FAQs
Self Regulation
Why is CPHR Alberta stepping back from the pursuit of self-regulation now?
Major legislative changes in 2025 replace Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act (POARA), with the new Professional Governance Act (PGA), shifting the regulatory landscape and prompting CPHR Alberta to reassess its direction. The Association has matured significantly since the beginning of our self-regulation journey. The value, monetary implications and strategic impact of self-regulation now look different than when we first began the pursuit.
How has self-regulation legislation for professions in Alberta evolved over time?
The Human Resources Institute of Alberta, now CPHR Alberta, formally applied for self-regulation of the human resources profession in December 2014 under the Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act (POARA). We undertook a comprehensive public and stakeholder consultation process in 2014, including the setup of an advisory group of Chartered members to advise on the initiative.
Until 2025, professional self-regulation in Alberta operated under POARA, an umbrella statute that set public-interest standards for non-health professions, alongside individual acts for professions such as Accountants and Engineers. POARA granted professional regulatory organizations (PROs) authority over registration, assessment, conduct, and discipline, while protecting professional titles without restricting practice rights or requiring practitioners to register. It supported informed public decision-making by maintaining a register of qualified professionals and providing a complaint process for concerns about conduct or competence. The Act saw no major updates after the 1980s.
In 2025, new professional governance legislation was introduced to replace POARA. The new framework, the Professional Governance Act (PGA) was designed to modernize the existing legislation and improve consistency across PROs by bringing them under a single Act.
What is changing with the new Professional Governance Act (PGA)?
The Professional Governance Act (PGA) introduces two major features: a stronger emphasis on competency, requiring all professional regulatory organizations (PROs) to maintain continuing competence programs and report registrants who demonstrate a lack of competence, and expanded ministerial engagement, including approval of codes of ethics and practice standards, the appointment or removal of public members on governance and disciplinary bodies, and the ability to initiate designation reviews through a professional governance officer.
When is the new Professional Governance Act (PGA) expected to come into effect?
The Professional Governance Act (PGA) is expected to be proclaimed in June 2026 with staggered implementation. The Ministry of Advanced Education is working directly with existing professional regulatory organizations (PROs).
Does this decision mean CPHR Alberta is lowering its standards?
No. CPHR Alberta already operates with high standards of practice, rigorous designation requirements, and strong ethical expectations. The CPHR Canada comprehensive competency framework defines the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for effective and ethical HR practice. This framework guides every stage of the professional lifecycle from entry-to-practice assessment and the CPHR National Knowledge Exam, to ongoing professional development and annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
These are core elements of self-regulation, and they remain fully in place.
Will stepping back from self-regulation reduce the value of the CPHR designation?
No. The value of the CPHR designation is rooted in strong competency and ethical requirements and established professional standards with a community of members committed to excellence. These remain unchanged. The decision does not diminish the designation’s credibility or the Association’s commitment to protecting the public interest.
How does this decision benefit members?
CPHR Alberta will continue to focus on the work that best supports our members and the profession; with a dedication to our new strategic plan, in increasing the influence and visibility of the profession, through advocacy on workforce issues, thought leadership and investment in programs and services that directly benefit the membership in a meaningful and impactful way.
Does this mean CPHR Alberta will never pursue self-regulation again?
No. If, in the future, the environment and strategic priorities align, CPHR Alberta can decide to revisit self-regulation.
How does CPHR Alberta currently protect the public interest without formal self-regulation?
CPHR Alberta currently maintains competency-based designation requirements, requires ongoing professional development, sets and enforces ethical standards with a formal and transparent complaints and discipline process, and promotes high standards of practice. Together, these standards, ethical requirements, and competency expectations reflect an Association and profession that already functions with the discipline and public-interest focus associated with formal self-regulation.
What does this mean for the future of the HR profession in Alberta?
The profession continues to grow in influence, visibility, and maturity. This decision reflects the hard work of our community, the members, past and current boards of directors, operations teams and external partners. It is because of this work that we are in a position to assess the current environment with a strategic focus on what best serves the Association and the profession alongside Alberta’s evolving landscape.
Where can members go for more information or to ask questions about self-regulation?
