OTTAWA, May 2, 2025 – The Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) extends its warm congratulations to the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mark Carney and all newly elected Members of Parliament. As Canada moves forward with urgency to address the national housing crisis, CIP looks forward to working with the federal government to help build housing faster, smarter, and more sustainably.
The Liberal Party’s platform reflects a welcome recognition of the scale and criticality of Canada’s housing challenge and the critical role of federal leadership to tackle it. In a recent election survey, professional planners made it clear they stand ready to support this essential work to create prosperous communities across the country.
Planners are not the cause of red tape, but the key to cutting through it. Planning professionals bring the tools, data, and community insight to streamline processes, reduce bottlenecks, consult communities, and get good projects built. With 85% of professional planners identifying zoning reform and affordable housing supply as top priorities, and over 80% emphasizing the importance of integrating climate considerations into planning, CIP is committed to turning these shared goals into real outcomes for the new federal government.
While building more housing faster must be a priority, that speed must not come at the expense of climate migration and adaptation. Climate-resilient planning is essential to building lasting, truly affordable housing that meets the needs of future generations. Planners are uniquely positioned to balance these imperatives and ensure that growth is resilient, inclusive, and aligned across all levels of government.
Canada’s professional planners are ready to be strong and effective partners in this national effort. The Canadian Institute of Planners looks forward to working with the Prime Minister and the federal government to deliver better housing, better communities, and a better future for all Canadians.
About the Canadian Institute of Planners
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.
For more information or to request an interview with CIP’s CEO Deborah Morrison or President Lesley Cabot RPP, FCIP, ICD D, please contact communications@cip-icu.ca.