CPHR calls for “aggressive innovation”

The CEO of Chartered Professionals of Human Resources has spoken out about the potential risks if employers fail to innovate.

CPHR calls for “aggressive innovation”
CPHR has called for “aggressive innovation” from industry professionals after a new study warned of the potential risks to Canada if employers fail to grow and adapt.

“The economic growth of any country relies on an efficient and productive workforce,” said Anthony Ariganello, CEO of CPHR Canada. “This is determined by the number and the quality of jobs and the available talent pool to meet those needs.

Released yesterday, the study – ‘Canada 150: The Role of Human Resources in Canada’s Prosperity’ – strongly suggested Canada must “step up” its commitments to innovation and technology if it wants to remain competitive.

“If we can’t attract and retain a workforce of innovators into key industry sectors, we risk falling back into a primarily resource-based economy, while others are innovating and staking their ground, merging physical, biologic and digital technologies,” said Ariganello.

CPHR also lamented Canada’s current performance in the area – claiming it has been described as dismal, based on deteriorating domestic trends as well as international perspectives.

“A dynamic strategic policy response is urgently required for enabling Canada to assume leadership in this very critical element of the economy,” the organization said in a statement.

It also highlighted the government’s responsibility – saying it can facilitate growth of labour productivity with appropriate policy instruments such as incentives for investing in capital equipment, innovation and research.

However, Ariganello said the private sector must also come to terms with the HR implications.

“According to the PwC 2017 Annual CEO survey, most CEOs believe technology will completely reshape or disrupt their businesses over the next five years. But at the same time, Canadian business leaders don’t view the hiring of people with innovation skills as a top priority,” he said. “If we don’t create real opportunities for top talent, we can rest assured they will go where the opportunities are.”


The upcoming HR Leaders Summit West features a session on sparking innovation in the new workforce envirnment, lead by industry head Cecile Alper-Leroux. As the VP of human capital management and innocation and Ultimate Software, Alper-Leroux will discuss new workforce dynamics, the impact they are having in the workplace, and some creative ways to foster innovation in the face of these major changes.

More information on the Vancouver event - which is due to take place in May - can be found online.

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