Potential New Legislation to Govern Human Resources Professionals

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Since the enactment of the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario Act, 1990, human resources professionals in Ontario have been a self-regulated profession, governed by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). Currently, the HRPA sets standards of practice and grants designations, including the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation and the Senior Human Resources Professional (SHRP) designation. The Act also provides the HRPA with the authority to establish by-laws in respect of registration, standards of conduct and practice, and the power to address professional misconduct and issues of competency.

Bill 28, the Registered Human Resources Professionals Act, 2012 has been referred to the Standing Committee on General Government. If enacted, the Bill would expand the HRPA’s structure to include:

  • membership qualification;
  • professional designations;
  • unauthorized use of designations;
  • procedures for making complaints against members of the Association;
  • a disciplinary and appeal process;
  • the appointment of investigators and inspectors; and
  • authorized inspections.

Similar to other professional regulatory bodies, the Bill provides for a wide range of investigative powers. If enacted, Bill 28 would allow the Association to attend at a workplace in order to investigate a member of the HRPA, without the employer’s consent and without a warrant. Although the current HRPA by-laws allow the HRPA to fine members, Bill 28 would further grant the HRPA the ability to fine non-members who are use the CHRP designation without authorization.

Membership in the Association, as well as obtaining a designation, would remain voluntary.

Third Reading and a vote in the Legislature are required before the Bill can receive Royal Assent.