HR Groups Propose Amendments to Labour Bill C-39
Professional associations are calling for increased accountability regarding federal interventions in labour disputes.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Unions
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The Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés and CPHR Canada have submitted a joint brief to the House of Commons during the study of Bill C-39. The organizations aim to establish stricter oversight mechanisms for the invocation of section 107 of the Canada Labour Code.
Why it matters
The proposed recommendations seek to ensure that ministerial interventions in labour disputes remain exceptional. These measures are intended to maintain alignment with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The joint brief proposes 8 specific recommendations to increase accountability for labour interventions. These groups represent a combined total of 43,000 professionals, including 12,000 members of the Ordre and 31,000 members under CPHR Canada.
The players
Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés
A professional regulatory body based in Quebec that governs human resources professionals and oversees standards of practice.
CPHR Canada
A national organization established in 1994 that represents over 31,000 members and sets standards for the human resources profession.
The details
The brief, titled Strengthening Accountability and Clarifying the Scope of Exceptional Measures to Preserve Balanced Labour Relations, suggests that the Minister must justify using section 107 by documenting economic impacts and social disruption. It further proposes that the Canada Industrial Relations Board should recommend the appointment of special mediators to oversee disputes.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: The Ordre and CPHR Canada submitted their joint brief to the House of Commons.
Political Context
Opponents of increased labour regulation often argue that mandatory reporting requirements could delay the resolution of time-sensitive industrial disputes. Conservative and business-aligned advocacy groups frequently push back against measures that might limit ministerial authority during critical labour negotiations.
If adopted, these amendments would change how the federal government interacts with employers and employees during strikes or lockouts. Workers and businesses could see more transparency and documentation requirements whenever the Minister intervenes in collective bargaining.
The takeaway
These proposed changes suggest a shift toward more formalized and transparent ministerial conduct regarding labour relations. Stakeholders in the labour sector should monitor the parliamentary process for potential impacts on how future disputes are managed federally.
Further reading
For additional context on national labour policy, visit the Unions section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Stratford Beacon Herald.
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