A clear, strong direction has been set for the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations (CCHRA), the national voice for human resource professionals in Canada, in a single day of meetings on Friday, May 29, 2015.

“CCHRA has defined a new philosophy that positions us to move forward quickly and decisively,” said Roma Thorlakson, newly elected Chair CCHRA and current Chair of the Human Resource Management Association of Manitoba. “The Board is clearly aligned and ready to solidify our position in the marketplace and to ratify new national standards for the CHRP designation.”

The Board Meeting and Annual General Meeting saw the election of a new Chair, the formalization of the appointment of the interim CEO, the passing of a new set of core principles and new bylaws, and two-year funding agreements, among many other items.

CCHRA’s defined core principles focus on unity of purpose and clarity of process: one designation; one profession; one member association; one vote; one certification; one framework and one national body with one set of goals and objectives. These principles are supported by a completely revised set of by-laws and role definitions.

“As a group, the Board recognizes the critical juncture we are at in the history of the organization,” said Shannon Railton, Chair-elect, HRMA. “We have this one opportunity to create a truly national body that serves the needs of all the members, elevating the CHRP designation and the visibility of the profession where it matters the most.”

Anthony Ariganello, President and CEO, HRMA was recently appointed for up to two-years as interim Chief Executive Officer of CCHRA. “We are thrilled that Tony has stepped into this role,” added Thorlakson. “He brings CCHRA hands-on national and international experience in positioning a professional designation. This is exactly the skill set and leadership we need at this point in time.”

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity that lies immediately ahead,” said Ariganello. “With a Board that has clarity of focus and the kind of determination to proceed that we saw today, and the strength of the CEO Council, CCHRA has the potential to carve out a great future on behalf of our members.”

The human resource member associations involved in the meetings included: HRMA (BC and Yukon); HRIA (Alberta); SAHRP (Saskatchewan); HRMAM (Manitoba); HRANB (New Brunswick); HRANS (Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island); HRPNL (Newfoundland and Labrador); and ORHRI (Quebec) who attended as observers.