4 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
HR becomes self-regulated profession in Manitoba
Starting Monday, Manitobans will be able to view complaints and disciplinary action against local human resources professionals through an online registry.
The registry stems from new legislation. Bill 233, which recognizes human resources as a self-regulated profession, takes effect Sunday.
'We are very happy,' said Lana Adeleye-Olusae, past chair of CPHR Manitoba.
CPHR Manitoba will be responsible for maintaining a public list showing the names and designations of its roughly 1,800 members. Viewers will see whether members are chartered professionals in human resources (CPHRs), CPHR candidates or human resources professionals without the designation.
Legitimate complaints against members will be shown alongside 'very detailed information about the complaint' and the inquiry process, said Ron Gauthier, chief executive of CPHR Manitoba.
CPHR Manitoba has handled complaints against its members for years, but disciplinary action has never been made public. Complaints can range from sexual assault to misusing confidential information and not fulfilling job requirements.
Two complaints against HR professionals were dismissed this year. Last year, CPHR Manitoba received four or five complaints, Gauthier said.
CPHR Manitoba's internal complaints committee sometimes comes to a decision. More complicated situations can elicit a third-party investigator, Gauthier said. Rulings can result in members' credentials being stripped.
Both sides can hire lawyers and appeal decisions to the Court of King's Bench.
Past complaints and inquiries won't appear in the new registry. Legitimate complaints, starting June 1, will be added to the online list.
The registry only covers CPHR Manitoba members.
'If (businesses) want people that will be held accountable for what they have done, it's better for them to hire people that are under CPHR Manitoba,' Adeleye-Olusae said.
Bill 233 gives title protection to CPHR Manitoba, allowing the entity to crack down more easily on people touting themselves as CPHRs when they're not.
Shannon Martin, former MLA for McPhillips, introduced the legislation as a private members' bill in May 2023. Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan have passed similar legislation.
HR practitioners aren't required to join CPHR Manitoba or become CPHRs.
Gabrielle PichéReporter
Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the Free Press. She interned at the Free Press and worked for its sister outlet, Canstar Community News, before entering the business beat in 2021. Read more about Gabrielle.
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