring independent judgment upholding obligations to client public employer and profession simultaneously

Public Interest identification

In planning scenarios, this is best identified by examining relevant planning policy documents such as Official Plans and Provincial Policy rather than surveying public opinion

Conflict of Interest Modern Trend

A shift in how the Code treats conflicts, moving from simple disclosure toward mitigation as a heightened standard of practice

Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action

The foundational report that underlies the reconciliation content on the planner's exam

Planner Reconciliation Actions

Actions encouraged by CIP including self-education about local Indigenous communities and integrating Duty to Consult into standard practice

Section 4 of the Code

Discipline

Provincial and Territorial Institutes and Associations (PTIAs) shall establish by By-law policies and practices necessary to administer their Codes of Professional Conduct to ensure the proper handling of complaints, investigations, disciplinary reviews, sanctions, and appeals, and to reduce risk and liability. Such information shall reflect legal requirements and best practices used by professional associations.

Code’s 4 categories:

1. Public Interest

2. Clients and Employers

3. Profession and Other Members

4. Discipline