The Association of Canadian University Planning Programs (ACUPP) includes 18 universities with a total of 24 programs that offer professional training in urban and regional planning that meets the accreditation standards of the Canadian Institute of Planners. The primary goal of the association is to promote excellence in planning education, research and practice by:

Exchanging information concerning curriculum design, pedagogic methods and activities.

Facilitating collaborative teaching and research.

Promoting student exchanges and fieldtrips.

Promoting scholarly research on planning in Canada.

Providing opportunities for students and faculty to work along with professional planners, community organizations and other stakeholders on current planning issues and projects.

Providing informed comment on the academic accreditation criteria and procedures that are administered by professional associations to ensure that these are appropriate, effective and fair.

Facilitating international collaboration in planning education, research and practice.

The Association is governed by a charter. Meetings are held at least once a year to discuss issues affecting planning education and research in Canada, report on current activities, plan new initiatives and elect officers of the Association.

The Association collaborates with the Canadian Association of Planning Students (CAPS) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) on activities that promote planning education, research and practice. Students and faculty serve on several CIP committees and the President of the Association is a member (non-voting) of the National Council. Particular attention is given to CIP activities that concern academic affairs, publications, policy research and international programs.

Close collaboration is also maintained with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) in the US and other academic associations throughout the world.