On Tuesday, May 14, 2013 British Columbians will go to the polls. As the voice of human resources in the province, BC HRMA has been engaged in a number of initiatives to ramp up and increase the profile of our profession leading up to next month’s election.

Over the past couple of years, BC HRMA has made a concerted effort to provide the news media with information about workplace and employment issues that affect almost every worker in the province on some level. Our expertise as Certified Human Resources Professionals (CHRPs), combined with common-sense commentary and media releases on the issues of the day, have entrenched BC HRMA firmly in the contact lists of some of the region’s most influential public affairs and news outlets. Some of the topics we’ve been asked to comment on include BC’s new Family Day holiday, new WorkSafeBC legislation, year-round school calendars, how to find skilled workers, and many more.

In addition to increasing our profile with the public, we have also been representing our members with both elected officials and senior staff within government and the Official Opposition. At the beginning of 2012, we launched the highly-successful Government Relations Roundtables – an informal lunch event hosted in our offices that provides an opportunity for members to hear from, and interact with, MLAs and senior bureaucrats. Past participants have included the Hon. Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, the Hon. Margaret MacDiarmid, Minister of Labour, Mr. Shane Simpson, Official Opposition Labour Critic, and Mr. Adrian Dix, Leader of the Official Opposition.

Over the next few weeks, there will also be opportunities for you to engage at a local level as candidates for all the main parties will be actively campaigning in your community. If we all participate in our respective communities, it will give our profession a much greater voice and ensure that our issues remain a part of the broader policy debate throughout the election campaign.

BC HRMA Key Messages for Election 2013

• BC’s HR Professionals support provincial policies that facilitate productive, healthy, cooperative workplaces where employers and employees can thrive and excel.
• BC’s Certified Human Resource Professionals (CHRPs) are a valuable source of information and expertise on employment and workplace issues and should be consulted and engaged by government on issues of importance to BC employers.
• BC’s ability to recruit and retain skilled workers will become increasingly important to BC companies and government must ensure there are policies in place that addresses this issue.

Get Engaged in the Upcoming Election

• Stay informed – keep up-to-date on political news and coverage
• Attend and participate in an all-candidates meeting or community forum
• Call in to a talk show and use it as an opportunity to demonstrate your professional expertise
• Participate in a public opinion poll when they call and ask for your input
• Meet your local candidate – visit the campaign office.
• Volunteer – do some phoning, driving, or canvassing.  
• Take to Social Media – use the election as an opportunity to generate discussion about relevant topics.

Finally, the most important thing we can all do is to take the time to get out and vote, and ensure that people within our organizations all have the opportunity to vote on election day. We’re proud of the expertise we have throughout BC HRMA’s membership and encourage all members to take advantage of opportunities to get engaged in the upcoming provincial election campaign.

Additional Resources and Websites

• Elections BC: www.elections.bc.ca
• Legislative Assembly of BC: www.gov.bc.ca
• BC Liberal Party   www.bcliberals.com
• BC New Democratic Party www.bcndp.ca
• BC Conservatives: www.bcconservative.ca
• BC Green Party: www.greenparty.bc.ca