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Career Support for Life

Emerging Leaders Program

The CIP Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is an interactive program designed for aspiring and early-career stage planning professionals to inspire personal growth and career success.

Program Overview

The Emerging Leaders Program introduces skills and concepts related to meaningful leadership, and provides opportunities for peer-to-peer network building and mentorship through:

  • Foundational webinar modules led by senior planning practitioners and professionals, with required readings and learning resources
  • Specialized program at the CIP national conference
  • Individual reflection article (400-500 words)
  • Final online discussion 

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a CIP digital badge. The Emerging Leaders Program is also eligible for continuous professional learning (CPL) units.

In partnership with

2026 Program Schedule

The Emerging Leaders Program consists of three online modules and in-person conference content.

  • The program’s three online modules are typically scheduled one month apart. Each module is led by experienced planners who are recognized leaders in the field, with a focus on leadership development and effective communication. Program participants are required to attend all online modules.  
  • FUSION National Planning Conference: July 7-9, 2026 (Montreal, QC). Please note: Full-day in-person attendance is required on July 6, 2026, for pre-conference sessions and events, which are mandatory for all participants.

All participants are required to commit to the full program, including attending the CIP national conference in person, as it is designed to be an interactive, incremental, and iterative experience.

A small conference registration fee will be required; however, upon completion of the Emerging Leaders Program, this fee will be reimbursed. Participants are responsible for all travel, accommodation, and incidental expenses.

Application

There is an annual application process, and space is limited. Please note that the program is in English and only available to CIP members. 

Application Deadline: January 23, 2026

Applicants will be notified of the status of their application in early to mid-February.

Apply Here

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Special Thank You

CIP is pleased to welcome Urban Systems as a partner for this initiative. We are grateful for their commitment to developing planning’s future leaders and investing in our profession.

Embracing Diversity

CIP celebrates and promotes diversity, equality, inclusion and accessibility by offering equal opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, colour, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or appearance. We believe that having participants who reflect the diversity of our membership and the Canadian population makes us stronger.