By Andrew Kittell The Canadian Employee Relocation Council (CERC) celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2017 as an industry trade and advocacy group. Established in 1982, CERC began by doing what it still does so effectively today: addressing and resolving challenges to talent mobility across provincial and international borders...
The first challenge CERC faced in 1982 was a change in Canadian federal tax law, removing the $50,000 interest free, or low interest, housing loans provided by employers to their transferring employees. These employers came together, petitioning the government’s decision, establishing the CERC “to study, evaluate and communicate information on practices and procedures in relocation of employees who are transferred ….”
In September 2002, CERC appointed Stephen “Steve” Cryne as its CEO. There are few as passionate about the mobility industry and the contribution it makes to economic success. Steve describes how CERC and some of its sister organizations make a difference and what he feels distinguishes the Council from its peers in other countries, “I think that we share many of the same values of other relocation linked associations. At the end of the day we are all trying to support the real heroes in the relocation story – the employees and families that choose to experience one of life’s most difficult challenges. I think one distinguishing fact is our size as an organization, reflective of the size and scope of the relocation market in Canada. That size and nimbleness also affords us to focus on government relations, advocating for more contemporary regulations governing mobility and on our research projects.”
Canadian Employee Relocation Council President and CEO Stephen Cryne
In 15 years, Steve and his CERC colleagues have created an impressive array of benefits and services for Council members specifically and for Canadian industry in general. Steve explains, “I would have to say our passion to deliver service excellence to our members is a key point of pride. Look no further than our professional development program, offered in partnership with one of Canada’s most respected educational institutions. Additionally, our ongoing work to establish CERC as a thought leadership organization; our strategic focus to elevate the importance of mobility; our research projects (our global talent surveys in partnership with Ipsos Public Research for example) our successful advocacy efforts to influence immigration regulations, while also providing members with the tools they need to succeed.”
Because of its past success and ever-improving service array, CERC’s attracted and retained an impressive membership, including many of Canada’s FP100 firms, in all leading industries from oil and gas to ICT and finance. And on the service-providing side the major Relocation Management Companies, corporate housing, van lines and leading tax and immigration consultancies, and many boutique firms that bring unique services to the table.
CERC's Steve Cryne embracing local transport in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Keeping CERC members engaged throughout the year remains a top priority for Steve and his Toronto-based teammates. He lists the key events driving this engagement: “The highlight of the year is the national annual conference. That event really takes considerable planning and so other activities in the calendar are coordinated around the conference. CERC has six regional groups that host events in cities across the country several times throughout the year. We also present symposia across the country to keep members abreast of the changes in Canada’s immigration laws. Our calendar also includes regular webinars on mobility trends and related subjects.”
This robust schedule of professional development and networking adds value no matter where CERC members are in their respective career journeys. Steve identifies some of the benefits for both those members just beginning in mobility as well as for established executives, “This is a fascinating area of business and a membership in CERC can provide individuals with the skills to succeed. That is equally true to both people employed in corporate mobility or service partners. Our professional education program is a great option for newcomers to the industry. The industry is also in a constant state of flux, responding to the new business realities, changing demographics, technology, compliance requirements to name just a few. CERC delivers the tools and resources that are simply not available elsewhere.”
It’s been said that change is the one constant in life. Mobility and talent management are no exception to this rule. Steve predicts what may come for CERC, our industry, and humankind, “The world is undergoing profound changes in many aspects…social, technology (Artificial Intelligence) and demographic shifts that are impacting the industry. I think we will be guided by some of the ways we have adapted to change over the past 35 years. The CERC board has a passion for leadership; I think that passion and strategic focus will continue to define the organization and our evolution for the next 35 years.”
https://www.cerc.ca
