OTTAWA – Great planning begins with great people. That’s why J.L. Richards & Associates Limited (JLR) is proud to collaborate with Dialectic to design and develop two new Frameworks for Success professional development courses specifically to help those in the professional planning community. Created for the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and selected after a thorough bidding process, these courses are built to address the biggest challenges facing both job seekers and employers in Ontario’s planning profession.
Two Courses, One Goal
Our team has created two courses designed to meet two pressing—but connected—needs facing the Ontario planning industry.
Job Readiness – Helps aspiring planners build the soft skills needed to enter the planning industry and provides an overview of the culture and traditions of the Ontario planning industry. It is specifically designed for people from equity-deserving groups and those who have had internal training.
Employe Readiness – Provides employers in the planning industry with the strategies and insights needed to create inclusive hiring, onboarding, and retention policies. This will contribute to a supportive workplace culture that will be benefit companies and aspiring planners alike.
Through in-person and e-learning sessions, these courses will provide targeted professional development that will help close the skills gap, accelerate workforce readiness, and ensure that the planning sector can meet both current and future demands.
A Team with Insight and Experience
These courses were developed through collaboration between JLR’s experienced planners and our Director of People & Culture, and Dialectic, combining deep industry knowledge with a commitment to inclusive, people-centered learning. Drawing on decades of experience and fresh perspectives, the team brings a deep understanding of the Ontario planning landscape and the people working within it.
Leading the initiative is Jason Ferrigan, RPP, MCIP, MSc.Pl., Director of Planning, whose 26 years in the field and leadership roles with OPPI give him a unique lens on the profession’s evolving needs.
The courses also reflect the expertise of Kristin McCartney, CHRP, Director of People & Culture, whose 15 years in HR have been dedicated to building inclusive, respectful workplaces. Kristin will be presenting the courses, ensuring they’re not only informative but also grounded in principles of equity and support.
A newer voice, Madelen Fellows, M.PI., a recent graduate and planner at JLR, bring fresh energy and a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing today’s emerging professionals.
Together, this team offers a rich blend of experience, leadership, and innovation—making these courses both timely and impactful.
In order: Jason Ferrigan, RPP, MCIP, MSc.Pl.; Kristin McCartney, CHRP; Madelen Fellows, M.PI.;
A Shared Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
JLR and OPPI share a strong commitment to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in the workplace. Through their Path Forward initiatives and similar policies, OPPI has made it clear that they are dedicated to embodying diversity in the planning profession, a viewpoint shared by the JLR team.
“We’re thrilled to be part of such an important project,” says Kristin McCartney, Director of People & Culture at JLR. “The programs and services we’ve developed at JLR help support our goals of creating an inclusive work environment where people from all walks of life can learn, grow, contribute, and thrive. The opportunity to pass on our successes and have a positive impact on the wider community through these courses is truly exciting.”
Enroll Today
The planning industry in Ontario needs to adapt and involve in order continue meeting the needs of communities across the province. JLR is proud to work with Dialectic to create these courses for OPPI. All share a mission of strengthening the planning profession and ensuring that the next generation of planners have the tools they need to grow and succeed.
Learn more about the Frameworks for Success courses and enroll today by or follow the links below to each specific course.