Certified Human Resources Professionals (CHRPs) and other human resources specialists in the Yukon will begin the New Year by joining British Columbia’s Human Resources Management Association (HRMA) as full members.

The Yukon will formally become HRMA’s eighth membership region effective January 1^st, 2013, and the first one located outside of British Columbia.

Up to now, a number of Yukon-based HR practitioners have been partially participating in association activities as extra-provincial members of HRMA. However, they have not had access to the complete slate of benefits and programs enjoyed by their counterparts in BC who are full members of the association.

“After hearing significant expressions of interest and enthusiasm from the Yukon, the association decided it was time to form a whole new membership region to accommodate this growing and talented group,” said Christian Codrington, senior manager of operations for HRMA. “We’re pleased to welcome our colleagues in the Yukon, and offer them the same range of benefits enjoyed by all of our full members.”

A Yukon Advisory Council consisting of local members will be chaired by Lee Vincent, CHRP, assistant vice president HR at Northwestel, to identify the needs of the Yukon-based members, and ensure that services offered fulfill those required in the region.

HRMA member services include networking, professional development and HR metrics, as well as mentoring, volunteer and recognition programs. Fully-fledged members hold voting rights and may be elected to a position on the HRMA Board of Directors.