As Canadians prepare to head to the polls on April 28, Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) Canada is urging political parties to make clear commitments to workplace reform, productivity, and employee well-being.
CPHR Canada released a position paper Monday outlining 10 key priorities it says are critical for supporting Canadian workplaces amid mounting economic and social challenges. The proposals call for federal action on issues ranging from AI regulation and Employment Insurance reform to pay transparency and workplace mental health.
“Workplaces are currently grappling with a lot of uncertainty and turbulence,” said Philippe de Villiers, chair of CPHR Canada’s board of directors. “Due to labour productivity challenges, new trade tensions with the United States, and other factors such as the ongoing labour shortage outside large urban centres and in certain sectors, many workers and their managers are experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety at work.”
Boosting productivity through AI and digital skills
The first set of recommendations focuses on fostering an innovative and productive economy. CPHR Canada is calling on the next federal government to support technological adoption and digital skill development, particularly around artificial intelligence.
It also wants to see the return of Bill C-27 to Parliament. The legislation, which includes the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, would regulate AI systems and provide a legal framework for data governance.
Workforce development and availability
To strengthen workforce resilience, the association proposes reforms to the Employment Insurance system that would make it more responsive to current labour market conditions. It also advocates for reducing barriers to labour mobility and better integrating underrepresented groups into the workforce.
Other proposals include maintaining access to international talent through immigration and supporting the retention of experienced workers.
Creating safe and inclusive workplaces
CPHR Canada is also calling for enhanced efforts to address workplace harassment and violence, including improved investigative training and more resources for employers. On the equity front, it wants the federal government to follow through on reforms to the Employment Equity Act based on the 2024 consultation and ensure adequate resources for enforcement.
Pay transparency and psychological safety also feature prominently. The group suggests adopting international best practices to guide new federal legislation on wage disclosure and increasing support for employers to implement the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
A long-term vision for Canada’s workforce
“The quality of a country’s human resources is the key determinant of its competitiveness and long-term prosperity,” said de Villiers.
CPHR Canada represents 31,000 HR professionals across nine provinces and three territories. Its submission aims to shape the national dialogue on work, productivity, and employee well-being in the final weeks of the federal election campaign.
Snapshot: CPHR Canada’s 10 federal election priorities
Innovative and productive economy
- Support productivity through technological change and digital skill development
- Resume work on Bill C-27 to regulate artificial intelligence
Future-proof workforce
- Adapt Employment Insurance to changing economic and workforce needs
- Reduce barriers to workforce mobility
- Improve integration and retention of underrepresented and experienced workers
- Maintain access to international talent through immigration
Healthy, supportive and inclusive workplaces
- Improve investigative skills to address workplace harassment and violence
- Implement federal pay transparency legislation using best practices
- Reform the Employment Equity Act and increase implementation resources
- Promote psychological health and safety using the national mental health standard
