By Sandra Lim

Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario – HRPAO

The Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario is the professional association for human resource management in Ontario. With over 14,500 members in chapters across the province, HRPAO is moving forward strategically to meet the needs of the profession and business community for leading-edge human resources management.

HRPAO offers its members professional development events, networking opportunities, and an unmatched collection of HR information resources. HRPAO’s annual conference for learning and networking takes place in Toronto each February. In addition there is a Members-only section on the HRPAO website, which includes: a job board where HR professionals can both post job openings for their organizations and seek out new HR job opportunities; a Knowledge Centre, legal updates, and much, much, more.

HRPAO’s mission is to shape organizational excellence across the province, empowering human resource professionals to connect effective people management with business success. For HR professionals and business managers alike, HRPAO promotes the realization of organizational excellence in the workplace. Members are committed to the highest ethical standards, and adhere to HRPAO’s Code of Ethics. In the past, HRPAO administered the provincial-wide Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) designation. However, in 2003, national standards were officially introduced by the Canadian Council of Human Resources Practitioners (CCHRA). After meeting academic course requirements, this new route to certification requires passing the National Knowledge Exam (NKE), and then passing the Professional Practice Assessment (PPA).

The CHRP, once earned, signifies to others that the HR practitioner possesses a common body of knowledge and professional standards, and is at the leading edge of the profession in Canada. As the human resources profession continues to evolve toward a more strategic focus to meet workplace demands, professionals with the CHRP designation continue to provide the business community with innovative best practices in human resources management.

Contact HRPAO by email at info@hrpao.org or by phone (North America Toll Free) at 1-800-387-1311. Visit HRPAO on-line at www.hrpao.org.

Sandra Lim, CPRW, CCM, CECC, Cert. Cybercounselling is a member of HRPAO. She is also the President of A Better Impression www.abetterimpression.com, providing résumé and career counselling services to help her clients create a better impression. She is also a member of HRPAO. Sandra can be reached at newcareer@abetterimpression.com.