An Update from your Board of Directors – March 2026

As the governing voice of CPHR Alberta, the Board of Directors meets quarterly to provide oversight and guidance in several key areas. The Board, alongside CPHR Alberta operations, have began delivery on the association's new strategic priorities developed in the 2026-2028 strategic plan.

To ensure transparency between our Board of Directors, members and key stakeholders, we are sharing post-meeting messages to inform the steps taken towards advancing our profession and ensuring a financially stable association.


The Board of Directors met on March 14, 2026 to review organizational performance, governance matters, and strategic priorities for the coming year. The Board’s key messages for the membership are as follows:


Strong Association Performance in 2025


The Board reviewed the 2025 year-end financial statements and Q4 Management Discussion & Analysis. Key highlights include:


  • 7,332 active members in 2025 (+409), a 6% year-over-year increase
  • Student membership drove much of the growth, strengthening the profession’s long-term pipeline
  • 76 professional development events delivered, reaching 7,000+ participants across Alberta
  • 2025 CPHR Alberta Conference exceeded attendance targets with strong sponsor engagement
  • 2026 conference outlook is strong, with sponsorship commitments nearing target levels


The Board approved the 2025 audited financial statements, confirming the organization remains financially stable and well-positioned to support continued growth.


Strengthening the Value of Recognition of the CPHR Designation


The Board reviewed updates on thought leadership, marketing, and labour-market recognition of the designation.

Key insights include that 52% of qualifying HR job postings now require or prefer a CPHR designation, demonstrating strong labour-market recognition. Strategic partnerships also continue to expand, including advancement in opportunities with the Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR). Marketing initiatives and industry engagement are focused on building awareness of the designation across employers and HR professionals. 

The Board remains focused on protecting and strengthening the credibility and value of the designation.


Self-Regulation and Advocacy


The Board discussed the current self-regulation review.


Governance and Board Leadership


The Board received updates from its committees and discussed key governance matters, including the Finance & Audit Committee’s oversight of audited financial statements and financial performance and the Governance Committee’s work on governance policy and board practices. The Human Resources Committee also provided updates on governance processes, including expressions of interest and board director voting results.

The Board also reviewed board effectiveness practices, succession planning, and interest in the Vice-Chair role as part of ensuring strong leadership continuity.


Looking Ahead


The Board discussed priorities for the coming months, including:


  • Preparation for the 2026 Annual General Meeting (May 7)
  • Continued membership growth and engagement
  • Delivering a successful 2026 CPHR Alberta Conference (June 2-3)


The Board remains focused on supporting members, advancing the HR profession, and ensuring the organization remains strong and sustainable.

 

The next Board meeting takes place in June 2026, after which we will again share our key messages. If you have any questions regarding these key messages or the Board of Directors, please contact chair@cphrab.ca. We welcome your feedback!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.



World Day for Safety and Health at Work: Why It Matters

By Jessica Jaithoo • April 21, 2026
Author: Taia Northrup , 2026 Social Media Committee Volunteer Building Safer Workplaces Every April 28th, World Day for Safety and Health at Work serves as an important reminder that workplace safety isn’t just a policy, it is a commitment to people. While procedures, protocols, and compliance requirements are essential, the true foundation of a safe workplace lies in a culture where employees feel valued, heard, and protected. In today’s evolving environment, safety goes beyond hard hats and hazard signs. It includes psychological safety, inclusive practices, and the ability for employees to speak up without fear. As organizations continue to adapt in a tech driven world, the role of Human Resources in shaping and sustaining this culture has never been more critical. Traditionally, workplace safety has been associated with physical risk prevention. While this is still vital, modern organizations are expanding their focus to include mental health, preventing burnout, and overall well-being. Which Leads to the Culture of Psychological Safety A truly safe workplace is one where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas, raising concerns, and admitting mistakes without fear. Psychological safety is essential for innovation, collaboration, and overall organizational success. Safety doesn’t always require large scale initiatives… Often it is small, consistent actions that make the biggest difference, these include: Checking in with employees regularly Offering training and refreshers Celebrating safe practices and milestones Creating opportunities for feedback As we recognize World Day for Safety and Health at Work, it is an opportunity to reflect on how we can continue to build safer, healthier workplaces. By prioritizing both physical and psychological well-being, organizations can create environments where employees thrive. At its core, safety is about people. When we lead with empathy, listen with intention, and act with purpose, we don’t just meet safety standards, we exceed them!

Where HR Leadership Meets National Impact: Chairperson Opportunity at the Canadian Race Relations Foundation

April 21, 2026
Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHRs) bring a unique and deeply relevant skill set to senior governance roles—particularly those focused on equity, inclusion, and systemic change. With expertise in ethical leadership, organizational governance, people systems, and inclusive decision‑making, CPHR professionals are well positioned to contribute at the highest levels of public service. The Government of Canada is currently seeking applications for the role of Chairperson of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) Board of Directors, a Governor in Council appointment that offers an opportunity to shape national conversations on race relations and advance meaningful change across Canada.

We are now partnering with Venngo to offer you MemberPerks!

By Jessica Jaithoo • April 20, 2026
CPHR Alberta is proud to announce that we are now partnering with Venngo to offer you MemberPerks! Discounts to help you and your family save on life’s essentials, comforts. We are delighted to invite you to MemberPerks — an exciting new employee benefit program that’s designed to perk up your everyday life. MemberPerks is a premium discount program that will help you save money regularly with special discounts on 10 major categories such as electronics, entertainment, health and wellness, apparel and more. Start saving today! Go to cphralberta.venngo.com Create your MemberPerks account - sign up using the email address associated with your membership Start saving now! Need help signing up? View the Step by Step Guide here Find the FAQ’s here
MORE NEWS