Canadian Public Relations Society Announces 25 New Accredited Members
The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) has officially granted Accredited status to 25 of its members following their successful completion of the Society's comprehensive 2025 accreditation program. This significant achievement highlights the ongoing commitment to professional excellence within the public relations field across Canada.
Recognizing Professional Achievement
The newly accredited professionals have earned the prestigious APR (Accredited in Public Relations) designation, joining a distinguished group recognized for their expertise, ethical standards, and contributions to the profession. The accreditation process involves a rigorous peer-reviewed program that is considered one of the most robust in the world for public relations professionals.
Tom Ormsby, APR, FCPRS, MCPRS, presiding officer of the CPRS National Council on Accreditation, emphasized the significance of this accomplishment: "The 2025 candidates who successfully achieved their APR designation are to be congratulated for completing one of the most comprehensive and robust peer-reviewed professional Accreditation in Public Relations programs in the world today. These newly Accredited professionals join a distinguished group that stand out in their field for their knowledge, expertise, and strong ethical commitments that enhance their organizations and the Public Relations profession as a whole."
List of Newly Accredited Members
The following CPRS members have earned their APR designation:
- Kylie A. Adams, APR, MCPRS, Edmonton Local Society
- Lesley A. Dickson, APR, MCPRS, Atlantic Local Society
- Erin Brandt Filliter, M.A, APR, MCPRS, Atlantic Local Society
- Tracey Burkhardt, APR, MCPRS, Atlantic Council
- Sarah Bustard, APR, MCPRS, Atlantic Local Society
- Pascale Cyr, M.A., APR, MCPRS, SQPRP & Vancouver Local Society
- Pamela Daoust, CM, APR, MCPRS, Vancouver Island Local Society
- Kevin Floether, MCM, CM, APR, MCPRS, Hamilton Local Society
- Danielle Friest, MCM, APR, MCPRS, Hamilton Local Society
- Stephanie Harnett, APR, MCPRS, Toronto Local Society
- Alesha Hayes, APR, MCPRS, Vancouver Island Local Society
- Becky Hayton, MAPC, APR, MCPRS, Vancouver Local Society
- Melanie Heemeryck, M.A., APR, MCPRS, Calgary Local Society
- Olivia Hung, MCM, APR, MCPRS, Vancouver Local Society
- Onyinye Ijeoma Oyedele, BSc, MCM, APR, MCPRS, Hamilton Local Society
- Cameron James Orr, APR, MCPRS, Northern Lights Local Society
- Christie Jensen, BMgt, APR, MCPRS, Calgary Local Society
- Neil Kirkland Henderson, APR, MCPRS, Vancouver Local Society
- Kelsey MacDonald, APR, MCPRS, Ottawa-Gatineau Local Society
- Jay Makwana, APR, MCPRS, Manitoba Local Society
- Kelly Noseworthy, APR, MCPRS, Hamilton Local Society
- Sandrine Perion, PRP, APR, MCPRS, Ottawa-Gatineau Local Society
- Priscilla Popp, APR, MCPRS, Edmonton Local Society
- Andrea Tavchar, Ph.D., APR, MCPRS, Toronto Local Society
- Lucas Warren, APR, MCPRS, Edmonton Local Society
Modernizing Professional Standards
Dr. Alex Sévigny, APR, FCPRS, MCPRS, National APR Chief Examiner, commented on the evolution of the accreditation program: "APR is an internationally recognized credential that tests the abilities of practitioners to ethically address business challenges in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. We have evolved the APR to address emerging challenges and opportunities for communicators such as artificial intelligence. The APR is truly a measure of the modern professional communicator."
Dr. Sévigny also expressed gratitude to the national team of CPRS staff and volunteer graders from across Canada who contributed hundreds of hours to ensure the success of the 2025 program.
Leadership Transition and Future Direction
Jane Antoniak, APR, MCM, MCPRS, National Board President of CPRS, announced leadership changes within the accreditation program: "We extend our deepest thanks to Tom Ormsby for his outstanding leadership as Presiding Officer of the Accreditation Council. We are equally pleased to welcome Dr. Alex Sévigny as our new Presiding Officer, following his impactful service as Chief Examiner. I would also like to recognize Peter Ryan, Ph.D., APR, MCPRS, who steps into the role of Chief Examiner, and Alyssa Lai, APR, MCPRS who joins in her new national volunteer capacity as Chief Instructor for the APR."
Antoniak emphasized that these leadership changes represent more than just a transition: "This leadership evolution reflects more than a transition. It signals the continued renewal of the APR program itself. As our professional field leads in exceeding new expectations, technologies, and standards of accountability, CPRS is actively strengthening and modernizing the accreditation pathway to better support practitioners at every stage of their careers. The APR remains the gold standard in Canada, and this renewed structure positions us to champion excellence, mentorship, and forward-focused professional development for years to come."
The Canadian Public Relations Society continues to set the standard for professional excellence in public relations across Canada, with the APR designation serving as a benchmark for ethical practice, strategic thinking, and professional competence in an evolving communications landscape.
