Human resource management skills are critical to those practising human resources as a discipline, but also to anyone in leadership roles. IPMA-Canada believes in furthering the development of solid, leading edge human resource practises and demonstrates this through the many professional development activities offered across the country and the world. Human Resource management skills are being "called to the table" like never before as organizations are needing to change rapidly and compete in a tight labour market. Effective human resource strategies will make the difference between those organizations that succeed and those that fail in the workplaces of today. We are being asked to work side by side as partners with management to explore these strategies. Our international HR certification program (IPMA-CP or "certified professional" and IPMA-CS or "certified specialist") recognizes the roles that are required to help our organizations achieve success. The international nature of our certification program, opens up a whole world of opportunity to grow and develop our human resource management skills.

Why be a member of IPMA-Canada?
By joining you have access to member rates for professional development events, conference value rates, networking with colleagues , the opportunity to become internationally certified and discounts on publications. In addition you will have access to the members only section of our website, and receive regular information to support your career as a human resource professional.

IPMA-Canada is leaping into the second century of our existence with a strong foundation. We have a committed National Executive and a network of strong chapters ready to move our mission forward. We continue to focus on the following five goals:

• Continued Good Governance: We have developed a sound financial and business planning cycle. Our principals are to invest in professional development while ensuring adequate finances to deliver day to day services to our members and chapters.
• Improved Services to Members: Our focus is on ensuring members receive excellent programming and opportunities to learn. Our conference will be hosted in Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, in 2009. The Fredericton Chapter is very excited about this and already their plans for a quality-packed conference are well underway. Nestled alongside the St. John River, Fredericton is Atlantic Canada's Riverfront Capital, a city that has a friendly and warm small town feel but affords visitors with the choices and diverse tastes of a much bigger city. Please plan to attend.
• Improving our Technology Infrastructure: We continue to improve our use of technology to allow for information sharing and "virtual networking." Our founding members would never have imagined that conference proceedings could be made available instantly to members across the country.
• Increasing our Visibility with Stakeholders: We want to ensure your employers know who IPMA-Canada is and how your membership can benefit their organizations.
• Increasing our Membership: Individual Chapters are continuously committed to increasing our membership base. The more members we have, the more opportunity to share knowledge and develop new skills.

Greg Tuer, IPMA-CP
National President