Why Queen's IRC

Canada’s Most Reputable Professional Development Programs
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A leading provider of premium professional development programs in labour relations, human resources and organization development.

Queen’s University IRC programs are designed for busy practitioners, delivered by subject matter experts, and grounded in adult learning principles. For generations, professionals have turned to us for expertise in human resources, labour relations and organizational development.

Our world-class facilitators design programs that reflect today’s workplace realities, equipping HR, labour relations, and organizational leaders with practical strategies they can apply right away. Whether you join us in-class, online, or through a custom program tailored to your organization, you’ll gain trusted insights and proven tools backed by the expertise of one of Canada’s most prestigious universities.

A Queen's University IRC program participant.

Why Choose Queen’s IRC?

As Canada’s oldest degree-granting institution, Queen’s University has built a reputation as a trusted leader in education. 

At Queen’s IRC, we bring that legacy to today’s workplace professionals through practical, certificate-based programs in human resources, labour relations, and organizational development. Designed for busy leaders like you, our programs provide the tools, strategies, and recognized credentials to stand out as an expert and make a lasting impact in your organization.

Teaching Methods

Experience programs that bridge theory and practice, designed to engage you in an interactive learning environment.

Practical Advice
Learn solutions that work in real organizations. Our facilitators bring diverse industry experience and proven strategies, giving you actionable insights to advance your career and deliver measurable results.

Collaborative Sessions and Simulations
Learning at Queen’s IRC is never one-way. Our programs include open dialogues with professionals and experts who understand your challenges firsthand, bringing unique perspectives that make the learning come alive.

Lifelong Learning
Queen’s IRC alumni stay connected through a vibrant network and regular updates from our team. The relationships you build and insights you gain will equip you to navigate new challenges and seize opportunities throughout your career.

An IRC program facilitator presents to a group of students.

Our Mission

To provide challenging and innovative educational programs to advance the skills and expertise of organizational leaders through training and practitioner-focused research, enabling them to contribute to the success of their organizations.

Our Values

To aspire to be a thriving, equitable and inclusive professional development centre, committed to continuous development of our training options to meet the ever-changing needs of individuals and organizations.

Our Vision

To “Build Better Leaders” through premium professional development across Canada.

Our History

Today

The IRC has helped shape public policy through its research and publications program, which informed debate on key issues and surveyed developments and trends in the Industrial Relations field.

2022

In-person programs resume across Canada, and Studio IRC becomes a permanent training option. The IRC celebrates its 85th Anniversary.

2020

The IRC launches Studio IRC, our virtual classroom.

2012

The IRC introduces the Advanced Human Resources Certificate, the first of its kind in Canada.

2011

The IRC introduces two important national surveys: An Inquiry into the State of HR in Canada, and An Inquiry into the State of Labour Relations in Canada.

2007

Programs are launched in Barbados and the West Indies

1996-2005

The IRC expands to offer a wider range of Human Resources and Labour Relations programs, and becomes the first institution to offer advanced practitioner education in Organization Development. Certificates in Human Resources, Labour Relations and Organization Development are introduced

1960

The Queen’s Industrial Relations Section was renamed the Industrial Relations Centre (IRC).

1937

Queen’s University introduced the study of Industrial Relations.

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