1. OPPI MEMBERS FORUM Self Regulation - What is it to you? The Big Questions 1.Why is this Important? Why now? Sue Cumming 2.What is involved to get there? Ian Lord 3.What will change for OPPI Members? Ann Joyner 4.What are the next steps? Mary Lou Tanner

2. Why is this important? Why now? OPPI is a professional, but voluntary association wherein planners hold themselves and the membership to high standards of practice. A professional brings specialized training, expertise, knowledge and perspective to bear on issues. Damage done by unqualified, unprepared or unethical planners can significantly harm public, environmental, and economic health.

3. Why is this important? Why now? Planning is a professional advisory function within society Planners have unique skills, competencies and ethics Planners have a primary responsibility to define and serve the interests of the public

4. Why is this important? Why now? Universal standards of accountability are essential to protect the public interest. The right to practice as a planner, if legislated can ensure that the public interest is held paramount.

5. Why is this important? Why now? In 1994, the Ontario Government passed the “Ontario Professional Planners Act” giving title protection to OPPI members- establishing Registered Professional Planner. At present, the government does not require planners to belong to a regulatory body. There are limited legal mechanisms to ensure the competencies and ethics of some that practice planning.

6. Why is this important? Why now? OPPI Members ask: Why is the planning profession not licensed like engineers, architects and foresters? Why are individuals who are not RPPs able to represent themselves as planners? Why do we need to advocate for paralegal licensing exemptions for OPPI members? What are the steps needed to move forward with stronger legislation for the planning profession?

7. Why is this important? Why now? Professional planners in Ontario have been considering the desirability and possibility of becoming a fully self regulated profession for some time. In 2007 OPPI’s Strategic Plan brought self-regulation to the forefront and Council established the Professional Practice Advisory Group (PPAG).

8. Why is this important? Why now? OPPI Council has endorsed recommendations from the Professional Practice Advisory Group to pursue stronger legislation to move from a voluntary, consensual, professional association to a self-regulated profession acting in the public interest.

9. Why is this important? Why now? Key steps taken PPAG prepares White Paper with work plan. Stakeholder consultations with other professions /associations undertaken in 2010. Research and review of alternate models PPAG prepares Green Paper setting out a framework for moving forward - endorsed by OPPI Council - May 2011 Consultation with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing - June 2011

10. Why is this important? Why now? Complimentary Initiatives Underway 1.New standards are being set as part of Planning for the Future. 2.Continuous Professional Learning is being enhanced. 3.Discipline Process is being refined. 4.Communication tools are being honed.

11. Why is this important? Why now? The foundation has been laid to: Enforce universal professional standards for planners consistent with the broader public good. Ensure that anyone who calls herself/himself a planner has the requisite skills and competencies and meets established ethical standards. To create stronger legislation that recognizes the significant role of the planning profession in society and the protection of the public interest. “I believe that it is time for this Profession to take its place amongst other regulated professions in Ontario Society. The next steps are logical and timely! “ Sue Cumming, President OPPI

12. What is involved to get there? Characteristics of a “Profession” – Friedson (2001) Specialized work grounded in a body of theoretically based, discretionary knowledge and skill Exclusive jurisdiction in a particular division of labour Qualifying credentials Ideology that asserts greater commitment to doing good work than to economic gain

13. What is involved to get there? Reasons why self-regulation is important: 1.To validate the competency of candidate planning professional in the eyes of the public, business and government. 2.To add credibility to an established profession. 3.To ensure qualified planning professionals fulfill planning roles

14. 4.To protect the public and planning profession. 5.To enhance the level of confidence that employers, clients and employees have in the work of professional planners. What is involved to get there? Reasons why self-regulation is important:

15. What is involved to get there? What is self-regulation of a profession? It is consumer protection legislation Involves universal standard of competency and professionalism applicable to protect the public interest in the exercise of professional planning practices. Analogous to a contract between an occupation and the government to formally regulate the activities of qualified members.

16. What is involved to get there? What is self-regulation of a profession? It is a delegation of the provincial power to regulate to a regulatory body or professional association Affords some government control over the profession without the minutia of direct regulations. Protects the public from incompetent or unethical professional planning practitioners.

17. What is involved to get there? OPPI performs as a regulatory body PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION Serves the interests of its members Provides information Provides professional development services and opportunities Provides networking events Lobbies government on planning matters and advocates positions Provide associative programs REGULATORY BODY Purpose is to provide protection to the public on issues of competencies and ethics Administers criteria Defines standards for entry to the profession Defines codes of conduct, ethics, professional standards and standards of practice Investigates complaints and conducts discipline proceedings

18. What is involved to get there? Benefits of being a regulated profession a)Recognized professional credentials versus occupations b)Market preference c)Market premiums d)Credibility and expert witness qualifications e)Influence on government policy f)Independence and self defining destiny

19. What will change for OPPI Members? All planners will be required to subscribe to a common Code of Ethics and Professional Standards. OPPI members already uphold a Professional Code of Conduct that emphasizes their primary responsibility as defining and serving the public interest.

20. What will change for OPPI Members? The public will know that all planners belong to an association that is governed to ensure our practice is in the public interest. The public will know that all people practicing the core elements of planning and calling themselves planners – are qualified and regulated. Transparency and accountability will increase with the public having increased access to information concerning members’ professional qualifications.

21. What will change for OPPI Members? Certain “activities” may be regulated. Certain functions may only be performed by licensed or certified members. The scope of practice can remain the same and be enshrined in public legislation. The practice of planning and its prescribed standards will be clearly articulated in public legislation.

22. What will change for OPPI Members? All practicing planners will be subject to oversight. The new regulatory body for the profession will include members external to our membership. The legislator may impose duties on the regulator and members. There may be added costs which would be carefully reviewed.

23. What will change for OPPI Members? Discipline and membership requirements must be enforced by the regulator. OPPI has a rigorous Discipline process. Continuous professional learning will likely be mandatory. PIBC, APPI, MPPI, OUQ have mandatory today. Many approaches to address this.

24. What are the next Steps for OPPI? Ongoing communication with membership Resume government consultation To determine:  Directions around the structure of a self-regulatory body.  Key elements for decision by OPPI membership and timing of vote.  Key elements for decision by the Ontario Government and formal submission.

25. What are the next Steps for OPPI? Join our presenters, OPPIs Registrar and PPAG Members for an interactive panel discussion at 10:45 today. To start immediately following the media café Some Questions to start our discussion: – What are the expectations for a regulator? – How will we convince the Province of Ontario? – How will we consult with other professions? – What will the definition of scope of practice be? – How will this affect me?