February 24, 2025 – As February comes to a close, the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) is looking back on Black History Month as a time of reflection and recognition. This year’s theme, Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations, highlights the important contributions of Black Canadians, including planners who have shaped communities across the country, both historically and today.

As we honour what this month represents now and throughout the year, we also acknowledge the need for Black planners to feel represented in more significant ways within our organization and the profession at large. 

CIP is committed to addressing this and uplifting future generations of Black planners through initiatives like our CIP Diversity Impact Bursaries, which are awarded through CIP’s partner charity, the CIP/ICU Planning Student Trust Fund (CIP-PSTF). Initiatives like this help reduce financial barriers for Black students and students of colour pursuing planning careers. We believe strongly that fostering a diverse and inclusive profession starts with ensuring equitable access to education and opportunities.

Additionally, we recognize the importance of diverse leadership in guiding equitable governance and embedding Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) principles into the organization. As part of our ongoing efforts, we have designated the 2025–2028 Director-at-large position for an individual with significant expertise, skills, and/or lived experience in EDIA and/or reconciliation, and who is knowledgeable about their application to planning. This intentional leadership role will help shape our organization to be more inclusive and representative of the communities we serve.

We also look forward to hosting the third annual BIPOC Breakfast at ACTION 2025, this year’s CIP/OPPI joint national planning conference—a dedicated space for connection, recognition, and celebration of Black and diverse planners in Canada. This event continues to serve as a vital opportunity for established professionals and emerging planners to engage, share experiences, and inspire one another.

CIP remains committed to advancing EDIA in both the organization and the profession. We stand with our Black members in marking this important month and reaffirm our dedication to meaningful change.

-30-

Media contact:

Lauren Murray (she/her)
Manager, Communications
800.207.2138 x 207
communications@cip-icu.ca

The Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) works on behalf of over 9,500 diverse planning professionals and has served as the voice of Canada’s planning community since 1919. Planners safeguard the health and well-being of urban and rural communities by addressing the use of land, resources, facilities, and services with consideration to physical, economic, and social efficiency.