Instructional designers can have an important role as change agents in institutional pedagogical approaches and practices in the development of open and online courses and programs. They are in a position to influence awareness and adoption of open educational practices (OEP) as these relate to course and program development. Instructional designers are often on the front line of implementation of OEP including advocacy for and incorporation of open educational resources (OER) and open pedagogical learning designs. They often need to grapple with both the institutional barriers and practical challenges that arise in this role. Based on analysis of survey and other data this study explores the practices and strategies for OEP and OER implementation reported by instructional designers in higher education institutions across Canada.