Make a difference at CPHR Alberta

Help set the direction for your association on the CPHR Alberta Board of Directors.

From self-regulation and the future of our designation to relationships with other provincial HR associations to the sustainability of CPHR Alberta itself, the Board of Directors is the governing voice of CPHR Alberta. Our volunteer Directors share their time, talent and expertise to represent the interests of fellow CPHR Alberta members and stakeholders.

Board volunteers provide oversight and guidance in a number of key areas. In 2023, the Board, alongside CPHR Alberta operations, continued delivering on the association's priorities that were developed in the 2020 strategic plan.

To continue this positive momentum, we are recruiting for three (3) three-year Director positions commencing in May 2024.

The CPHR Alberta Board of Directors value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and supports the election and appointment of diverse candidates to the Board. The Board believes that having a diverse Board contributes to a balanced and effective Board – one that is well-positioned to address the changing needs of the organization and our membership.

CPHR Alberta Board of Directors Application Process

Ensuring the CPHR Alberta Board of Directors has the skills and experience to guide the association is a priority. For 2023 / 2024 Board applications and elections will follow a six-step process:

  1. Applications open on November 20, 2023 to January 5, 2024 and only CPHR Alberta Chartered Members can apply. Members are encouraged to review the position profile , including qualifications and desired skills.
  2. Our online form makes applying easier. It should only take a few minutes to complete the form within your member profile. You can locate the form under the MENU, within your member portal. Click here to start.
  3. The CPHR Alberta Board of Directors Human Resources Committee will review all the applications following the close of applications on January 5, 2024. Your members of the committee are Jesse Grieder (Director, Committee Chair), Lisa Watson, (Board Chair, Committee Vice-Chair), Steve Kovacic (Director), Geordie MacPherson (Board Vice-Chair), Shawn Paulson (Director).
  4. Interviews of eligible candidates will be conducted by the Human Resources Committee in February 2024. These interviews will be used to create a slate of the most qualified candidates.
  5. The slate of candidates will be presented to the Membership for the Board Election period of March 1 – 15, 2024. All Chartered members are eligible to vote in the Election.

Election results will be presented to the Membership during the Annual General Meeting on May 10, 2024.

Shape the future of CPHR Alberta.

Start your application today.

Questions about the CPHR Alberta Board of Directors nominations? Email Lisa Watson, Board Chair, at chair@cphrab.ca

 


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.



By Jessica Jaithoo September 29, 2025
Author: Ada Tai, MBA, CPHR, SHRM-SCP I’ve been watching the pace of corporate restructuring accelerate this year, and it’s striking how no sector seems immune. ConocoPhillips is reducing its global workforce by a quarter. Intel is preparing to slash 24,000 jobs in one of the largest shake-ups in its history. Salesforce is eliminating 4,000 positions as it doubles down on its AI strategy. Paramount Skydance, fresh off its blockbuster merger, is shedding up to 3,000 roles; while Hudson’s Bay, a retailer that’s been part of Canada’s identity for more than 350 years, is closing its doors and letting go of more than 8,300 employees. Add to that layoffs at Starbucks, Amazon, PwC, Burberry and even Recruit Holdings, the parent company of Indeed and Glassdoor 1 , and the picture becomes clear: we’re in the middle of a global restructuring storm, where technology, cost pressures, and shifting markets are re-writing the rules of work. In my recent conversations with business leaders, one theme keeps surfacing: many are contemplating a restructuring of their own. However, they’re not just looking to cut costs; they’re seeking a clear strategy. That’s what this guide is about: how to prepare for restructuring with purpose, clarity, and humanity. Step One: Define the "Why" Restructuring is one of the most complex decisions a company can make. Done poorly, it can destabilize operations and damage culture. Done well, it can reset the business for future success. The starting point is always the “why.” What problems are you solving? Common drivers include: Financial distress - Reducing costs and/or improving profit margin to stabilize the business Market changes - Pivoting toward new products, services, or geographical territories Technology shifts - Re-organizing to adopt AI, automation, or other innovations Efficiency and competitiveness: Streamline structures or flatten hierarchies The objectives must be specific, measurable, and aligned with the company's long-term vision. This "why" is the foundation for the entire plan and is essential for communicating with stakeholders. Step Two: Define the “What” Once the purpose is clear, organizations can proceed to define the scope. Which functions are absolutely critical to preserve? And which areas could be restructured, consolidated, or phased out? This stage is about mapping priorities. In my work with clients, I often find that once they clarify their non-negotiables, the rest of the plan comes into focus much more easily. Step Three: Plan the “How” Too often, companies jump straight to layoffs, but effective restructuring requires scenario planning. Before jumping to layoffs, I’d advise businesses test different options to see which will lead to the best results for their company. This might include a hiring or salary freeze, reduced hours, offering voluntary exits, retraining employees, or re-deploying talent to new roles. Each option carries different financial, operational, and cultural impacts. Running these scenarios before making cuts prevents costly missteps.  Equally important: restructuring can’t be run by a single department in isolation. Organizations need a cross-functional team of leaders, supported where needed by external advisors who bring objectivity and specialized expertise.
By Jessica Jaithoo August 8, 2025
Author : Nicole Mahieux, Nick Canning & Kendal Tremblay Mental health is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of employee well-being, business resilience and community strength. For HR professionals, supporting mental health is no longer optional—it’s imperative. While conversations around mental health have gained traction in many industries, one critical sector still faces unique and persistent challenges: agriculture. Farmers and agricultural workers play a vital role in food production and national food security. Yet they are among the most vulnerable when it comes to mental health struggles. In fact, they experience some of the highest rates of stress, anxiety, depression—and even suicide. This is not just a personal issue. It's a workforce issue. It's a public health issue. It's a business issue. There are a range of compounding pressures makes farming one of the most mentally taxing professions.  These include: 1.Financial Stress & Unpredictability Unstable markets, weather-dependent outcomes, and shifting government policies contribute to a constant sense of economic uncertainty. 2. Isolation Many farmers work alone and live in rural areas where access to social support is limited. Social isolation increases vulnerability to mental health concerns. 3. Stigma Although mental health stigma is slowly decreasing, it remains a barrier—especially among men, who represent 74% of the agricultural workforce. Traditional gender norms often discourage open conversations or help-seeking.
By Jessica Jaithoo August 7, 2025
As a proud participant in the Glowing Hearts program , CPHR Alberta continues to champion the value that Canadian Armed Forces reservists bring to our workplaces. Since joining the program, we’ve seen firsthand how supporting reservists not only strengthens our communities but also enhances organizational resilience and leadership. The Value of Reservists in the Workplace Reservists are more than military personnel—they are strategic thinkers, adaptable leaders, and skilled collaborators. Their training equips them with discipline, problem-solving abilities, and a mission-focused mindset that translates seamlessly into civilian roles. Captain McKenzie Kibler of The Loyal Edmonton Regiment exemplifies this. In a recent deployment on Operation REASSURANCE, he developed leadership and operational skills that now enrich his civilian career. Watch his story here. Support, Recognition, and Incentives for Employers Supporting reservists doesn’t mean sacrificing business continuity—in fact, it opens the door to meaningful recognition and financial support. Through the Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program (CERP) , employers can receive grants to help offset operational costs when a reservist-employee is away for 30 days or more. At the same time, organizations that register their reservist leave policies with the Glowing Hearts program are publicly recognized on the Canadian Forces Liaison Council website and receive a certificate of support and digital badge. These benefits not only ease the logistical challenges of supporting reservists but also position your organization as a leader in community engagement and national service. Tools and Templates for HR Leaders To make it easier for organizations to support reservists, CPHR Alberta offers a Reservist Leave Policy Template. This resource outlines eligibility, leave procedures, compensation, and compliance with federal and provincial legislation—making it simple to implement a supportive policy. Access the template through the Member Portal.
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