Chair's Message - Fall 2024

Paul Belair Headshot
Paul Belair, BASc, MBA, CRSP

Since the last report, the Board has been busy – with a very productive meeting held in September 2024. The Board met in Kelowna and had the opportunity to connect with certificants in the local area over breakfast. Thank you to the certificants who came to the event – the Board is scheduling meet and greet breakfasts in conjunction with the regular board meetings so please watch for information on upcoming events in your area. These events give the board the opportunity to speak to certificants about any concerns and opportunities faced by the safety profession.

At the September Governing Board meeting, the Board discussed the following topics:

  • Strategic goals - this included a review of the competency model project, the development of a national council for OHS organizations, an update on our brand recognition and outreach strategy, and a discussion on title protection initiatives. 
  • A review of our MOU with IOSH – due to changes in IOSH’s membership structure, the MOU will need to be redrafted. This work is in progress with IOSH, and more information will be communicated once the updated agreement is finalized.
  • A review of the work of the Governance Committee, including opportunities for improvement of the Board’s Governance processes.
  • A preliminary discussion regarding the BCRSP’s 50th Anniversary and hosting a celebratory event in 2026.
  • Foresight discussion using the ICE Future of Credentialing Report. This is ongoing work of the board to consider the next 5-10 years and potential risks and opportunities affecting credentialing/certification organizations.
  • Management System Review – at the September meeting the Governing Board conducts a full management system review, to ensure that the management system remains effective. 
  • Risk Management, Financial, and Committee activity review. At every Governing Board meeting, the Board reviews the risk registry, the financial performance, and the committee activities. 

Immediately following the Governing Board meeting, Nikki Wright, the BCRSP Executive Director, and I headed to the International Network of Safety and Health Professional Organisations (INSHPO) Interim Business Meeting in Wellington, New Zealand. The INSHPO meeting was focused on finalizing the update to the INSHPO OHS Capability Framework, the development of INSHPO position statements, a review of the OHS Body of Knowledge (AIHS), as well as general business and updates. The new INSHPO position statements can be viewed at the following link https://inshpo.org/position-statements

On the first day of the meeting, we were treated to a Mihi Whakatau (Māori Welcome) by Ngāti Toa iwi (tribe).  This is a similar concept to a First Nations welcome that occurs in Canada at meetings. As the dates of the meeting fell during Māori Language Week in New Zealand, attendees also learned a few words of Māori collectively, including singing AIO Ki Te Aorangi which roughly translates to peace be upon the world. 

Paul Belair, BCRSP Board Chair wearing a grey suit, white shirt, with tie and Nikki Wright, BCRSP Executive Director, wearing a black blouse.
Paul Belair, Governing Board Chair, and Nikki Wright, Executive Director at the INSHPO meeting

There was also a presentation by Jodhi Warick Ponga from the Te Ropu Marutau o Aotearoa (Māori Health and Safety Association), which presented on the disproportionate health and safety impact on Māori and Pacifica peoples. The Haumaru Tangata Framework was shared with the INSHPO meeting attendees– this framework was established by the Te Ropu Marutau o Aotearoa to act as a guide for future intervention and investment in health and safety for Māori employed in high-risk industries. It can be downloaded here.

The work of INSHPO is important to BCRSP in that we utilize the INSHPO OHS Capability Framework as part of our inputs to our certification scheme, and as part of an international network, it allows us to learn from and share with our global counterparts. 

Immediately following the INSHPO meetings, INSHPO member HASANZs hosted a 2 ½ day conference which we also attended. The sessions, and meeting with exhibitors, allowed us to learn more about health and safety challenges and opportunities in New Zealand, many of which are similar to the challenges and opportunities here in Canada.

Group Photo - HASANZs Conference
INSHPO representatives at the HASANZ’s conference. Front moving clockwise, Nikki Wright, BCRSP Executive Director and INSHPO Secretariat, Nathan Winter, AIHS representative and INSHPO President, Paul Belair, BCRSP representative and BCRSP Chair, Michaela Murray, INSHPO Intern, Greg Dearsly, NZISM representative, and Dee Arp, NEBOSH representative and INSHPO President Elect.


Looking forward to the remainder of 2024, BCRSP will be hosting a virtual volunteer appreciation event on November 26. All active BCRSP volunteers will receive an invitation to this event so please watch for it in your in-box.

The BCRSP Governing Board will be holding a Strategy meeting in early December, and I will report on that meeting in the new year. 

A call for expression of interest for the BCRSP Governing Board will be distributed to all certificants in November. Please watch for this communication if board service is of interest to you, and if you have any questions, please contact the BCRSP via e-mail.

If you have any feedback for the Governing Board, you can send via e-mail

Paul Belair, BASc, MBA, CRSP
Governing Board Chair