Self-regulation Act Introduced for CPHR Saskatchewan!

Dec. 9, 2020

CPHR Saskatchewan is pleased and proud to share that today, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced the Saskatchewan Human Resources Profession Act for first reading. Once passed, the Act will establish the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Saskatchewan as a self-regulating body.

“This is the first step in the legislative process, and a very important milestone for CPHR Saskatchewan to achieve self-regulation,” says Board Chair Tamara Therrien, “This is a moment CPHR Saskatchewan has been working towards for years.”
 
In introducing the bill today, Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said: “Our human resource professionals already hold themselves to very high standards. But introducing this Act gives the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Saskatchewan the right to self-regulate and hold their members accountable for their actions and will only help to improve the level of service provided to employers, workers and their families.”

The impact for CPHR Saskatchewan and the HR profession in Saskatchewan is strong. “This is more than a point of pride for us,” says Gary Mearns, Past Chair CPHR Saskatchewan. “Self-regulation provides our members with the legal responsibility and support to ensure best practices in Saskatchewan workplaces. It is an important step in helping us protect the health, safety and livelihoods of the citizens of our province.”

CPHR Saskatchewan is ready to take on the role of self-regulator. “Our Board and Staff have been working to prepare for this for years now,” says Nicole Norton Scott, CEO/Registrar. “We have been talking with members about self-regulation, working with our partners and stakeholders, in business and post-secondary education, and ensuring we have the regulatory committee structures and policies in place.”

For FAQs on what this means for members, click here.

Today’s introduction and first reading sets in motion the four-step process to law:

• The second reading stage is dedicated to a debate on the principles of the Bill among members of the Legislative Assembly. This is expected to take place in the spring. 
• Once completed, the Bill is subject to review by committee – a small number of members of the Assembly, likely the Standing Policy Committee on Human Services. A Bill can also be reviewed by the Committee of the Whole. It is common practice for the Committee of the Whole process to be waived by the members of the Legislative Assembly.
• The third reading and passage allows for the Bill to be commented upon and criticized one final time, but the debate centres upon the effects of the Bill if passed.
• Once a Bill has passed third reading, the Lieutenant Governor is asked by the Speaker to give royal assent. This completes the enactment of the Bill, which is now called an Act. 

As we continue through this process, we will keep everyone informed of our progress. If you have questions please reach out to Nicole Norton Scott, CEO/Registrar at nnortonscott@cphrsk.ca or Board Chair, Tamara Therrien at boardchair@cphrsk.ca