On Friday February 27, 2015, with the assistance of Ceridian Human Capital Management, HRMA was proud to host the latest Government Relations Roundtable. The Honourable Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Advanced Education engaged a group of senior leaders from a variety of organizations and post-secondary educational institutions. Minister Wilkinson spoke with an impassioned appreciation and depth of understanding that belied his three months in this ministry. Previously, Wilkinson served as Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services.

The MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena started by acknowledging that the HRMA offices are on the traditional territory of Coast Salish First Nations. Wilkinson also acknowledged the emotional and physical challenges faced by many First Nations when it comes to representative participation in the 25 publicly-funded post-secondary institutions throughout the province. One noted observation was the lack of male students, First Nations or otherwise, enrolling in university. Throughout post-secondary institutions in the province, an average of 55 per cent of students are female. This gender gap trend will pose yet-to-be-defined opportunities and challenges for the province in years to come.

Minister Wilkinson worked as a lawyer in the Vancouver offices of a major national law firm. Prior to being called to the bar, Wilkinson was educated and licensed as a physician and holds degrees from the University of Alberta, Dalhousie University, and Oxford University, where he attended as a Rhodes Scholar. He challenged those in the room to ensure curriculum and developmental opportunities are balanced between online and in-person by noting, “learning has a component that can never be fully realized online” and that hands-on contact is critical to learning.

Wilkinson also stressed how critical it is for business and government to be nimble and flexible. For example, government will need to have an annual review of the Jobs Plans as he stressed many skilled and semi-skilled professions are changing significantly. Equally he noted that many professions, such as nursing, have evolved to include a complexity not envisioned 10 to 15 years ago.

The dialogue went on and questions eventually had to be stopped as the Minister engaged the room with discussions ranging from shortening the duration of degree and certificate programs, opportunities for tenured university professors, and Canadian immigration policy.

It is critical that HR professionals hear the challenges faced by government and that government understands the significant role HR professionals play in the economic livelihood of the province. Like with Ontario and Quebec, who have legislation in place, the Alberta and Saskatchewan HR associations are heavily pursuing self-regulatory status for the HR profession. In the coming year, you will be participating in HRMA’s strategic priority to ensure public confidence in HR as we make our submission to achieve self-regulatory status.

It is important that we develop ongoing exchanges with minsters such as the Hon. Andrew Wilkinson and other MLAs welcomed as special guests at the previous five roundtables. The last event was held in Kelowna in December and the series will continue in Victoria on April 16, 2015 when HRMA’s Vancouver Island members will host Michelle Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum and Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation.

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