HRPA Commends Ministry of Labour's Solutions Based Approach to Modernize
Employment Standards Program

TORONTO, May 17 /CNW/ - The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) believes that both its members and employers across Ontario will benefit substantially from the government's plan to modernize the province's employment standards program, as part of its "Open for Business" initiative. The goal of this program is to eliminate the backlog of employment standards claims within two years, implement changes to prevent future backlogs and introduce new online education tools.

"This is a significant step to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of employers in the province," said Bill Greenhalgh, CEO of HRPA. "The government has taken concrete steps to make the system more efficient, less expensive and time consuming for businesses by providing earlier notice of alleged employee claims and increasing opportunities for parties to seek settlement, HRPA has been working with the Ministry on its new online interactive tools to help employers and employees better understand Ontario's employment standards.

The government announced in the 2010 Ontario Budget that it would invest $6 million over the next two years to provide a more efficient process to deal with claims resolution, which should create a streamlined and focused regulatory environment that will deliver results for employers while protecting the public interest.

"Our members and their employers have long called for the government to provide these kinds of education tools that will make it easier for employers to comply with the Employment Standards Act. Education is the key to ensuring compliance which in turn will keep businesses in Ontario competitive in this global economy," said Greenhalgh.

About the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA)

The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) is Canada's HR thought leader and the largest HR association in the country. In Ontario, HRPA regulates the HR profession and issues the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation, the national standard for excellence in human resources management, as well as the Senior Human Resources Professional (SHRP) designation, reserved for high-impact HR leaders. HRPA has more than 20,000 members in 28 chapters and hosts the second largest annual HR conference in North America. www.hrpa.ca

For further information: J. Scott Allinson, Director, Government and External Relations, HRPA, Direct: [phone] x321, [email protected]