Standards
The Professional Standards Board for the Planning Profession in Canada (PSB) is pleased to share the release of the new national model of Ethical Standards for our profession.
Codes being updated:
Together, the PSB, the Provincial and Territorial Planning Institutes and Associations (PTIAs) across Canada except Québec, and the Canadian Institute of Planners are updating two ethical codes, effective January 1, 2027:
- Code of Ethics Effective January 1, 2027: The fundamental, aspirational ethical principles that are integral to the planning profession in Canada.
- Professional Code of Conduct: The enforceable component of the Ethical Standards. These updated standards are an important modernization of the principles that guide professional planning in Canada. The PSB will use them as the basis for certifying new candidate planners and for accreditation of university planning programs.
While accepting the new national models, each PTIA may be adopting the codes with variances, based on local legislative, regulatory, legal and other contexts.
How these updated codes will be used by the PSB:
- Pre-candidate and candidate planners: Starting January 1, 2027, candidates undergoing coursework and examinations with the PSB will be utilizing the new national model codes.
- University planning programs: Starting in 2027, the PSB will be working with accredited university planning programs to ensure that there is a smooth transition to recognize and teach the new national model Ethical Standards for the planning profession.
These updates include the following changes:
- A broader responsibility to the public
- Specific expectations around engaging with Indigenous communities
- Greater emphasis on professional judgment and independence
- Clearer expectations around conflicts of interest and improper influence
- Responsibility and transparency around technologies like artificial intelligence
Please refer to your own PTIA for the specific updates they will be implementing.