1. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF HRPA?
The primary purpose of the HRPA is to promote and protect the public interest by governing and regulating the practice of members, students and firms registered with the Association in accordance with the Registered Human Resources Professionals Act, 2013 and our by-laws.

Our governing and regulatory role not only ensures a competent & ethical HR practice but works to advance the profile & value of the HR profession amongst our members, students and organizations.

Like most professional regulatory bodies, we have four basic roles:

    • Ensure that only competent and ethical professionals are allowed into the profession.
    • Ensure that, once in, members and students continue to maintain their competence and practice their profession in a way that minimizes the risk to the public.
    • Deal with members and students who fail to live up to the standards of the profession.
    • Manage relations with stakeholders in such a way as to develop and maintain public confidence in the regulation of the profession.

For more information, please see the Protecting the Public section of the website.

2. What is risk-based regulation? How does HRPA use risk-based regulation to ensure ethical and competent HR practice?
Risk-based regulation is a proactive approach to professional regulation where HRPA partners with our registered members, students, and firms to prevent or mitigate any potential risks posed by the practice of HR. While our Complaints and Discipline processes deal with issues after harm has occurred, risk-based regulation employs a variety of tools to prevent harm from occurring in the first place.

HRPA conducted extensive research to create the Risk Roster, a living document that lists the risks and potential harm to the public posed by the practice of HR, and redeveloped the Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct. Practice standards and guidelines on specific HR practice areas that have been identified as high-risk are also issued on an on-going basis.

To learn more about risk-based regulation, and the responsibilities and obligations HR professionals registered with HRPA have, please see the Professional Guidance section of the website.

1. HOW DO I JOIN HRPA – AND CAN I JOIN EVEN IF I DON’T CURRENTLY LIVE IN CANADA?
You can join HRPA online at any time throughout the year – regardless of where you live. To join, simply complete our online registration application. If you are a new immigrant, please review our instructions for Internationally Educated Professionals before starting your online application.

If you are unable to join online for any reason, please email registration@hrpa.ca for assistance.

Please note: while the online registration application can be accessed on most current mobile devices, unfortunately it will not work on some older models. As such, we would recommend using a computer instead.

2. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT CLASSES OF REGISTRATION?
As a new applicant there are three classes of registration you may be eligible for:

    • Allied Professional, for applicants who are already registered with another regulatory body;
    • Student, for applicants who are currently taking at least three HR courses per semester at an accredited institution and are not working full-time; and
    • Practitioner, for all other applicants regardless of whether they are currently working in HR.

For detailed information about each registration class please click here. Please read the eligibility criteria for each registration class before proceeding.

3. HOW MUCH DOES REGISTRATION AS A MEMBER OR STUDENT COST?
The registration dues are based on the registration class you’re applying for.

Please click here for an overview of the different classes and dues.

HRPA’s registration year runs from June 1st–May 31st and dues are charged on a monthly pro-rated basis. This means your initial registration dues are reflective of the number of months you are signing up for, up until the next May 31st. All registrations expire each year on May 31st and renewal is required should you wish to continue your registration with HRPA, even if you only joined in April or May of that year. If you do not wish to renew your resignation, then you should complete and submit a Resignation Form prior to May 31st.

4. I ACCIDENTALLY CLOSED THE ONLINE REGISTRATION. HOW DO I CONTINUE WHERE I LEFT OFF?
Please follow the instructions below:

    1. Click here to access your Dashboard. Enter the e-mail address you provided to HRPA, and your password. If you need to retrieve your password kindly use the Sign-In Help. Please note that HRPA cannot provide, reset or retrieve your password.
    2. From your Dashboard click on the “Not Registered? Start a New Registration Application” button and go through the five (5) steps until you reach the checkout page.
    3. Click on “Express Check Out” and enter payment information then click on “Submit Order”. A receipt will be sent via email once the payment is processed


5. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION?
Once your application has been received and the payment has been processed, a receipt will be sent via email. Your application will then be reviewed by the Office of the Registrar. If everything is in order, your application will be approved (approximately 5-10 business days) and your name will be added to HRPA’s online Public Register. At that time, you will receive a welcome email and you will begin to enjoy all of the benefits of joining HRPA.

Please note: If there is an outstanding supporting documentation required for your registration class, or if you answered yes to one of the Good Character Questions in the online application, a staff member will contact you regarding next steps.

6. I AM A NEW IMMIGRANT – HOW DO I JOIN?
Applicants who newly immigrated to Canada within the last two years (based on the date noted in your permanent residence card or open work permit) may be eligible for the International Educated Professional (IEP) dues under the Practitioner registration class during their first year of registration with HRPA. The purpose of the IEP dues is to provide newcomers with an opportunity to establish themselves in the Ontario HR community.

To view the schedule of the dues and for instructions on how to apply please click  here.

7. WHAT HAPPENS IF I ANSWER YES TO ONE OF HRPA’S GOOD CHARACTER QUESTIONS?
If you answered yes to one of the good character questions in your application, a staff member will contact you regarding next steps.

Positive responses to any of the good standing questions are reviewed by the Associate Registrar and could be referred to the Registration Committee for a final decision.

When the Registrar forwards a registration application to the Registration Committee it is because there may be some doubt as to the good character of the applicant. The panel of the Registration Committee that considers the matter will consider the applicant’s answers to the following items:

    • The nature of the conduct and the parties involved
    • The length of time that has elapsed since the conduct
    • The applicant’s attitude toward the conduct
    • Any rehabilitative treatment undergone since the conduct
    • Whether the conduct would be considered a breach of HRPA’s By-laws or Code of Ethics & Rules of Professional Conduct
    • Any explanation provided by the applicant
    • Any extenuating circumstances contributing to the conduct


8. WHAT DOES THE REGISTRATION COMMITTEE DO?
The Registration Committee reviews every application referred to it by the Registrar to determine the suitability of an applicant for registration or the appropriateness of the category of registration being applied for.

After considering the application and the submissions, the panel may direct the Registrar to:

    • Admit the applicant to Registration in the Association
    • Impose specified terms, conditions, and limitations on the applicant’s Registration
    • Refuse to admit the applicant Registration with HRPA

The Registration Committee also considers applications for removal or modification of any term, condition or limitation previously imposed on a registrant’s registration with HRPA.

The Registration Committee does not have the authority to deem that an applicant has met the requirements for registration where the registration requirement is prescribed as non-exemptible.

9. DO I NEED PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE?
If you are providing HR services as an independent practitioner, whether on a full-time, part-time, infrequent or volunteer basis, you are required to carry professional liability insurance.

If you simply work for a larger organization and do not provide any HR services on an independent basis, then you are not obligated to carry professional liability insurance.

For more information, please see the Professional Liability Insurance section of the website.

1. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE DESIGNATIONS YOU OFFER? WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
HRPA offers three designations, with the key difference between them being the level of experience and competency expected. Different requirements need to be met in order to achieve each designation. We encourage candidates to review the requirements and reflect on their experience and goals to determine which designation(s) to pursue. You can learn more about HRPA’s designations here.

HRPA has also developed a guide for each of the designations that may be useful to reference as you move through the designation process.


2. HOW DO I ACHIEVE THE CHRP DESIGNATION?
There are five requirements to achieve the CHRP. Please click the link to learn more about each requirement.

    1. The Registration Requirement:  Become a Registrant of HRPA
      Review the different registration classes to determine which is most appropriate for you and then click “Join Now” to start the process by completing your online application.
    2. The Coursework Requirementcan be fulfilled one of two ways: the Course-by-course Approach OR the Alternate Route. Please note that courses towards the Coursework Requirement can be completed before joining HRPA. However, you must be a registrant to have your transcript or Alternate Route application assessed.
    3. The Exam Requirement(CHRP or CHRL Knowledge Exam): Those pursuing the CHRP may write either the CHRP Knowledge Exam or the CHRL Knowledge Exam. In order to be eligible to write the exam, you must be a member or student in good standing and have met the Coursework Requirement. Information on the format, scoring, content and differences between the CHRP Knowledge Exam and CHRL Knowledge Exam is available
    4. The Employment Law Exam: Those pursuing the CHRP may write either the CHRP Employment Law Exam or the CHRL Employment Law Exam. In order to be eligible to write the Employment Law Exam, you must be a member or student in good standing and have passed the CHRP or CHRL Knowledge Exam.
    5. The Job Ready Program: The Job Ready Program is an online training module that takes approximately four hours to complete. You must have passed the Employment Law Exam in order to access the program.


3. HOW DO I ACHIEVE THE CHRL DESIGNATION?
There are currently six requirements to achieve the CHRL. Please click the link to find out more about each requirement.

    1. The Registration Requirement: Become a Registrant of HRPA
      Review the different registration classes to determine which is most appropriate for you and then click “Join Now” to start the process by completing your online application.
    2. The Coursework Requirement can be fulfilled one of two ways: the Course-by-course Approach OR the Alternate Route. Please note that courses towards the Coursework Requirement can be completed before joining HRPA. However, you must be a registrant to have your transcript or Alternate Route application assessed.
    3. The Exam Requirement (CHRL Knowledge Exam): Those pursuing the CHRL must write the CHRL Knowledge Exam. In order to be eligible to write the exam, you must be a member or student in good standing and have met the Coursework Requirement.
    4. The Employment Law Exam: Those pursuing the CHRL must write the CHRL Employment Law Exam. In order to be eligible to write the Employment Law Exam, you must be a member or student in good standing and have passed the CHRL Knowledge Exam.
    5. The Degree Requirement: The degree requirement ensures that HR professionals possess the generic competencies necessary to perform HR roles at a professional level. The degree requirement is separate from the Coursework Requirement.
    6. The Experience Requirement: Candidates for the CHRL are expected to demonstrate a minimum of three years’ experience at the professional level through the Validation of Experience (VOE) application to obtain the designation.


4. I WAS EDUCATED OUTSIDE OF ONTARIO. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS TO MEET THE COURSEWORK REQUIREMENT?
There are a few different options that you may consider.

    1. The Course Approval Process – if you have taken equivalent courses to the 9 required subject areas in a jurisdiction other than Ontario, you can apply to have those courses approved for credit through the Course Approval Process. You will be asked to submit information about the courses that you took so that our Academic Standards Committee may review how closely the content aligns with the curriculum standards set for Ontario institutions. An 80% alignment or greater is needed for the courses to be approved. You must also be an active member of HRPA to submit a Course Approval Application.
    2. Challenge Exams – writing a Challenge Exam is like writing a final exam in a particular subject area. If you score a 65% or higher on the Challenge Exam, you may use that as your course credit for the subject area. You may use Challenge Exam results in combination with courses approved through the Course Approval Process, or with courses taken through an Ontario institution. You must be an active member to register for a Challenge Exam. HRPA runs Challenge Exam administrations four times a year, and you can see the upcoming schedule in the Coursework Requirement section of the website – please scroll down to the Challenge Exam heading. Please note HRPA does not provide study materials for Challenge Exams beyond the Challenge Exam Study Guide.
    3. Alternate Route – Academic Stream – if you have an advanced degree in HR or Industrial Relations and it has been equated to the equivalent of a Canadian Masters or Ph.D degree with a specialization in HR, you may apply to meet the Coursework Requirement through the Alternate Route – Academic Stream. This is also an option if you hold other recognized HR designations. Applicants are encouraged to review the Guide to the Alternate Route for more information.
    4. Alternate Route – Experience Stream – if you have professional level HR experience, you may consider applying through the Alternate Route Experience Stream. The Alternate Route is a points-based system, and you need 50 points to pass. An explanation of the different point categories is included on the form linked to above. Applicants are encouraged to review the Guide to the Alternate Route for more information.

Detailed information on these options can also be found in our Designation Guide for Internationally Educated Professionals.

5. HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE CHRP/CHRL KNOWLEDGE EXAMS AND THE CHRP/CHRL EMPLOYMENT LAW EXAMS?
We recommend viewing the Preparing for the CHRP/CHRL Knowledge Exam webinars, Advice from the Registrar and Tips from Top Scorers for information on resources available and tips on how to study. Both webinars are available on the Exam Preparation Programs section of the website. Information on HRPA’s optional exam prep programs can also be found here.  You may also wish to review the FAQ’s for each exam:


6. WHAT SCHOOLS OFFER COURSES THAT HRPA WILL RECOGNIZE?
More than 40 post-secondary academic institutions across Ontario offer HRPA-approved courses, which can be used toward the Coursework Requirement for both the CHRP and CHRL designations. A complete listing per institution is available online through our School Search Tool.

7. I’VE COMPLETED MY COURSES TO FULFIL THE COURSEWORK REQUIREMENT. HOW DO I SUBMIT MY TRANSCRIPT FOR ASSESSMENT?
If you are already an active member, please have your academic institution send an electronic copy of your transcript to exams@hrpa.ca. We are only able to accept electronic transcript submissions provided they are sent to us directly from the issuing institution. For more information on electronic transcript submission, please see our updated Transcript Submission Policy. You will also need to pay the Transcript Assessment Fee, a one-time fee of $90 plus HST, which can be done online. Both the transcript and the fee payment must be received for us to begin the assessment.

If you are not yet an active member, please Join HRPA before you submit your transcripts.

8. ONE OF COURSES DOES NOT MEET THE GRADE REQUIREMENTS. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
You may consider either retaking the course through an approved Ontario institution or writing a Challenge Exam. A Challenge Exam is like writing a final exam in a particular subject area. If you score a 65% or higher on the Challenge Exam, you can use that as your course credit for the subject area, which allows you to obtain credit without having to retake the course. You can learn more about Challenge Exams in the Coursework Requirement section of the website – please scroll down to the Challenge Exam heading.

9. DO ALL OF MY COURSES NEED TO COME FROM THE SAME INSTITUTION?
No, your courses may come from more than one institution. As long as the courses are on our approved list, or approved through the Course Approval Process, they will count towards the Coursework Requirement.

10. HOW DO I RESCHEDULE OR WITHDRAW FROM AN HRPA EXAM?
All requests for withdrawals must be sent to HRPA using the Exam Withdrawal Form​ (PDF). Alternatively, you can reschedule your exam date, appointment time or location within the same exam window, as long as you do so more than two full calendar days before your scheduled appointment time. However, a $50.00 fee will be charged to you if you reschedule your exam date, time or location less than 29 calendar days of the scheduled exam date and time. Rescheduling is not possible within two calendar days of your scheduled exam date and time. To change your exam date, time or location please use the reschedule/cancel option on the Prometric website or contact Prometric’s automated voice response system at: 1-800-369-6268 (in North America) or Prometric’s Regional Registration Centre (outside of North America); available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

11. HOW DO I ACHIEVE THE CHRE DESIGNATION?
CHRE designations are awarded after a review of a written application outlining the registrant’s executive-level HR experience by a panel of CHRE designates trained in the designation assessment process. For more information about the application process and the CHRE competencies please click here.

12. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY DESIGNATION?
It varies for each person. Variables such as the path you choose to fulfil the Coursework Requirement, the exam schedule, your level of HR experience, and your personal responsibilities and commitments will all affect how long it takes to complete the process. For guidelines on how long processing times for individual requirements are, please review our Certification Timeframes.

13. What do I need to do to maintain my designation?
There are two requirements to maintain your designation once it is achieved. The first is to maintain active registration with HRPA by renewing your registration by May 31 annually. The second is what is known as the Continuing Professional Development Requirement – every three years, you will be required to acquire 66.67 hours of professional development activities and submit your online CPD log. Your first CPD period will be noted in your designation granting letter. More information about CPD, including tips on choosing appropriate activities is provided in the CPD section of the website. Please also see some frequently asked CPD questions below.

14. MY REGISTRATION HAS LAPSED. WHAT HAPPENS TO MY DESIGNATION?
Annual renewal of your registration is required to maintain your designation. If you have let your registration lapse and it has been revoked, this means that your designation has also been revoked and you no longer have the right to use or advertise your designation. If you would like to have your designation reinstated, please contact registrar@hrpa.ca for more information. Reinstatement is subject to the Reinstatement and Re-achievement Policy. You will need to ensure you have met all the designation requirements currently in place at the time you wish to have your designation reinstated. Requirements that were previously met and that are still valid do not need to be repeated.

1. I’M A PRACTIONER/STUDENT/ALLIED PROFESSIONAL. DOES THE CPD REQUIREMENT APPLY TO ME?
No. You only need to acquire CPD hours if you hold one of the designations. Practitioners, Students, and Allied Professionals are not subject to the CPD requirement.

2. WHEN IS MY CPD LOG DUE?
CPD logs are due every three years. The submission deadline is May 31 in the year your current CPD cycle ends. To view your CPD cycle, login to your account, navigate to your dashboard, and click the “Continuing Professional Development” link. This will take you to your log where you can view when your CPD cycle ends and any activities you have logged to date. More information on CPD can be found here.

If you need an extension to your CPD period, please review our CPD Extension Policy and Request Form.

3. HOW DO I UPDATE MY CPD LOG?
Please see our step by step guide, here.

4. HOW DO I KNOW WHAT QUALIFIES FOR CPD?
The essential requirement for CPD eligibility is that the activity is linked directly to one or more of the CPD objectives listed in the Continuing Professional Development Guide.

1. HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST AN HRPA REGISTRANT?
A complaint against an HRPA registrant can be filed by anyone, including a member of the public, a fellow HRPA registrant or the Registrar on behalf of HRPA. All complaints must be submitted in writing by completing the Complaint Form. More information on what should be included in the complaint and HRPA’s complaints process can be found in the Complaints section of the website.

HRPA can only act on complaints filed against registrants of HRPA.

2. HOW DO I DETERMINE IF AN INDIVIDUAL IS A REGISTRANT OF HRPA?
Please consult the Public Register. We are obligated under the Registered Human Resources Professionals Act, 2013  to maintain a public register that lists the status of all current and past members and students.

3. WHAT ARE THE CODE OF ETHICS AND RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT? WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO DO WITH MAKING A COMPLAINT?
The Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct applies to all HRPA members, registered firms and students. It identifies ethical guidance and professional expectations for all HRPA members, registered firms, and students who perform in the human resources sector. Members of the public should expect HRPA members, registered firms, and students to uphold the Code of Ethics and Rules set out herein at all times.

If you believe that an HRPA registrant has breached the Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct, you may file an official complaint. It is recommended that you review the Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct prior to submitting your complaint to identify the section(s) that you allege the registrant has breached.

If you are the subject of a complaint, your response should demonstrate your compliance with the Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct.

For more information on the Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct, please see the Professional Guidance section of the website.

4. I AM AN EMPLOYEE. WHAT STANDARDS SHOULD I BE EXPECTING HR PROFESSIONALS IN MY COMPANY REGISTERED WITH HRPA TO UPHOLD?
The public should expect registered HR professionals to practice and adhere to the highest professional standards and HRPA’s Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct. Our ultimate aim is to protect the public by minimizing harms stemming from unethical, poor, or otherwise bad HR practices. More information and resources are available in the Resources for the Public section of the website.

5. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I FILE A COMPLAINT?
When a written complaint is received by HRPA, staff will first acknowledge receipt and then review the complaint to ensure it is complete. If additional information or clarification is required, staff will reach out directly to the complainant to obtain anything that is outstanding, before sharing the complaint with the member, student or firm that are subject to the complaint.

To ensure transparency and procedural fairness, the entire complaint, including the name of the complainant and any supporting documents will be shared. The only information that will be withheld is the contact information of the complainant.

The member, student or firm is given at least 30 calendar days to respond to the complaint. The response must be in writing (mail or email) and must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

The complainant is then provided with a copy of the member, student or firm ’s response to the complaint and has the opportunity to make further submissions at this stage. This is not an opportunity for the complainant to restate their case though, only for them to either refute statements made by the member, student or firm or to address any new issues that were raised in the member’s, student’s or firm’s response to the complaint. If the complainant does make further submissions, then the member, student or firm will have one last opportunity to comment on the allegations, before the complete complaints package is provided to the Complaints Committee for review.

6. WHO MAKES DECISIONS CONCERNING COMPLAINTS? WHAT ACTIONS CAN THEY TAKE?
Complaints are reviewed by the Complaints Committee, one of HRPA’s statutory committees tasked with making regulatory decisions. All statutory committees are independent of the HRPA Board of Directors and the Registrar. The Chair of the Complaints Committee strikes a panel of three committee members to review each complaint.

After the panel considers all of the evidence it may do one or more of the following:

    • Dismiss the complaint;
    • Refer the matter, in whole or in part, to the Discipline Committee;
    • Negotiate a settlement agreement between the Association and the member, student, or firm and refer the agreement to the Discipline Committee for approval; or

Issue a Caution or Advice or take any other action that the Complaints Committee consider appropriate and that are not inconsistent with the Act or the By-laws.

7. ARE THERE ANY ACTIONS THAT THE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE CANNOT TAKE?
The Complaints Committee is not able to award any monetary damages or direct that an individual be rehired once they have been terminated by their employer.

8. WHAT PROCESS DOES THE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE FOLLOW?
After reviewing the entire complaints package, including the complaint and the response of the member, student, and firm as well as any supporting documentation, a panel of the Complaints Committee may decide that they require further information and/or clarification and reach out to either of the parties. Furthermore, they may also request additional information from any witnesses. The panel may also conduct a formal investigation by appointing an external investigator to gather additional information and provide an investigation report to the panel.

Once the panel is satisfied that they have sufficient information, the panel will meet to deliberate and reach a decision on how to proceed with the complaint. The panel will provide their decision and reasons in writing to both the complainant and the member, student or firm who are parties to the complaint.

9. CAN I FILE A COMPLAINT ANONYMOUSLY?
HRPA cannot act on an anonymous complaint. A complaint must include the name and contact information of the person making the complaint and the name of the HRPA member, student or firm involved. Anonymous complaints are challenging for a variety of reasons:

    1. There is no opportunity to ask follow-up or clarification questions, or to seek further information.
    2. There may be no or limited supporting documentation/evidence that is submitted with the anonymous complaint.
    3. There are usually no witnesses to rely on.

However, if a matter comes to the attention of the Registrar which leads the Registrar to believe that an HRPA member, student or firm has committed an act of professional misconduct or is incompetent, the Registrar may determine that it is in the public interest for a complaint to go to the Complaints Committee. In this situation, the Registrar would file a complaint on behalf of HRPA and the member, student or firm would be the two parties to the complaint.

10. IS THE COMPLAINTS PROCESS CONFIDENTIAL?
The complaints process is confidential, and information regarding complaints is not made public.

All members of the Complaints Committee and Office of the Registrar staff are bound by confidentiality requirements. Information regarding individual complaints cases provided to panel members is destroyed when it is no longer needed.

However, it is important to note that if the decision of a panel of the Complaints Committee is to refer the matter to the Discipline Committee, the information regarding the Discipline process and any decision of the Discipline Committee are publicly available, and the complainant may be listed as a witness if they are called to testify at the Discipline Hearing.

11. WHAT INFORMATION FROM MY COMPLAINT IS SHARED WITH THE REGISTRANT?
To ensure transparency and procedural fairness, the entire complaint, including the name of the complainant and any supporting documents will be shared. The only information that will be withheld is your contact information.

The member, student or firm is given at least 30 calendar days to respond to the complaint. The response must be in writing (mail or email) and must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. You are then provided with a copy of the member, student or firm ’s response to the complaint and have the opportunity to make further submissions at this stage. This is not an opportunity for you to restate your case though, only for you to either refute statements made by the member, student or firm or to address any new issues that were raised in the member’s, student’s or firm’s response to the complaint. If you do make further submissions, then the member, student or firm will have one last opportunity to comment on the allegations, before the complete complaints package is provided to the Complaints Committee for review.

12. A COMPLAINT HAS BEEN FILED AGAINST ME. WHAT ARE MY OBLIGATIONS?
If a complaint has been made against you, you will be contacted by HRPA staff. You will be provided with a copy of the complaint and will have 30 days to submit a response. A copy of your response will be provided to the complainant, who will be given further time to either refute statements you have made or address any new issues that you have raised (this is not an opportunity for the complainant to restate their case). You will also have the opportunity to respond to a second submission.

It is strongly recommended that you provide a response as part of the complaints process, though you are not obligated to provide one. Not providing a response may result in the matter being referred to discipline, however, as the Complaints Committee would have no information to weigh against the complainant’s submission. You do have an obligation not to actively obstruct an investigative process.

The Office of the Registrar has conducted a free webinar titled “What To Do if a Complaint is About YOU” that may be viewed through the Office of the Registrar Archived Webinars page (please scroll down to the Understanding Professional Regulation section to find links to the webinar, as well as the presentation slides and a Q&A.)

13. CAN THE COMPLAINANT WITHDRAW A COMPLAINT? WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THAT?
It is possible for a complainant to withdraw a complaint after it has been filed by requesting a withdrawal in writing. Emailed requests may be sent to registrar@hrpa.ca. However, the Complaint’s Committee has the discretion to pursue a matter even if the complainant withdraws a complaint, if the Committee believes the matter is sufficiently serious to warrant proceeding.

14. SHOULD I OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE TO ASSIST ME IN THE COMPLAINTS PROCESS?
If you have the option, you may wish to engage legal counsel, but it is not required to participate in the complaints process.

15. CAN THE DECISION OF THE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE BE APPEALED?
Decisions of the Complaints Committee to dismiss a complaint may be appealed. Decisions of the Complaints Committee to refer a matter to the Discipline Committee cannot be appealed – instead, the resulting decision of the Discipline Committee can be appealed.

1. HOW AND WHEN DOES A MATTER BECOME A DISCIPLINE PROCEEDING?
The Discipline Committee deals with matters that have been referred to it by the Complaints Committee. The Complaints Committee makes a referral when they believe the allegations contained in a complaint, if proven, constitute incompetence and/or professional misconduct.

Incompetence occurs when a registrant’s delivery of HR services displays a lack of knowledge, skill or judgment of a nature or to an extent that demonstrates that the registrant’s practice should either be restricted or that the registrant is unfit to continue to practice at all.

Professional misconduct occurs when a registrant’s conduct is inconsistent with the Act, the By-laws, the Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct or the Standards and Guidelines of Practice and that conduct poses or may pose a risk of harm or loss to any person.

2. HOW ARE DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS CONDUCTED?
A fulsome explanation of the disciplinary process is provided in the Summary of the HRPA Disciplinary Process information sheet.

3. I MADE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A HRPA REGISTRANT THAT HAS BEEN REFERRED TO THE DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE. WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
Once a matter is referred to discipline, the parties to the matter become HRPA and the registrant. This means that unlike in the complaint’s process, you will not be actively involved in the process, though you may be called as a witness to provide evidence to the Disciplinary Committee. Discipline hearings are public, so if you are not being called as a witness, you can opt to attend the hearing. If you are being called as a witness, then unfortunately you will only be able to sit in on the hearing after your testimony has concluded.

4. ARE DISCIPLINE PROCEEDINGS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
Yes, discipline proceedings are open to the public. Disciplinary proceedings may be held either in person or electronically. In exceptional circumstances, the Discipline Committee may close hearings to the public if a public hearing would seriously invade the privacy of the original complainant.

5. HOW DO I KNOW IF AN HRPA MEMBER HAS BEEN OR IS INVOLVED IN AN HRPA DISCIPLINE PROCEEDING, NOW OR IN THE PAST?
Details of any current or past disciplinary proceedings against an HR professional registered with HRPA are listed in the registrant’s entry on the Public Register. Additionally, current referrals and past disciplinary decisions are posted in the Discipline section of the website.

6. WHO MAKES DECISIONS IN DISCIPLINE CASES? WHAT ACTIONS CAN THEY TAKE?
When a matter is referred to Discipline, a panel of the Discipline Committee is struck to hear the matter. Like the Complaints Committee, the Discipline Committee is a statutory committee tasked with making regulatory decisions and is independent from the HRPA Board of Directors. The panel hears the evidence and determines whether the registrant who is subject of the allegations is guilty of professional misconduct and/or incompetence. Should the panel conclude the registrant is guilty, they may take one or more of the following actions:

    1. If at least two-thirds of the panel agree, revoke the member’s, student’s or firm’s registration.
    2. Suspend the member’s, student’s or firm’s registration for a period of time.
    3. Direct that a member or student whose registration is suspended refrain from using any designation, term, title, initials or description implying that they are a registrant of the Association or are authorized to use the designation, term, title, initials or description during the period of suspension.
    4. Determine the timing and manner of the return of a certificate of registration to the Association by an individual whose registration is suspended or revoked.
    5. Impose restrictions or conditions on the right of the member, student or firm to practice in the field of human resources.
    6. Issue a reprimand and, if the committee considers it appropriate, direct that the reprimand be recorded in the register.
    7. Direct the member, student or firm to take any specified rehabilitative measure, including requiring successful completion of a specified professional development courses or to seek specified counselling or treatment.
    8. Direct the member, student or firm to pay a fine and specify the timing and manner of payment.
    9. Direct that a failure to comply with the committee’s order shall result in the revocation of the member’s, student’s or firm’s registration.
    10. Direct that the imposition of any measure outlined above be postponed for a specified period or on specified terms, including the successful completion of specified courses of study.
    11. Make any other order that the committee considers appropriate in the circumstances.

1. WHAT DECISIONS CAN BE APPEALED?
Most orders or decisions of the Registrar as well as committees may be appealed to the Appeal Committee, including but not limited to decisions by the Experience Assessment Committee, the CHRE Review Committee, the Discipline Committee, and the Complaints Committee. For a comprehensive list of appealable decisions please review section 22.02 of the By-laws.

2. HOW DO I REQUEST AN APPEAL?
To request an appeal, an individual must complete a Request for Appeal form which sets forth the grounds for the appeal. The Request for Appeal must be signed and filed with the Office of the Registrar within 30 calendar days from the date of notification of the decision being appealed. If you miss the 30-day window, you would need to submit a written explanation as to why your Request for Appeal was delayed with the request, and it will be up to the Appeal Committee Chair to decide whether the Request for Appeal can proceed. There are no fees associated with the filing of a Request for Appeal.

3. WHAT ARE THE GROUNDS FOR AN APPEAL?
An appeal can only proceed if there are legitimate reasons, or “grounds” for the appeal. It is not sufficient to simply disagree with a decision. There are two main grounds for appeal:

    • Denial of natural Justice
    • Error in the decision itself, such as failing to consider the correct facts and/or apply the correct policy or law

More information on the grounds for appeal can be found in the Appeals section of the website and in the About Internal Appeals information sheet.

The appeals process is not the same as “re-trying” a case or reconsidering an application. If you are looking for another review of your application, you should resubmit the application instead.

If you have any questions about the appeal process, please contact us at registrar@hrpa.ca for assistance. Please note though that staff cannot confirm whether you have adequate grounds to appeal or assist you with the drafting of your appeal.

4. HOW DOES THE APPEAL PROCESS WORK?
Once you have submitted a request for an appeal, the request will be reviewed by the Chair of the Appeal Committee to determine that the committee has jurisdiction. Jurisdiction means that the Appeal Committee has the legal authority to review the decision you are appealing in accordance with the Act and s.22.02 of the By-laws. If the Chair is not sure that the Appeal Committee has jurisdiction, a panel will be struck to consider the matter. Both parties will have an opportunity to make written submissions before the panel reaches a decision. If the panel determines that the Appeal Committee does not have jurisdiction, the Request for Appeal will be dismissed.

If the Appeal Committee has jurisdiction, the appeal will then move forward in the appeal process.  The HRPA will be provided with 30 calendar days to respond to your Request for an Appeal in writing. The HRPA’s response will then be shared with you, and you will have 10 days to make any additional submissions you would like the Appeal Committee to consider.

Once all the submissions have been received, a panel of the Appeal Committee will meet to review the appeal package and make a decision. The decision will be shared with you and the HRPA within 45 days of the panel meeting.

5. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY APPEAL IS SUCCESSFUL?
It depends. While the Appeal Committee has the authority to make any decision any other committee or the Registrar could have made, the most common outcome is that they will refer the matter back to the original decision maker. The reason for sending the matter back to the original decision maker is that the committee or the Registrar have specific expertise and training, and the Appeal Committee generally prefers to not substitute their own judgement as a result. If the matter is being referred back to the original decision maker, a copy of the Appeal Committee decision will be shared with the decision maker to ensure they have the full context as well as any direction the Appeal Committee may have provided in their decision.

6. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY APPEAL IS DENIED?
If your appeal is unsuccessful you may apply for a judicial review with Ontario Divisional Court. The court has the discretion whether to grant or deny a judicial review, however – it is not automatic. In choosing to grant or deny a judicial review, the court will consider whether there was an error of jurisdiction, error in law, error of fact, or a breach of procedural fairness in the original decision.

1. HOW DO I REGISTER FOR A CHAPTER EVENT?
Please select your event from the HRPA Calendar of Events, access the Chapter’s calendar of events on the Chapter’s website or use the link in your Chapter E-Newsletter.

Once you select the event you wish to attend, please click on the “Register Online” button and log in with your HRPA login details to obtain member pricing and complete your event registration. Once you click “Complete Registration” you will be sent a confirmation email receipt of your event registration. If you do not receive this email within 12 hours of registering, please go here and email the Chapter contact.

2. WHAT IF I AM NOT AN HRPA MEMBER AND WANT TO ATTEND A CHAPTER EVENT?
If the event is also open to non-members, you can create a non-member HRPA profile by clicking “Create a Non-Registered Account”. All you have to do is complete the address and email section. Non-member profiles do not cost anything, but every Chapter event will have a charge for non-members to register. 

3. HOW DO I CANCEL A CHAPTER EVENT REGISTRATION?
Please email chaptercancellations@hrpa.ca with your HRPA member ID and the event you wish to cancel. Please make sure you include the Chapter, Date and Event Title in the subject line. Please note that all cancellations are subject to the Chapter Cancellation Policy.

4. HOW DO I CHANGE MY CHAPTER?
Please email the Registration Team with and let us know which Chapter you want to move to. You can view the HRPA list of chapters contact the Registration Team to see where would best suit you.  Remember: you can attend ANY HRPA Chapter event regardless of which Chapter you belong to. 

1. I WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER FOR AN HRPA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENT/WEBINAR.
You can register online by accessing the Professional Development Calendar, or by emailing the Professional Development Team.

2. CAN YOU TELL ME IF YOU HAVE ANY COURSES ON (SUBJECT)?
Please access the Professional Development Calendar for a listing of courses.

3. ARE THERE ANY COURSES I CAN TAKE INDEPENDENTLY?
We offer a selection of courses to choose from, that you can take at your own pace.  Please access our e-learnings for a listing of our offerings. 

4. I CAN’T FIND THE CPD CODE.
 A survey is emailed to all participants at the conclusion of each event. The CPD code can be found in the last question of the survey. Members have the option to manually enter the program information into their log. Please note that a CPD code is not mandatory to receive the PD hours.  

5. WILL I RECEIVE A RECORDING FOR A WEBCAST IF I REGISTER AND CANNOT ATTEND? 
Registered participants will receive access to the recording for most webcasts. Note: Access to the recording is for one year.

6. I’D LIKE TO PARTNER WITH HRPA 
To leverage HRPA’s community, network and promotional reach, and to discuss sponsorship or consider advertising through our Public Relations and Communications (PRC) department, please contact businessdevelopment@hrpa.ca.

 

1. WHY HAS THE HRPA DECIDED NOT TO RUN THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW IN 2022?
We have learned a lot since the start of the pandemic, and we realize that we have been afforded a unique opportunity to accelerate experimentation with how we design and deliver a variety of our HRPA learning events. Through the planning and delivery of our first Annual Conference online, as well as running multiple virtual learning programs, we now have a better sense of what works and what does not. The lessons learned as well as the feedback we have received from our members, suggests that more HRPA members and others who attend our learning programs will benefit from delivering multiple, smaller, and more timely events. So, rather than running one large event once per year, we are now offering several events throughout the year, in the form of Seasonal Conferences, Micro-Conferences and Summits.

Beyond that, however, nothing is more important than the safety of our team, our members, our volunteers, and all other event attendees, and at the present time we don’t feel we can guarantee a safe experience for thousands of attendees.

2. IS THE HRPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE GONE FOREVER?
HRPA will continue to consider all options as well as the feedback of our valued members, sponsors, and exhibitors. Our desire is to deliver conferences in a format that meets the needs of all involved.

At this time, we believe that the smaller, more frequent Seasonal Conferences, Mini-Conferences and Summits will better meet the needs of all involved and could enable an earlier return to in-person networking events. 

However, if safety conditions allow, and if there is sufficient demand, then HRPA will certainly consider revisiting the Annual Conference concept. That being said, no specific timeline has been established for a potential return.

3. WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT FROM THE SEASONAL CONFERENCES?

HRPA is embracing change and will continue working tirelessly to make these events engaging, relevant and impactful. Our seasonal conferences will have:

  • Stellar line-ups of premier speakers and experts participating in a number of Keynote, Plenary, and break-out sessions.
  • Opportunities for attendees to learn and expand their capabilities while also engaging with colleagues from around Ontario.
  • Exciting opportunities for members to engage and learn from knowledgeable exhibitors.

4. WHEN WILL THE SEASONAL CONFERENCES TAKE PLACE?
The Professional Development Conferences page will be updated with more details as dates are confirmed

5. HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION AND SIGN-UP?
Visit the Professional Development Conferences page for the latest information. HRPA will also keep members updated in our weekly HR Insider email, as well as monthly Professional Development and Learning newsletters. Check your inbox!

For those that are non-members, you can subscribe to our guest newsletter, HR Insights.

1.HAVING TROUBLES LOGGING INTO THE HRPA ONLINE COMMUNITIES PAGE?
Your login credentials are the same username and password that you use to log in to the main site. If you have forgotten your login credentials, or need assistance with accessing your account, please contact us through the form available on our Online Communities page here.

2. HAVING TROUBLE APPLYING TO A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY?
Usually, issues around applying for volunteer opportunities arise from the following:

  • The user is not logged into their account. Depending on which browser you are using, your connection will be ‘timed out’ after a while. Before applying for the opportunity, please ensure that you are logged into your account. You can check this at any time by looking near the top right corner of your screen. If you are not logged into your account, you will only be able to view the listing.
  • Members using browsers such as Microsoft’s Internet Explorer have reported that they have difficulties with certain functions on the website; this includes applying for volunteer opportunities. Please ensure that you are using an updated browser. We recommend that members use Google Chrome.

3. WHAT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
We are adding new opportunities across the province every day. Be sure to visit our current opportunities page to see what opportunities are available in and around your community.

4. I AM NOT A MEMBER OF HRPA. CAN I STILL APPLY TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE ORGANIZATION?
Currently, only members of HRPA can apply for the volunteer opportunities listed on our site. If you would like to learn more about an HRPA membership, please contact our  Registration Team.

 

 

1.WHERE CAN I UPDATE MY EMAIL PREFERENCES?
The preferences can be updated at any time by clicking on “Manage Subscription” at the footer of your HRPA emails.

Once you are on the preferences page, you can select the topics you are interested in and hit “Save” when you are done.

2. NOT RECEIVING HRPA EMAILS?
Please check your email account “Spam” or “Junk” folder to ensure that our emails are not being filtered. If the message was caught by the spam filter, you may find an option to mark it as ‘not a Spam’ or to ‘Add sender to white-list.’ This will aid in receiving future emails from the HRPA.

3. NOT AN HRPA MEMBER AND WANT TO RECEIVE HRPA INFORMATION?
HRPA is pleased to provide non-HRPA members and the public with our latest news and information. Click here to subscribe.

4. NOT A HRPA MEMBER AND WANT TO RECEIVE CHAPTER INFORMATION?
HRPA is pleased to provide non HRPA members and the public with the latest news and information from a chosen HRPA Chapter. Click here to subscribe.

5. I AM NOT A HRPA MEMBER. HOW DO I UNSUBSCRIBE FROM RECEIVING HRPA INFORMATION?
You may unsubscribe from receiving HRPA news and information at any time here. Please note, you will be required to sign in first.

6. I AM NOT A HRPA MEMBER. HOW DO I UNSUBSCRIBE FROM RECEIVING CHAPTER INFORMATION?
You may unsubscribe from receiving HRPA news and information at any time here. Please note, you will be required to sign in first.

7. HOW DO I MAKE AN EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTION?
Please send an email to: communications@hrpa.ca

8. HOW CAN I ADVERTISE WITH HRPA?
The HRPA offers several advertising opportunities to meet your needs. For details please send an email to: businessdevelopment@hrpa.ca

9. HOW CAN I BECOME A PARTNER OF THE HRPA?
The HRPA values our partners and assesses each request to make sure it aligns with the HRPA’s values and strategy.

To learn more, please send an email to: businessdevelopment@hrpa.ca

10. WHO CAN RESPOND TO QUESTIONS ABOUT MEMBER AND STUDENT BENEFITS?
For customer service and questions related to HRPA member and student benefits, please send an email to: businessdevelopment@hrpa.ca

1.HOW CAN I ACCESS HRPA’S JOB BOARD HIRE AUTHORITY?
There are two ways to access HRPA’s Hire Authority job board.

Hire Authority – For Jobseekers
Hire Authority Jobseeker services are exclusive to HRPA members and students. HRPA members and students can apply to job opportunities on the platform by visiting Hire Authority and signing in with your HRPA member and student credentials (username and password).

Hire Authority – For Employers
Job posting services on Hire Authority are available to all employers and consultants however there are exclusive posting rates for HRPA members which can be accessed by HRPA members on HRPA.ca once signed into their member account.

To sign in as an employer, you must either sign-in to an existing account or create a new account. This will require separate login credentials and not your HRPA user details. If you try to create an Employer account and it already exists in our system you will receive a message ‘an email has been sent to the account administrator’.

If you do not know who that person is or if they are no longer with the company, please  contact Hire Authority and they will assist you in accessing your employer profile.

2. WHAT IS THE COST TO POST A JOB ON HIRE AUTHORITY AND IS THERE A DISCOUNT FOR MEMBERS?

The cost to post a standard job on Hire Authority is $450+HST. There are several packages available which provide volume discounts for those employers looking to post multiple jobs as well as exclusive discounts for HRPA members*. For further information on Hire Authority pricing please visit: Hire Authority Job Board Pricing 

*Note: For Member pricing information please email us at:businessdevelopment@hrpa.ca

3. HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY JOB POSTING?
Hire Authority is an eCommerce platform, and all payments are made online via credit card. We accept all major credit cards. If your organization does not have a credit card, Hire Authority will review requests for invoices on a case by case basis.

Contact Hire Authority for more information.

4. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY JOB POSTING ON HireAuthority.ca?

  • 60-day job posting – standard
  • Employer Logo – standard
  • Email broadcast to more than 24,000 HR Professionals in HRPA’s weekly Hire Authority Careers Email (Every Wednesday)
  • Each post will be tweeted from @HireAuthorityCA
  • Help desk access

5. HOW DO I CONTACT HIRE AUTHORITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JOBSEEKER AND EMPLOYER SERVICES?
Please feel free to contact the Hire Authority team with any of your questions. The Hire Authority team is available from Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm.

 

 

1.WHERE IS THE RESOURCE CENTRE?
The Resource Centre is now called HR Insights. You can still access the same resources we offered on our Resource Centre page as well as our archive of public policy papers. Visit the HR Insights page.

2. WHERE CAN I GO TO ACCESS HR RESOURCES AND BEST PRACTICE MATERIALS?
The HRPA is pleased to offer comprehensive, free, and up-to-date HR resources, which include current employment legislation, government resources, member survey data, and best practices. Resources can be found on the HR Insights section of our website.

3. DO YOU STILL PROVIDE CUSTOMIZED RESEARCH?
HRPA moved to a fully digital model in 2019 and no longer offers customized research, however you can still access a wide range of our most used resources on our HR insights page.

4. WHERE CAN I OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HRPA INSIGHTS PAGE?
Questions and comments can be forwarded to: HRInsights@hrpa.ca

By email: info@hrpa.ca

By Phone: 1-800-387-1311 (Toll-Free) or 416-923-2324 (Local)

If you require TTY Services, please call us at: 1-289-401-3382

Our Hours of Operation are from 8:30am-5:00pm Monday to Friday. We look forward to connecting.