Q&A with Erin Polcyn Sailer, the new Chair of CPHR Canada's Board of Directors

CPHR Manitoba member Erin Polcyn Sailer was recently named Board Chair of CPHR Canada, the national body representing 31,000 members across nine provinces and three territories.

Erin brings over nearly 20 years of experience in the HR industry and will help advance CPHR Canada’s strategic priorities and continue to strengthen the national community of HR professionals.

CPHR Manitoba talked with Erin to ask her a few questions about the new appointment:  

Q: You are officially the new Chair of CPHR Canada, how does it feel?

A: It's an honour, and honestly, it's a little humbling. We're entering a new chapter, with a new strategic plan, new leadership and a lot of momentum across the profession. I’m grateful for the trust of my board colleagues who elected me to this role.

Manitoba has a long history of contributing to the national organization, and I'm proud to continue that tradition at such an important time for CPHR Canada.

Q: What are you looking forward to as you start this role? 

A: I'm looking forward to working closely with our Board, our provincial associations, and our new full-time CEO, Rola Helou, as we continue building on the strong foundation that's already in place.

One of the things I enjoy most about CPHR Canada is the opportunity to bring together different perspectives and experiences from across the provinces. We may face some unique challenges, but overall, we share common goals and opportunities.

I'm excited to build on that collaboration, help move our new strategic plan forward, and partner with Rola as she brings her own perspective and energy to the CEO role.

Q: You mentioned before that CPHR Canada has a new strategic plan; can you tell people a bit more about that and what it means for CPHRs across the country?

A: Absolutely. What I like most about the new strategic plan is that it recognizes both the opportunities and challenges facing our profession and provides a clear path forward.

The plan is built around three priorities: Shaping the Future of Work, Positioning CPHRs at the Heart of Business and Community, and Leading the Conversation on the Profession. Together, these priorities focus on preparing CPHRs to lead through changing workplaces, strengthening recognition of the designation and the value HR professionals bring, and ensuring CPHR Canada has a strong voice in the conversations shaping the future of work.

For CPHRs across the country, the plan reinforces our commitment to maintaining a strong, respected designation. It gives us a clear direction while recognizing that the world of work is changing quickly and that HR professionals are playing an increasingly important role in helping organizations create value and navigate uncertainty.

Q: Anything else you want to add as you start this new role? 

A: I'd like to thank everyone who has helped bring CPHR Canada to this point, including our provincial associations, Board members, staff, and committee volunteers. Special thanks to current CPHR Manitoba Chair Alison Crozier, previous Manitoba board chairs who trusted me to serve on the national board, along with Ron Gauthier, CEO for CPHR Manitoba who has consistently supported the national organization.

I'm looking forward to listening, learning, and working with colleagues from coast to coast as we shape the next chapter of CPHR Canada together.

Erin was also a past board member of CPHR Manitoba from 2014-2020 and has served as Vice Chair for CPHR Canada since 2024.

Learn more about CPHR Canada and the new strategic plan on their website.